SLIPPERY ROCK — Fred Pryor had a decision to make.

In the end, he simply has too much to look forward to within his family to continue coaching baseball at Slippery Rock High School. He recently resigned from the position after coaching the Rockets to a record of 42-18 over three campaigns (2017-19).

This past season was canceled due to COVID-19.

“My son and daughter-in-law are having twins in November,” said Pryor. “My daughter is getting married the same month.

“It was tough for me to give up coaching, but it's time for me to take care of my family.”

Slippery Rock athletic director Dan Follett said the district will soon advertise the open position to the public.

“We hope to have it filled in September,” he said. “We want to give the new coach ample time to prepare for next season.

“I got to know Fred well. He's not only a great coach, but is a great leader of young men. We're sad to see him go and he will be tough to replace.”

Follett cited the interest Pryor takes in his players, even after they are done playing for him. It dates back to the years he spent coaching youth sports in Slippery Rock and Prospect.

“I've had former players who came home from college for Christmas break. They'd stop by to visit me before they went home,” he said. “I always told my players, 'Once I coach you, you're one of my kids.'”

His first experience as a coach came at just 16 years old.

“I was playing Legion baseball for Prospect at the time and there was nobody coaching the Pony League team,” he said. “Me and a buddy of mine took it over and ran with it. I loved it.”

Pryor, a 1983 graduate of Slippery Rock High, first became involved with the district's baseball program as a coach in 2012-13 under then-head coach Nathan McCollough. Four years later, Pryor found himself in the driver's seat.

“I was not involved with the program in the years in between,” he said, “but the opportunity arose and I applied.”

Slippery Rock's baseball team went 20-3 while winning a region and District 10 championship in 2017, Pryor's first season. The Rockets finished 9-8 in 2018 before rebounding to 13-7 and another region crown in 2019.

“Forty-two wins in three years isn't bad, but we could've won more games,” Pryor allowed. “I have to thank my coaches and my family, especially my wife, Jackie, for the years of letting me do what I love.”