My condolences to Cy's family. I had the privilege of meeting Cy in 2008 when he came to Wheatland High School to interview with our then Superintendent/Principal for a position as a teacher. The boss called me on my extension and told me he was sending a young man, (Cy) over to my Athletics Directors office and that he wanted me to have a “conversation” with him about teaching history and possibly coaching wrestling.

I was most impressed with his passion for history, and as our “conversation” ended, I told him good luck and told him that I hope I would get a chance to work with him. I then walked over to the boss’s office, stuck my head in the door way and said two words. “Hire him.”

Cy was a good teacher, a good activities director, and one of my best coaches on the Athletic Department staff.  He sent a quite a few wrestlers to the State championships, and served as the director of the annual Chris Savedra Memorial Wrestling Tournament. (One of the best tournaments in NorCal during his tenure as our coach.) He also excelled at directing student activities on campus as the school’s activities director for many years.

I enjoyed working with him, supporting his wrestling program, his student activities on campus, and sharing history teaching strategies as fellow members of the social studies department.

Cy was a good man, good colleague, and he was devoted to his students, the school, and the community. You will be sorely missed Coach!  

I feel truly fortunate to have known Cy, even for the short time our paths crossed. I got to see a person whose heart, humor, and thoughtfulness were remarkable. What I will always remember most are the moments we spent together listening to music, talking about art, and sharing our love for hip-hop—discussing what it meant, what it defined, and how it reflected life and culture. Those conversations revealed the depth of his mind, his passion, and his ability to connect over creativity and ideas in a way that was both inspiring and genuine.

Cy had a unique way of making people feel heard and valued. Even in a short time, his laughter, his insight, and his appreciation for the things he loved left a lasting impression on me. His dedication as an educator, and the care he gave to his students and colleagues, reflected a deep commitment to others, and it was clear that he wanted to share knowledge, art, and inspiration with the world around him.

Beyond the music and conversations, what stood out most was his warmth and authenticity. He had a way of making even ordinary moments feel memorable, whether it was sharing a laugh, debating a lyric, or simply enjoying the energy of a song together. That joy, his curiosity, and his genuine spirit made the time I spent with him truly special, and it’s something I will carry with me always.

Life may have brought him struggles, and though he faced them in his own way, it was clear that beneath it all, he cared deeply for others and wanted to make a positive impact. 

To his family, I offer my heartfelt condolences. I hope you find comfort in knowing how loved he was, and in the countless lives he touched through his unwavering kindness, creativity, and dedication. 

Rest in peace, Cy. The music, art, laughter, and light you shared will remain with those who knew you, and your memory will continue to inspire and uplift us all.

Though our time together was brief, I will forever treasure those conversations, the songs we shared, and the glimpses of your spirit I was able to see. You left a mark that will not be forgotten.