By CURTIS ROCKWELL/Sports Director

PEARL — For the first time since 2019, the state baseball championships are taking place here at Trustmark Park without Resurrection’s Aron Frederic involved.

Not only did the Eagles not qualify for the Class 1A state championship series for the first time since 2021, but Frederic stepped down from his post as RCS head coach after two seasons on Thursday morning.

“I just felt that it was a good time to step away,” Frederic said, in an exclusive interview with SouthMiss6 Sports Thursday night. “I took over the program last year under the most unforeseen circumstances. This season I wanted to continue what we have built here at Resurrection. Coming off of two state championship seasons. I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish here.”

The RCS administration announced Thursday morning that Frederic was 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.

Resurrection was vying for its fourth straight Class 1A south State title.

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.

Resurrection finished the season 27-8.

“Coach Tingle was such an inspiration and mentor to us all. It left a void without having him with us,” Frederic said.

“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.”

Frederic looked back at his tenure as both a head coach and as an assistant under Olsen fondly.

“I’m very grateful to the school and the administration, especially Mrs. (RCS principal Kristal) Sisson and coach Denmark, for letting me step in and take over the program,” Frederic concluded. “We’ve had some really good players, coaches and people involved that helped put this program where it is today. I owe a great deal to Coach Olsen. He provided me the opportunity to coach with him on two different occasions. Having a lot of success at the same time. I learned a lot from him. I tried to carry on what he had established.”

Denmark indicated that an immediate search is underway for Frederic’s successor.