News Summary

Cardinal Newman football program in Santa Rosa has appointed Frank McManus as their new head coach. McManus, previously at Mater Dei, has a strong coaching record and is excited to lead the team into the upcoming season. He takes over from Richard Sanchez and aims to build on a promising previous season. With a solid roster returning, expectations are high as the team prepares for challenging matches ahead.

Santa Rosa Welcomes Frank McManus as New Head Coach of Cardinal Newman Football

Exciting times are ahead for the Cardinal Newman football program in Santa Rosa as they welcome Frank McManus as their new head coach. The announcement came down the pipe on Wednesday, and it’s clear that the school is buzzing with enthusiasm for this latest addition to their athletic family. Frank comes from a solid pedigree, having recently wrapped up a high-profile stint as head coach at Mater Dei in Santa Ana, where he led the team to a championship victory!

A New Chapter at Cardinal Newman

McManus steps into his new role after the departure of former head coach Richard Sanchez, who decided to take up a head coaching position at the University of La Verne after a respectable four years. Frank had an impressive one-year run at Mater Dei, where he embraced the challenge and emerged victorious, achieving an enviable 13-1 record as well as clinching the CIF state Open Division title in 2023. What a way to make a mark!

Before stepping into the head coach spotlight, McManus spent 16 fruitful years as an assistant coach at Mater Dei and even played for the team himself. He succeeded the legendary Bruce Rollinson, who finished his career as the third-winningest coach in California’s history, making McManus’ appointment to this role even more noteworthy.

What Happened at Mater Dei?

However, McManus’ journey took an unexpected turn when he was let go from Mater Dei in April 2024 due to unspecified reasons. It’s been whispered that issues concerning cultural fit might have played a part in that decision. But as they say, when one door closes, another opens. After his departure, he joined Mission Viejo High School as an assistant coach and continued to hone his skills on the sidelines.

Finding the Right Fit

Cardinal Newman’s Athletic Director, Monica Mertle, has expressed confidence that McManus is the ideal fit for their program. She highlighted his proven ability to not only mentor student-athletes but also instill values like faith, discipline, integrity, and teamwork—qualities that the school holds dear.

McManus has already voiced his excitement about joining the ranks at Cardinal Newman, which is widely recognized for its stellar tradition of excellence. In his new role, he feels eager to lead the program and guide its talented cohort of student-athletes to greater heights.

Looking Ahead

As Cardinal Newman gears up for the upcoming football season, the team is in an enviable position. They concluded last season with a commendable 10-2 record and secured a second-place finish in the Redwood Empire Conference Adobe Division. The squad managed to advance to the second round of the North Coast Section Open Division playoffs, and they have a strong foundation to build upon, as they are set to return eight out of 16 all-league players—among them, promising freshman quarterback LT Retamoza.

Challenging Seasons Ahead

The upcoming season will not come without its challenges. Cardinal Newman is set to kick off the season facing fierce opponents, including Manteca and Grant, the reigning CIF State Division 2-AA champion, during the first couple of weeks. It definitely won’t be a walk in the park!

The first practice for the much-anticipated 2024 NCS season is right around the corner, set to begin on August 11. It’s the start of a new era for Cardinal Newman Football, and fans are eagerly waiting to see how this new chapter unfolds with Coach Frank McManus at the helm. The excitement is palpable, and the community is ready for an exhilarating season ahead!

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