Brian Sipe came on board as head coach and quickly turned Santa Fe Christian School into a high school football power.
In eight seasons as head coach, Sipe won 78 percent of his games and four CIF San Diego Section Division IV titles, reaching the section final five times.
"But this was never Brian Sipe's program," the former All-American at San Diego State and 1980 NFL MVP said on Tuesday, the day he was named quarterbacks coach on Brady Hoke's staff at San Diego State.
"I had never coached before taking the job at Santa Fe Christian. Nick Ruscetta was the man who not only taught me the wing-T, but taught me how to be a head coach."
Moving quickly, Santa Fe Christian named Ruscetta to succeed Sipe as head coach.
Ruscetta previously served as head coach at Escondido High from 1995-98, compiling a 16-26 record.
His 1995 team went 9-4 and advanced to the CIF San Diego Section Division II championship game, losing a controversial 13-12 game to Monte Vista.
Weeks after that game, the San Diego County Officials Association issued an apology to Escondido for 11 blown calls.
"I had to talk him into coming over and interviewing with me," Sipe said. "He had 15 years invested in his pension. He reluctantly took the bait and came over."
Ruscetta was the offensive coordinator his first two years at SFC, helping install the wing-T. He has worked with the offensive line the last six seasons.
"The first couple of years, things were kind of topsy, turvey," Ruscetta said. "Brian had never coached before, but he was so open to my input that he made things easy.
"As a kid, the coaches at Escondido High -- Chick Embrey, Don Portis and the like -- were my heroes.
"I learned from them. I view the head coach as a service role, not a glory role.
"I know what it takes to be a head coach, and I'm excited about this opportunity. The kids and families here are great.
"Brian did a great job, and I have some big shoes to fill.
"I believe this is where God wants me to be."
Sipe said the fact Ruscetta was replacing him made it easier to leave Santa Fe Christian to tackle the college ranks.
"Hiring Nick was the perfect move," Sipe said. "My first year, my most-asked question was 'What do I do now, Nick?'
"He'll take the ball and run with it. His being named head coach was the perfect way for me to leave.
"My stay at Santa Fe Christian was a Cinderella story. The school was hungry and ready for a winner.
"The school is like being home with family and friends.
"But there are some good things going on at San Diego State. This profession is for workaholics. I know I'll spend a lot of hours recruiting, but I'm looking forward to it.
"After being a high school coach, I have so much respect for the guys that do this job.
"When Brady first approached me about the job, I was on vacation in Montana. So all that was on my mind was the job (he was offering)."
Ruscetta also has the endorsement of his old colleagues at Escondido.
"Nick is such a good person," said Escondido athletic director Steve Bridges. "He deserves this job.
"And I guarantee he'll do a good job."
Santa Fe Christian athletic director Ross Boucher said when Sipe told him he was accepting the position at San Diego State, the desire was to move quickly to name a replacement.
"Brian, Nick and l all came into the school together eight years ago. So there is a bond," Boucher said. "Nick is an on-campus teacher. He's close to the players and the parents. He has been a head coach before.
"We have a solid program. We have a good thing going here.
"We're all excited for Brian because he's so passionate about San Diego State.
"Still, his leaving is a shock.
"Naming Nick the head coach as quickly as we did, is a positive, though."
