Coatesville University basketball coach Ross Kershey passes away (1933-2023)

On the morning of Thursday, November 16, the American sports and educational community was plunged into deep sadness when it was announced that the great basketball coach Ross Kershey had passed away at the age of 90 after a long career of dedication to the world. career in training future generations. Even though he is gone, his legacy still lives on with beautiful memories in the hearts of many people. Let’s review the life and career of this legendary coach in the following article.

Condolence Statement for Basketball Coach Ross Kershey

On the morning of Thursday, November 16, 2023, the esteemed basketball coach Ross Kershey peacefully passed away at Sunrise of Exton, aged 90, after a lifetime dedicated to the fields of education and sports.

His only son, Scott Kershey, was present by his bedside, holding his hand in those final moments. His beloved wife, Betty Kershey, preceded him in death by 5 years.

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The news of Coach Kershey’s passing has deeply shaken the sports and educational community. Numerous former students, colleagues, and fans have shared touching stories about the positive impact he left on their lives.

Throughout his 45 years of dedication, Coach Kershey nurtured hundreds of outstanding athletes, securing championship records for the Coatesville High School basketball team. He was admired not only for his professional achievements but also for his compassionate heart, high sense of responsibility, and dedication to the teaching profession.

For several generations of students, Kershey was a respected mentor, a reliable advisor, and an ideal role model for passion in sports, unwavering spirit, and noble character.

His legacy within the Coatesville community and schools will forever be remembered. The school’s gymnasium has been named in his honor to recognize his immense contributions to school sports.

Per his wishes, the family won’t hold a traditional funeral. However, a meaningful memorial ceremony is scheduled for next week to honor Coach Kershey’s life and career.

Instead of sending condolence wreaths, the family requests contributions to the West Chester University Scholarship Fund – the Ross Kershey Scholarship, to honor his educational legacy.

Though he has passed away, his legacy continues to live on in the hearts and memories of thousands of students he mentored. He remains a shining example of sportsmanship, education, and compassion.

Life and Career of Coach Ross Kershey

Ross Kershey was born on May 11, 1933, in the small town of Wendell, West Virginia. He grew up in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, graduating from Dunbar Township High School in 1950. In 1955, he completed his Bachelor’s in History at Temple University and was a member of the university’s men’s basketball team in his senior year.

In September 1956, he began his teaching and coaching career at Coatesville High School in Pennsylvania. For the next 42 years, he taught American History to about 150 students per year with utmost passion and dedication. Even after retiring in 1998, he continued teaching history to seniors at Widener University and Immaculata University until 2020, at the age of 87.

As a basketball coach since 1961, he led the Coatesville High School men’s basketball team to 455 victories, 125 losses, and an impressive streak of 104 consecutive unbeaten matches. Under his leadership, the team secured 12 Ches-Mont League championships and 1 District 1 championship.

In his 14 years as a track coach, his team clinched 13 Ches-Mont League championships, 2 District 1 championships, and 1 Pennsylvania State championship. He coached several exceptional athletes, including the renowned NBA player Richard Hamilton.

With significant contributions to education and sports, Kershey became a living legend within the Coatesville community. Even though he’s gone, his legacy will forever reside in the hearts of countless students and fans.

Honors, Tributes, and Remembrances

In 1981, he was named Teacher of the Year and was introduced into nine different Pennsylvania Halls of Fame, including the Chester County Sports Hall of Fame.

Throughout his long teaching and coaching career, Coach Ross Kershey left behind an admirable legacy for the Coatesville community and schools.

He was honored as the Outstanding High School Basketball Coach of Pennsylvania in 1987. In 1991, he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame.

In 2007, the Coatesville High School athletic field was renamed the Ross Kershey Athletic Field to honor his contributions. A commemorative plaque celebrating his career was also installed there.

In 2015, he was bestowed with the Honorary Award – the most prestigious recognition from the Temple University Alumni Association – acknowledging his significant contributions to society.

Following his passing, a solemn commemorative evening was held at Coatesville High School, attended by hundreds of former students, colleagues, and fans. They all expressed gratitude for his contributions.

Although he’s no longer with us, his legacy of sportsmanship, education, and compassion will forever be celebrated and remembered. He inspired countless Coatesville youth to pursue their dreams and aspirations.

Since his passing in 2023, the community has offered numerous remembrances. A scholarship bearing his name was established to honor his legacy.

Condolences from Family and Community

Immediately after the sad news, many offered heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the family of Coach Ross Kershey.

Condolences from Family

His only son, Scott Kershey, choked with emotion, shared: “My father was not only a great basketball coach but also an amazing father and a solid rock for our family. He devoted all his love, care, and discipline to raising me and my siblings. We will forever cherish and be proud of his immense contributions to the community.”

Scott also expressed deep appreciation to everyone who sent condolences, messages of support, and both spiritual and material support to the family during this difficult time.

“We are deeply touched by the genuine compassion the community has shown for my father. We hope the contributions to the Ross Kershey Scholarship Fund will help sustain his legacy and inspire future generations.”

Despite the sorrow, the family finds solace in the fact that Coach Kershey lived a fulfilling life, contributing significantly to the fields of education and sports. His legacy will always be honored.

Condolences from the Community

Numerous former students, colleagues, and local residents expressed sincere condolences to the Kershey family. They conveyed profound sorrow at the loss of a figure who made a significant impact on the community.

Former student Rip Hamilton shared: “Coach Kershey was the greatest mentor I ever had. He didn’t just teach me basketball skills; he taught me how to be a kind and responsible man.”

The principal of Coatesville High School expressed, “We’ve lost a vital member of our school family. Coach Kershey’s legacy will be preserved and honored.”

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