Former Pittsburg State assistant coach and current St. Mary’s-Colgan football assistant Carl Roth passed away on Monday at the age of 58, the school confirmed.
His death has left a deep void in both programs and among the countless athletes and colleagues whose lives he touched.
Roth dedicated 28 years of his career to Pittsburg State University, where he coached under head coaches Chuck Broyles and Tim Beck.
Serving primarily as linebackers coach and later as recruiting coordinator, he guided 26 players to All-MIAA honors and six athletes to All-America recognition.
His leadership and influence extended beyond the X’s and O’s, shaping athletes into better players and stronger individuals.
In recent years, Roth brought his wealth of experience to St. Mary’s-Colgan High School.
Over the past three seasons, he stood on the sidelines with the Colgan Panthers, continuing his mission of motivating and guiding young athletes.
St. Mary’s-Colgan head coach Shawn Seematter expressed the immeasurable loss the team now faces.
“It’s hard to put into words what Carl meant. He meant so much to so many. He had a knack to be exactly what was needed in any given situation. When he needed to be intense and motivating, he was. When he needed to be calm and uplifting, he was. At his core he was genuine, kind and loving. Our players and coaches adored him and had such tremendous respect for him. He will be dearly missed.”
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Pittsburg State Athletics also issued a heartfelt statement, offering prayers and condolences to Roth’s family.
The department remembered his decades of service and his profound impact on Gorilla football.
The outpouring of tributes reflects Roth’s far-reaching influence.
Former players, fans, and colleagues shared stories of his kindness, humor, and unwavering support.
Family, friends, and the broader football community united in grief, sending prayers for Roth’s wife, Megan, and their two sons.
Roth’s colleagues at St. Mary’s-Colgan emphasized that his impact reached far beyond wins and losses.
Lori Badart of the Colgan community shared,
“Coach Roth didn’t just coach the game, he saw potential in every player, pushed them to be better, and celebrated them both on and off the field. He impacted students beyond the scoreboard and will be missed by many.”
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Carl Roth’s death is not only a loss for Pittsburg State and St. Mary’s-Colgan but also for the many players, families, and communities he inspired throughout his decades-long career.
His legacy of mentorship, kindness, and genuine care will endure in the countless lives he influenced.
