SACRAMENTO, CALIF. – The CIF State office today announced the 2019-20 Eastbay Model Coach Award winners. Now in its 19^th year, the CIF Model Coach Award program is designed to recognize coaches who have served as positive role models in their schools and communities, and who have exhibited the traits apparent in the 16 principles of Pursuing Victory with Honor_sm.

A model coach demonstrates and teaches the six core ethical values: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship (the “Six Pillars of Character”). The CIF believes that the highest potential of sports is achieved when teachers/coaches consciously Teach, Enforce, Advocate and Model (T.E.A.M.) these values and are committed to the ideal of Pursuing Victory with Honor_sm.

“Coaches have the ability to transform the lives of young people and we recognize and honor those selfless coaches that take pride in molding the futures of the student-athletes they mentor,” said CIF Executive Director Ron Nocetti.

Scott Bronson (Marin Catholic High School) Volleyball

Bronson is the boys’ volleyball coach at Marin Catholic. He embodies the qualities and values of not just a good coach but a good overall person. He teaches the values necessary to be a good citizen by walking the walk. His actions show his players what it means to be trustworthy, respectful and caring.

Lori Chandler (El Camino Real Charter High School) Softball/Basketball/Tennis

Chandler’s coaching spans 30 years with the unique ability to teach and build skills while instilling character in her students. Coaching is not only her passion but it is also her calling. Her actions, words, and motivational techniques are all centered around doing better; not just for you, but for the team, the game, and the standards you should live by.

Angelo Gasca (Venice High School) Football

Gasca has coached football at Venice High School for more than 20 years. He uses football as a channel to engage and teach his student-athletes, not only about the sport but about life and the skills necessary to become a successful community member. One of his favorite things to say is “next play.” He teaches his players that you can’t live in the past; you have to let go of mistakes and make things better.

Charles Hatch (Burton/Lowell High Schools) Football/Basketball/Track & Field

Hatchs’ dedication to coaching is evident, as he coaches in all seasons including football and basketball at Burton High School and track & field at Lowell High School. He is a caring individual who often puts others first and always finds a way to help out or be involved. What makes Hatch such a great coach is his personality. He can be serious but at the same time funny and he always keeps things in perspective.

Carol Martin (Willows High School) Volleyball/Basketball

Martin coaches girls’ volleyball and basketball at Willows High School. Her popularity amongst her players is tangible and her enthusiasm for athletics is contagious. She strikes a beautiful balance between holding her student-athletes ruthlessly accountable while still developing a caring relationship with her players. She takes pride in dedicating herself and her players to daily improvement.

Pat Moramarco (Vista High School) Basketball

Moramarco has served as the athletic director, head girls’ basketball coach, and teacher at Vista High School for 25 years. He consistently earns the respect and hearts of those he has coached throughout his career because of his student-centered approach to teaching and coaching. The contributions he has made to the school, community, and especially his student-athletes have been extraordinarily valuable and their impact will be felt for decades more to come.

Scott Savoie (Bear River High School) Football/Wrestling/Track & Field

Savoie’s reputation as an immensely successful coach speaks for itself. There are countless young people who would likely not have graduated high school or become productive members of society without Savoie’s guidance. He picks his student-athletes up, dusts them off when they falter, praises their good hearts and kind actions, and helps them see (and actually believe) that they can be much more than they ever imagined.

Bill Schaefer (Santa Teresa High School)Tennis/APE Soccer, Basketball & Goalball

Schaefer coaches tennis at Santa Teresa High school and also teaches Adaptive PE for students with moderate to severe disabilities. He is a very dedicated and steadfast individual, let alone coach. He pours his heart and soul into his love for others through athletics. His students and especially those he coaches have a true appreciation of what he tries to do for them in giving them great experiences and guidance.

Tom St. Jacques (Lassen High School) Football

St. Jacques has coached football at Lassen High School for 25 years, teaching his student-athletes not only about football but more importantly about life and what it takes to be successful. He continuously tells his players that he cares about their character over their performance. He strives to teach everyone around him that selflessness empowers and selfishness destroys. He captivates his athletes with his knowledge of the game and how it relates to life’s challenges and triumphs.

Maryann Tolbert (Manteca High School) Tennis

Integrity, efficiency, diligence, and teamwork are just a few of the personal characteristics that describe Tolbert. She teaches and coaches her athletes to respect the game both in the spirit of the game and in following the rules. She is a coach who expects the absolute best from each of her student-athletes, creating an immeasurable bond, built upon mutual understanding and reverence.

Sophie Waldron (Marin Catholic High School) Water Polo

With more than 20 years of coaching experience, Waldron is a perfect example of someone who is a positive role model not only within Marin Catholic but the entire community. She teaches her student-athletes what it means to be a good leader, how to learn from their mistakes, how to handle losses with dignity, the importance of the bonds of teammates and most importantly how to have fun and work hard.

Ramona Young (St. Francis High School) Cross Country/Track & Field

Young has coached cross country and track and field at St. Francis High School since 2006. She is an exceptional student-athletics leader with a gentle demeanor, a strong presence and her professionalism always exceeds what is required of her. She has the capacity and the patience to apply rigorous expectations and technical skills to her student-athletes so that she can measure growth – thus fostering life-long learning and a healthy lifestyle.