Hall of Fame
Few coaches have resonated more with the Steubenville community than Rob Copeland.
Before his untimely and tragic death in November 2015, Copeland spent 12 years as a coach and educator in the Ohio Valley. A graduate of West Liberty University, where he earned a bachelor’s in history and political science in 2005, Copeland began his career as an assistant football coach at Harrison Central. Following his time at Harrison, Copeland transitioned to Steubenville Catholic Central in 2010. After starting out as an assistant with the football team, he became the head track and field coach, instantly connecting with his student-athletes both on the track and in the classroom, where he taught social studies. Friends and players recall an outgoing young man with an infectious sense of humor, incredible intelligence, and humble spirit.
“He was such a smart guy and caring about everyone,” says Carlo Fabian, a junior accounting major who ran for Copeland at Catholic Central. “If you had him in class, he knew who you were and wanted to get to know you every day.”
Copeland led the Crusaders to four OVAC girl’s championships and a single boy’s championship. Fabian says what made Copeland special was his ability to make every member of the team feel like a contributor.
“He had his star athletes—the kids who went to state. But he also had kids who weren’t as good and he always wanted to see them get better every single day. He was always pushing us to do better for ourselves.”
“He was always so full of life,” Fabian says. “He always had a smile on his face.”
