Randy Cerny announced his plans to step down as head coach of Ceres High's varsity girls golf program prior to the start of the 2016 season.
The Bulldogs competed for the final time under Cerny's guidance at the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-IV Tournament on Oct. 24 at Rancho Del Rey Golf Course in Atwater.
Ceres High posted a team score of 658 on its way to a sixth-place finish.
"I'd be lying if I told you I didn't have a tear running down my cheek," said Cerny, seventh-year leader of Ceres High. "It's been rewarding in so many ways. I hope they get a good coach."
The Bulldogs established a tradition of excellence with Cerny leading the way.
Ceres High accumulated 63 wins and just 19 losses in Western Athletic Conference play from 2010-16.
The Bulldogs participated in the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs seven years in a row.
"I take a lot of pride in what the girls do," Cerny said. "I graduated from Ceres High in 1973. I live here in this community."
The Bulldogs accomplished their main goal this fall by securing another postseason appearance.
Ceres High finished second overall in the Western Athletic Conference's final standings.
The Bulldogs won eight of 10 matches during the conference's dual season.
Ceres High placed third at the WAC year-end and mid-season tournaments.
Four-year players Hannah Smith and Monika Ramirez led the way.
"They came in as freshmen and I wanted to be with them when they finished their golf careers," Cerny said while talking about why he decided to coach the Bulldogs in 2016.
The Bulldogs made history in 2014 by capturing their first-ever conference title. Ceres High won all 12 of its WAC dual matches. The Bulldogs placed first at the conference's mid-season and year-end events. Ceres High posted a team score of 513 on its way to a program-best runner-up finish at the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-IV Tournament. The Bulldogs finished 14th overall (534) while competing at Masters for the first time. Ceres High took third at the prestigious Merced Tournament. Cerny was voted WAC Coach of the Year. The Bulldogs' roster consisted of Smith, Ramirez, Caitlin Pfaff, Erica Hogner, Abigail Nou, Brittany Turnbow and Savannah Beltran.
"It was a magical year," Cerny said. "I was happy to be a long for the ride."
Ceres High placed third in the WAC standings and advanced to the postseason for the first time in 2010.
Three-year standout Arleen Xayasone led the way.
Robin White, Brittany Valadez and Kelli Ahart also contributed.
Ceres High's girls golf program accomplished very little prior to Cerny's arrival.
The Bulldogs dropped 13 of 14 matches in the Valley Oak League in 2009.
Ceres High didn't field golf teams in 2008 and 2007 due to a lack of interest.
"At the time, they really needed somebody," Cerny said. "Going into it, I had no clue what to expect. I've been really blessed to have some really good golfers. I tried to keep the girls motivated and sound academically."
