Nishil Shah: Reasons and reasoning
A lower winning percentage than he expected for himself and the program, and some issues aside from the Xs and Os of the game prompted Nishil Shah to tender his resignation as Montebello High School football coach.
"Five years as head coach, a record of 16-34," Shah said late Sunday night. "That's a winning percentage of 32 percent, and that's not in line with the traditions of Montebello High School."
Montebello's best records under Shah were 4-6 in 2004 and 2008. The Oilers' best finish in the Almont League was a three-way tie for second in 2005, but they lost out in the tiebreaker for a playoff berth. They did not qualify for CIF postseason playoffs in any of Shah's seasons.
Shah said the decision about leaving the program was his, and that he was not asked to resign.
"I was asked to make some changes that I was not willing to do," Shah said. He chose not to be specific about the changes other than to say they "involved staff."
"This decision was based on many circumstances," he said. "I feel my decision was for the school and the community. I put my heart and soul into coaching my beloved Oilers. I am disappointed about not having more success.
"However, I am at peace with my decision and I'm looking forward to the next chapter in my life."
Shah, who has been a mathematics teacher at the school for 10 years and says teaching is his No. 1 priority, said it is possible he might return to coaching.
"Depending on who they hire (as his replacement), my intentions are to probably coach at a lower level, the freshmen or junior varsity, where expectations of winning are not so great.
"I would like to get back to working with the kids because I enjoy it. Coaching kids, calling plays, game planning on weekends, those are all positives. Everything else is absolute misery."
Asked if he might coach basketball again, Shah quickly replied, "No more winter sports. I'm looking at maybe freshman football and/or track and field. Those are my loves."
Shah was the Oilers' head track coach in 2005-06 while he was coaching football, but he admitted it was difficult "leaving the football kids in the spring to coach track and field."
Asked if he would be interested in coaching at another school, Shah said, "Montebello is my home. That's where I want to be."
Montebello's best records under Shah were 4-6 in 2004 and 2008. The Oilers' best finish in the Almont League was a three-way tie for second in 2005, but they lost out in the tiebreaker for a playoff berth. They did not qualify for CIF postseason playoffs in any of Shah's seasons.
Shah said the decision about leaving the program was his, and that he was not asked to resign.
"I was asked to make some changes that I was not willing to do," Shah said. He chose not to be specific about the changes other than to say they "involved staff."
"This decision was based on many circumstances," he said. "I feel my decision was for the school and the community. I put my heart and soul into coaching my beloved Oilers. I am disappointed about not having more success.
"However, I am at peace with my decision and I'm looking forward to the next chapter in my life."
Shah, who has been a mathematics teacher at the school for 10 years and says teaching is his No. 1 priority, said it is possible he might return to coaching.
"Depending on who they hire (as his replacement), my intentions are to probably coach at a lower level, the freshmen or junior varsity, where expectations of winning are not so great.
"I would like to get back to working with the kids because I enjoy it. Coaching kids, calling plays, game planning on weekends, those are all positives. Everything else is absolute misery."
Asked if he might coach basketball again, Shah quickly replied, "No more winter sports. I'm looking at maybe freshman football and/or track and field. Those are my loves."
Shah was the Oilers' head track coach in 2005-06 while he was coaching football, but he admitted it was difficult "leaving the football kids in the spring to coach track and field."
Asked if he would be interested in coaching at another school, Shah said, "Montebello is my home. That's where I want to be."
23 Comments
Leave a comment
About this blog
Roger Murray is the prep sports editor for the Whittier Daily News.
All of these comments about SP vs. MHS are bruttal. The job of coaching high school football is about developing boys into young men. Winning is only part of the solution. However, if it wasn't important why do we keep score??? Coach Shah did EVERYTHING he possibly could to obtain success both on and off the field. All MHS adminstrators, teachers, staff, parents and players should all be appreciative of having such a dedicated and loving coach. I know first hand he was all that. Now that he has made his decision and MHS administrators have done theirs, we should embrace that decision and let results be the judge of what Coach Gonzalez and his staff are. We have all heard RUMORS of what Coach Gonzalez has done or not done. It's not our place to judge. If it was that bad with Coach Shah or others you should have come out to Heaman Field during double days and shared your opinion and made a contribution. If not, then I politely ask that you to be patient and see what the new coaches will do because it pains me to read gossip and rediculous comparisons of yesteryear when they dont matter anymore!!! Lets be grown ups about the situation and let results determine our success. As for me, I say "Good Luck to Coach Gonzalez and his Staff" May your direction be the turning point MHS adminstrators and others are looking for.
I heard it was Pete Gonzales(SP), Randy Sanchez I believe he coaches at Garfield, Erick Escamilla (SEM), and maybe two others.
Yo, WHO?: Montebello isn't sharing names of applicants of those who will received an interview.
Murray or anyone, Interview dates and times have been passed on to the perspective coaches.
Does anyone know who has been awarded an interview? List the names.
OUT
2010 student; don’t let these fools get you down. Maybe there looking for work. Love your passion and I hope all students have it. Plus I hope the best for your school and you. Stay strong.
mr.Big said:
Unassuming you’re not, but attempting to rationalize your constant beleaguered comments towards me, Because of that attempt to justified your behavior as normal, it’s truly remarkable. Perceptibly you seem to have an anger-management problem. Take my advise seek help! As for the coaching position I don’t want coaches who might bring in some scandalous problem that’s a worry, now that said I will support whomever the school administers hire and if it’s the SP coaches I will hope to be proven wrong. I know some of the El Rancho players and they and their parents love their new coaches, yes SP guys. So who really knows? But this is my city and school. FOOTBALL FAN that’s an erroneous comment about commitment and winning, if fact you answered it yourself. Everyone cares for their high school and Montebello is my school and I care!!!!!
Student 2010,
Mr Big and you are very funny with your responses. Please tell me as an outsider of the situation. What it is about these St.Paul coaches coming to Montebello that worries you the most. They will ask you to be committed and buy into a culture of winning. Isn`t that what all High school programs are looking for? I don`t know, you tell me. What other names are in the mix for the coaching job. I have a friend who played at Montebello in the 80`s for coach Rien and he told me that he hopes this Pete Gonzalez guy gets hired along with his staff. Enquiring minds want to know.
I understand that you are attempting to write and express your thoughts in a very educated manner, but it's just not working for you. It is in fact hard for anyone to understand what you are saying... Please, don't worry about your spelling or grammar, just write what you feel in a normal way so the discussion is easier to follow.
I and everyone in our (MTB) city, who are immensely concern on the new coach, are on alert. I again as a student that after football will be at college next year, know that consequential the wrong decisions and not just implications that have follow the SP coaches will affect our school if we hire mr Big or any of the fired coaches from SP. Even the sport buff ones that frequent this blog know it’s not a scientific selection or a mind breaker. It’s about our community and our school. MHS with great pride.
Student 2010,
I look forward to interviewing and having the opportunity to coach a young man like yourself.
I'm not a St. Paul Coach.
Space Cadet/Student 20010,
That`s great you like to articulate retorts regarding my blogs. But, please by any means think you are making any sense with these words. How did I come to know this, because no one else on here has responded to your articulations. I have though, only because I like to play your little game of words. Now, if you would put this much energy in preparing yourself to be the best football player for M.H.S. maybe U.S.C or some other school will come calling for you to use your words at there school. Now, tell me clearly because you ARE way smarter than I. How can you be apart of the solution ? As you stated in a previous retort, you do not have to sell your soul to be a Champion in life or football. It just takes a committment, desire, and unselfishness to the team that will bring a culture of winning. As for appreciating what coach Shah, taught you, that`s great for him because it`s a piece of what coaches are meant to do. I have respect for coach Shah, but as he stated things didn`t work and he chose to move on. Wait, it sounds as if your confused about a coaches role in a players life. It`s X`S and O`, but more importantly it`s the development of the player and the man inside of you. This in turn will help you become a contributing member of life and Montebello. Now, I see your passion for your school and City. Let me share this with you, using words to try and make people feel inferior to you is not contributing to society, it`s being boastful. Now God Bless young and good luck at Montebello.
Mr. Big
I’m now very disappointed in you. It seems that you’re unable to articulate your message. You have to use euphemisms like “Space Cadet “what you fail to comprehend is a almost 17 year old who wants to be part of solutions, and hopefully when I reach 70 or older I will still want to contribute in life, that’s what coach taught. I love playing for coach Nishil Shah, now would I’d have liked that we as a football team would had won every game absolutely. There’s more to coaching then x’s and o’s, I might be too young to know, but this is my city.mr. big I hope you understand.
Think,
I don`t THINK you understand what I wrote. I know Schurr is in Montebello (Smart Guy). The criticism was meant towards Montebello H.S. and the many kids with any kind of athletic ability whom choose to attend either Schurr or other schools for academic & athletic success. I also promote the former SP staff, because I`ve seen first hand what they can do. That is why I have free access to promote them. THINK, believe me when I say the pay or compensation you speak of was nothing compared to the time and work that was put in to win a CIF ChAMPIONSHIP, which was in Division 3. I`m all for giving a helping hand to help Montebello become a school that kids want to attend not only for their athletic ability, but also for their academic endeavors. You are right, Montebello will be a real job because of the culture of losing and the lack of willinness to work. THINK, let`s work to bring this school some positive recognition. As for you Student 2010, you are a SPACE CADET and you can talk to the stars on your way to MOON.
mr Big the athletes you mention won’t go to MHS, but Schurr, Mr. Big in case you don’t know Schurr is in Montebello city. Why are you so hype on promoting the coaches from St. Paul? Is it that the coaches who were fired need promotion from a blog that has free access? Wow I guess SP still after a divi. 7 championship, the pay or compensation could not make amends. Hey! Let’s pass the helmet and give a helping hand. Coaching at Montebello is a real job.
Well ok there’s always a lesson to learn. But first all of us should continue learning, for you its spell check or go back to school, that’s not a bad thing. Amazingly you must live on the moon? Where there are no challenges of our nature. When I finally graduate from college maybe I’ll be able to buy a home there. Second thought I would like to grow up and meet those challenges and help in life and not point to problems and say I’m better than that……So on the football position we want a coach who is a teacher and who will encourage us in life like “Nishil Shah “did. I ask you don’t you think that every person involved with our football program wants a championship? But at what cost? Sell our soul? Montebello is a beautiful city because it has people. In case you don’t know that’s paramount in life.
Mr. Big I think the people here have spoken. St. Paul is not wanted here. Now with all do respect please notify Gonzalez of this and tell him to pursue his SC or Washington coaching opportunities as he has been telling people.
Hey 2010 student,
Let me give you a lesson in life. I came on to show a little support to Pete and his staff and M.H.S.. You say that this is your Community, O.K. A Community of what many gang members, taggers, and various kaos throughout the School and City, Now that`s Christlike right.. That is why any athlete worth his salt wants to go to Schurr or somewhere else and not Montebello. My Nephew is an 8th grader and a very good basketball player. He told me that he dosen`t want to go Montebello,but to Schurr because he won`t have to worry about being harrassed by your Christlike knuckleheads. I mentioned Water Polo with respect and you get sensitive about it. So, blood is thicker than a Championship, O.K. Well with that kind of thinking Montebello will not be flying any Championship football banners anytime soon. As for St. Paul cheating. Let`s remember St.Paul can draw Student/Athletes from anywhere, now is that cheating?. Remember, I stated that Pete Gonzalez, is part of the Montebello family by virtue of him attending Elemetary and Junior High School in Montebello. He has many friends who reside in Montebello, who our very happy to have Pete come in and build a football power in the City of Christlike people. Oh Wait, maybe you and your fellow Students are scared of actually putting in the work needed to bulid a culture of winning. Even if Pete doesn`t get the job. I hope who ever does get hired, can bring in a culture of change for the better. It`s rediculaus that for the oldest High School in the City, you have no Football Championship, but look at Schurr one Title and counting. It`s obivious young man, that you wrote this reponse with your emotions, for which I understand, but without clear and consise thoughts regarding the subject. Remember, I`m all for Montebello succeeding in all endeavors because I have family that attends Montebello. GO BIG BLUE AND GOLD [CIF FOOTBALL CHAMPS WHEN)?
mr. Big; I MHS say little you are!!! Said;……..No way….. We MHS have and possess the authority because it’s our community. I know St. Paul doesn’t teach civics because they don’t help SF by any means. MHS championships in water polo, we have a pool, you might have a water hose. You ask us MHS to be open minded, you’re a parochial school =closed minded. Now coaches willing to create a culture of winning, but the attitude and cheating in competition is not worth it for our public school we are more truly Christlike. The city of Montebello is proud of its students, not like St Paul with no true city. Like all cities who love their school students and have family ties. Blood is thinker then any championship and better then cheating. What kind of catholic school loves cheating? I think all do and love to look down on everyone else. Go Big Blue and Gold with respect.
I'm wondering if the big fight against Schurr had anything to do with Coach Shah resigning. That night, both he and his entiring coaching staff, embarrased the school and the city of Montebello. It also showed he did not have any control over his undisciplined players.
To all of you Oiler people,
Who are against the St.Paul staff.
How can you come on all of these blogs and say don`t bring in Pete and the ex- St.Paul staff. What gives you the authority to know who is good enough to coach at M.H.S. Oh, because you have won many CIF football Titles (not), remember your school is known for winning CIF Water Polo Titles. This is not a critizism,but a point I`m trying to make. Be open minded to the fact that Pete and a staff that is willing to follow him is willing to come to Montebello to create a culture of Competition and winning attitude that goes into winning League and CIF Titles. I`m sure there are other qualified coaches willing to come to M.H.S, but do they have a staff in place and do they know the the City of Montebello as well as Pete does to ensure kids will come to Montebello to compete at the highest level. Oh, I get it you want to be mentioned in the same breath as those ingrateful St.Paul people and be quick to judge. Give them a chance or whom ever get`s the job. GO BIG BLUE AND GOLD in 2009
Maybe St. Paul cheated and just maybe they only stretch the rules abit. Why not try it? Public education will always be a better opportunity for the kids.Let's just give it a try for football. It's not like there going to teach there.
and Cal-Hi parent concerned about Whittier's Basketball program, think back over the past 10 years before this present program. Well, they did no better. In fact, the program was not as competitive as it is now. Only during the Michael Hernandez years was Whittier Boys team very good
Despite the criticism, Coach Shah handled himself with class, and always took the high road.Good luck to Shah in next chapter of his life. I hope it involves football. The younger kids would be fortunate to have him as their coach. At the freshmen or JV level, he will not deal with the stress of unrealistic expectations.I hope we have not seen the last of Coach Shah.