Rudy Garcia retires as Union boys basketball coach after 30 years: 'Truly legendary'

Rudy Garcia retires after 30 years as head coach of Union High School Boys Basketball, winning 3 state championships

Monday, April 7th 2025, 4:06 pm

By: Jeremie Poplin

TULSA, OK -

After three decades of coaching on the court, Union High School Boys Basketball Head Coach Rudy Garcia has officially announced his retirement from coaching via a press release from Union Public Schools. While he steps away from the sidelines, he will continue to serve the district as a teacher.

Career Highlights:

30 years as head coach of Union High School Boys Basketball
Led Union to 23 state tournament appearances
Reached the state championship game 7 times
Won 3 OSSAA Class 6A State Titles
Finished as state runner-up 4 times
Coached over 800 games
Achieved career record of 616-184
Named Frontier Valley Conference Coach of the Year 9 times
Honored as OCA Region 7 Coach of the Year 5 times
Awarded District 3 Coach of the Year in his final season

Union Athletic Director Emily Barkley, who played for Garcia as a 7th grader, 9th grader, and high school junior, shared her heartfelt appreciation:

“The impact that Coach Garcia has had on so many student-athletes, including myself, is immeasurable. He has a unique ability to build meaningful relationships with students and bring out their best, which is evident in his long-standing success. I want to thank Coach Garcia, Tammy, and his entire family for their unwavering commitment to Union over the past 30 years. His career is truly legendary.”

Postseason Achievements:

State Tournament Appearances: 23
State Champions: 2004, 2012, 2014
State Runner-up: 1998, 2002, 2006, 2025
State Semi-Finals: 2001, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2017
State Quarterfinals: 1996, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2008, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2024
Area Champions: 19 times
Area Consolation Champions: 1996, 2003, 2006, 2025
Regional Champions: 22 times
Regional Runner-up: 7 times