By CURTIS ROCKWELL/Sports Director

PASCAGOULA — Perennial state Class 1A baseball power Resurrection is looking for a new head coach once more.

The RCS administration announced Thursday morning that Aron Frederic is stepping down after two successful seasons leading the Eagles on the diamond.

Resurrection, which won back-to-back Class 1A state championships in 2022 and 2023, will now be looking for its fourth head coach in a little over two years.

Frederic went 53-17 over the past two seasons, including leading that 2023 Eagle squad to the state crown and then guiding RCS into the Class 1A South State finals again this season before falling on the road to Taylorsville in three games.

Frederic replaced Lee Tingle as RCS head coach, after Tingle suddenly died just two months after taking the reigns from the legendary Johnny Olsen when Olsen retired after the Eagles won their first state title in 2022.

According to RCS Athletics Director Eric Denmark, an immediate search is underway for the new RCS head baseball coach.

“Aaron did an amazing job considering the situation and the shoes he stepped into,” Denmark said, Thursday afternoon. “He jumped in and knew what he needed to do to carry on the tradition that has been set and his record speaks for itself. One state title and South State runner up. I’m so proud of what he was able to accomplish in these two years. Enjoy your time off enjoy your family and know that RCS is better because of you.”

Olsen agreed.

“Aron took over the program at the most difficult time and circumstances,” Olsen said, of his longtime assistant. “He was able to keep the team together and continue what we started. It is difficult enough being a head coach, but even more so with a day time job that keeps you away from the school and the kids. He deserves so much credit.”

Resurrection’s reign atop Class 1A on the baseball diamond in the state of Mississippi finally came to an end just over two weeks ago. 

Home-standing Taylorsville toppled the Eagles 8-0 in the third and final game of their Class 1A South State Championship series, ending the season for RCS one step short of its fourth consecutive trip to the overall state championship series. Taylorsville can win the Class 1A state championship with a win over Pine Grove Friday in Pearl.

Resurrection finished the season 27-8.

‘I knew it would be a tough series, Taylorsville has a good team.” Frederic said, after the loss. “Give them credit.”

The loss ended the most successful run by any athletic program in school history. The Eagles also played for the Class 1A state championship in 2021 before winning the past two. Resurrection was aiming for its fourth straight Class 1A South State title.

“It’s been a tremendous three-year run as South State champs,” Frederic continued. “Playing for three straight 1A State championships and winning two, there are not many that can say they’ve done that. It’s a testament to our players and coaches for their commitment to the program. Coach Olsen set the expectations and put all of it together. I tried to carry that on.”

Resurrection will enter next season under new direction but with one of the most impressive winning streaks in the state in tact.

The Eagles have won 46 straight Region 8-1A games, the longest such streak in the state. Resurrection has won 27 straight home region games as well.

The last region loss for the Eagles came just over seven years ago, on April 7, 2017 on the road at Stringer. Resurrection hasn’t lost a home game in Region 8-1A play in almost eight years.