Q: How long have you been coaching at Armijo? What and where have you coached before?

A: I have been coaching for almost 20 years. I’ve coached all ages and levels, from travel ball, high school, and college teams. I coached at Sacramento City College, Napa Valley College, and Rodriguez High before coming back home this year to Armijo.

Q: I understand that you graduated from Armijo. What has changed since then (what year was it)? What has stayed the same?

A: I graduated from Armijo in 1998, it seems like everything has changed! From a new office and library, to updating the stadium with turf. It’s exciting to see the changes, the students are lucky.

Q: How would you compare the team today (rules, players, skills) with the team in your day?

A: Softball has become so popular over the last 10-15 years it’s great for the sport. I’ve seen more students wanting to tryout and be a part of a team. Technology has also influenced the game, bats now have so much more pop, I wish I had one when I was in high school, just not the $300 price tag.

Q: Besides coaching what do you do and have you done for work?

A: I am a logistics manager for a local retailer.

Q: Why did you become a coach?

A:  I became a coach because I love the game of softball. I wanted to give my time back like so many coaches gave me. Sports teach teamwork, discipline, work ethic, how to set a goal, be committed to that goal, and they force you to be accountable. These are life skills every young person needs. It is not about the X’s and O’s of the game. Playing softball I have had opportunities to travel across the country. I earned a college scholarship to Athens State University in Alabama. These things would never have been possible if it wasn’t for softball.

Q: What are your hobbies? What else do you do for fun?

A: In my spare time I hang out with my four-year- old nephew. I try to go to as many baseball games as I can.

Q: What advice would you give to students considering going into coaching?

A: If a student is interested in coaching, I would say go for it. Remember all the coaches you had and what you liked and didn’t like from each one to try and guide you as to what kind of coach you want to be. Your heart definitely has to be in it.

Q: If you could change one thing about Armijo (students, facilities, staff, etc.), what would it be and why?

A: If I could change one thing it would be the violence students see every day. Everyone deserves to come to school and get a quality free education without being discriminated against. Being a teenager is hard enough, young people are trying to find themselves and then you add social media that tracks every mistake you make for everyone to see, it’s tough.

Q: Anything else you would like to say?

A: I enjoyed coaching this year, I’m thankful to be home wearing Purple and Gold. I’m excited for next year.