Diamond Ranch names Eric Martinez has new head coach

Diamond Ranch High School has hired former Upland defensive coordinator Eric Martinez to be its new varsity football head coach.

Martinez replaces Jimmy Welker, who was let go by the school after one season despite a 7-4 record and trip to the playoffs. Diamond Ranch has had four different coaches in the past four years.

“I’m excited, it’s something I always wanted to do,” Martinez said. “I think I’m ready to take on a new challenge in my life and see where it takes e. I’ve been fortunate enough to coach under Tim Salter at Upland I learned a lot from him.”

Martinez has one year of head coach experience and it came in 2003 at El Monte. He is a 1988 graduate of Arroyo High where he was a linebacker on the Knights’ 1986 CIF championship team.

Since 2008, Martinez was part of Salter’s successful staff at Upland where he was defensive coordinator. He also has coaching experience at Colony.

Despite the revolving door of coaches, Diamond Ranch has maintained a successful program. The Panthers have posted a winning season every year since 2011.

“Even though they had a fluctuation of coaches, they still have a winning record these last few year,” said Martinez, who teaches in the district. “The core is there and it’s something I can build on. I’ve just got to get them ready. With my experience at Upland and Colony, I’ve seen what it takes.”