MitchMash: Remembering coaching legend George Cockerton

When I envision a high school football coach – strong, fierce and forceful – I see George Cockerton.

The intense, sometimes surly defensive coordinator and mastermind at Danville schools San Ramon Valley (Danville, Calif.) and Monte Vista (Danville, Calif.) for almost four decades died last week from complications to cancer. He was 83.

He was much more than a coach to many in the Tri-Valley and East Bay region of San Francisco. He was a father figure, a mentor and a strong, sturdy backbone to lean on. For 38 years as a devoted coach – he also led baseball teams – and educator, Cockerton was someone who young people sought for advice and guidance.

He touched and effected lives in a deep and memorable fashion. He taught young people to do things the right way, with passion, an eye for detail and a sense of purpose.



"Coach Cockerton was an incredible teacher," former student and player John Rhodes wrote. "He didn't just teach us how to be good football players. He taught us how to be good men."

Said Paul Gambs, a standout football and baseball player: "He was a key figure in all of our lives. He taught us to be tough and disciplined. He will be missed."

Said another former player Grant Steuenberg: "Coach Cockerton was an inspiration as an educator, coach and mentor. He helped shape the person I am today. I was proud to have known him."

He was also one of the finest coaches to ever command the sideline of a North Coast Section football field.

He coached legendary De La Salle (Concord) coach Bob Ladouceur at San Ramon Valley in the 70s, then moved over to archrival Monte Vista in the 80s, teaming with an up-and-coming spitfire of a coach named Rob Stockberger.

The duo were at the opposite ends of the age and experience spectrum – Stockberger was just starting out, a contemporary and friends with Ladouceur, in his early 20s. Cockerton was marching down the end of his career, the epitome of grizzled veteran.



But the two meshed beautifully, connecting on the disciplined train. Stockberger was an offensive wiz and Cockerton the defensive mastermind. Both were fearless, intense and competitive to the bone – matching the makeup of a successful and highly-driven community.

In Stockberger's first three years as a head coach, the Mustangs won North Coast Section 3A (then the largest division) titles. It was a remarkable feat at the time, and resonates even more greatly now in an era when private schools largely dominate.

Stockberger, who left the coaching ranks after only a decade to focus on an administrative career, constantly passed on his success to Cockerton, and Richard Jones, another longtime and more experienced coach.

But Cockerton was equally gracious and gladly accepted his role as "assistant" up until he retired in the middle 90s under head coach Rich Cotruvo, who told Marty James of the Napa Valley Register: "He was pretty straightforward, a great role model for all of us. I wouldn't be where I am now or have any success I have achieved without George's help, no question. ... Over the years, we became very close. He was always there for me. He will be sorely missed."

Cockerton didn't need the title of head coach and thrived rolling in the trenches with the linemen and gritty defensive sorts.

"Passionate," is how his oldest son Matt described his father. He played and coached with his dad, and eventually entered the education field as well. Matt has been the Principal at Kelseyville (Calif.) for more than two decades.



Cockerton was more than a little passionate at halftime of the famed 1987 NCS 3A title game, pitting Monte Vista and De La Salle. The two premier programs of that decade had met in the 2006 NCS title game, a 24-7 De La Salle victory, but thanks in part to Cockerton's impassioned halftime talk (see actual clip below), the Mustangs pulled out a 14-13 win at the Oakland Coliseum. It's still remembered as one of the greatest games in Northern California history.

Cockerton's halftime speech has become equally legendary in the region. 

"My dad told the story of how a De La Salle parent told someone on staff that the game wouldn't even be close - that De La Salle would win by 40 points," Matt said. "He re-told the story with a little vigor. But that was my dad in a nutshell."

Born in Oakland and a lifetime resident of Walnut Creek, Cockerton graduated from Acalanes (Lafayette) and lettered in football and baseball at Cal Poly SLO. He enlisted in the U.S. Arm during the Korean Conflict before embarking on his nearly four decades in the SRVSD.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years Barbara, children Matt, Michael, Margaret and Richard, along with six grandchildren: Cori, Ryan, Adam, Angela, Melissa and Kate.

Ryan played offensive line at Kelseyville and DVC and will play next season at Southeastern Louisiana. Ryan's grandpa was a huge part of his life and football.



"They were very close," Matt said. "When my dad got sick, he watched a lot of film on Hudl and would critique Ryan. He coached him right to the end."

All are invited to join in a celebration of life to be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Saint Stephens Catholic Church, 525 Madonna Lane in Walnut Creek. A private interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, his family and friends are asked to consider a donation to a local hospice or high school athletic program. See obituary.



Monte Vista defensive coordinator George Cockerton talks about upcoming championship game against De La Salle in 1987. Enjoy all the grainy video and super 80s music.





Game action of 1987 title game against De La Salle at the Oakland Coliseum with George Cockerton's famous halftime speech.



Final moments and Monte Vista celebration after 14-13 win over De La Salle in 1987.