Reno Gazette-Journal -- An 18-year-old Marine from Sun Valley died Thursday while engaged in combat operations in Iraq, the Department of Defense said Friday.

Lance Cpl. Jeremy Long died while conducting Marine combat operations in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, the Department of Defense said. Those who knew him in Northern Nevada remembered him Friday as a proud Marine and determined athlete.

Long graduated in 2005 from Spanish Springs High School, where he played football, wrestled and was a member of the swim team. His coaches vividly remembered him as an athlete who played with grit under conditions when most athletes would give up.

"He was never the biggest kid, especially in football, but in practice he was one of the hardest workers "" that goes for football and wrestling," said Art Anderson, his coach in both sports. "What he lacked in size he made up for in determination."

When Long was a freshman, he broke his arm, Anderson said. As soon as his doctor said it was safe for Long to play, he was practicing with the football team again.

"Not very many want to come back and play after they break their arms," Anderson said. "He had quite a few injuries, but that never deterred him."

His other football coach Frank Sandomenico recalls a hard worker who couldn't wait to be a member of the Marines. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force and was based in Twentynine Palms, Calif.

"I remember when the Lance Armstrong wrist bands became popular. He came up to tell me they made ones to support the military as well." Sandomenico said. "He knew that's exactly what he wanted to do."

Long visited his teachers and coaches in early 2006 before he was deployed to Iraq. He went to Iraq in February.

"He was very excited to be in the military," Sandomenico said. "Just talking to him, it was amazing how fast he grew up in such a short time.

"Kids go from being seniors in high school -- they're just kids at that point -- and in just a year, the way he talked and carried himself, he became a man."

Sandomenico said Long was a true team player, who supported his fellow players and never caused any problems. He always did as he was asked and never complained.

"He was one of the kids I didn't get to play a whole bunch but he loved the game, loved his teammates and loved playing," Sandomenico said.

Long's sense of humor and kind-heartedness were unrivaled, but they were often hidden by his shy nature, according to an e-mail from a person who identified himself as Bradley Rose. Rose was contacted through Long's myspace.com site.

"Around people he didn't know, you'd be lucky to hear ten words," Rose said in his e-mail "but once you got to know him, he was one funny guy. Among all else he must be remembered as a courageous person and a loyal man."

Long's awards include the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment ribbon.

Long is survived by his mother, Katheleen Hamilton, of Sun Valley, and his father, Rodney C. Long.