HS Softball: Blue Mountain head coach Rollman passes away
Mike Rollman talks to his players in the pitching circle. Rollman passed away over the weekend at age 37. (Photo courtesy of Blue Mountain Athletics)
ORWIGSBURG — The entire Blue Mountain, Schuylkill County softball and coaching communities are mourning the loss of one of their own.
Mike Rollman, head coach of the two-time defending PIAA Class 4A state softball champion Blue Mountain Eagles, suddenly passed away late Saturday or early Sunday.
The Landingville resident was 37. He is survived by two children, Lilly Rollman and Michael Rollman.
Blue Mountain released the following statement Monday morning:
“We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Coach Mike Rollman. His kindness, leadership, and dedication will leave a lasting impact on our athletes and community. Coach Rollman inspired students to be better individuals, both on and off the softball field. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. Grief counselors are available at BMHS for support.”
In six seasons (including the missed 2020 season due to COVID 19), Rollman’s teams compiled a 101-22 record, an .821 winning percentage. Under his guidance, the Eagles captured three Schuylkill League Division I championships, two Schuylkill League playoff championships, three District 11 titles and the last two PIAA Class 4A state championships.
In his last game, Rollman led Blue Mountain to a 4-0 victory over Elizabeth Forward in the state title game last June.
As news spread of Rollman’s passing, those who knew him well shared their thoughts and condolences.
“As Athletic Director and friend, I am deeply saddened by the loss of Mike Rollman,” Blue Mountain AD Doug Morgan said. “This is a tremendous loss not only for his family, but for our entire athletic community. He was more than just a coach; he was a mentor and a friend to so many. Our hearts go out to his family during this difficult time, and we will forever remember his contributions to our softball program and our athletic family. His presence will be greatly missed, and we are truly sorry for this heartbreaking (loss).”
Minersville Area Athletic Director, Schuylkill League Softball and District 11 Softball Chairman Rich Dry saw Rollman often as Blue Mountain hosts many softball playoff games.
“Mike was a pleasure to work with,” Dry said. “He was a top-notch coach who always put his team in a position to win. Whenever I arrived at Blue Mountain for a Schuylkill League game, District 11 game or PIAA game, he always greeted me with a big hello and handshake. I will miss him very much.”
Added Pine Grove head coach Ryan Leffler: “I am still in shock about this. The softball community lost a great one way too soon. His passion for Schuylkill County softball will be missed.
Leffler also played softball with Rollman.
“A moment I will cherish with him as being a teammate, some of his home runs may not have landed yet!”
Pottsville Area head coach and Schuylkill League softball coaches representative Chuck Rinaldo had this to say:
“Crimson Tide softball is saddened to hear about the passing of Coach Rollman.
“Winning back-to-back state titles speaks for itself for what he has done with Blue Mountain’s softball program. Any time teams played Blue Mountain the last number of years, they knew they needed to play flawless softball.
“He was always looking for ways to promote the league and promoting student athletes.
“My most recent conversation with him a few weeks ago at the Pottsville/Blue Mountain boys’ basketball game, we spoke about the upcoming season and how competitive the league was going to be again this year.
“He was excited to hear that Pottsville was having a junior high program and that he was in the process of hosting a junior high tournament. Hopefully that comes to fruition.
“Schuylkill League softball lost a great guy and an awesome coach.
“Way too young!
“RIP Coach.”
Said Tri-Valley head coach Marty Shade: “As a fellow coach in the Schuylkill Softball League, our hearts and prayers go out to the family of Mike Rollman and the Blue Mountain sports community. I didn’t know him very well, but I always admired his fire and the way he stood up for his players.”
Rollman’s teams became known for pitching and defense. The coach believed strongly in developing a pitching staff, whereas some teams have one pitcher who throws almost every game. The use of multiple pitchers kept ace Marla Freiwald healthy for the postseason runs the last two seasons, and the defense the Eagles played behind her drew raves from opposing coaches. In the eight state playoff games Blue Mountain played over the past two seasons, the Eagles made a grand total of two errors.
Offensively, Rollman taught his teams to run the bases aggressively, like Victoria Konkus scoring the eventual winning run on a errant throw in the 3-2 victory over Montour in the 2023 state championship game and the club stealing 121 bases last season.
Rollman also had a knack for picking the perfect time to call timeout and talk to his team. He did it in the seventh inning of both state championship games, taking his time walking out to the circle, gathering his girls and imparting a few words of wisdom. Part of his genius: The timeout was intended to calm everyone down, give the players a chance to breathe and refocus so that they could cross the finish line.
