Former Coach Remembers Australian Athlete Shot, Killed In Duncan

The shock about the senseless murder of an East Central University baseball player is turning to sadness for those who knew 22-year-old Christopher Lane.

Police in Duncan say three teenagers picked Lane at random. Then shot him dead as he jogged last Friday.

8/20/2013 Related Story: Suspects Arraigned On Murder Charges In Australian Athlete's Death

News 9 has learned that Lane had ties at Redlands Community College in El Reno as well. Chris Lane's former baseball coach at Redlands Community College in El Reno says he still can't believe Lane's been murdered. 

8/20/2013 Related Story: 3 Suspects Charged In Murder Of Australian Man In Duncan

Matt Newgent recruited Lane from Lane's home country of Australia five years ago. Lane played at Redlands for two years, before enrolling at East Central University in Ada two years ago.

Newgent says Lane was one of his all-time favorite players because of his always upbeat attitude.

"I am still having a hard time wrapping my head around this. It's so sad and senseless. I can't believe it," Newgent said.

Chris Lane also met his longtime girlfriend Sarah Harper at Redlands, where she played on the golf team.

A memorial fund has been set up to help Chris Lane's family. You can donate to the "Chris Lane Memorial Fund" at Bank of the West, located at 606 E. Main Street, Ada, Ok, 74280.

You can also donate online.