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Weston Ranchs King crowned AD of the Year by CSADA
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Weston Ranch athletic director Pat King holds up his award presented by the California State Athletic Directors Association. - photo by Photo by SETH DAVIS

Weston Ranch High’s Pat King was recognized with the Sac-Joaquin Section Athletic Director of the Year award during the 44th Annual California State Athletic Directors Association State Conference in San Diego on April 21.

He was one of three from the from the SJS — Tyson Escobar of Ponderosa and Mark Wudel of Will C. Wood being the others — to earn the honor, and only 14 A.D.s statewide were presented with the a section award. Tom Hoppe of St. Helena High (North Coast Section) and Steve Martin of Ayala High (Southern Section) were named the overall State Athletic Directors of the Year.

“Throughout the night I’m watching all of these A.D.s get awards who are 20-30 years into the job, and I’m sitting there thinking that I’ve only done it for six,” King said. “It’s very humbling to know that people see what you’re doing and that somehow you made a difference. As A.D.s we always strive to do the right thing.”

King isn’t sure how he was even nominated for the award but suspects longtime Sonora High athletic director Rick Francis may have something to do with hit. Francis, whom King considers a mentor, called him in advance to let him now that he is receiving the award.

“He’s a good friend of mine and has always been the guy I can call if I have any questions or need advice,” King said.

Ripon High A.D. Chris Johnson earned the same award during the 2009-10 school term. Both he and King are Ripon graduates.

King began teaching at Oakland Unified’s Calvin Simmons Middle School 13 years ago. He then taught physical education at Golden West School in Manteca and served as varsity wrestling coach for Manteca High before transferring to Weston Ranch when the school opened in 2003-04.

While appreciative of the recognition from the CSADA, King said the true reward comes from the relationships he builds with the student-athletes on campus.

“Just by spending time with them and getting to know them I get to see the growth in the kids,” King said. “To watch them improve year to year — not just as athletes, but as young adults — is very rewarding.”