Head Coach - John Fusano
E-mail: jfusano@sierracollege.edu
Coach Fusano is entering his fifth year as head coach at Sierra College. The Wolverines completed the 2005, 2006 season ranked 9th in Northern California, finishing with 21 wins. With five players & two red shirts returning from last years team Coach Fusano could not be more excited to begin the season.
“I am proud of the fact that while my program is completely dedicated to the game of basketball, I have not, nor will I ever, lose sight of the fact that the reason we are here is to grow as people and obtain an education to further our academic careers. It is my passion to help guide young people toward improving their lives through education, using basketball as a motivational tool. I want to develop the person, the student, and lastly, the player. With the support the faculty, staff, and administration offer here, I truly believe SIERRA COLLEGE is a GREAT situation for those student-athletes who are a fit for our program.”
Coach Fusano has won at least one league championship at his first three institutions and finished second “by an eyelash” in his last season at Monterey Peninsula College. Fusano began his coaching career at his alma mater, Ponderosa HS. At Ponderosa John was head freshmen coach and varsity assistant under head coach Terry Battenburg. “Playing under Coach Battenburg was an incredible experience, but coaching under him was even better”.
During John’s stint, the Bruins won two League Championships. After serving four years under Terry, Fusano moved on to Delta College to assist Brian Katz. “The amount I learned from Coach Katz is immeasurable. I will always be indebted to him for teaching me how to run a college program.” During John’s time at Delta, the Mustangs won a League Championship.
After John’s four year stint at Delta he moved over to the University of the Pacific to work under head coach Bob Thomason. “Working for Bob was an absolute amazing experience. Everyday I learned something new.” In John’s year at UOP the Tigers won the Big West League Championship, reeling off 16 wins in row. Also, Coach Fusano was fortunate enough to help coach the NBA’s 1998 #1 draft pick, Michael Olowokandi. Fusano then received his first head coaching job at Monterey Peninsula College. Fusano compiled a 16-8 league record his last two league seasons at MPC, losing the 2002 championship game at the buzzer. “Although I learned an immeasurable amount in my nine years as an assistant, there is no substitute for being the head coach. I would not trade my experience in Monterey for anything.” From here John moved back home to the Sierra foothills into his current position as head coach of Sierra College.