MCHS Boys Basketball welcomes head coach

Mariposa County High School alum Bill Flarida will join the Grizzlies on the court this winter as he has been named head coach of the MCHS boys basketball program.

Shane Marlin will be assisting Flarida with the program.

Flarida grew up in Mariposa and graduated from MCHS in 1982.

“High school was awesome for me,” Flarida said.

“I played football, basketball and baseball. We had great teams back then and I graduated with Bruce Vegely, we’ve been best friends for life. I had such a great time in high school.”

Flarida brings an abundance of experience to the Grizzlies.

“I played college basketball for four years, two at Modesto JC and two at a small private college in Belmont,” Flarida said.

“After that I coached in the Bay Area and was successful. I went and played and coached overseas in Norway. I took a break but knew I always wanted to get back into coaching.”

Flarida returned to coaching at Stanislaus State before returning to Mariposa about six year ago.

The basketball program at MCHS has seen a number of coaches over the past few years as the program has seen some ups and downs.

“I bring a bit of the future and the past all at the same time. When I played there was a pride in playing sports in Mariposa and the dedication and commitment you made was top shelf,” he explained.

“I’m going to work to bring that stuff back. Pride, enthusiasm and the work ethic it takes to be successful. I plan to bring my knowledge of the game.”

Flarida feels that coaching is not just a job.

“It’s not for the money, that’s for sure,” he laughed.

“I had good coaches and it changes your life playing sports. The opportunities I received from playing sports have been life changing,” said Flarida.

“I’ve been through cancer and I wouldn’t mind giving back. Me and Bruce grew up thinking we would come back and coach, and he did. It didn’t happen for me but I’ve always thought about coaching in Mariposa. The rewards you get in developing kids and giving them the skill set to go play at the next level, there’s a reward in that and I’m happy to be back.”

Flarida has already hit the ground running with his AAU travel team, the Mean Green, which has several MCHS players participating during the summer.

“It’s been a really great experience getting to the know the kids and watching them progress,” said Flarida.

“Jason Dubberke and Pioneer Market have really stepped up and helped with sponsorship and uniforms.”

The team has been competing with several teams the Grizzlies squad will see during the regular season.

“We’ve been able to put in some offenses and defenses and let them know my concepts/ philosophies,” continued Flarida.

“This has really allowed me to see their talent and their skill levels. It’s a really good group of kids. I’ve got some great players.”

As the summer dead period ( July 1-15) approaches for sports, the group will pick it back up again on Aug. 1 with a fundraiser at Van Ness Ranch.

Tickets are $60 each and a table of 10 ($600) can be purchased as well as a half table of five ($350).

“The players will be there serving dinner in their new uniforms,” Flarida said.

“This fundraiser should cover at least three years of summer AAU basketball for the Mariposa kids.”

When playing for the Mean Green, the players are only responsible for the $22 AAU membership.

“That’s all I’ve been requiring for the players,” he said.

“I don’t believe the kids should have to pay to play, everyone should be able to play.”

For more information about the Mean Green AAU travel team, fundraiser tickets and sponsorship opportunities, contact Flarida at (209) 347-5523.

“Mariposa is a great place to raise kids. It’s a great community with sports and lots of activities,” Flarida said.

“So far this has been very enjoyable and I’m looking forward to the season.”