Hometown coach inducted into college hall of fame

James Frederick of East Moriches was inducted into the Slippery Rock University Soccer Hall of Fame on Sept. 15.  Frederick captained the 1974 men’s soccer team as they won the PSAC (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference) championship, which hadn’t been won since 1954. The game was won in sudden-death overtime, finishing the season with a 17-1-1 record.

Frederick is a lifelong soccer player who attended and played at Center Moriches High School as a student, then later on went on to teach physical education and coach there for over 25 years. 

During his time at C.M., he coached many talented athletes (also coaching golf, basketball and track). One of his players, Jodi “Foresti” Failla, who is being inducted into CMHS Hall of Fame this week, had asked “Coach Fred” to attend that ceremony, which he quickly agreed to.  A week later, Slippery Rock invited him to the Ring of Honor Ceremony in Pennsylvania. At first, he turned the invitation down, believing there was a conflict in the dates. Later on, when it was clarified that the events were a week apart, he accepted the invitation from the college. 

“I’m so glad I was able to be there for both,” he said. “After almost 50 years, it was so great to see my teammates in person.” 

As was pointed out by the presenter at “The Rock” induction ceremony, these men rekindled their friendship during COVID a few years ago with regular Friday night Zoom meetings. The banter that continues to this day seems to have no expiration date on it!

The Slippery Rock Field House trophy case will now display a plaque with a photo of the team on the day they won “The States.” It will no doubt be placed near the team ball signed by Frederick and his teammates and the PSAC trophy that has been proudly displayed for the past 49 years.