St. Paul set to make a football coaching change

coach a is back, st paul will relearn the meaning of teamwork a value pete gonzales did not teach her had a cif team but could of had a state championship if he would have coached instead of focus on one player

Mary so the rest of the kids in our country or the world are dome? So when you or yours are under that umbrella you’re free to sin and win a football championship because you and your school are all set apart. And all the beautiful things that are happening by people that your school doesn’t believe are under that so call umbrella are not Gods children? I now know why parents send their kids to public schools.

God loving kids, not pagans! We believe in the truth and that! no one comes to HIM unless he is called. St. Paul is the only area school where a young mind can find his or her self and be far apart from the rest of the world. We are special and are under his umbrella.Only because HE forgave us.

Please what kids are attending SP?

hey whats goin on here. not all aer church going to people-- everyday. lets get over it move on. coach A is back!!!!!! watch out the record will stand.i know its all good.

Anonymous said.
Jesus holds every one accountable,I would like to add to that and say if any defamation of character has accured on these blogs regarding this matter I would be worried.All the people using screen names will be outed.

We (SP) are not going to survive without a football program. What do you do with no money, nothing.It's about football let's get real. Positively will over come and go forward.

I think the point is no one is a weak minded loser. Plus Jesus always holds all accountable because he is Lord! Jesus came to save all, and that means everyone in our school, yes or no? Go Swordsmen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SP SAID:
I guess I hit a nerve with SP SAID.I take it back you are not a weak minded loser, I forgot this is a blog we can write anything we want with no accountability.So if it is like you say. being the christian that Iam, Please take my apology for those comments.And being the christian that you are I think we should forgive as christians the way christ intended us to be and embrace the fact that we want to move the school forward.God Bless my friend!

John vadurro
Surreal; Going to Santa Fe you don’t get that feelll, hum like oxy+on+n? That’s if you want a substantial long lasting…. chills,…. it might be wrong but if it feels good it has to be good right? Absolutely that mind set will be judged, and in life it will fail and you won’t make heaven the divine providence. John dose a football championship moves you and yours heavenward? That proud feeling of being tinted champion you will want to forget. John 316.

John Vadurro; What are you teaching your kids? That truth, honesty, doing the right thing don't matter. Essentially it comes down to how a Dad influence his kids. Chills top ethic's,pride and spirit of winning a championship is paramount. That cheating is not cheating if you win, and the ones who play by the rules are weak minded losers because they lost. Check your self because your not only going to wreck your self, but the little ones.

Regardless of what side you stand on this issue it is unfortunate that we as a community have taken to this medium to air our laundry.

We are SWORDSMEN. We are better than that. Honor, Pride and Dignity is what we are about.

Grow up, suck it up and move forward.

I pounder and ask is our newest St Paul Alumni’s faith& beliefs in truth, eithics right and wrong becoming obsolete? Is it ok to win a championship by any means? Maybe our new Principal is the only one who still believes the teachings of the Bible that you reap what you‘ve sown. Having the head FB coach as the dean of boys is like letting the tail of the dog wag the dog. That God change has come.

Thanks for the memories Pete I think you did a good job the run to the semifinals in 2006 against West Torrence was great.We cant forget the culver city game in 2007 great memory,talented team but we prevailed! and dont forget about the semifinal in 2007 well coached game,I still get chills remembering standing out on the field after we won that semifinal against gahr.I cant get over how well prepared we were against palmdale in the final it was so easy,it was almost sureal that we won so easily.I as a parent of two kids at St.Paul was so happy to share the pride and spirit of winning a championship,something that I didnt get to feel going to Santa Fe.Time will be the determining factor on how you are judged.It is not the time to listen to all these people that have screen names that resemble weak minded losers, at least I can be proud to say we are champions!!!! how soon we forget.

St Paul;parent what is WASC accreditation school year? Your words a (Dog and Pony show)

Amchardrock,

Sure, if Pete did help with a few tuitions from his place of business. What is wrong with that. it just shows you the kind of compassion he has. That money could have been spent on his own family or what ever he wants, it`s none of our business. Tell me, do you think he is doing that for personal gain or a willingness to help families in need. You sound as if he`s selling drugs on the street to help these kids. As a matter of fact, why should he have to use his own money for this matter, oh because the Alumni won`t help out. Another thing the person that`s in-charge of fundraising at St.Paul makes $65 to $70 thounsand a year without a College Degree to raise funds for the school. This person only brought in about $100,000last year, minus their salary so that`s actually $30,000 or so. How irresponsible is that. Aside from Pete, I think you so-called St.Paul people better start looking at the other areas of adminstration as well. Let`s see how many transfers come to St.Paul for the new coach next year, maybe an all eveything RB from Loyola. HMMM

amchrdrock; you’re out of line, there’s no prove to your comments. He did not I said did not have transfers though fundraisers. You know what is inappropriate is your behavior. I will hold you accountable for your comments. He will not be fired as Dan of Boys. Everyone pays his or hers own tuitions the Principal knows that.

amchardrock@yoyo.com,

Just another know nothing load mouth trying to spread rumors. A genious, didn't you read the article that said nothing was done unethical? Do you realize that he is still on staff? You must be one of those SP alumni jerks trying to get your unfounded points across. Grow up already. Is this what you stand for? I use to think that SP was a place of pride and leadership. Only to realize that it's going down like a sinking ship. Thanks to people like you and Ms.Barr the school will be nothing shortly. Remember that when your at your SP carwash trying to "save our school"

To Football Advocate:

Well, everyone is entitled to their opinion. It also depends on how recently you played for SP under Coach Gonzalez. Obviously it has to be within the past three years. I am simply stating that this past year I felt that alot of players lost respect for Pete and how he ran the program.

I, for one, feel sorry for him and his family, although I'm sure another job opportunity awaits. But I didnt expect him to last long under Ms. Barr regardless of how much success he had. Too many things were said and not enough was proven false. It was bound to happen.

Of course not everyone can be liked by everyone. What I'm saying is that the majority of the players lost at least a bit of respect for him somewhere along the line.

I didn't accuse you of being a "one-year wonder" and I've played with some of the greats, as have you. But you are ignorant if you think all those guys came all on their own. Of course they had to ultimately make the decision to sign the papers, but I've seen first hand what goes on behind the scenes as far as recruiting goes. Some players show up at the doorstep and others find coaches at theirs.

I applaud coach Gonzalez for helping these scholar-athletes. I would like to see him at Cantwell or Salesian, two programs that need turning around.
Alumni complain about the football program and coaches, but what about the infracture,academic core subjects, and extra-curricular activities? These are concerns that need to be addressed, This is a WASC accreditation school year and do St.Paul parents know what this means. Beware! The administration and staff will put on a Dog and Pony Show.

Pissed off, you better get your facts straight. I'm not sure if you know, but I'm sure you do but there were several transfers this year and Thanks to good ol Pete and his "side bar" fundraisers which supported the tuition for these kids. You are correct in saying that every school has transfers but not every school's head coach is running fundraisers out of their bar. Pete got what he deserved and the only other good news would be that he gets fired as Dean of Boys because he is a disgrace and only cares about the football players or I should say his favored football players and not the average student. He talks accountability and Ms. Barr has now made him accountable. Believe me all of his skeletons will come out of the closet. Players and parents have witnessed inappropriate behavior on and off campus. Pete is a disgrace to SP and SP football.

Ok people look,

I`m pretty sure Pete is not perfect by any means,but these rumors are without substance and have not been proven. How many of you have skeletons in your closets? I know I do.So let`s get back to the story ST.Paul football. Pete was hired to try and bring back a storied football program, for which I believe he did, with what he had to work with. I do not have to restate his overall record it`s already on here. Sure the program had transfers, but what program doesn`t Amat,MD,Servite,etc... but the core of the players have been at ST.Paul since their freshmen year. So let`s stay away from the transfer thing. Yes, there was a few coaches back when Pete was hired who wanted the job, I won`t mention names who talked bad about Pete to the alumni because he was not a ST.Paul grad. So this anomosity began evev before he got started. Hoping he would fail, so they can bring in a ST.Paul guy. Well you have your wish now. Tell me that whom ever get`s the job (Willig) he will win with the core of players that will stay and without a couple of transfers. Oh, all of you SP Alumni will start making SP babies again to bring back to the football program to where you want it to be. let me finish with this, Pete was against the wall when paid his dues and got hired as the Head Coach, which he was able to overcome and WIN,WIN,WIN and support the kids Academicly. Thanks to the other SP Administrative staff (you know who you our) for getting into Ms.Barrs ear to save their jobs and pass smutt on Pete. Good Luck to Pete and his staff where ever you end up.

To SP09,

I too was a former player & I also am qualified to write about the situation. In my opinion, Ms. Barr's decision was bold YES but NOT right!

Yes, SP earned their victory BUT through hard work & dedication. NO I was NOT a one-year wonder brought in the wrong way and it bothers me when people right that because we should be PROUD that kids want to transfer to our school especially with all the other choices in the area.

Coach Pete & the team experienced success and MOST of us liked Coach G. There is NOT one coach or person ANYWHERE that EVERYONE is going to respect or like that is LIFE!!!

Only thing I do agree with you is that there is too much gossip going around about the school & Coach G but it's too bad that people like yourself can't see past it!

Those who do not respect Coach G & staff for their accomplishments & dedication should grow up and accept it for the love of the game...

Good Luck Coach G & staff!!!

SP, I guess that leaves your Boys Avina & Camacho out, I doubt they have a BA, Little League Football & High School Football different caliber, look at Whittier High, what has Gallardo & Melendez done to improve their program.

BRING BACK JIM WALKER!!! hahahaha

No really SP needs to go in a different direction. Bring someone in like willig...

Good luck running the Firehouse Grill Pete... "Ding, fries are done"..

To The Eye:

I know what you are talking about exactly, i have posted a few comments that Mr Murray seems to not post because they call out his ineptness in reporting. But hey when you control the DELETE key, you are the king. To bad Mr Murray you are so sensitive to blog comments. Imagine what a 16 and 17 year might feel with the entries you allow to be posted about them. You should have someone else review and approve the blogs, not yourself. Im sure there been quite a few entires deleted because YOU didnt approve but yet allow other outlandish entries through. Tis Tis Tis

As a former player, I feel I am qualified to speak on the subject with experience. In my opinion, Ms. Barr's decision was bold, but also right. Yes, SP just recently tasted victory, but it was done with one-year wonders brought in the wrong way. Pete experienced success and although he was respected by many players, he wasn't liked by many. There was (and is) too much gossip going around the school about Pete and his off-field actions. Many of these rumors reached the ears of the players and respect was lost. Ms. Barr's decision to clean house, in my opinion, is what's best for the program and for the school in general.

Is bringing back Coach Ancich the RIGHT choice? Im not so sure. But is it the WRONG choice? You could have worse. I think it would be great if the Willig family brought their act back to SP and get the program back to where it should be: respected. I very much doubt that too many juniors and sophomores are too upset by the firing of the staff. If so, it might have to do with not wanting to prove themselves to a new staff with the fear of losing a starting spot.

Based on the qualifications St.Paul is seeking, the new football coach should be making at least $80.000 Where's the money coming from? Salesian and Cathederal have new facilities. Why is football so important?

Fact not Fiction/ Please go back to school and get an education before you call someone a joke, due your parents proud please!! He helped kids financially ( WOW ) but if you receive a “ D 3 ring “ the school and CIF rules shouldn’t mean nothing right and they don’t apply because our school hasn’t had a ring in 25 years, that’s why our alumni’s kids go to public schools and other private schools. Thy too think about our school!!

Amen..fbfan; I hope those few locals step up soon. There’s one or two who should have had the job before coach Gonzales, but some bone heads on this blog and others who even want to blame Murray for St Paul’s troubles and are willing to give coach G blind faith. Blind faith might work on a Sunday, but with enrollment free falling like a rock quick action is needed. The light needs to be turn on and it was and exposed the linchpins to the problems. What was done in the darkness, the Principal saw a huge dirty mess and as the top administrator she saw no time to waste. All people who love the school can only embrace her.

What is going on?

First ,I must write that I played for Coach A and Coach G. The difference between the two is a golf cart. They both prepare the same. I feel that Coach G got alot of his work habits through Coach A. Who is a better coach? I can't say. What I can say is that this new principal is a joke. Why would you disrupt a program that just tasted victory for the first time in 25 years? I must say to Coach G thankyou for helping me get a CIF ring. No one else can say that. I also know first hand that he does not play favorites. David Flores last years CIF player of the year sat on a number of occasions because he did not comply with the rules. Same for Aubrey Haynes. He also sat. So people should get facts straight before starting rumors. Matter of fact, He let other kids get a shot and stuck with them if they provided. My personal opinion of him has nothing to do with the facts. If you ask me if I got along with him I would have to say that I'm not really sure. Did I like what he stood for? Absolutly, he is a person who wears his attitude on his sleeve. Like him or not, he got the job done. I also know that he helped kids financially. The only person who got hurt here is the school. The school will not be a better place without him. That is the facts....Good luck Coach G wherever you go. Class of 2008

It sounds like St. Paul needs to clean house. Always accused of recruiting, foul language, money issues, and never following the rules the rest of the schools need to follow. Sounds like a mess, and something the new principal is trying to clean up. Props to her! Nobody knows the real reason why Pete was fired. You don't just get fired for no reason, especially when you are successful. Something happened and I am sure it will come out soon, unfortunately for Pete. St. Paul, a proud school rich in tradition, needs to hire a good coach who knows how to build a program and can follow the rules set forth by school and CIF. A few locals could do a great job.

Hey RICKY,

You sound just like the rest of the "fools" that think you know more than Mr. Gonzalez & his present status at Saint Paul. I guess next your going to write that you were present at his meetings along with Ms. Barr & Mr. Hernandez.

It is also embarassing for you to state that Mr. Laurenzello did not have a "backbone" to address what was going on. Trust me that is exactly why he asked Coach A to leave & hired Mr. Gonzalez which ended up being great for the school whether you agree or not does not matter they are the facts. 2006 Semifinalist, 2007 CIF Champions & 2008 tied-lost in a coin flip.

Ms. Barr on the other hand is unreasonable by evaluating her faculty/staff in 6 months but she will know soon enough the selected lying group of alumni that she is counting on to take SP towards a different direction.

Those that you criticize because they defend Pete so what, what do you care? I do it because I am a parent so don't speak for all of us speak for yourself! What change have you seen other than fresh paint? Oh, yes an increase in tuition! Discipline at St Paul has been better these last 4 years not the last 6 months where have you been?

You also better be really careful what you say about running a clean program because I am the father of a transfer student! I came for the program & I have done NOTHING to be ashamed. As a matter of fact just grateful that my son had the chance just like the next kid to make something of his life in a better place but now I wonder about SP???

Speak to teachers sure but also the parents of the 33 All Academic Team members like myself of 2007. You can go look at his certificate it is in the fieldhouse for your critique (as usual)!

Again, just MORE lies because you have nothing better to do. You guys that follow Coach Gonzalez & his every move...what are you STALKERS? GROW UP!!! GET A LIFE!!!

This is just what our school didn't need. Thank you Ms. Barr you are a person who talks this big noise and you just made it worse for us. Don't be suprised when you have 15 or 20 kids checking out of the school you did this. We know you still won't comment to us on whats going on.

Hey "Stu Pit" or should I write "Stu Pid",

Just because you do not agree with what I have to say (which are facts) does not mean I am a "cry baby" but it sure sounds like you are crying & name calling like a 3rd grader? LOL...

I can voice my thoughts or opinions just like yourself. So, with that being said I will address the following since you decided to comment on something you know NOTHING about.

COMMON SENSE will explain from Mr. Murray's article & the information provided in some of the comments YOUR apparent issues are resolved as follows:

#1 If it is Christmas break...then why is she meeting with faculty/staff but not returning phone calls?

#2 If she doesn't personally blog or read comments so what who cares? Although, if she is listening to particular alumni like yourself I'm sure she does!

Funny how you "claim" to say that Mr. Gonzalez is in so much trouble. LOL.. What are you going to say next that you were in his meeting with Ms. Barr & Mr. Hernandez & know better than he does what was discussed? LOL...(1) word defines people like yourself "DRAMA".

I am a concerned past colleague of Mr. Gonzalez NOT yours & that is why I called him to let him know that he has my support & you have NO idea of the truth.

Again, Mr. Murray thank you for getting this story out to the public!

Sincerely,
PastColleague

Murray-I noticed that my previous message was not posted (regarding you allowing a criminal accusation to be posted). I don't get it - you review the comments and allow that to happen, but when it's pointed out that you are allowing it, you don't post it. At least delete the post with the accusation. Again, we know that you choose what should show up. What is the standard you apply? It's bad enough that these fools take the opportunity to vilify hard working people (and worse that some people take it seriously); can you at least protect them from criminal slander?

The Shadow;
Many of the players did not deserve any more opportunity,a coach can see it from the start, He knows who is just a team mate and who's a real player, why waste time? Please that's why we have accomplish and demonstrated why we have always been the top program in the area. I hope the coaches at the lower levels will come up and take over.

Finally! good riddance. dont let the door hit you on the way out. Now bring back the area dominance. No need for foul language, hidden agenda coaches here. See ya, wouldn't wanna be ya.

PastColleague:

"There is no hidden agenda with Mr. Gonzalez..." "...all kids should have the same opportunities."

Have you been drinking coach G's cool-aid ???

Coach A might not have been a saint and AM sure everyone knew that. But he gave the school what they wanted, enrollment with lots of tuition. The type of people wasn't the goal, other than players from the surrounding schools. Coach A was a St Paul FB coach only, and the principal knew it and would sacrifice what he needed. You do what you need to do that's the bottom line. If coach A comes back the money will flow, What is it that we need?

well ,well,well....all this talk about getting a new coach,who in the hell cares.Coach A did his time at Sphs and so did Coach Gonzalez and now that theres a new principal in town and want to make changes then let her,maybe it's time for another change.Eneryone hated to see coach A leave and it was ok to have coach Gonzalez to take over and now for another coach to take over...let it be whom ever it's going to be,for all we know maybe there are other issues with coach Gonzalez besides being a coach he also is dean,which from my son and his friends that he doesn't do his job anyways and is hardly there when you need him....he should be there for all the boys since he is dean but he only pays attention to the football players and hell with the rest of the boys,which isn't fair to the boys who aren't football players.He's like everyone else has his favorites but if your not one of them then you might as well be forgotten.Guess thats why after the year he has to look at his situation and decide wether to come back or not.And one word for coach Gonzalez.....you need to spend more time in your office then someone elses,kinda makes you look bad.

I would like to know that an administrator like a teacher, dean, coach cannot converse with the top administrator whom is at a functional private school that is asking families come here and not too or any of those public bad schools. St Paul is not a small university or a large High School campus. The faculty can’t see eye to eye? The AD Hernandez has no comment? Why would anyone want to go there? The finances are always in the red.

Sadly I think that St. Paul is done. The St. Paul alumni have abandoned the school for some time now. Very few actually send their children there. Low wages and poor benefits (retirement, etc.) mean that the faculty is inexperienced and poorly qualified. No teaching credential is required and some teach out of their subject area. The facilities are substandard. Parents are much better off sending their children to a good public school in the area (La Serna, Cal Hi, La Habra). They have better teachers, facilities, and much more technology. The Archdiocese would be better off closing the school. With enrollment shrinking (600+) and the economy getting worse, who's going to spend their money sending their children there when there are other much better alternatives.

Hey past colleague,
1. It's Christmas break and I doubt Ms Barr is returning phone calls of the crybaby supporters of Pete 'Napolean" Gonzalez.
2. I don't believe she is blogging either. So I doubt she reads your comments.

Pete is in so much trouble you guys have no idea.

What about Rich Avina? or Paul Camacho? as head coach? They have been around a long time and know the program, aren't they St Paul faithful. These individuals could bring back greatness and character the FB program needs,it's a great opportunity for our new principle.

Mrs Barr did what she had to do. Apparently, to also dismiss Pete from his duties as Dean of Boys leads me to believe that something was terribly wrong. The previous principal did not have the backbone to address what was going on, Mrs Barr on the other hand does. Those who defend Pete do it out of loyalty, as a friend. As a parent of a St Paul student, I have seen a big change at the school for the better. There is more discipline and the rules are being enforced. All kids are being held accountable for their actions, and for this I thank Mrs Barr. For those who believe that Pete ran a clean program, I ask you to talk to the teachers, those who aren't also coaches. They will tell what has been going occurring. I still don't know how a student can fail english(as well as math) both semesters, fail it in the summer yet still play football. This one example, I can mention several more. It finally caught up to Pete.

Dear Ms. Barr,

Since you do not seem to return phone calls I will have to voice my concerns in writing. It is unfortunate that the world encompasses people like yourselves that are driven by power, greed, jealousy & envy to discredit, offend and destroy another person's hard work & accomplishments through gossip or websites. I will post once because it is the right thing to do in defense of Mr. Pete Gonzalez & coaching staff.

The actions & reactions of the parties involved demonstrates the ignorance of what they think they know about their alma mater, current student body, faculty, staff & supporters of St Paul High School.

Everyone is entitled to a fair shot at life! GOD provides us with the strength to overcome adversity, the power of knowledge to attain the unthinkable & the character to turn the other cheek when confronted with the traits of evil.

Mr. Pete Gonzalez stands & speaks for what he beleives in and colleagues respect his disposition. Although, hypocrites despise him because he is not intimidated to uphold what he represents. There is no hidden agenda with Mr. Gonzalez or his coaching staff because they all feel that all kids should have the same opportunities.

Mr. Gonzalez as Dean of Boys has made all the young men especially football players accountable because of the stigma of the past when Coach A did not care about the kids, their grades or the school only his record & Coach A did not comply to rules/regulations or standards!

I wish Ms. Barr that you would have taken more time to speak & interact with people from different areas of the spectrum NOT just the ALUMNI. You will experience first hand the issues you will face if you hire Coach A. Change is good but when it is fair not when it is derived from deceit.

GOD help St Paul & all involved because Ms. Barr does not know the direction that she has taken for the school.

*Saint Paul Coaching Staff of 2006-2008 if you happen to read this GOOD LUCK to you, your families & all future endeavors you are all in my prayers!

Sincerely,
Past Colleague...

To Donald:

At least your blog was somewhat logical and reasonable.

To Pissed off:

Man who are you pist off at. Too bad Murray allows your BS on here without any supporting facts. I read you entries and just shake my head how ignorant you sound. Especially the last one you posted. Please WILLIG trucking company. Let me guess you know for a fact right? If the next coach is named KNOX is he going to be connected with Fort Knox, thats how idiotic you sound.

And last. GJ was an ok coach. I didnt know you had to cuss out kids to be a good coach. I for one wish he would of had a muzzle put on his mouth. It was embarrassing for SP to have him rant and rave in front of fans and parents. And one thing for sure the "D" was an image of its leadership - UNDISCIPLINED AND ARROGANT AND ALL OVER THEM SELF.

Good Luck to the staff wherever they may land. Why don't we just wait to see what is in store for SP Football before we hang everybody. We did with PG and he brought us a CHAMPIONSHIP.

Ian really glad that the coach is gone. If I go to class and perform well and I don’t create problems and still aren’t look upon as a good student or a player, that I and others should be at less looked at, we’ve played for the Whittier Redskins since we were young. I have gone to a catholic school all my school years but I can see the preferred players. Ian a junior and Ian going to transfer. I hope the best for ST Paul but there are a lot of problems. My mother was more disappointed with school than my Dad but he soon saw what was happening. I believe our new principle is going to make huge changes

InDaKnoW
You are truly clueless, why would some all star coach or coaches go too or take on a dyeing program that doesn’t pay much. Public school teachers don’t make much and private schools make much less. And Donald with a school so tiny and the head coach and principle never talk, bull shxx! Hey HEy SP and InDaKnoW you are brothers or one in the same. Please dive in too reality.

Dear Pissed Off.... thank you thank you thank you. You are so on the truth. Amazing, how come you know but everyone else missed it. Yea, my kids sweet principal spent all the money and now she is hurting. I never thought I would see the day that a head coach at St Paul bought his way into the position. I always believed St Paul coaches were there because of knowledge, experience and love for the school. Do you really believe this principal is loyal to the school? Hell No !!!! Her loyalty is to her son's school Loyola. So I understand this, the head football coaches job is worth what? $1,000,000.
The rumor regarding boys leaving the school because of Coach Pete is not because of lack of committment from Pete its because he refuses to kiss parents a_ _ .....

SP IS NOW A LAND WITHOUT A KING. CAMELOT WITHOUT A KING IS NOT A GOOD PLACE TO BE.
SP IS FOOTBALL
THATS
WHY
WE ARE SP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To ALL bloggers/haters/etc.,

Coach Pete Gonzalez & staff were headed in the right direction whether you like him & his staff or not is NOT the issue! Here are some facts regarding his work ethics in the classroom: 2006 the SP football program produced 16 All Academic Mission League Team members which represented a 3.2 GPA or higher, 2007 Coach Gonzalez implemented mandatory study hall before football practice and the numbers more than doubled to 33 & all certificates are posted in the Fieldhouse for your critique (as usual).

Coach Pete Gonzalez & coaching staff accomplishments are as follows:

2006 Western Division Semifinalist
2006 Whittier Daily News Coach of the Year
2006 Invited to Coach the 605 (East) Game & WON

2007 Mission League Champions
2007 Western Division CIF Champions
2007 Western Division Coach of the Year

2008 Tied for 2nd place in Mission League

*Career Playoff Record: 6 - 1

We are all proud of what our boys were able to be a part of because NOT everybody wins Championships!!!

For the record our Coaching staff honorably raised every penny & we have nothing to be ashamed of we STAND behind them for sure!!!

Thank you for getting it out there Mr. Roger Murray so that all of US parents can watch out for OURSELVES & the young men we represent just like our Principal, Administration & ALUMNI did THEY can't be trusted!

Take that to the bank...maybe now the Willigs can buy there destiny but remember it's true becareful what you wish for or what deals you make with the devil?

Good luck to you Coach Gonzalez & staff you all DESERVE better than this & let us take a moment to THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE it will come back 10 fold one day that is exactly why you were ALL so successful you are ALL TRUE to your beliefs!!!

Sincerely,
Voices of Many (parents, students, fans & supporters)

SP say what? dont say it.

I hAVe a LiTTLe iNsIgHt. I'vE dEaLt WiTh PeTe aNd iT waSN't PLeAsAnt. He DoeSn'T rEALLy CaRe AboUT hiS plaYERS. It'S aLL AbOuT PeTe. In My opInIoN, kIdS wErE seRIousLY conSideRing LeaVinG BeCAusE of HiM. I KnOW sOmE veRY ImPoRTanT peOplE diStaNCEd TheMSelveS frOM St. PaUL BecAuse Of PeTe. GiL iS DeFiniTeLy thE BaCkBonE of ThE ProGrAM. ThE PrOGraM WouLD SuFFeR TreMeDouSly WiThOuT hIM. I FoR OnE Do NoT WaNT AnCiCH baCK EiTheR. I ThInk He'S TrYiNg To ReTaIN HiS MOst WinS in StaTe HiStorY. I'd WeLcOme MaZZoTa bUT DouBT he'D LeaVe La HaBRA. I ThInK St. PaUL shOULD aTTempT to GeT An aLL-Star CaSt of CoaCHeS froM St. PaUL aLa BiSHoP AmAt. EriC SonDhEimEr rECenTLY DiD a PieCe On ForMer St. PauL ALumS CoaChinG in The CiF ChAmPIonShips.

I love it when the rumors and assumptions start flying. If the community only knew the truth.. AMAZING! Too bad this principal never took the time to talk to Coach Gonzalez so she could know what important role the football program plays in the survival of this school. Whom ever is in her ear surly gave her bad info. For all of you who seem to know everthing are clueless how hard this great coaching staff worked to prepare kids on an off the field. The coaches always put the kids first. And by the way, Coach Jimenez made a decision to leave the school by the end of the year. Coach Jimenez is part of a coaching staff not an individual.

HEySP
High school sports or football is not the biggest thing in the US, education and the love for humanity, the betterment of others in the US and abroad. I hope your goals are not self serving what would God think. If you or any player has the talent to play at the next level every scout will find you but you still need a good education.

Let the healing begin. The future of our school and kids are at stake. The school principle is a hero and thank God……….HEySP and spstudent; because you need to learn how to spell or some grammar skills.

Ricky,
You are absolutely correct, the news of the firing of Pete is the best news in the area. The Dean of Boys should not be the Head Football coach because he used his power to allow players to skip detention, have poor grades and be exceptions to the rules. In case we have all forgotten, other players on the team who don't get in trouble and maintain their grades are all well aware of these exceptions. The players talk and they talk alot about what they see and they do not approve of his behavior. Only players and coaches are to ride the bus NOBODY else especially a woman?????

Big Red,

I would assume that Gil is probably out too... He was very close to the top of the program if not "the guy"

Rumors are flying about donations and coaches connected to those donations... so as they say, "money talks... bull**** walks" if that is the situation than its a smart move considering the school needs some upgrades to compete with the other local private schools... and i'm talking about classroom educational upgrades, not the infamous "fielding dreams"

If the coach connected is qualified than its a win-win situation... kids were not going to St. Paul for the coaches... if that was the case why is the enrollment so low... change is good...

The whole situation probably wasn't suppose to get out this soon, so you can't really blame the administration for the kids finding out through blogs... probably should have announced something before the break, but hindsight is 20/20...

others on other blogs have mentioned kids leaving... would be pretty hard though for some who have one season left...

I don't know the exact reasons why Pete was "fired" but I can say i'm not surprissed... just rubbed people the wrong way i guess... and didn't seem like an all around good guy...

The funny thing about it is now you have all these parents complaining about Pete getting fired, reason was he is a dirty coach and dirty human being. If you cant afford to send your kids to SP pull them out that is pathetic asking for free tuition it makes those parents just as bad. hey go back to MOntebello high im sure your tuition will get sponsored there,haha. Ms. Barr, from the entire REAL SP community, THANK YOU for the best Christmas gift ever.

If any kid can't maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, Then why are we as parents paying tuition,or allowing our kids to play any sport. Our priorites are all screwed up.
St.Paul and its parents should have higher academic standards. These kids are scholar-athletes. Good Luck to coach what ever he decides. However, give him a chance to finish out his senior class.

I am a student and if all these people don't think it will effect us they are wrong. Coach Gonzalez and Jimenez pushed us to our full potential. My brother played for Coach A we are praying he is not our new head coach, this would hurt our program even more. Most of all Ms. Barr made us feel as if she could careless about us I'm sure there are many ways she could of done this the right way, but she chose not to. Thank you Ms. Barr.

Got this from Fred Robledo's blog
ALL CIF Southeast Div

First Team Offense
RB: Daniel Enriquez, Whittier
OL: Mike Sanez, La Serna
K: Eric Stern, Cal

First Team Defense
LB: Louie Lozano, La Serna
DL: Nikolia Crouch, Santa Fe

Second Team Offense
QB: Ben Burke, La Serna
RB: Aaron Turner, Santa Fe
WR: Anthony Ayala, El Rancho
WR: Nathan Blaike, Cal

Second Team Defense
DB: Adrian Mahlstede, Santa Fe
DB: Jonathan Rodriguez, La Serna
LB: Adrian Lopez, Santa Fe
DL: Victor Rojas, Cal
DL: Nick Finney, Santa Fe

Fundraisers at the Firehouse for tuition?

Are you crazy HS is about football and thier coaching programs. You can get an education from any High School but football is why alot of us do choose SP.
Im a very goal orientated person and think education is important, but High school football is the biggest thing in the United States, and why are you talking education on a sports Blog.

Are you saying SP cant have the best of both worlds good educators and a Great Football Team.

there are alot of kids that I know that dont come to SP beacuse we dont have a wrestling team or swim team. They dont say im going to Sp for the education, they say im going elsewhere, because books and teachers are found at every HS but good sports programs arent. So yes sports does come to play when choosing a HS.

Someone has now made Pete accountable. He talks big regarding accountability but his actions are different. The transfers are there because of the coaches but many students are children of alumni who sent their children to SP because of SP not the horrible coaches. Gil Jimenez is the only coach that the players respect and the players would HATE to see him leave because Pete will no longer be the coach. They won CIF in 2007 in SPITE of Pete not because of Pete. Gil was the rock behind that championship.

The firing of Pete is the best news to come out of St Paul. Yes there are a lot of rumors about Pete's shananigans, and many of them are true. Pete did not care about the student he only cared about the football player. Some of these kids are not succeeding in the classroom, yet still played. Now the school rules will apply to everyone, because as the dean of boys, Pete allowed football players to ignore the rules. Let some of these football leave. St Paul needs students who bleed blue, and are true to their school.

it all came down to transfers.

barr wouldn't allow any transfers she knew that couldnt cut it at a private school.

majority of the football transfers could not make a difference in the classroom or in the school community, sometimes not even on the field.

i think this is good for the program. they need a coach that would bring back some PRIDE and TRUE SWORDSMEN spirit.

it's going to hurt seeing Jimenez, the true coach, leave though. the boys and the school loved him. it was more jimenez than gonzales coaching that championship team.

There are more kids at St. Paul for the academics than for the coaches. I would hope it wouldn't matter what opinion "children" had on such a big decision and how unprofessional it would be to discuss her decision with the students.

Let's remember that he is not just the varsity football coach, but he is also the Dean of boys. We don't know what goes on behind closed doors. I respect our new principal and I'm sure she had a very good reason for making such a difficult decision.

Problem number one kids are there because of the coaching staff?........Parents it’s about education not coaching staff. Two; internal conflicts, what, why was the enormous emphasis on football at any cost. High school is about education, when year after year at St Paul about 99.58% football career stops, education is for an entire life. The chickens have come home. I hope we can get back on track and build an education that kids flock too.

I hope Coach A is not coming back. The game has passed him by.
Pete was doing a decent job. He must have been up to no good to get fired the day after Christmas. There are lots of rumors out there, and if true, he should be gone. Pete should address the team since he is still the coach. I would like to hear that kids are at SP because of SP, not because of the coaching staff.

About friggin time they made a change. Now this program with the pride and honor we once had.

Expect a handful of kids to exit the program and into DRL schools, most of us know what DRL school is going to benefit big time from all this...

Swordsman24
Anonymous (st. paul guy)
SP Fan
mile-away
NFL (maybe you will come in here)

Now that Pete is gone lets start the debate. Who do you think or, who do you want to be the next head coach. If gil does not get it will they keep him. Now what is going to happen to the players who were getting money from the firehouse fundraisers. I guess you guys are right, we are still talking about st paul.

Seemed like he was turning the program around. I wonder what type of internal conflict they had?

I just want to say this is something else. Our boys haven't heard a thing for our lovely principal you would think she would have better sense to do this when she can talk to the kids. Bottom line alot of our kids are there because of this coaching staff. Were so proud of them and it is a shame that it came to this. Thank you Roger for trying to address this its more than the principal or the AD did.

Lets pray that the rumors are wrong that we are going to get Coach A back. That would be stepping 5 years back he was a legend long ago but his time has gone. The current coaching staff has really turned the program around. What a shame!!!!!