WINSTON-SALEM -- It was an emotional day at Wake Forest University. Many are mourning the loss of basketball coach Skip Prosser.

The 56-year old died unexpectedly Thursday after an apparent heart attack.

"I just decided this morning, I got to come by and walk on campus and just really show my respects," said long-time fan Marcus Eldridge.

The Quad is usually a place students at Wake Forest go to celebrate a big win. But Friday it was a somber reminder of their loss.

Kim Phillips’ son has been attending Prosser’s summer basketball camp for several years.

"It's really hard," she said.

A steady stream of mourners came to the campus to pay their respects to the man and coach many grew to love. Some leaned on a friend on for support. Others, like Eldridge, took a private moment to reflect.

"He cared about people and I mean you could just sense that in his spirit," he said.

Bryant Paylor had the honor of working with the coach as an assistant coach at his annual basketball camp.

"[He] always made you laugh, made you feel at home and, of course coming out here looking at the Quad, those are memories I'll take home," Paylor said.

It's that's laughter that prompted some to express their grief by celebrating Prosser's life in true Demon Deacon form by rolling the Quad.

“Being out here kind of helps," said Phillips.

The Quad has turned into a shrine of sorts for friends, colleagues and those who just want to express their grief for the man who touched so many lives on and off the court.

A campus tradition turned into a tribute to a man this community won't soon forget, Eldridge admits.

"I don't think we, we never even recover from it but when we focus and concentrate on the good things that he has done and everything I think that helps things out a whole lot," Eldridge said. "The sport will go on but you can't replace the values and the kind of person that he was."