ATHERTON, CA

It is with heavy hearts that Menlo Athletics shares the news that Raymond "Ray" Solari passed away last week, at the age of 95. 

Coach Ray was a two-time letter winner at the University of California at Berkeley, where he played in three Rose Bowls. He was subsequently drafted by the Cleveland Browns, and later traded to the San Francisco 49ers. Following his playing career, he served as Head Coach of Menlo College's Football program for 22 years, from 1972 to 1994. 

Menlo Vice President for Athletics Keith Spataro said, "It was an honor to have known Coach Ray, and to learn of his many contributions through the years to Menlo College. From the first time we met in the early 2000s, I realized what a cornerstone he was to the foundation of our athletics program. To that end, and through a generous donation by Mr. Robert Mack '74, we were able to name our athletics conference room in Coach Solari's honor, with the commitment to forever memorialize his Menlo College legacy."

Coach Ray's knowledge of football, his sense of humor, and his creative ways of keeping athletes motivated earned him respect from hundreds in his time at Menlo. In many ways, Ray was a trailblazer for Menlo Athletics. His leadership was particularly valuable at the critical juncture when Menlo made the transition to a four-year program and membership in the NCAA Division III. He led the Oaks to a record 110 wins, becoming one of the winningest coaches in Menlo Athletics history. In 1985, he led the Oaks to a Coast Conference Championship after achieving an undefeated season. In recognition of his success, he was named the Northern California Coach of the Year. 

Before joining Menlo, Ray served as the Head Coach at South Pasadena High School, and in 1999, the school designated him as their Coach of the Century. They also named their football stadium after him.   

Former player Tony Borba said, "Coach Solari was a father figure to those of us who played for him. As a coach and teacher, he had a significant sphere of influence, and a profound impact on his players' lives. Not only was he a great coach, but he was also humble, had a great sense of humor, and was an excellent storyteller. He would make everyone on the team feel relaxed and respected. He had a collection of roadmaps for success in life, and many of us can remember them, even after all these years. One that comes to mind is, 'Take care of the little things, and the big things will take care of themselves.'"

Another former player, Wally Funk, said, "I am so proud to be a part of 'Ray's Boys.' Like so many others, if it wasn't for him taking a chance on a kid, it is highly possible that I would not have earned a college degree. We live our lives by the lessons which Coach taught us, and it is a good life. I can only hope that I have the impact on the young men I coach that Coach Solari had on me."

Finally, Mark Speckman, who played for Solari and is currently an Offensive Coordinator at PennWest Clarion in Pennsylvania, said, "I will miss Coach Solari. He was a master teacher who made football fun and challenging at the same time. Coach was tough, worked us hard, and had high standards that we all had to meet. He was a true renaissance man: tough and competitive, but also educated, and a lover of classical music. He was unique and authentic. Thank you, coach, for your example of a life well lived. You are a good Oak."

Another one of Coach Ray's notable slogans was "Dare to struggle, dare to win." 

Coach Ray made an enormous impact on all those who crossed his path. He will be missed dearly on the Menlo campus.

A service to honor Ray Solari's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 21st, at the Menlo Park Church of the Nativity.