Hughson High football assistant coach dies. Fundraiser to help with memorial costs

A member of the Hughson High School football community has died, the team announced over the weekend.

Shane Hughes, a coach and mentor for many local athletes for more than 20 years, was a member of the Huskies’ defensive coaching staff.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of our own, Coach Shane Hughes,” says a post on the Facebook page of Hughson High School Football. “Shane brought many areas of expertise to our program. We will miss his smile, calm demeanor, and uplifting spirit towards the coaches and players. We know he’s holding his planks in heaven, encouraging the boys to continue to create ‘mental callouses!’ May he rest in peace.”

A GoFundMe fundraiser was set up to raise money for Hughes’ memorial service, as well as his children, who are still young.

A Celebration of Life service will be July 1 at 11 a.m. at the Community Bible Church, 14143 Yosemite Blvd. in Waterford.

According to the fundraiser page, Hughes was a “loving father to six, grandpa to one, awesome coach, talented musician, loved to work out, jujitsu/martial arts and served countless hours volunteering at church.”

He also served in the Navy for eight years on the USS Reeves in Hawaii and the USS Coronado in San Diego. Later, he was at the Concord Naval Weapons Station in Contra Costa County.

As the Hughson defensive backs coach, his impact was evident during the 2022 season. The Huskies came away with 20 interceptions, led by David Delgado (6) and Larkin Meyer (5), who also finished among the best in the section.

The Huskies finished the 2022 season 13-2 and won a Division 5-AA State Championship.

“Coach Hughes was our good luck charm,” Hughson coach Shaun King said in a text message to The Bee. “After we hired him, he told me, ‘We are going to win state this year!’ He was definitely a man of his word.”

As of Tuesday morning, $1,560 had been raised toward the $35,000 goal.

“Please keep the family and close friends in your prayers as we all process this sudden passing. Shane — you will be tremendously missed by so many!” the page reads.