Rick Perez, who guided Reading High to three PIAA Class 6A boys basketball championships, including one in 2022-23, has resigned as coach of the Red Knights.
Perez sent an email to the Reading High Squires Club, a public charity that supports Reading High basketball, announcing his resignation, effective Oct. 27.
The Squires Club later posted the message on its Facebook page.
Perez also posted a video on his Instagram account: the_real_coach_p.
Perez, who also won six Berks Conference titles and five District 3 championships in his 12 seasons, did not return a message seeking comment.
“Whooda Squires, I hope this message finds you all well,” Perez wrote in his letter. “I want to let you know that I have officially submitted my letter of resignation as RHS Boys Basketball Coach effective 10/27/23.
“I want to thank you all for your continuous support. Every moment with you all has been a blessing. Your love, support and passion have been a driving force to motivate us to want to be better…”
In his letter, Perez did not provide a reason for his departure, but thanked Dr. James Goodhart, the former Reading School District superintendent and a man Perez considers a mentor, and the Goodhart family, as well as the other members of the Squires Club, for their unconditional support.
“There are so many of you to thank, but this email would never end,” Perez said. “But I must take this time to thank The Goodhart family. Dr. G and Mrs. G brought this entire effort to fruition, they showed us the way. Not only did they get the Squires initiative off the ground, they helped to get me off the ground …”
Perez compiled a 281-74 record. He set the school record for wins, passing Jim Gano, with his 252nd in a 68-65 victory over Cardinal O’Hara in December.
His final game as coach ended up being the 63-56 overtime victory over Roman Catholic in the state final on March 25 at Hershey’s Giant Center. That capped a 32-1 season that also included county and district titles. The Red Knights have made six straight appearances in a district final.
Perez was named PIAA Class 6A Coach of the Year for the third by the Pennsylvania Sports Writers following last season. He also earned the award in 2017 and 2021, the other years Reading High won state titles.
The 2017 title was the school’s first. That came with Lonnie Walker IV, now a guard with Brooklyn Nets, leading the way.
Prior to closing out the letter, Perez alluded to his replacement being assistant coach Francis Camara, who was with the team during last year’s state championship run.
“Lastly, I want to encourage you all to get behind and fully support the upcoming coaching staff,” Perez said. “Coach Francis Camara will be an outstanding coach.”
In a video posted on Instagram, Perez gave words of appreciation and praise for his time with the Reading High boys basketball program and the personal growth he experienced while coaching.
“Thank you Reading High basketball, thank you for the best 21 years of my life,” Perez said in the video. “Thank you for loving me unconditionally, supporting me and always having my back. For as long as I was on your sideline, I always felt protected. You forced me to grow, but also gave me the grace to do so. You showed me that the only way to be successful was to become a better person. You showed me the true definition of loyalty, family and commitment through many different experiences.”
Perez also spoke about the dedication and pride he had for his work with the team.
“It was many late nights on the Geigle floor by myself that the noises in the gym and the vents would talk to me,” Perez said. “If you ever sit quietly in the Geigle, just listen. It’ll speak to you.
“Some of the most valuable lessons I have ever learned have come in that gym. Many tears have been shed over wanting to serve you in the highest form. I will always love and appreciate you. I believe Reading High basketball was God’s method to save my life. Therefore, I wanted to utilize it for the young men that we coached in the same way that it worked for me to change my life.”
Titles and awards aside, making a positive impact on countless lives seems to have been the greatest accomplishment in Perez’s mind.
“Serving others has brought me the ultimate happiness,” he said. “… my heart will forever be full with the many smiles and tears that we have all shared together.”
Perez said it was as much about the love received as it was the love given.
“I was so blessed to share the many hugs because I needed every single one of them,” Perez said. “They helped pick me up.”
Source: Berkshire mont
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