Heidelberg lost a member of its family today with the passing of assistant coach Jason Bendekovic. Bendekovic passed away early this morning at St. Vincent Hospital Mercy Medical Center from complications dealing with a blood clot in his lungs. His brother, Ron, passed away five years ago from a similar condition. Ron was an assistant coach with Ohio Northern at the time.

"Over his coaching career, Jason had the opportunity to impact hundreds of lives through his guidance and mentoring of young men," coach Mike Hallett said in a campus announcement. "Coach Bendo will be greatly missed by all those he touched with his compassion, care, and support."

Bendekovic had been a member of the Heidelberg community for five years, serving as an assistant coach (offensive line) and as recruiting coordinator. Jason had over 17 years of coaching experience and guided numerous all-league honorees at Heidelberg, as well as top student-athletes. Prior to joining the Heidelberg coaching staff, he had coached at Merchant Marine Academy and Rochester.

He originally hails from Monaca, Pa., and graduated from Allegheny. While at Allegheny, Bendekovic played alongside his brother, Ron, and was a two-time all-conference offensive lineman.