By T. Scott Boatright
Fred Dean never forgot the roots he developed at Ruston High School, building a foundation that led him to become a member of the Louisiana Tech University and Pro Football Halls of Fame.
After retiring from the gridiron, Dean could be found on many a Friday night cheering on his beloved Bearcat football team.
And still today, more than two years after his death in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dean’s love for Ruston High continues shining bright.
That was shown last week when former Ruston High wide receiver Semaj Jones was presented with the Fred Dean Memorial Scholarship, set up by Dean’s graduating class at RHS, to ensure that his love of his high school alma mater lives on.
Jones will use the $1,000 awarded him in the scholarship as he attends Louisiana Christian University, where he will play football for the Wildcats.
“I’m very thankful to receive this scholarship,” Jones said. “I want to go represent Ruston Bearcats football the way Mr. Dean did and do everything I can to honor his memory the way it should be honored and represent Bearcat football. I’m very grateful to receive this scholarship.
The scholarship was presented to Jones by RHS assistant coach Johnathan Millage, Mason Dean, Pamela Dean, Connie White, Ruston Police Chief Steve Rogers (who played football for the Bearcats with Fred Dean), Fred Dean Jr. and Robert Thomas
After graduating from RHS in 1971, Dean anchored a Bulldog defensive unit from 1971 through 1974, leading Louisiana Tech to a record of 44 wins and only four losses during that timeframe. The Bulldogs won national titles in 1972, 1973 and 1974.
He was inducted into the Louisiana Tech Athletics Hall of Fame in 1990, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009.
At the time of his death at the age of 68 on Oct. 4, 2020, Dean was serving as pastor of New Nature Ministries church in Ruston.
