Kennedy Catholic High School (an Advertiser) announced the hiring of several new coaches to the football team staff, who will join new head coach Sheldon Cross.
Cross and his staff have taken the reins over from the retired Bob Bourgette, who taught and coached at Kennedy for the past 40 years – the last 18 as head coach.
Here’s the new Lancer lineup:
RANDALL MORRIS
Mr. Randall Morris is from Long Beach, California. He attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School from 1978-1980 where he played Quarterback for three years. In 2010, Randall was inducted into Long Beach Poly High School’s prestigious Hall of Fame. He received a football scholarship to the University of Tennessee in 1980 graduating with a degree in Sociology. In 1984, Randall was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks as a Running Back. He played five seasons with the Seahawks, Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Raiders.
Randall was President and Head Coach for the Rainier Ravens for seven years and Head Coach for Showalter Middle School the past three years. Randall will serve as Co-Head Coach for the Lancers “C” team. Head Coach Sheldon Cross shares “I am excited to have Randall as a coach who will share his professional playing experience with others, is well respected for his football knowledge and is a tremendous advocate for youth football.”
DEREK SPARKS
Mr. Derek Sparks remains one of the most decorated prep athletes to ever sign with Washington State University. In 1991, Derek was the third “Best in the West” recruit the Cougars signed after the Long Beach Press-Telegram began publishing its coveted prospect list 15 years earlier. Derek played at California powerhouse Banning High School in Long Beach where he was named California State Player of the Year as a sophomore. He led the Pilots to the Los Angeles City Championship in 1989. Sparks transferred to Montclair College Prep where he was rated the #1 running back in the country. After leading San Fernando Valley in rushing with 1,944 and 35 touchdowns, the LA Times named him Running Back of the Year. As a senior, Derek transferred to Mater Dei Catholic High School where he was named Orange County Register Player of the Year (91) and Monarch of the Year (91). He finished high school with 5,144 Rushing Yards, 65 Touchdowns, 6,443 All Purpose Yards, and a 32-8 win/loss record.
Derek is responsible for turning around the football program at Garfield High School. In 2014, Coach Sparks took the team to its first playoff berth since 1979. While at Garfield, Derrick was recognized as Metro Coach of the Year 2014, National Football Foundation Coach of the Year 2014 and received the Angel’s In Sports Community Service Award in 2015. At Kennedy Catholic, Derek will serve as Associate Head Coach, Running Backs and Media Liaison. “When Coach Sparks speaks about setting goals and achieving them, there is 100% validity in his voice. He has previous High School Head Coach experience and will be a vital asset to our staff. He is influenced by his experience with Mike Price (WSU) and Bruce Rollinson (Mater Dei High School). We are blessed to have Derek join our coaching staff,” says Coach Sheldon.
NOLAN WASHINGTON
Mr. Nolan Washington graduated from Kennedy Catholic in 2009. Nolan was an All-State Defensive back and the Seattle Times Star Defensive player of the Year in 2009. He received Super Sophomore recognition in 2006. He averaged over 1,000 All-Purpose yards 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. These statistics led to scholarship offers to multiple Division 1 power 5 schools. Nolan attended Washington State University and was a Cougar standout. He started over 35 games at defensive back. Nolan earned special teams Player of the Year recognition in 2012. Listed as a Pac 12 Top Freshmen to Watch in 2011, Nolan started every game. During the 2012 and 2013 season’s, Nolan was selected by his peers as a WSU Team Captain.
Coach Sheldon says “Nolan will be a tremendous addition to our Lancer coaching staff. It is fantastic to bring home a great Lancer to provide a connection to the rich tradition of Kennedy Catholic Football. Nolan knows what it is to walk the halls being excellent as a person, in the classroom and on the field! I had the opportunity to coach Nolan at WSU and it is extremely special that he and I can reunite now as colleagues. Nolan has a tremendous football mind. He will play a huge role in the guidance of our defense and secondary and will serve as our primary strength and conditioning coach.”
TIM STALLWORTH
As an All-City Receiver and All-CIF Defensive Back at Montclair College Preparatory School in 1985, Mr. Tim Stallworth earned a football scholarship to Washington State University. In 1988, Tim led the Pac-10 conference in receiving and earned All-American honors. In 1990, he was drafted in the 6th round to the Los Angeles Rams and finished a brief NFL career with the Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers in 1992. Tim has been a volunteer coach and mentor for the Rainier Ravens organization from 2010-2015.
“Tim has an excellent demeanor and is great with players. He knows what it is to play and succeed at the highest level of football. When Tim communicates what it takes to be the best we can be, he speaks from personal experience,” says Coach Sheldon. Tim will serve as Co-Head Coach for the Lancers “C” team.
ABOUT KENNEDY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Kennedy Catholic is a co-ed four year high school located in Burien. It is a Catholic school within the Archdiocese of Seattle. It is the school’s mission to remain accessible, diverse and committed to pursuing the fullest potential of every student. For more information contact dahleens@kennedyhs.org or 206.957.9718.