Phoenixville’s Joe Bogus – a local coaching icon whose career spanned a half-century and encompassed sports such as football, basketball, baseball, and softball – has died at the age of 69, writes Jeff Stover for PA Prep Live.

A native and longtime resident of Phoenixville, Bogus’s athletic life was spent mostly in the Schuylkill River community and at the high school. The Phoenixville grad was an educator and guidance counselor.

He also coached at Perkiomen Valley, Great Valley, and Conestoga high schools. Most recently, he was head coach of the Perkiomen Valley High School softball team, a position he took in 2018.

“Joe Bogus was a good man,” said Larry Glanski, Perk Valley’s athletic director. “He was a pleasure to know and work with. Our players respected him and loved playing for him.”

In addition to coaching school teams, he was involved with Babe Ruth and American Legion baseball in Phoenixville.

“I can’t give an exact number, but I guarantee the list of individuals he’s influenced over the years is a lengthy one,” said Spring-Ford softball coach Tim Hughes. “The amount of students/players he’s reached in some way is as many as any coach in this area.”

Read more about Joe Bogus at PA Prep Live here.