News Summary
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.
Santa Rosa Welcomes New Head Coach to Cardinal Newman Football Program
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.
A Legacy of Success
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.
Coaching Credentials of Frank McManus
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.
The Right Choice for Cardinal Newman
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.
Looking Ahead
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!
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HERE Resources
Santa Rosa Welcomes New Head Football Coach
Additional Resources
- San Francisco Chronicle
- The Press Democrat
- High School Football America
- Sports Illustrated
- Los Angeles Times
- Wikipedia: High School Football
- Google Search: Frank McManus Cardinal Newman
- Google Scholar: Frank McManus football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
- Google News: Frank McManus
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
