Sunnyside High School football players have a lot to celebrate this week. The Grizzlies have been enjoying a winning streak of five consecutive games, will face Rincon/University at Kino Sports Complex Saturday to fight for their Western League title.
They also have received remarkable community support over this time. This is a sign of the dedication coaches and administrators have been to their players.
Coach Richard Sanchez
Through his 30-year career coaching football in the last 30 years, Coach Richard Sanchez has traveled a many times. His experience includes levels like the NCAA Division I and NAIA levelsas well as at schools for community colleges, as well as in youth football in high schools.
In his two state championships as a Sunnyside football coach, Sanchez utilizes the same approach to coaching that allowed him to lead the Blue Devils to five consecutive states wrestling championships. He also helps students connect their sport with academic achievement.
Humberto Torres and Coach
Sunnyside was driven by coach Humberto Torres. While at Desert View and Sunnyside, the coach coached wrestling and football and played a key role in winning the AAA Southern Division Football Championship as well as three AAA Arizona State Wrestling championships.
He was also a supportive instructor and mentor for students especially English language learners. These students were able to profit from the successful programs developed by DVHS as well as have equal opportunity as the other pupils in school.
Coach Fil Barrera
Sunnyside High School’s soccer team is on the rise this season. The Grizzlies boast a record-setting 4-0 start under Coach Fil Barrera and will look to maintain that trend against Richland.
He’s also helped the Grizzlies over adversity in this season. Though injuries are a concern for many players, the team is able to keep the team on the right path and in the top spot in the Big Nine Conference.
Additionally, he has served his community by serving in various capacities. He is a part of the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association, Tucson Clean & Beautiful Education Coordinator, and fundraiser.
Coach Taunya Garcia
Taunya Garcia is an assistant soccer coach with a rich history of success on and off the pitch. The coach has won numerous awards for her leadership, including her Arizona High School Athletic Association’s Teacher Award. When she was at Sunnyside High School she was a recipient of four Outstanding Educator Awards.
Valla Dalrymple is a dedicated volunteer who works to strengthen families in the Sunnyside community and further. Being a part of the Sunnyside District Alumni Association’s board, she has created an endowment for The Tom Dalrymple Memorial Scholarship in her husband’s memory. She is also a advisor and mentor to Sunnyside High School’s Teenage Parent Program.
Bob Jaramillo, Coach
Trainer Bob Jaramillo, a veteran of 14 years in the Junta Directiva del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Sunnyside is now been appointed instructor for The Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps program located at Desert View High School. It was a great honor to serve students in the community he lives in as he explained.
Yolanda Corrales who is District’s Title I Coordinator and Family Engagement Coordinator, oversees various programs that help families and children in reaching their full potential. Additionally, she is involved with the McKinney Vento Angel Tree program which is a Christmas program that offers support for unaccompanied homeless children. In addition, she is involved in events like the Back to School Wellness Fair, Sunnyside Meet Yourself and the annual Thanksgiving dinner for families.
School Leader Conor Hynes
Conor Hynes, our School leader has been here since our beginnings and has always been a strong advocate for KIPP. In the classroom he has proved to be a stud all over, with the distinction of being the proud winner of the coveted title of student body president. The student is no weakling on the field either, and was a pillar of his community during his time off the field. Having the opportunity to learn from a stellar roster of professors is something He will surely be talking about for the years to in the future.
Buck Crouch
Buck Crouch, a Sunnyside past student, is an active participant in our community. Since 2011, he’s been a member of Sunnyside’s Governing Board and is the present president of Sunnyside Foundation. He is also involved with the Kino Rotary Club of South Tucson as a part of the Sunnyside Literacy Council and as chair of the Sunnyside Alumni Association. His passion is for learning something new and helping other people. Sunnyside High School is a honor for him.
