Longtime Basketball Coach Retiring

Sonora, CA — Rick Francis is retiring as head coach of Sonora High School’s boys basketball team.

The announcement was made at this week’s Sonora High School Board of Trustees meeting. “Rick Francis is more than just a coach, as he has become a symbol for Wildcats athletics,” says Dr. Mike McCoy, Sonora High Superintendent. “After forty plus years of coaching at Sonora High, it was not unexpected that Rick would have to end his coaching career someday, but anytime an icon of his stature makes a decision like that, it can come as a surprise.”

The resignation letter was approved by the School Board. Francis will continue to serve as the school’s Athletic Director. Francis won over 650 games as head coach of the Wildcats. His team’s have been known for their grit and determination on the court.  

The School District will now begin the difficult task of finding a replacement for the longtime coach. Dr. McCoy says, “We’re going to post the job and let people know that the position is open, and we’ll just sit back, light candles and say prayers, hoping the right candidate puts an application in. As people have been saying, these are very large basketball shoes to fill.”

Besides the 650-plus wins, Francis helped the Wildcats win 10 Valley Oak League titles.