BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

As Jesuit Head Football coach, James Harrell, prepares for his third season, he unexpectedly found himself dealing with a tragedy.

Frank Rose, Jesuit’s Assistant Coach and running backs coach, died suddenly Monday. He was 38.

Rose was a member of Leto High School’s first district championship team in 1991 as a nose guard, and well liked by players at Jesuit.

As his team prepares for their season opener this Saturday against Plant, Coach Harrell said after the announcement of Rose’s death, they had to step back and look at what’s happened over the past 48 hours.

“We got the news Tuesday, and quickly got grief counselors in place. We still have to prepare for Plant, and that has been difficult. Coach Rose’s death caught us all unprepared, and although this has been a distraction, my guys will be prepared for Plant.”

Frank Rose

Coach Harrell said Rose was a player’s coach and did a great job.

“He helped us with recruiting and made sure the kids used football as a vehicle for a better education.”

Coach Harrell said Saturday night’s game will be dedicated to Coach Rose, along with the entire season.

“We have to move on in spite of this terrible loss, because the season is just beginning. My kids are going to play hard because they want to win, and to honor Coach Rose.
“My expectations for this season haven’t changed. Our sights are set on winning our district first, then a state championship.”

Coach Harrell said because he has 19 coaches on his staff, there will be no rush to replace Coach Rose during the season.

Coach Rose was a four year starter at the University of Central Arkansas, and although he was only 5’5” tall and weighed 220 pounds, he was considered one of the strongest players on Leto’s roster in 1991.