Football coach dies one day after getting dream job at Pennsylvania high school
People who knew and loved Ron Frederick knew his dream job was to be the head coach of the Southmoreland High School football team in Pennsylvania.
That dream was coming true for Frederick when the 40-year-old man suddenly died, according to local media reports.
Frederick had interviewed for the vacant head coach position on Tuesday, Feb. 1, WTAE reported, and the next day he learned he was the school’s recommended candidate.
That decision would be made official once approved by the school board, which is scheduled to meet next week, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.
“This was his dream, to be the head coach at Southmoreland,” athletic director Dan Boring told the newspaper. “The way he portrayed himself in the interview, the way he went about things, he was just so excited and was always excited to be part of this program and district.”
Frederick suddenly died early Thursday morning, according to the Post-Gazette. His cause of death has not been shared.
Prior to this death, Frederick was serving as the Scotties’ offensive line coach under head coach Dave Keefer, who had resigned last month, according to TribLive High School Sports Network. Keefer had recommended Frederick for the job.
“It would have been a smooth transition,” he told TribLive. “He would have made an excellent coach. He had a good knowledge of the offense. Everyone loved him. He lived in the community, played here and coached here.”
Likewise, the school’s athletic department said Frederick, also an alumnus of the district, was “a great coach and an even better person.”
“The school district, football program, and student athletes will miss him greatly,” the department shared on Twitter. “Our condolences go out to his family.”
Frederick leaves behind his wife and three young children, according to Christ United Methodist Church of Scottdale. Several youth church members had played football under his coaching.
“Southmoreland Area Midget Football Association lost a great man today,” the organization said on Facebook. “Ron Frederick will forever be known for the amazing husband, father, son, brother, friend and coach that he was.”
Southmoreland School District is about 40 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.
This story was originally published February 4, 2022 at 11:29 AM with the headline "Football coach dies one day after getting dream job at Pennsylvania high school."