After 35 years of coaching high school boys basketball in San Diego, veteran coach Dennis Kane has announced his decision to step down from his position at Mission Bay. Kane, known for his intensity and passion on the court, expressed his gratitude for the highs and lows that coaching high school sports brought him throughout his career. Marshawn Cherry, a long-time assistant coach, will be succeeding Kane in his role.
During his tenure, Kane played a pivotal role in turning around various programs, including San Diego High and Mission Bay. At San Diego High, where the team had only won three games in five years, Kane led them to the San Diego Section championship game within two years. His teams boasted an impressive .830 winning percentage from 1998 to 2003.
After San Diego High underwent restructuring, Kane moved to Mission Bay and took the team from a 2-17 record in his first year to winning their lone section title, the Division III championship, in 2007. He led the team to the finals five more times and made four appearances in the state playoffs. Kane’s coaching career culminated in 440 victories, placing him sixth overall in section history.
Reflecting on his career, Kane acknowledged the range of experiences he encountered, from players achieving state and NCAA championships to others tragically ending up in prison for murder. He emphasized the unique demands placed on coaches in city schools, requiring them to fulfill roles beyond coaching, such as mentoring, acting as a father figure, providing financial support, driving, and even being a friend.
In addition to Dennis Kane, another veteran coach, Ian Cumming, will be transitioning to a new role with the San Diego City College cross country program. Cumming, who began his coaching career in 1976, garnered significant success during his tenure, winning 54 boys and girls track or cross country titles. Despite San Diego City College no longer having a track team, Cumming remains committed to continuing his coaching legacy by having his cross country runners compete in the sport.
These departures mark the end of an era for both Dennis Kane and Ian Cumming. Their contributions to high school sports in San Diego have left a lasting impact on the athletes they coached and the communities they served. As the torch is passed to the next generation of coaches, both Kane and Cumming leave behind a legacy of dedication, mentorship, and a commitment to the development of young athletes.
