Oceanside's Carroll named 2007 Coach of the Year

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Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007
By Aly Josephs, Chargers.com

Since 1997, the San Diego Chargers have proudly sponsored the NFL’s High School Coach of the Week program which honors local high school football coaches for their outstanding work with student athletes throughout our community.

This season, the Chargers Coach of the Week program, sponsored by the U.S. Army, was given weekly to a coach who demonstrated his commitment to the game of football by encouraging success among student athletes on the field and in the classroom.

Each week, the selected coach was awarded $1,500 donation from the Chargers Community Foundation for their school’s athletic department and highlighted on the popular KUSI Prep Pigskin Report.

Check presentations were made at several of the home games, where possible, and members of the Chargers were on hand to present the award to the winning coach and interact with the team before kick-off.

Starting Safety Clinton Hart was on hand to present Coach Desi Herrera from San Marcos with his award and surprise the Fighting Knights with an inspirational pre-game speech.

At Poway High School, Cornerback Cletis Gordon presented Coach Damien Gonzalez with his award and high-fived players as they took the field. Antonio Cromartie was an honorary guest during the coin toss at Scripps Ranch High where he was on hand to present Coach Sergio Gonzalez his award. Each player not only talked game strategy with the winning coaches, but stayed to watch their teams compete.

At the end of the season, one outstanding coach was selected as the Chargers 2007 “Coach of the Year.” This season, the Chargers are proud to award the 2007 Coach of the Year to John Carroll from Oceanside High School. Under the leadership of Coach Carroll, the Oceanside Pirates clinched the State Division II Championship beating Novato High School 28-14. This is the first time a high school from San Diego County has brought home a State level CIF title. The championship win also capped off an outstanding season for the team who went 12-1.

In recognition of his achievements, Coach Carroll receives an additional $2,500 donation for his school’s athletic program! Congratulations to Coach Carroll and all of this year’s Coach of the Week winners!

Desi Herrera, San Marcos High School
Alan Hood, Kearny High School
Gary Blevins, Mira Mesa High School
Dan Williams, Vista High School
Chris Hauser, Mission Hills High School
Judd Rachow, Chula Vista High School
John Carroll, Oceanside High School
Rick Jackson, Madison High School
Sergio Diaz, Scripps Ranch School
Damian Gonzalez, Poway High School
Tom Karlo, Mount Miguel High School
Erick Jorgensen, Rancho Buena Vista High School
Rob Gilster, Valley Center High School

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