Richmond High School Basketball 1999 Where Are They Now
The year 1999 was a monumental year for the Richmond High School basketball team. The team, also known as the Richmond Oilers, won the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) state championship, becoming the first public school in 15 years to win the title. The team's journey to the championship was chronicled in the 2005 movie "Coach Carter", which was based on the life of their coach, Ken Carter. But what happened to the players after their historic win? Where are they now?
Jason Rodriguez
Jason Rodriguez was the captain of the Richmond Oilers during the 1999 season. He was also one of the team's top scorers and was named to the All-State team. After graduating from high school, Rodriguez attended the University of San Francisco, where he played basketball for two seasons. In 2003, he transferred to Sonoma State University, where he finished his college basketball career. Rodriguez now works as a regional sales manager for a software company.
Kenyon Weaks
Kenyon Weaks was another key player for the Richmond Oilers during the 1999 season. He was known for his ability to play multiple positions on the court and was named the MVP of the state championship game. After high school, Weaks attended the University of New Mexico, where he played basketball for four years. He went on to play professional basketball overseas for several years before retiring. Today, Weaks is a motivational speaker and works with youth basketball organizations.
Timo Cruz
Timo Cruz was a bench player for the Richmond Oilers during the 1999 season, but he became a fan favorite after delivering a pivotal pep talk in the state championship game. After high school, Cruz attended Cal State Fullerton, where he played basketball for four years. He went on to play professionally overseas for several years before retiring. Today, Cruz is a youth basketball coach and motivational speaker.
Other Players
Other players on the Richmond Oilers team included Damien Carter, who went on to play college basketball at Saint Mary's College of California, and Kenyon Jones, who played college basketball at San Francisco State University. Other players went on to pursue different careers outside of basketball, including teaching and law enforcement.
Coach Ken Carter
Ken Carter, the coach of the Richmond Oilers during the 1999 season, became famous after his decision to bench the entire team due to poor academic performance. His strict coaching style was controversial, but it ultimately led the team to success on and off the court. After the 1999 season, Carter continued to coach at Richmond High School for several years before retiring. Today, he is a motivational speaker and runs the Coach Carter Impact Academy, a non-profit organization that helps underprivileged youth.
Conclusion
The Richmond High School basketball team of 1999 will always be remembered for their historic win and for the impact they had on their community. The players and their coach have gone on to have successful careers, both in and out of basketball, and continue to inspire others through their work. Their legacy lives on, not just in the movie "Coach Carter", but in the hearts of basketball fans and those who value hard work and determination.