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INITIAL REPORT, June 25: Doug Pemberton, who led the Mohawks deep into the postseason, died of a heart attack Saturday, the district confirmed. The West Alexandria resident was 51.
“He was doing a fantastic job and he was rallying the Madison community,” said Athletic Director Matt Morrison, adding Pemberton attended numerous sporting events. “He was a go-getter and he absolutely loved girls softball.”
Morrison said the district’s thoughts and prayers were with the Pemberton family. Pemberton leaves behind a wife, one daughter and three grandchildren, the district said.
His death was “very unexpected,” said A.J. Huff, spokeswoman for the district.
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Pemberton, owner of DMP Supply, wasn’t a teacher in the district.
In his first season, the Mohawks were 22-9 and lost to Springfield Northwestern 5-0 in a Division III district final. Madison finished tied for second in the Southwestern Buckeye League Buckeye Division.
Huff said the players on the softball team are “taking it hard.”
He was the junior varsity coach at Lakota East the previous three years and coached under Steve Castner.
Funeral arrangements are pending, she said.
Pemberton’s last victory came against Carlisle in the sectional final, revenging two regular-season losses.
The Indians head coach, Tom Shelton, heard about Pemberton’s death Saturday. He was told Pemberton was 56, his age.
“It took me back,” Shelton said. “It gave me chills. Just really shocking.”
Shelton said he was impressed how Pemberton took over a team that lost numerous talented seniors and led the Mohawks to a 22-win season.
“He did a great job and he did it right,” Shelton said.
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