Southmoreland’s Tim Bukowski to coach opener with late father in mind

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Monday, August 19, 2024 | 8:52 PM

Purchase Photo Options

Previous Next

Third-year Southmoreland football coach Tim Bukowski will lead the Scotties in their season opener Friday night with a heavy heart after the death of his father.

Ron Bukowski, 81, died Monday morning in hospice at his home in Fayette County after an extended bout with cancer.

Nicknamed “Arch,” the late Bukowski was a Southmoreland fan because of his son and, until last week, had plans to watch the team open what looks to be a promising season.

“It’s going to be weird without him there in the stands,” Tim Bukowski said. “A different vibe. I was hoping he would hang on to see a few games. After he was (diagnosed) two months ago, he told the doctors and nurses, just get me through football season. He was still determined.”

Ron Bukowski liked to arrive at the games early to get a top-row seat at Russ Grimm Field. His son probably will find himself glancing up at the bleachers Friday when the Scotties host Valley.

“He loved the next morning after games,” the coach said. “We would talk about it. He would go out to eat with us after home games.”

Ron Bukowski also followed Clairton when his son was the offensive coordinator there.

“He went with us to Hershey when we won state championships,” Tim Bukowski said.

A former assistant now in his seventh year with the program, Tim Bukowski took over the team in 2022 after the sudden death of Ron Frederick, a fellow staffer who had just been promoted to head coach.

Frederick’s father, Ron, recently had a sweatshirt made for Ron Bukowski, with young Ron Frederick’s former playing number, 67, on it.

The big lineman played at Southmoreland and Tulsa.

“That will be part of my game day attire now,” Tim Bukowski said.

Ron Bukowski, an Air Force veteran who worked for U.S. Steel and owned a 23-acre farm, taught his son the value of hard work. The coach passes it on to his team each day.

“Up until two months ago, he was still chopping wood and driving a tractor around the farm,” Tim Bukowski said. “He was as blue collar as they come.”

The coach said his father asked if he could speak last year at a team banquet, and his speech to the seniors was heartfelt and memorable.

“I’m so glad to have videotaped it,” Tim Bukowski said. “I remember going to the farm that week, and he had all these little notes with what he wanted to say.

“He believed that the senior class helped change the direction of Scotties football and how that will lead to future successes. He’ll be in my heart, I can tell you that.”

While complete details have not been announced, the viewing will take place Thursday and the funeral will be Friday.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Southmoreland