Stivers succeeds Young as MJC football coach

Rusty Stivers capped his 1994 senior season at UC Davis by filling out a questionnaire that asked: What is your dream job?

“To be the head coach of a small college like Modesto Junior College,” Stivers wrote.

Two decades later, Stivers has lived his dream by becoming the 12th head coach in the 94-year history of MJC football. The Pirates can only hope Stivers’ proven loyalty to the program – almost constant since his days as an All-State selection in 1992 – is transformed into success.

“Our vision is to be a premier student-transfer program for our local community,” he said. “I cannot thank coach (Sam) Young enough for the opportunity to grow and develop through his tutelage.”

Stivers, 43, formally approved as head coach Wednesday night by the Yosemite Community College Board, succeeds Young, the winningest football coach in MJC history (93-67, .581).

Young’s successor reportedly was chosen over fellow finalist Kevin Marks, also a former MJC player and assistant coach. Young announced his resignation and eventual retirement from MJC last Nov. 23 – he notified the administration of his intentions last summer – so the school didn’t exactly fast-track the selection process.

That said, the Pirates eventually identified the man most local football observers believed was the perfect fit for the job. The downside is that Stivers has barely three months to find players and fill out his coaching staff before the 2015 season opener on Sept. 5 against American River.

“It slowed the process, and that’s understandable. We have a lot of work to do, ” Stivers said. “I’ll have to put on my suit and go door-to-door.”

Stivers, a graduate of Hilmar High, got the job by orchestrating one of California’s most prolific offenses over the last four years. Inspired by the 5,000-RPM Oregon “Nascar” attack, Stivers’ offense races up and down the field and snaps the ball as fast as possible.

None of that will change. Stivers, who will retain the title as offensive coordinator, will continue to signal in the plays from the sideline.

“We’re going to try and turn it up even more. Why not? It’s fun,” he said. “We’re going to go fast, spread the field and use the quarterback. That philosophy stays the same.”

Young retired in part to ensure a full-time opening for the next head coach. He’ll remain on staff to coach defense as a volunteer alongside defensive coordinator Drew Brown. Young, Stivers and Brown handled day-to-day chores over the winter and spring.

“I’m very pleased that they decided to hire from within. I’m sure the players will be comfortable,” Young said. “Rusty is the kind of person who will bring a lot of energy and new ideas. If he can exude that energy across the board, the future is bright.”

Stivers’ only previous head coaching experience was a two-year run at Riverbank High (2000-01), during which he turned around a downtrodden program. Since then, he waited until the timing was right at MJC.

He will be handed no favors as he starts his head coaching tenure. The Pirates, 4-6 a year ago and a fast-finishing 3-2 in the demanding Valley Conference, will face eight of 10 bowl teams.

“One thing I’ve learned is the tougher the competition at MJC, the more our program improves,” Stivers said. “It forces us to get better.”

Looking back, Modesto’s successful navigation through a dreadful situation at quarterback last fall – injuries and attrition resulted in four different starters at QB – may have become Stivers’ final trump card.

“I owe many thank-you’s to family and friends and especially to the Hilmar community,” he said. “The support I’ve had has been tremendous. I’m excited to get to work.”

This story was originally published May 14, 2015 at 8:20 PM with the headline "Stivers succeeds Young as MJC football coach."