Oscar Bonds, who guided Tanner to a Class 2A, Region 8 championship this season, has stepped down following six campaigns with the program.

“When I came in, this senior class was in seventh grade,” Bonds said. “They were the first group that was with me. But I’ve spent lots of time away from my kiddos and figured I was going to go out after this season. It’s been a heck of a ride and I’ve enjoyed all of it — the highs and lows. We finished as region champions, which was a great accomplishment.”

The Rattlers struggled in Bonds’ first two seasons — the team had just 13 varsity players when he took over — producing a 2-18 record. But progress and success soon followed as Tanner went 6-5 in 2020 and 8-4 in 2021 — both performances resulted in playoff berths — before finishing 4-5 in 2022.

This past season, Tanner went 8-4 en route to securing the program’s first region title — the Rattlers went a perfect 6-0 in region play — since 2016. The squad also reached the second round of the playoffs for the second time in Bonds’ tenure.

“It was a tough rebuild,” Bonds said. “We took our beatings, but I knew it was a process. I knew things would turn around and they did. I’m just proud of these guys and coaches for their hard work and dedication.”

Tanner finished with a 28-36 record and three playoff berths in six seasons under Bonds.