Brett Lewis announced his first big hire as Weston Ranch athletic director on Monday when he and the rest of the school’s administration selected Ron Wayman to take over as head football coach.
Lewis hopes that Wayman, a longtime fixture at the south Stockton campus, can bring stability to a program that is going on its eighth coach since its first varsity season in 2003.
“We’re looking for somebody to be the face of the program and guide it for years to come,” Lewis said. While Wayman’s role on campus is a plus, he is in his fourth year as a business teacher there but has served as a substitute teacher since 2005, Lewis said it was his “leadership qualities” that stood out most to both he and Weston Ranch principal Troy Fast.
“I am quite humbled and thankful for Mr. Fast and Mr. Lewis giving me this opportunity,” Wayman said. “I love Weston Ranch, the students and the community.”
The Manteca resident is an Oregon transplant — he graduated from Benson Tech in Portland where he played football and wrestled before continuing his football career at Linfield College.
Wayman is no stranger to the coaching ranks at the Ranch, previously serving as head baseball coach (2011-13) and assistant football coach under Mike Hale (2008-13) and Seth Davis (2014-17). He has also coached the softball team the past two years and plans on returning for a third.
“It’s a commitment I made to the players on the team,” Wayman said. “I’m going to see the season out.”
He remains focused on his newest job, however. Although he is not yet ready to reveal his coaching staff, he said there will be names familiar to the program.
“Having the opportunity to work with Coach Hale and Coach Davis taught me a lot about the game and what it takes to coach,” Wayman said. “Between me, my coordinators and JV head coach, we have over 100 years of coaching and playing experience. I’m bringing on a pretty experienced staff and I’m really excited about that.”
Wayman replaces Sal Reyes, who remains as the Weston Ranch JROTC instructor. The Cougars finished 1-8 in Reyes’ lone season and have had just one winning season in 17 years.
Wayman and Weston Ranch administration are optimistic moving forward. They anticipate the return of Aaron Vickers Jr., who was named Co-Utility Player of the Year in the Valley Oak League, and a revamped non-league schedule that includes a rekindled rivalry with nearby Lathrop. Lewis said Hiram Johnson and Mountain House have also been added, with Franklin remaining on slate.
“We understand the program is in a top spot and we’re looking to build on the foundation that Coach Reyes established this year,” Lewis said. “Having no personal fouls all year and getting guys on a small roster to compete, that’s what we’re looking for. We want to continue this culture at our school and football sets the tone.”