Men's Basketball Coaching Staff
Rob Hoyt
(Head Coach)
When Rob Hoyt took over the Columbia College men's basketball program in the summer of 2013, he envisioned a program that would be among one of the best in the state of California. With experience as a student-athlete himself at Columbia College (2003-2005) and six years of coaching experience at the California Community College Athletic Association level, he was prepared for the difficult task of rebuilding the program. Born and raised in Tuolumne County, Coach Hoyt has an excellent grasp on how influential our community is in helping student-athletes reach high levels of success. His enthusiasm and drive are unmatched, which makes him an excellent addition to the Claim Jumper Athletic Department and an invaluable asset to the young men he coaches.
With Hoyt at the helm, Columbia has become a proven winner and Northern California powerhouse. His teams have been extremely successful on and off the court. Many of his players have continued their basketball careers at various four-year institutions, some furthering their journey to the professional level. Along the way, Coach Hoyt was named the Central Valley Conference Coach of the Year in both 2015 and 2018.
Rick Francis
(Assistant Coach)
Rick Francis has been the assistant coach for the men's basketball program since 2013. Rick is proud to be working alongside his former student-athlete (Coach Hoyt) and states, "I was very honored that Rob asked me to assist him once my high school teaching and coaching career ended. Being on the ground floor of his first head coaching job was very exciting and special for me. I feel fortunate to be able to keep doing something that is as enjoyable as coaching basketball".
Coach Francis brings many years of experience to the Claim Jumper organization. He retired from Sonora High School with an overall varsity record of 660-329. His teams won nine Valley Oak League Championships, one Sac-Joaquin Section Championship and were runners-up three times. In 2006, he was selected as the Sac-Joaquin Section and California State Model Coach of the Year. In the same year, the National Federation of High School Coaches Association selected him as the California Coach of the Year. His teams made the playoffs 26 out of 28 seasons. In 1993, Rick was selected as the Sac-Joaquin Section Athletic Director of the Year. In 2003 and 2004, he was President of the California State Athletic Directors Association. Additionally, in 2012 and 2013, Rick was inducted into the California Coaches Association Hall of Fame.