Beloved High School Football Coach Dies After Collapsing on Sideline
Cornell High School community mourns Ed Dawson, who suffered a medical emergency during a game on Friday.
Ed Dawson, head football coach at Cornell High School in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, died Friday night after collapsing on the sideline during a game against Rochester. The community has been left 'heartbroken, crushed and in shock' by his sudden death.
Dawson, who was hired as head coach in 2011, became an integral part of the school, located about 16 miles west of Pittsburgh. During the second quarter of Friday's game, he told an assistant coach he was feeling unwell and was advised to sit on the bench. According to Athletic Director Bill Sacco, Dawson lay down on the bench and "next thing you know, he wasn't moving."
Medical personnel administered CPR at the scene before Dawson was transported to a local hospital. The game was subsequently called off with Cornell leading 16-6.
Cornell School District Superintendent Aaron Thomas issued a statement expressing the profound loss felt by the district. "To say Coach Dawson was an integral part of Cornell School District would be an understatement," Thomas said. "It is hard to put into words what Coach Dawson means to Cornell and we are all heartbroken, crushed and in shock."
Thomas added, "Right now our thoughts and prayers are with Coach Dawson and his family. We have difficult days ahead and we will lean on each other to get through them the best we can. We love you Coach Dawson."
Cornell High School was 3-5 overall and 1-4 in the Big 7 Conference entering Friday's game, still contending for a playoff spot. Sacco indicated that the school would consult with Dawson's wife and other stakeholders to determine the future course of action for the team and the school's grieving process.
Rochester Area School District superintendent Joseph Guarino offered condolences to the Cornell community and Dawson's family, pledging support during this difficult time. Fort Cherry High School's football team also paid tribute to Dawson, stating he "exemplified every quality needed in a high school head coach and spent countless years preparing young men for life."