Ricky Hunley (Andy Morales/AllSportsTucson.com)
MORE PHOTOS HERE
Coaches for Charity Kickoff Classic Banquet
Saturday, Aug. 12: DoubleTree by Hilton Tucson
Ironwood Ridge, Marana, Nogales, Palo Verde, Pueblo, Rincon/University, Sunnyside and Tanque Verde all took part in the Coaches for Charity Kickoff Classic Banquet held Saturday afternoon.
Former University of Arizona and NFL standout Ricky Hunley served as the keynote speaker at the annual event held to signal the beginning of the high school football season. Hunley talked of four major points to the high school athletes, coaches and guests present including former Arizona coach Dick Tomey:
Hunley asked the players to embrace the coaching they have and will receive, to be in charge of their own efforts with a single purpose, have accountability to themselves and to their teammates and avoid making off the field issues something the team will have to deal with.
“You have to have a single focus,” Hunley said. “Be where you are when you are there.”
The coaches of each high school also spoke briefly on their expectations for the season.
The Sunnyside cheer squad made an appearance (Andy Morales/AllSportsTucson.com)
OPENING SCHEDULE
Thursday, August 17
Nogales at Sunnyside (Coaches for Charity)
Friday, August 18
Tucson at Buena
Sabino at Casa Grande
Saguaro at Catalina Foothills
Cholla at Douglas
Santa Rita at Florence
Ironwood Ridge at Marana (Coaches for Charity)
Pueblo at Rincon/University (Coaches for Charity)
St. Mary’s at Salpointe Catholic
San Manuel at San Tan Foothills
Palo Verde at Tanque Verde (Coaches for Charity)
Willcox at Thatcher
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Andy Morales was recognized by the AIA as the top high school reporter in 2014 and he was awarded the Ray McNally Award in 2017 and he has been a youth, high school and college coach for over 30 years. His own children have won multiple state high school championships and were named to all-state teams. Competing in hockey, basketball, baseball and track & field in high school, his unique perspective can only be found here and on AZPreps365.com. Andy was named a Local Hero by the Tucson Weekly for 2016. Contact Andy Morales at AMoralesMyTucson@yahoo.com
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