Assistant Dan Fritze promoted to head football coach at East Ridge

East Ridge has named assistant football coach Dan Fritze as interim head coach for the 2015 season, the South Washington County School District said Thursday.

Fritze, a social studies teacher at East Ridge, has been an assistant with the program since the school opened in 2009. He also served as the team's offensive coordinator.

The district, in a release posted on its website, said the school's administration, which includes a newly named principal and athletic director, "is confident Fritze's background and skills have prepared him to lead the team for the upcoming season.''

The move comes three days after Mike Pendino, who coached the Raptors for five seasons, submitted his resignation amid a district investigation of player eligibility concerns.

East Ridge, based in Woodbury, reached the Class 6A tournament last fall for the first time before the district learned that a player never actually lived at the residence listed on the paperwork provided by the family.

Last month, the school forfeited all of its victories for the 2013 and 2014 seasons as well as conference and section football titles.

East Ridge's new principal is Jim Smokrovich, who filled the vacancy created when Aaron Harper resigned in November amid a police investigation for alleged public misconduct. Joel Olson took over as athletic director after Jon Hinzman resigned effective June 30 amid the unfolding investigation into player eligibility.

East Ridge begins football practice Monday.