Less than a month ago, legendary coach John Kashner spoke at the retirement ceremony of one of his former assistant coaches at Flowing Wells — Pat Nugent — and he became emotional when discussing the bond he was part of with all of his coaching staffs at Casa Grande, Flowing Wells and Coolidge.
His coaching tree at Flowing Wells from 1988 to 1996 included Nugent (who recently retired after leading Mica Mountain to a state championship last fall), Salpointe coach Pat Ryden (a Flowing Wells alum who began his coaching career under Kashner), former CDO coach Dustin Peace (also a former Caballero who led CDO to two state titles before resigning following the 2024 season), Jorge Mendivil (who won 126 games in his 23-year career at San Manuel, Empire and Amphi before retiring after last season) and Shawn Wasson (former head coach at Catalina and Cholla).
“We had so much fun, that staff,” Kashner said. “I have 12 coaches now that are head coaches in Arizona or college coaches right now. … Is that a testament to how hard they worked? Yeah. The only thing I was able to (do was) bring them together and let those guys work.
“I remember we would do these crazy things like we’d do coaching retreats all the time. In the coaching retreats, we did crazy stuff, like one night we bowled, another night, we’d go play miniature golf, just so the coaches got to know each other. That’s the thing I’m going to leave.”
He then became choked up when he said, “It was a family. We were a family. That’s why we did those things, so you can get to know their families, get to know their kids. When you have that much invested, you’re going to show up every day, and you’re going to put in the work. That’s what he (Nugent) did. No one could second-guess or question the dedication Pat Nugent had.”
Kashner passed away suddenly at 74 years old Wednesday.
He was serving as Vista Grande High School’s athletic director on an interim basis after former Marana football coach Louie Ramirez died while in that role last August.
John Kashner’s coaching tree at Flowing Wells included Dustin Peace (far left), Pat Nugent (standing next to Kashner in the middle), Pat Ryden (second from right) and Jorge Mendivil. Jeff Watson (second from left) was an equipment manager of the Caballeros. Kashner and these men… https://t.co/uMrCcDuQKD pic.twitter.com/gUkeKK1tiR
— Javier Morales (@JavierJMorales) April 20, 2025
“Mr. Kashner was a long-time, dedicated educator, Hall of Fame Coach, and friend whose passion for students and sports uplifted our entire community,” the Casa Grande Union High School District mentioned in a Facebook post. “His impact will never be forgotten.”
Kashner started his career at Flowing Wells in 1988 after serving as head coach at Casa Grande Union in 1979.
He left for the head coaching position at Coolidge in 1997 to be closer to his wife, who was employed in Casa Grande.
Kashner was 49-38-2 in his nine-year career at Flowing Wells and led the Caballeros to the state playoffs five consecutive years before his departure.
Here are responses via text message Thursday from Nugent, Peace and Ryden about Kashner’s passing:
Nugent: “Tough day yesterday. John was like family to us and did so much for me and my family. John was a mentor to so many of us in coaching. I wouldn’t be where I am without John. He taught me the game of football and I learned so much from him. But more importantly, he was a great friend and a second father. I will miss him!!!”
Peace: “Just two weeks ago, Coach K grabbed me by the neck like he always does and asked me when I am getting back in the game (not necessarily in those socially acceptable words). I am one of the thousands of players in which Coach shaped my life in so many ways. Of any of the coaches I have had growing up, I would say I am pretty similar in style to Coach K. He is tough as nails but will love you unconditionally. It was so inspiring to me how he stepped up for so many schools and coaches these past few years as he retired and they kept dragging him back. So many of us players and coaches have amazing stories to tell about coach. I will miss my coach but will never forget the lessons. I love ya coach! My heart goes out to my teammate and brother John Jr. and the entire Kashner family!”
Ryden: “Coach was one of a kind! He has had a tremendous impact on my life and was a great coach, mentor, and friend. I could never repay him enough for all his guidance and support throughout my career as an educator and coach. He was so passionate about helping others and his relationships with people were genuine. He will be missed.”
Kashner coached four region championships at Casa Grande, Flowing Wells and Coolidge during his 20-year head coaching career. He was named region coach of the year four times and area coach of the year three times. He was inducted into the Arizona High School Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame in 2022.
Just this Monday night, Kashner attended the Casa Grande City Council meeting to advocate for more recreation facilities in the area.
He moved to Arizona from Bethlehem, Pa., after a good friend of his, Ernie Forchetti, a former coach at Casa Grande, told him of the opening there in 1979.
His son John Jr. became one of the top quarterbacks in Southern Arizona when he played under his dad and Nugent, who served as the quarterbacks coach with the Caballeros before taking over as head coach in 1997 when the elder Kashner left for Coolidge.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
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