2009 - 2010: Ron DeMonner (Football)
Ron De Monner is presently in his fourth year of coaching Football at Fremont High School, returning to Fremont High School after coaching there from 1995-2000. He has coached football a total of 44 years, coaching Awalt HS, Mitty HS, Fremont HS (twice), San Jose State, Santa Clara University, Menlo College, San Jose Sabercats and the San Francisco Demons.

Fremont HS Principal, James Maxwell, states: “…His knowledge of the game and the way in which he encourages and inspires players to do their best is legendary. …Ron’s mission is to teach his players how to be successful in life, not just on the field. …His intelligence, maturity, character, perseverance, dedication and passion are impressive and beyond reproach.”

Former Fremont HS Principal Peggy Raun-Linde says: “…Working with some of the most at-risk students, Ron is able to shepherd these athletes through their responsibilities in school and life as well as teach them teamwork, commitment, respect, tenacity, and—of course—the game of football. …believes that student behaviors and attitudes represent the school and reflect on all of us. He demands and receives appropriate and professional behaviors from his athletes by preparing them for what may come…and how to respond with dignity and grace. …It is because of his knowledge of the game as well as his deep commitment to professionalism and teaching the lessons and values that serve students well on and off the field that Ron is successful.”

Jason Townsend, Fremont HS’s Athletic Director, says of Ron: “…Having worked with Ron daily for the last fifteen years I have come to observe a man who is tireless in his preparation and commitment to the game of football. This work ethic that he possesses is a catalyst for anyone associated with his football program. …It doesn’t matter if the student has not played previously, Ron looks to make a connection with a variety of students in hopes of touching their lives through the game of football. …With an athletic program that has struggled and seen the turnover of many coaches in recent years, Ron showed many people that his ability to coach and succeed is second to none.”

2009 - 2010: Bobby Soto (Wrestling)
Bobby Soto has been coaching the Wrestling team at his alma mater, Fremont HS, for more than 11 years. Bobby has also coached wrestling at West Valley College, Foothill High School in Bakersfield and Cal State in Bakersfield. As a past student-athlete and now a teacher-coach, Bobby has nearly 25 years of experience in the wrestling program. Besides his full-time commitment to wrestling, he continues to work with his father volunteering his time with the Friends/Allies of the Homeless Veterans Rehab Program. He also works with his mother volunteering his time with the MACSA Children’s Center. Jason Townsend, Athletic Director at Fremont HS, states the following: “…It doesn’t matter if the student has not wrestled previously, Bobby looks to make a connection with a variety of students in hopes of touching their lives through the sport of wrestling. The ‘Wrestler Nation’ that has been created by Bobby and his athletes is a true model for what high school athletics can be, when led by someone who is able to use athletics as a tool to impact students beyond the mat.”