From teaching physical education and history, to coaching five different sports, to being in the Air Force, Coach Richard Serrano has done it all. But at the end of this year, he has decided to retire from the Dons family.

Coach Serrano has been at Uni and CCHS for a combined 47 years, from his graduation in 1961 to 2014. In this time, he has contributed much to the school, and his legacy will live on for years to come through Serrano Plaza. Serrano Plaza is a tribute to Coach, and was initiated four years ago by CCHS’ past president, Mr. Jim Tshchann.

During Coach Serrano’s many years at CCHS and Uni, he coached multiple sports and also taught for a few years. He coached varsity baseball for thirty years, but also was the cross-country coordinator for five years, the varsity football coach for one year, the freshman basketball coach for five years, and the junior varsity baseball coach for four years.

Coach Serrano was an integral part of the baseball team from 1971-2000, as the varsity coach. In that time, he led the team to 549 wins, 4 CIF championships in 1972,1978, 1980, and 1981, and 14 League Titles.

Baseball has always been a part of Coach Serrano’s life. “He was such an amazing coach,” said Mr. Gary Remiker, the current varsity baseball coach, who worked with Coach Serrano closely for many years. “He was very tough on the kids, but that’s how all coaches were back in the day.”

When Coach Serrano attended Saint Augustine High School, he played baseball all four years, and then went on to SDSU where he continued to play baseball for two of his four years. Later on in his life, he was inducted to the Hall of Fame at Saint Augustine, at Uni, and at the Hall of Champions.

In the time that Coach Serrano coached varsity baseball, he specifically remembered one player that he coached from 1980 to 1983. “He was one of my favorites,” said Coach Serrano as he reminisced over the time he spent with this player. “His name was Gar Millay, and he died of a brain tumor about three years ago.” Gar was only in his forties when he passed. To honor Gar, the baseball team celebrates Gar Millay Day at every opening game. On this day, the Millay family and friends are invited to the baseball game to take a moment to remember Gar Millay.

Coach Serrano is now closing the chapter of his Uni and CCHS life, and is opening a new chapter in retirement. “I am going to miss the atmosphere, the student body, and the coaching staff the most,” said Coach Serrano. When he retires at the end of this school year, he plans on spending time at home with his wife of 52 years, with his two daughters, Mila and Carlo.