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First came the resignation of former head coach Rodger Schenks just before the beginning of spring practice. That was followed by a reneged commitment from a newly hired coach who had agreed to be Schenks replacement.
As the summer training programs started in June for high school football teams across the state, San Tan Foothills was without a head coach and left to compete in 7-on-7 passing leagues with little direction.
By the time July rolled around, the ‘Cats were still without a coach and it appeared increasingly likely there wouldn’t be a summer camp up north, where many other schools go to build team camaraderie and begin intense preparation for the upcoming season.
The situation was so exasperating that some players enrolled in other schools, leaving the Sabercats with a very limited roster for whoever the new coach might be.
Facing what appeared to be dire situation, Athletic Director Tom Black hit the lottery for the players by hiring state champion head coach John Sanders, who won several state titles at Saguaro High School.
Sanders spent the first few weeks on the job trying to lure discontent players back to the program and recruit new ones. During a recent interview the new head coach said there are still less than 40 varsity players in the program but more are returning or arriving almost daily.
He knows the challenges that lie ahead but is undeterred as the 2015 season approaches. He’s here to do what he’s done several times before.
“We only do this to win championships,” Sanders said. “We don’t do this to win eight games.”
The Sabercats are behind other teams at this point of training camp and they know it, but don’t expect them to use it as an excuse. After overcoming some commitment “hurdles,” as Sanders called them, there are some positive signs emanating from the players.
“What I really like now, that I didn’t have (when I first took over), is they’re starting to buy in,” Sanders told the Ledger. “They’re starting to understand what it takes to win a championship – they have to actually lift (weights) and they actually have to practice every day.”
“I see some real toughness,” he added. “I like the mental toughness in some of these kids and I think they really want to hit.”
Sanders is forced to limit the amount of contact during practices to avoid risking injury and further depleting an already-thin roster. It’s just another challenge the Sabercats have to overcome without using it as an excuse.
Building a strong foundation is one of Sanders’ first order of business since taking over at San Tan Foothills. He knows he has to move fast and so far he’s satisfied with the response from the players, although he senses the commitment he’s demanding is more than some players have ever been asked to give previously.
“We talk a lot about high character, competing in the classroom, and discipline,” Sanders answered when asked how he builds a foundation for success. “It’s a commitment and character thing and (the players) have to understand that this is a full-time thing.”
“I think they’re coming around and we’re going to end up with some pretty tough kids.”
Sanders admitted he doesn’t know much about the players right now but he’s learning. It’s difficult to know how and where certain players can make contributions. But make no mistake; he believes there’s talent to work with at San Tan Foothills.
Returning players such as Kyle Stanifer, Joshua Smith, Caleb Ortiz, and Kaleb McCarn were among the best at their respective positions a year ago.
Transfer Manny Armenta and juniors Devon Ziman and Johnny Craig have impressed their new coach so far during training camp.
Sanders, who will run the Sabercats’ defense, hired former Mesquite head coach Mike Reardon as his offensive coordinator. The two best friends worked together to win a state championship in 2006 at Saguaro before Reardon left for Mesquite. Their relationship should expedite the installation of the team’s offensive and defensive philosophies, strategies, and concepts.
“It means a lot for me to have a guy who knows me and is one of my best friends in the world,” Sanders said about Reardon. “We’re on the same page with everybody and with everything.”
They better be.
There’s no time to waste.
The Sabercats open their season at home on Aug. 21 versus North Pointe Prep at 7 p.m.
Excessive heat forced the Sabercats indoors for a practice last week.
New STFHS offensive coordinator Mike Reardon gives instruction during last week’s practice.
Andrew Luberda began writing for Copper Area News Publishers (CANP) in February 2013 after working 15 years in Healthcare Financial Management. Andy covers sports for 11 high schools. His stories are published in Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner and Superior Sun, in addition to the San Tan Valley Daily PRSS and CopperArea websites. Additionally, he has written human interest stories and business profiles. In May 2012, he earned an AAS in Sports Management at Central Arizona College before graduating with a BS in Communication from Arizona State University in 2014. He and his wife, Kelli, have three sons – AJ, Kyle, and Kade.
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