Although he coached at Morenci, Casa Grande, and San Manuel, the name Vern Friedli is synonymous with Amphitheater High School. Coach Vern was the Panthers head football coach for 36 years. At the time of his retirement (2011-12), Coach Friedli had 331 wins (now 2nd place all time) that has only been exceeded by Paul Moro who won his 332nd game in 2016. The Panthers were State Champions in 1979, and State Runners-Up in 1990 and 1997 under Friedli. Friedli coached in 3 ACA All Star Football games. He was named the Phoenix Press Box Association Coach of the Year in 1979. Coach Friedli began his career at Morenci and also coached baseball. His 1973 Wildcats were the Class 3A State Baseball Champions. Coach Friedli was inducted into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2008. The football stadium at Amphitheater High School now bears the Friedli name. Coach Friedli passed away on July 28, 2017 at the age of 80.