CORAOPOLIS, Pa. — Hundreds of people gathered at Frank Letteri football stadium in Coraopolis Sunday night to remember head football coach Ed Dawson and the impact he had on the school’s football program and community.
Photos of Dawson were displayed at midfield as people held candles and shared memories during the hour-and-a-half memorial.
“We’re going to feel this for a while, so it’s going to be hard,” said Aaron Thomas, superintendent of Cornell School District.
Thomas hired Dawson in 2009 and said the memorial was a first step toward grieving.
“Tonight, I think, is kind of a first step for us collectively to come together, to be together, do our best to honor Coach Dawson,” Thomas said.
Dawson suffered a medical emergency and collapsed on the field Friday during a game in Rochester, just minutes before halftime.
Paramedics took him to a nearby hospital, where he died.
David Wagner, the team’s drone operator, recalled seeing people help Dawson.
“I was just flying, and I looked in the corner of my eye, like, ‘What is going on?’ Everyone was rushing, and it was so fast,” Wagner said.
Wagner said Dawson inspired and cared about his players like family.
“He pushed them. He motivated them. He led them. He was a really good father figure and leader for a lot of people,” Wagner said.
Students were already scheduled to be off Monday.
The district will have counseling available in the afternoon for students who need support.
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