Former defensive coordinator takes over for Ballatore
The Windsor High School administration didn’t have to look far to fill their vacant head varsity football coaching position, tapping former defensive coordinator and longtime assistant coach Brad Stibi to lead the program.
Stibi succeeds Kevin Ballatore, who stepped down this spring after one season at the helm.
A former standout player in high school before going on to play at Sacramento State College, Stibi has been a fixture in the local football coaching ranks for nearly two decades.
After spending 10 years coaching at various levels in the Windsor Knights youth program, he spent several seasons with the WHS JV team before joining the varsity as an assistant, serving as the defensive coordinator under both Tom Kirkpatrick and Ballatore.
Football family
The Stibi name has been synonymous with Windsor football for more than a decade, with sons and WHS graduates Blake, Brady and Brett all coming through the ranks to star for the Jaguars.
Since taking the reins, coach Stibi’s first order of business was to convey a desire for continuity and commitment for a program that has had four head coaches in the past five seasons.
“I’d like to establish some stability in the program and create a good environment for the kids,” he said. “I want our players to work hard and have fun.”
The new head coach hit the ground running this summer, combining regular team weight training sessions with participation in the seven-on-seven league at Santa Rosa Junior College and the El Molino passing league.
Stibi has already assembled most of his coaching staff, naming veteran youth coach Rich Evans as his offensive coordinator.
“Rich and I coached together for years in youth football and he’ll establish his own style of offense,” Stibi noted, hinting that more emphasis may be placed on running the ball this season.
“I believe the most successful coaches adapt their style of play to the players they have, putting kids in a position to be successful.”
With league realignment taking effect this fall, Windsor has been placed in the competitive Oak Division, along with Cardinal Newman, Rancho Cotate, Maria Carrillo, Ukiah and Analy. The preseason will be equally tough, with the first three games coming against Casa Grande, Freedom and Del Oro.
“It’s going to be a challenge but I’m looking forward to it,” Stibi said.
