Cornell football team honors late head coach Ed Dawson in season finale
With a master's degree in Education Journalism from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Eric Thompson has spent 4 years covering the education system in Pittsburgh. His prior experience includes stints at local education-focused publications where he reported on policy changes and community concerns surrounding schools.
More from Eric →
Cornell High School's final football game of the season was dedicated to the memory of head coach Ed Dawson, who died after collapsing during the previous week's game.A moment of silence was held just before their game at Northgate. A large flag that said "Do it for coach" led the team onto the field. "Tonight's game is about more than just football," Northgate's announcer said to begin the on-field tribute. It's been an emotionally draining week, Cornell Superintendent Dr Aaron Thomas said.Last Sunday, he'd been uncertain if their next game, their last of the season, would take place.But after talking with players, coaches and Dawson's family, the path forward became clear. "I was conflicted to have the game or not, but one thing was, you know, we didn't want our seniors' last memory to be last Friday night," Thomas said.Playing the game is what Dawson would have wanted, Thomas added. At the same time, he explained, being at the game, "There's definitely a void. You'd hear his boomin