The Cardinal Newman High School football team training for the upcoming season.
The Cardinal Newman High School football program in Santa Rosa has announced the hiring of Frank McManus as their new head coach. He takes over from Richard Sanchez, who led the team to notable success over the past four seasons. McManus brings significant experience from his time at Mater Dei-Santa Ana, where he achieved a state title. With a strong roster returning, including eight all-league players, the community looks forward to a promising season ahead under McManus’s leadership.
Exciting news is sweeping through Santa Rosa as the Cardinal Newman High School football program recently announced the hiring of Frank McManus as its new head coach. This change comes as coach Richard Sanchez, who spent four successful seasons guiding the team, has stepped down to take the head coaching position at the University of La Verne.
During his tenure at Cardinal Newman, Sanchez boasted an impressive record of 37 wins and 13 losses, leading the Cardinals to a fantastic 10-2 record in 2024. Under his leadership, the team made a remarkable debut in the North Coast Section’s highest division, the Open, marking a significant milestone for the program. Sanchez’s departure opens the door for a new era, as fans hope to continue the tradition of excellence in high school football.
Before Sanchez, the program thrived under coach Paul Cronin, who secured a staggering 13 North Coast Section championships during his tenure. He is now coaching at Ukiah, leaving a strong legacy for McManus to build upon.
McManus arrives at Cardinal Newman with a wealth of experience under his belt. He previously spent 16 years at Mater Dei-Santa Ana, a school celebrated for its outstanding football program. McManus led Mater Dei to a magnificent 13-1 record in 2023, culminating in winning the Open Division state title. The team also garnered recognition for a mythical national championship from various reputable sources.
Despite his impressive run, McManus faced challenges, and in April 2024, he was dismissed from Mater Dei for undisclosed reasons, reportedly related to a “cultural difference” with school administrators. Undeterred, he quickly took a role as an assistant coach at Mission Viejo, continuing to make an impact in Southern California high school football.
Cardinal Newman’s athletic director, Monica Mertle, expressed confidence in their decision, stating that thorough research confirmed McManus as the perfect fit for the program. McManus is enthusiastic about joining Cardinal Newman and is eager to contribute to the school’s rich tradition of excellence. He is committed to ensuring the students succeed both on and off the field, a philosophy that aligns perfectly with the school’s values.
As the new head coach, McManus is set to lead a team that is returning eight all-league players from the previous season, including the talented freshman quarterback L.T. Retamoza. The Cardinals are gearing up for a challenging season ahead, as they will face off against some tough opponents, kicking things off with matches against Sac-Joaquin Section powerhouses Manteca and Grant.
With such a rich sporting history, Cardinal Newman’s legacy in high school football continues to shine through. In 2019, the school captured a CIF 3-AA state title, and fans are hopeful that under McManus’s leadership, more victories await. As the excitement builds for the upcoming season, the entire Cardinal Newman community is rallying behind their new coach, ready for what promises to be a thrilling year ahead!
Santa Rosa Welcomes New Head Football Coach
News Summary Little Saigon, home to over 215,000 Vietnamese Americans, stands as a vibrant testament…
News Summary Make-A-Wish® Orange County and Inland Empire introduces three new board members: Don Stolan,…
News Summary Orange County proudly honors the 2025 Artists of the Year, showcasing the talents…
News Summary Costa Mesa's popular LGBTQ+ nightclub Strut is officially for sale after five and…
News Summary California has officially overtaken Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy, reaching a…
News Summary California has officially surpassed Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy, boasting a…