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Southmoreland’s Ron Frederick dies day after learning he would be named head football coach

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Thursday, February 3, 2022 | 2:21 PM

When Dave Keefer resigned as Southmoreland’s football coach last month, he recommended assistant coach Ron Frederick for the job.

Keefer talked to Frederick before Frederick’s interview Tuesday with school officials. Frederick, a 1999 Southmoreland graduate, left the meeting knowing the job — his dream job — was his.

Frederick, 40, died suddenly Thursday morning of unknown causes.

“He was going to be our recommendation at the next school board meeting,” Southmoreland athletic director Dan Boring said. “I’m shocked.”

Boring said he learned that Frederick, the Scotties’ offensive line coach, was not feeling well Wednesday after Frederick did not show up for a college signing day ceremony for senior lineman Kory Ansell, who committed to Cal (Pa.).

“I’m not sure what happened,” Keefer said. “He told the players at weightlifting that he felt like he had some sort of bug.

“It’s sad. My biggest thoughts and concerns are about his family and three little kids.”

Frederick worked as an account executive for Medi Home Health and Hospice. He is survived by his wife, Liz, and three children, Sophia, Colin and Dylan.

Frederick previously coached at Ringgold and Charleroi. He played college football at Tulsa.

Boring said that after talking to Southmoreland Principal Dan Krofcheck, they knew Frederick was the man for the job.

“He was a great person, and he loved Southmoreland and the players,” Boring said. “He was so excited to be part of the program and district. He showed up at all of the events.

“He’s going to be missed. When something like this happens, it just shakes you to your core.”

Keefer, who led the Scotties the past four seasons, said Frederick would have made an excellent head coach.

“It would have been a smooth transition,” Keefer said. “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. He was involved in the midget program.”

Words of sympathy were shared on social media by Southmoreland players and from teams throughout Western Pennsylvania.

“Words can’t describe how we all feel right now,” Southmoreland senior Anthony Govern tweeted.

Ansell tweeted: “Rest in peace Coach Fred, thank you for teaching me and not only being a great coach but a great person. You made the team feel like a family of your own. I’ll miss all those memories. Fly High Coach #OLP”

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

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