Football:

** Thanks to Ryan Tomey for these photos of the late Jim Bonds & Ted Corcoran & Corcoran talking to St. Francis players.

By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor

Nearly nine days after his passing, St. Francis announced on Friday that they’re going to stay in-house in replacing the late-great Jim Bonds.

The Golden Knights’ legend passed away last Wednesday at age 51, and the school, coaches, players and their parents are dealing with the heartbreak as best as they can.

It has been far from easy, though.

A solid step forward for all involved came Friday, as the school announced assistant athletic director/strength and conditioning coach, Ted Corcoran, would take over the job on an interim basis, and that the school would look for a permanent replacement after the season.

St. Francis had to act quickly, because official practices are just over a month away, and then games begin in early January.

Corcoran is a popular choice among current and former SF players, and it seemed to be a prudent selection (to stay in-house) because it keeps Bonds’ very talented, dedicated and long-serving staff together.

Bonds’ list of longtime Golden Knights’ coaches includes Patrick Carroll, Michael Cesta, Mark Gibbons, Joe Monarrez, Mike Russell, Louie Silva, Bill Stewart, Scott Traver and Tony Zarilrillo, who combine for 119 years of service to the program.

The 47-year old Corcoran has been at St. Francis since 2007, and he’s also served as head coach at both Bishop Alemany and Chatsworth.

Corcoran will be replacing a man he loves and someone that won 160 games over his two-decade run leading the brown and gold.

Quotable:

St. Francis athletic director, Matt Luderer: “We have a veteran staff who will be working with Ted as he takes on this new responsibility,” said Athletic Director Matt Luderer. “We will begin a search for a permanent head coach once the football season concludes.”

St. Francis football coach, Ted Corcoran: “The last few weeks have been painfully surreal for us. It’s still hard to wrap our minds around losing Jimmy. Needless to say, we are all hurting. But what has been inspiring has been how the players have handled it. They’ve shown such great character and empathy in support of Coach Bonds’ family and their fellow teammates.

As you know from covering this team for a while now, we have incredible coaches. The continuity of the staff really is a testament to the greatness of Jimmy, and the two coaches you’d have to start with are Mark Gibbons and Joe Monarrez. The school and program are lucky to have them. So it’s not about me, it’s about our staff and players continuing to do things with the spirit of Jimmy in mind and in our hearts.”