The Oklahoman on Devastating Loss and Matrail Lopez Representing His Father's Legacy

STILLWATER – I’m not sure whether you classify it as respect, sympathy, or caution; but I heard from a friend in southeastern Oklahoma the day after one of the pillars of the Idabel High School athletic family Sammy Lopez passed away, and we chose to be very concervative about reporting the tragedy. My understanding is Coach Lopez died doing what he loved, coaching kids. He was the baseball and softball coach at Idabel High School and got to coach both of his twins in Matrail in baseball and Mercades in softball. The coach and dad got to see Matrail accept a college scholarship to play football at Oklahoma State and was with his family on the official visit. Coach Lopez is on the far right of the picture. Sammy Lopez also saw his daughter win a Class 3A State Championship in basketball for Idabel. Sammy Lopez was 39-years-old, and with both of the twins heading into their senior year in high school this was so tragic to think about. 

This was what we wrote on our general message board when we learned about his passing.

Please keep Oklahoma State 2025 football commitment Matrail Lopez and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Just terribly sad event last night as his father, Idabel softball and baseball head coach Sammy Lopez, passed away last night (June 22). Below is a link to the Idabel Schools Facebook story on Sammy Lopez' passing. Again, keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

The same day the Idabel Public Schools posted a tribute on their facebook account. It included this paragraph.

Sammy Lopez was a valued member of the Idabel Public Schools family, known for his unwavering dedication and passion for both his work and the students he coached. Over the years, he made a lasting impact on countless students and colleagues, fostering a spirit of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Sammy Lopez was not only a dedicated employee but also a mentor and friend to many. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Robert Allen - Pokes Report

Matrail Lopez at “The Show” Camp in Stillwater.

On Sunday, July 7, The Oklahoman in their continuing series on the top high school football players in the State of Oklahoma featured Matrail Lopez of Idabel at No. 14. It opened with Scott Wright writing of a conversation between Sammy and Matrail Lopez on their way back to Idabel after Matrail attended Oklahoma State’s “The Show” camp on June 12. Matrail was there along with other committed receivers in the 2025 recruiting class for the Cowboys in Kam Powell and Royal Capell. The quarterback in the class, Adam Schobel of Columbus, Texas, was there throwing them the football. It looked really good. On the four hour ride home to Idabel it sounded like father and son had fun conversation on what could develop there.

That was Sammy Lopez, by all accounts he loved his family, loved being able to coach them and share in their dreams for the future.

Hunter Sheppard

Mercades Lopez and her teammates won the Class 3A State Championship in March.

“Sammy was a family man,” Idabel High School head football coach and athletic director Scott Pratt said to Scott Wright of The Oklahoman. “He was always gonna be present when his kids were involved. His family is very important to him.”

I’ve known friends that lost a parent in high school, very formulative and memorable years. It is tough to overcome. The power of positive thinking and the love of people around them is the key to dealing with it. I don’t know Matrail well. I’ve talked to him maybe, four times. I do believe he is a strong young man and he has so many people around him that care about him and will support him and his family.

“Sammy is looking down right now and wants to see Matrail and all of his kids do great things,” Pratt added in The Oklahoman article.

Remembering that will be important for Matrail, Mercades, and everyone in Idabel.