Sartans coach Mendoza is retiring with state crown
What a way to go out.
The Journal has learned that St. Pius X football coach San Juan Mendoza is retiring.
He confirmed that Saturday’s game, a 34-24 victory by the Sartans over Artesia in the Class 5A final at Nusenda Community Stadium, was his last with the black and gold.
“In June, I had already made a decision that this would be my last year,” Mendoza said Saturday night in a telephone interview. “I didn’t announce it until before the playoffs started; I just thought the kids should know.”
Mendoza was carried on his players’ shoulders after Saturday’s victory.
The 47-year-old was St. Pius’ head coach for 21 seasons. He also had four as an assistant coach prior to that, bringing him full circle on a quarter century of coaching the Sartans.
“I’ve just been blessed to be able to coach there for 25 years and be able to work with these young men,” Mendoza said. “I have so many memories.”
Mendoza had the second-longest tenure — at the same school — in the metro area. Albuquerque Academy’s Kevin Carroll just completed his 26th season with the Chargers.
This 2016 team was possibly the best Mendoza had as head coach. St. Pius went 12-1 this season. It is the third title for the school, and the second for Mendoza. He also led the Sartans to a blue trophy in 1999, also against Artesia. That one was on the road.
“I think every coach knows when it’s time,” Mendoza said. “I want to spend more time with my family, my wife, and I want to concentrate on my job as dean of students at St. Pius. I don’t have the time and energy to (coach) anymore.”
Mendoza’s career record with St. Pius was 160-82, including Saturday’s triumph. As a young coach with St. Pius, he was often incredibly fiery.
But Mendoza mellowed significantly over the second half of his tenure on the West Side. He often spoke about the struggles in keeping St. Pius football relevant as the school continued to see its enrollment fall.
But after a 3-7 mark in 2013, the Sartans had a rebirth of sorts. They won eight games in 2014, then 10 more last year, plus a dozen more this fall.
“Our kids played their hearts out and they have all year,” Mendoza said. “They stepped up their level in the playoffs. It was an amazing run, an amazing day.”
Mendoza said he wouldn’t rule out a return to coaching.
“But right now,” he said, “I’m not looking to coach at all.”
St. Pius athletic director Jim Cook said the school would look “in house” first to find a successor. Assistants who show interest will be vetted, and the Sartans will proceed from there.
“We want to get it done sooner than later,” Cook said, adding that he wants a new coach in place before the end of the calendar year.