DESERT VIEW FOOTBALL TUCSON,AZ

the nomination letter

​Desert View High School is a public high school in southern Tucson, Arizona. It opened in 1985 as part of the Sunnyside Unified School District and has grades 9-12. The school is ranked 125th among Arizona high schools. Desert View High School is of low socio-economic status, with 90% of students at the poverty level. 

Although the school is highlighted first in the district, it is often treated differently. Different from its sister school, Desert View lacks the traditional winning aspect. In the 1980s and 1990s, Desert View High School sports were successful, with several state championships. Unfortunately, the wins decline, especially in football.

In 2011, Desert View High School decided it was done with the losing record and hired Robert Bonillas, a former University of Arizona linebacker under Coach Dick Tomey. Robert had spent eight years at the sister high school in the district as an assistant coach. After gaining experience and learning about the community, he took on the challenge to ascend Desert View High School Football to where it was before.

When Coach Bonillas took over the program, it was unsuccessful. The team was skeletal, and so were various areas that needed improvement. These areas included the weight room, updated equipment, uniforms, and improved wins and losses. During the first years as head coach, Desert View struggled. The football team numbers were low in membership, and the athletes were learning to become student-athletes. There was a lot more than just learning football fundamentals.

Coach Bonillas and his staff had to come together to develop a plan for the student-athletes. There was enormous work to complete, and it had to happen quickly. Fortunately, the ability to upgrade the weight room came with a district bond. The team also began to come together. After two seasons of 2-8 & 0-10, the team improved and doubled their wins. Two years later, the team won enough games to get into the first round of the Arizona Interscholastic Athletics Playoffs. A quick turnaround was created through hard work and dedication. 

Desert View Football has continued to be successful. What was once the easiest team to beat on a Friday night is now recognized as a strong playoff contender. Although several goals have been met, one still needs to. The team is in desperate need of uniforms. With the lack of funding for public funding for schools and override/bond money running out, the team needs a new set of uniforms. The last time that uniforms were purchased was before the pandemic in 2016. We received one new jersey and new pants. We ask that you consider our program and select Desert View Football as one of your recipients.