California High School Staffer Dies After Collapsing on Sideline During Football Game
East Bakersfield High School's athletic equipment manager Robert "Bobby" Rocha died Friday night from a heart attack during a varsity game.
Robert “Bobby” Rocha, East High School’s athletic equipment manager, died Friday night after suffering a heart attack on the sideline during a varsity football game. The game between East Bakersfield and Foothill High School was stopped following Rocha’s medical emergency and subsequent transport by ambulance.
East High School released a statement calling Rocha “a remarkable kicking coach, mentor, and [who had] lasting influence on so many lives.” Foothill’s Trojans also posted a tribute on social media, expressing heartbreak over the loss.
Nick Romero, East High’s head football coach, described Rocha as an integral part of the team. “He was a tremendous friend, coach and mentor to countless lives over the years,” Romero told Bakersfield.com. “Our thoughts and prayers extend to his family, friends, and the many lives he touched daily during this incredibly difficult time.”
Former professional basketball player and motivational speaker Dejon Jernagin shared a personal tribute on Facebook, noting his admiration for Rocha. “I truly appreciated this guy from our football arguments to our Burrito Battles about who had the best Victors on the Eastside or F Street. But our biggest bond will be our love for USC Football and our inside joke about Izzy,” Jernagin wrote.
Taylor Latellee Weldin, equipment manager at Bakersfield’s North High School, recalled Rocha’s mentorship. “When I accepted the Equipment Manager position at North High, Bobby was the first person I called for help. He helped me learn so much about that position,” Weldin posted, adding that Chili’s restaurant would feel different without Rocha.
Rocha was an equipment manager for the East Bakersfield High School athletic department.