KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Jeff Choate
Head Coach, University of Nevada

Jeff Choate was named the 28th head coach of the Nevada football program Dec. 4, 2023. Choate comes to Nevada from Texas, where he served as the co-defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach since 2021. Under Choate’s tutelage, the Longhorn defense topped the Big XII (through Dec. 2, 2023) in rushing defense (80.8 ypg, third in the country), red-zone defense (71.4 percent, fourth in the country), scoring defense (17.5 points per game, 13th in the country), and total defense (321.7 yards per game, 23rd in the country), as the Longhorns racked up a 12-1 record, Big XII title, and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Prior to his time in Austin, Choate served four seasons (2016-19) as head coach at Montana State. There, he led the Bobcats to a combined 19-9 record over his final two seasons, making consecutive appearances in the FCS playoffs with a run to the semifinals in 2019.

Since starting as a graduate assistant at Utah State in 2002, Choate’s stops have included championship and top-10 programs as Boise State (2006-11), Montana State (2016-20), and Texas. His resume includes two Fiesta Bowl titles (Boise State, 2007 and 2010).

2023-24 Season Record: 12-0

Coach Patrick Walsh, a transformative figure in Serra High School football since assuming the head coaching role in 2001 at the age of 26, has left an indelible mark on the program. As the all-time winningest coach with 196 victories, Walsh led the Padres to a triumphant 2017 CIF State Championship and consistently guided the team to six out of the past seven CA State Championships. Under his tenure, Serra achieved unprecedented success, winning ten WCAL championships, eight CCS championships, five NorCal championships, and one state championship. Walsh’s coaching prowess has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2020/2021 California State FB Coach of the Year. Emphasizing core values of Love, Brotherhood, and Humility, along with innovative conditioning programs and chapel services, Walsh has overseen the most successful period in Serra football history. Producing stellar records and fostering the development of top-tier players, Walsh’s impact extends beyond the field, making him the longest-tenured coach in Serra’s football history. With a storied playing career and academic achievements, including being named the 1993 De La Salle class valedictorian, Patrick Walsh stands as a revered figure, leaving an enduring legacy in high school football.

2023-24 Season Record: 11-2

Jason Negro is a highly accomplished and respected figure in the world of coaching, particularly known for his significant contributions to high school football. With a career spanning several decades, Negro has consistently demonstrated his leadership and coaching prowess. As the head football coach at St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, California, he has led the team to remarkable success, securing multiple league championships and earning a reputation for developing top-tier talent. Under his guidance, St. John Bosco has become a powerhouse in high school football, boasting an impressive 40 – 10 regular season record and a 10 – 4 playoff record, consistently ranking among the nation’s elite programs. Negro’s commitment to excellence, strategic acumen, and mentorship have not only shaped successful athletes but also left an indelible mark on the landscape of high school football.

2023-24 Season Record: 6-6

I grew up on a high school football field.  My father was a long time head coach at Los Gatos High School.  I played at Leigh High School and graduated from Princeton University in 1996 with a degree in American history.  I was hired as the head coach at Overfelt High School in 1997.  I was the head coach at both Overfelt and Independence high schools in San Jose.  My wife and I moved to Elk Grove in 2005 to start our family somewhere more affordable.  I was the head coach there at both Pleasant Grove and Sheldon high schools.  We moved to Roseville in 2019 where I was the interim head coach at Roseville High School before coming to Granite Bay.  I have had the good fortune to be around a lot of great players and coaches and I hope that I have been able to give something back to the profession, the sport of football, and our world.

2023-24 Season Record: 9-3

Coach Canepa, a seasoned figure in the realm of football, boasts a remarkable journey spanning both a distinguished playing career and an illustrious coaching tenure. Beginning his football legacy at Sonora High School, he earned the prestigious honor of being inducted into the “Hall of Fame.” Transitioning to Butte College, he continued to make waves, securing another spot in the “Hall of Fame” during the 1981-82 season. His playing prowess culminated at Chico State in 1983-84. Embarking on a coaching odyssey that spans four decades, Coach Canepa’s expertise shines through 28 years as a Head Coach, where he has amassed a stellar record of 283-72-1, boasting an impressive 80% win rate. Notably, he has left an indelible mark on Central Catholic for the past 15 seasons, alongside noteworthy stints at Calaveras High School for 10 seasons and Sonora High School for 3 seasons. The culmination of his coaching career is punctuated by numerous accolades, including five San Joaquin Section Championships, three DIV Nor Cal Championships, three DIV CIF State Championships, a DIII Nor Cal Championship in 2015, a CIF Small School Open Division State Championship in the same year, and a DII-AA Nor Cal Championship in 2021. Coach Canepa’s legacy stands as a testament to his enduring impact on the sport and the athletes he has guided to success.

2023-24 Season Record: 11-2

Coach Brad Hunkins, just completed his 15^th year of coaching between the college and high school ranks. He got his start at Humboldt State University in 2009 as a Defensive Graduate assistant and Defensive Line Coach, then moving on To College of the Redwoods he took on becoming an Assistant Defensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator for the Corsairs. He landed his first high school job as an assistant at Lemoore in 2012 with stops at Roseville High until finally landing at Woodcreek in 2015.  In his 9^th season as the Head Football Coach at Woodcreek High School he has helped establish a strong foundation as a rising football power in the Sacramento Area. As the Head coach at Woodcreek high school he has helped propel the Timberwolves to multiple playoff appearances and their first winning season in 2018. The Timberwolves are consistent postseason regulars and including 2022 Section Semi-Finalists and 2023 Section Finalist. Off the field Coach Hunkins, fully embraces the Inside Out coaching philosophy helping develop young men with high character, perseverance’s and compassion. During his tenure the Football Program has averaged a 3.30 overall GPA across all 3 levels. He received a 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award from Humboldt State and Teacher of the Year from the RJUHSD for his work during the COVID Pandemic to provide athletes with an opportunity to compete and play.

2023-24 Season Record: 6-5

Joey Montoya, a transformative force for Placer High School’s football program, assumed the role of head coach in 2007. Placer experienced a shift, and under Montoya’s leadership, the team saw a resurgence in dominance. Notably, he guided the Hillmen to the D4 section finals in 2008 and 2009, setting the stage for a remarkable 2012 season where they boasted an impressive 11-0 record until a narrow one-point loss in the section playoffs to Escalon. Montoya continued to elevate Placer’s performance, with a notable 12-1 season, unfortunately concluding with a defeat against Central Catholic of Modesto in the playoffs. His impact on the team’s trajectory has solidified Montoya as a key figure in Placer High School’s football success.

2023-24 Season Record: 9-3

With a 30-year coaching career, Coach Ryan Reynolds has spent the last 26 years shaping the football program at Sutter High School. As the Head Coach since 2009, Reynolds has led the team to an outstanding overall record of 155-34, making 13 NSCIF title appearances and securing seven CIFNS Championships. His coaching prowess has resulted in 13 Conference Titles and seven CIF STATE Semi-Final appearances. Reynolds’ impact extends beyond statistics, earning him accolades such as the 2012 NSCIF Coach of the Year, 2016 CIF #1 Ranked Division 4 Team in the State, 2020 Cal-Hi Sports Coach of the Year, and the 2022 Pioneer Valley League Coach of the Year. His enduring dedication to excellence has solidified Coach Ryan Reynolds as a respected and influential figure in high school football.

2023-24 Season Record: 10-1

Coach Jon Osterhout, entering his 24th year coaching college football and now in his 13th season at American River College, has established a remarkable legacy. Serving as the Beavers’ leader, he boasts an impressive track record, including Nor-Cal Conference Championships and multiple state playoff appearances. Under his guidance, the team consistently excels, with numerous players earning All-Conference and All-American honors. Osterhout’s coaching acumen and dedication are evident in the team’s success, including the 2017 CIF State Championship. Beyond the gridiron, he holds the role of acting President for the California Community College Football Coaches Association. Coach Osterhout’s commitment to player development and academic success underscores his influential presence in collegiate football. Residing in Rocklin, CA, with his family, Osterhout continues to shape the future of student-athletes at American River College.

2023-24 Season Record: 10-3

Casey Taylor, a coaching luminary, embarked on his illustrious career at Oak Ridge before securing his first head coaching position at Del Oro High School. At Del Oro, Taylor etched his legacy by leading the Golden Eagles to an impressive six section titles and four state finals appearances, ultimately clinching the coveted state championship in 2015. His remarkable coaching acumen didn’t end there, as Taylor later took on the challenge at Capital Christian High School, where the Cougars thrived under his guidance, securing three league championships and a Division III section title. In a testament to his enduring success, Taylor came back to Oak Ridge and achieved a significant milestone by securing his 200th win; a feat marked by triumph over his former team, the Golden Eagles.

2023-24 Season Record: Boys 12-2 / Girls 9-7

Chris, a dedicated and accomplished football coach, has been at the helm of Casa Roble High School’s football program since 2017. Over his impressive 24-season tenure at Casa, he has undertaken various coaching roles, including 12 seasons as a freshman coach, 2 seasons as a Varsity assistant, 2 seasons as the JV head coach, and the last 7 seasons as the Varsity Head Coach. This past fall marked the conclusion of his 7th season, during which he led his team to a Division 5 Sac Joaquin Section Title, showcasing his leadership and strategic prowess on the field. Throughout his coaching career, Chris has consistently achieved success, boasting a career record of 56-21 in 7 seasons, including 6 playoff appearances and 5 league titles. Beyond his accomplishments in football, he also served as the head Girls Flag Football coach at Casa Roble High School in the most recent season, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to fostering a love for the game across genders.

2023-24 Season Record: 7-11

Melissa began her coaching career at 16 when she served as an assistant coach for Holy Family’s middle school basketball team. That began a career that has spanned nearly 30 years and four different sports. After college, Triebwasser coached both boys and girls basketball at Fort Worth Academy in Fort Worth, Texas, before returning to the Sacramento Area. She served as the freshman basketball coach at Rocklin High School before being hired as the assistant basketball coach at William Jessup University, where she would serve as the head women’s coach one year later. After her time at WJU, where she took the program to the playoffs for the first time in school history, she took over the varsity girls basketball position at Granite Bay High School. Upon returning to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Triebwasser was a three sport coach at The Oakridge School in Arlington, where she was a part of championship winning teams in both volleyball and softball, as well as coaching at the middle school, JV, and Varsity levels in basketball. Triebwasser served as the JV basketball coach in her first year at St. Francis and jumped at the opportunity to start the flag football program on the campus. In year one, the Troubadours overcame the toughest schedule in the section to finish fourth in the SFL and make the playoffs. In her free time, Melissa serves as a credentialed media member covering the Sacramento Kings and TCU Athletics, where she has covered the football program for more than a decade, including their college football playoff appearance following the 2022 season as well as multiple College World Series and NCAA Tournament berths by the Horned Frogs.

2023-24 Season Record: 17 – 3

Raymond Bradley orchestrated a groundbreaking event on the campus of Christian Brothers High School. Under his leadership, the first-ever flag football “Holy Bowl” unfolded as Christian Brothers played host to St. Francis, marking a significant milestone for the school. With hundreds of enthusiastic fans in attendance, the atmosphere was electric for this momentous game. Bradley’s coaching prowess and strategic acumen were evident as the Falcons secured a resounding 33-0 victory against the Troubadours, capping off the inaugural flag football holy bowl with a memorable win.