Head Start building named for Donora legend

Arthur “Skins” Coleman was a basketball star at Ringgold and guided young people in the community for decades.

The Head Start building in Donora’s Highland Terrace area was named Friday evening in honor of Arthur “Skins” Coleman.

Coleman, who passed away May 13, 2025, at 72, mentored local youths in sports and fellowship for decades, impacting Ringgold students, the Donora community and beyond throughout his life.

He made a name for himself early in Ringgold’s rich basketball lore as the first Ram to ever eclipse 1,000 points in his career when he played for the late Fran LaMendola.

Coleman remained active in basketball in his hometown, serving as a mentor and coach to many of the borough’s youths. He was a regular on Donora’s outside courts as well as at the Mon Valley YMCA.

The head start is part of Blueprints, which partners with individuals and families to break down barriers and build stronger, more stable futures.

Now named The Arthur ‘Skins’ Coleman Center, it’s close to one of the courts Coleman would frequent, and near where he and his family lived in Donora.

Washington County Housing Authority’s Monique “Mona” Taylor knew Coleman personally and wanted to do something to honor him.

“I asked the board if we could do something in honor of Skins Coleman because he was like a father figure to most,” Taylor said. “I thought from all he did with the kids and stuff, this would be some way to honor him. He was our neighbor growing up, and 41 years ago, I went into labor with my first child.

“Skins and his roommate rode with me to the hospital, with me and my mother, and he sat in the backseat with me. He just coached me all the way to the hospital. He even offered to come up to the labor and delivery with me, and he’s just a special person.”

Taylor offered thanks to board members Steve Toprani, Clyde Wilhelm, Dipesh Patel and Solicitor Samuel Dalfonso for their support after it was approved a couple months ago. The sign was designed and put up by 84 Lumber.

Darla Hall, who was Coleman’s significant other for 28 years, said naming the building after him was a wonderful idea and “well deserved.”

Also attending was Coleman’s daughter, Tiffinie Dixon of Monongahela, who was holding her father’s ashes. They both cut a ribbon for the event.

“I can’t thank the housing authority enough, and (Taylor), thank you for fighting for this,” Dixon said. “It’s absolutely beautiful. I know that my dad is probably playing basketball right now. Thank you guys for making it a priority to come be a part of this, and I only hope that the next generation that will come and grow up through this school will receive the education that it stands for, and that the next generation will grow up and make their mark on the world.”

Dixon added that her dad would have loved that the building was named after him, as he always wanted to teach the kids he coached.

“It is fitting to me for a school to be named after him as opposed to the basketball court,” she said. “Education was always number one with him because you can’t play basketball without having good grades. That was always one of his things. He loved to be around and make an impact on children.”

Several other members of Coleman’s family were in attendance Friday, along with friends and students that he coached .

His siblings James Coleman and Samella Coleman were there and said their sister Edie Coleman was unable to make it. They wanted to honor their other siblings who have passed away: Jacqueline Miller, John “Boo Boo” Coleman and Michael Coleman.

Current Ringgold basketball players Cameron Trilli, Christopher Wilson, Mason Harris and David Washinski came to pay tribute to their former coach and mentor.

Yancey Taylor, who learned how to play basketball from Coleman, said he was a great man and great role model to the youth and helped a lot of kids.

“There were a lot of good athletes that came out here because of Skins,” Taylor said. “He helped a lot of people out. I think (the building dedication) is great for his family and for him to see in heaven. He did a lot for the community, so he deserves it.”

Later in life, Coleman became a senior advisor for Cyber Athletix, which is run by another Ringgold legend, Ulice Payne. He was unable to be at the dedication Friday, but told the Mon Valley Independent he met Coleman in the seventh grade playing basketball, and while he was an amazing athlete, Coleman helped Payne “learn how to win.”

They reconnected five years ago to help build the company, which is designed to bring sports technology and skill development to kids who otherwise wouldn’t get that. Coleman helped kids along the way, and helped out his friend.

Payne added that the building being named after Coleman is special because they spent a lot of time in the area, loved basketball and never forgot where he grew up.

“He never left where he grew up, he knew who he was,” Payne said. “He didn’t try to act like he was more than he was. He was close to the people. We were survivors, no complainers, play the hands you’re dealt. He stayed grounded.

“He would always tell me about the up-and-coming young players. He had such a shine in his eye for young talent in the Valley because basketball for him and me, it gave us a chance to get out of the Valley and see some things, get an education. So he never forgot that. He loved the game, he knew I did, and he tried to keep me connected to the Valley.”

FROMA1