Football

Coaching & Professional Honors

• 2014 NISOD Award for Excellence, SRJC                               
• 2013 California Community College Physical Educator of the Year, SRJC 
• 1999 Bay Valley Head Football Coach of the Year, Mendocino College
• 1991 Hall of Fame Coach, Sonoma State University
• 1989-1990 Athletic Circle of Honor, Sonoma State University

Lenny Wagner enters his 5th season as Head Football Coach of SRJC’s football team, and 16th season overall at Santa Rosa Junior College. Since arriving at Santa Rosa Junior College, Coach Wagner has played an instrumental role in the success and transfer of over 200 student athletes to some of the biggest four year colleges in the country. Coach Wagner has coached at SRJC, the Bear Cubs have been to 15 bowl games, produced over 100 All-Conference players, 3 California state players of the year, 3 Conference titles, and have sent over 20 players to professional leagues such as the NFL, CFL and AFL. Active players in professional leagues include 2014 first round draft pick CB Jason Verrett (TCU, SD Chargers), 2010 second round draft pick LB Koa Misi (Utah, Miami Dolphins), free agent TE Cooper Helfet (Duke, Oakland Raiders. 

In addition to being a full time faculty member and head football coach at SRJC, Coach Wagner has been serving the college as the Department Chair of Kinesiology, Athletics and Dance for 14 years. Prior to SRJC, Coach Wagner was the Head Football Coach and Head Track and Field Coach at Mendocino College, where he led the Eagles to the best season in school history and was voted Bay Valley Coach of the Year. Coach Wagner was an assistant coach at Sonoma State University from 1991-1995 and in 1996 became the Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Sonoma State. During his tenure at Sonoma State, Coach Wagner played a key role in the college’s only conference championship, as well as back to back national leading defensive units that ultimately led to his induction as a coach to the Sonoma State University Athletic Hall of Fame.

Coach Wagner played at Fullerton Junior College in southern California for legendary Coach Hal Sherbeck, and in 1988 participated in the National Championship Potato Bowl vs. Bakersfield College. After junior college Coach Wagner transferred to Sonoma State University where he had the opportunity to play and coach with Gary Patterson, TCU Head Football Coach, Tim Walsh, Cal Poly SLO Head Football Coach and Dan Hawkins UC Davis Head Football Coach. As a player at Sonoma State, Coach Wagner was two time Team MVP, and two time All-Conference at inside linebacker. In 2002 he was inducted into the Sonoma State University Hall of Fame for his services during the 1989 and 1990 seasons, and was later also inducted as a coach for the 1991 Cossacks.

Coach Wagner graduated from Sonoma State University with a Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology, with an emphasis in exercise science. He also received his Masters Degree from Sonoma State University in Kinesiology, with an emphasis in administration and organization development.

Coach Wagner’s staff includes former SSU teammates Myron Williams (DB’s), Todd Little (OL), Jerald Demery (WR), and former SRJC players Chauncey Ako (LB’s), Nick Sciacqua (OL), Logo Tevaseu (DL) Martin Tevaseu (DL), Nick Hill (DB’s), Vic Amick (LB’s), Justin Tauaefa (DB’s), and Lars Linquist (OL)

Lenny, his wife Catrina of 18 years and their son Nate reside in Santa Rosa, California. They enjoy spending time outdoors, bike riding & golfing.