By Terry Toohey, Delaware County Daily Times
Fred Pickett Jr., who won more games and more PIAA championships than any coach in the storied history of Chester basketball, died Wednesday following a battle with cancer.
Mr. Pickett won 331 games in his 13 years as head coach and guided the Clippers to PIAA Class AAA titles in 2000, 2005 and 2008. He stepped down as head coach after beating Norristown, 81-77, to win his third state title on March 15, 2008.
Mr. Pickett took over for another legend, Alonzo Lewis, in 1995 and continued a legacy of success that dates back to the early 1950s. During his time as head coach the Clippers played in 12 District One Class AAAA championship games, reached the state final nine times and the PIAA Class AAAA championship game five times.