Athletics

Santa Rosa, CA — April 16, 2025 — Cardinal Newman High School is proud to announce the hiring of Frank McManus as the new head coach of its varsity football program. McManus, a championship-winning coach, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the Cardinals.

McManus most recently served as head coach at Mater Dei High School, where he led the team to a CIF Southern Section Division 1 title, an Open Division State Championship, and a National Championship in 2023. Prior to that, he spent 16 years as an assistant coach at Mater Dei, developing his leadership skills and guiding teams to consistent success. His championship pedigree, commitment to fostering excellence on and off the field, and years of experience in Catholic education make him a natural fit for Cardinal Newman.

McManus becomes the seventh head coach in Cardinal Newman history, succeeding Richard Sanchez, who led the Cardinals through three successful seasons, including an NCS Open Division appearance last year. Under Sanchez’s guidance, the team continued to build on its rich history, and the school extends its gratitude for his contributions.

Director of Athletics Monica Mertle shared her enthusiasm for the program’s new leader:

“Frank McManus is exactly the coach we need to mentor our student-athletes and take Cardinal Newman football to the next level. His ability to lead championship teams while instilling values of faith, discipline, integrity, and teamwork makes him an ideal fit for our program."

Cardinal Newman’s football program has a storied legacy, including multiple state championship appearances and a state title in 2019. The Cardinals are also remembered for their record-setting 47-game winning streak in the 1970s under legendary head coach Ed Lloyd—a state record at the time.

McManus expressed his excitement about joining Cardinal Newman High School’s football program:

“It’s an honor to join a school with such a proud tradition of excellence. I’m excited to lead the program, work with its talented student-athletes, continue the legacy of success, and make the Cardinal Newman community proud.”With McManus at the helm, Cardinal Newman High School is poised to continue its tradition of football excellence while fostering the growth and development of its student-athletes both on and off the field.

Additional information or interview requests for Cardinal Newman High School coaches and student-athletes should be made through the Cardinal Newman Athletic Department by contacting Sierra Antonio, Director of Marketing and Communications, at marketing@cardinalnewman.org or Monica Mertle, Director of Athletics & Human Performance at mertle@cardinalnewman.org.

About Cardinal Newman High School:

Cardinal Newman High School is a Catholic college preparatory school in Santa Rosa, California, dedicated to fostering academic excellence, spiritual growth, and the holistic development of its students through a variety of programs and activities.