Ben Noonan- Sierra College Head Coach Paying Tribute to Mike Leach

Ben Noonan was named Head Football Coach of Sierra College prior to the 2013 season, and has provided tremendous leadership and numerous signature wins since taking the helm of the Wolverine Football program. 2022 provided no shortage of such moments, with the Wolverines tallying wins over highly touted City College of San Francisco and Fresno City College while ascending to a ranking as high as #5 in the state. The season culminated with Sierra's fourth consecutive postseason appearance and sixth in Noonan's tenure. 2022 also saw the emergance of star dual-threat quarterback Michael Wortham, who under Noonan's tutelage led all of Northern California in Total Offense with over 275 yards per game on his way to being named NorCal Conference Offensive Player of the Year, winning All-America honors, and signing a Division 1 scholarship to Eastern Washington University. Noonan's Wolverines have won 3 bowl games in his tenure. The 2019 season saw Sierra College grind out a 21-14 victory over host and defending state champion Laney College in the Nor Cal Grizzly Bowl. That Bowl victory was the second consecutive Grizzly Bowl championship for Sierra, the first coming a year earlier with a 24-10 win over Sacramento City College. In 2015, Sierra stunned host Fresno City College in the State Center bowl by nailing a long field goal as time expired to win 31-28. As passionate and competitive about football as he is, Coach Noonan preaches to his team to "never let football define who you are" and provides numerous opportunities for their personal growth. He has worked closely with the counseling department, student services, and tutoring help to increase student-athlete GPA and the team transfer rate each year. Under Noonan's guidance the program has also made an impact on campus and around the community. Leading up to the Christmas holiday, Wolverine football began a partnership with Sacramento-based Voices of the Youth Organization to help provide over 3000 toys for children of families in need. Around campus, the Wolverines are annually an ally of the Rise Up! movement to end violence against women. The Noonan era has seen no shortage of standout players in who have been recognized for their efforts. In his tenure, 10 Wolverines have been named All-Americans, most notably conference Offensive Player of the Year Michael Wortham (2022), Defensive Player of the Year Zack Starnes (2013), future 1st Round draft pick and San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk (2017), and future Atlanta Falcons WR Devin Gray (2015). In addition, 20 players have been recognized as All-State performers and 64 won All-Conference honors.