Breaking News: South El Monte coach Ray Hernandez resigns, could Escamilla return?

By Fred Robledo on January 7, 2011 4:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (15) |

By Fred Robledo
South El Monte high school football coach Ray Hernandez resigned after two years and a 4-17 overall record, telling his players over lunch on Friday that he wants to spend more time with his family. Hernandez took over at South El Monte in 2009 after longtime coach Erick Escamilla resigned but remained a teacher at the school. Escamilla has submitted applications for neighboring head coaching positions since, and his return to the helm is a strong possibility, though athletic director Sonia Ayala said the position will be floated.
"Coach Hernandez resigned for family and personal reasons," Ayala said. "He just told the kids and handed us his letter (Friday). At this point, we're going to fly the position. We don't have anyone in mind, we will go through the process."
When asked if Escamilla might return, she said it was too early to tell.
"He's (Escamilla) still teaching, and never ruled out returning but what he plans to do we haven't heard," Ayala said.

In 12 years Escamilla compiled an overall record of 63-65-1, which included a CIF-Southern Section Divisional semifinal appearance in 2005.
Hernandez's best year came as the head coach at La Puente when he led the Warriors to the Montview League title in 2007.
However, the following year Hernandez never finished the season, resigning during the middle of the 2008 campaign over philosophical difference's with the school's administration, he said at the time.
The Warriors finished 1-9 and the next year Hernandez was named the head coach at South El Monte.

15 Comments

How to Lose Weight Fast said:

Aw, this was a really quality post. In theory I'd like to write like this too - taking time and real effort to make a good article... but what can I say... I procrastinate alot and never seem to get something done.

Regards!

January 14, 2011 3:54 PM

reality

said:

sgvriver: Your comment must be personal because it's not factual. Medrano was DC at San Dimas when they had the best defense in the area and lost to Oaks Christian with a ton of D1 players in the playoffs. Transfered To Bonita as linebacker coach and you saw the way those smallish guys played against out-sized opposition all year. Point being if you do not like a coach like that then lets hear your opinion on who you want and why. Our South El Monte team needs help, give us your names.

January 12, 2011 3:48 PM

Aaron

said:

Did I say something wrong? Aren't head coaches supposed to teach their younger coaches the ropes so that they can advance?

January 12, 2011 4:39 AM

Sgvriver said:

Don't see medrano a jv head coach let alone la verne. Come on Aaron you r better than that

January 11, 2011 7:07 PM

Aaron

said:

As far as ULVs coaching search is concerned...they're looking for someone with connections to Ortmayer and there are two people that are being considered.

I wouldn't say Podley has been grooming Medrano to be a head coach. I would say he has been teaching lessons to all of the young coaches including Medrano so that one day they can lead programs of their own.

January 11, 2011 2:43 PM

SGVRiver said:

ULV...Well those men at ULV are very lucky to have him since he brings so much to the table:)

I don't know who is worse, ULV or South El Monte? He is probably part of the NATION WIDE coaching search.

January 11, 2011 2:09 PM

ULV said:

Staff,
Actually, only the head coach and DC got fired. He was asked to remain on staff and according to the website is still on staff.

January 11, 2011 1:14 PM

SGVRiver said:

Well he is on campus and is an easy hire. Don't know how he will do but he loves the kids.

January 11, 2011 11:12 AM

Staff said:

Ibis Aguilar is so good that the whole staff got fired this year after going 1-9.

January 11, 2011 10:18 AM

Mountain View said:

Heard Ibis Aguilar is taking over the job. Already on campus and was a very successful coach at La Verne

January 10, 2011 1:49 PM

BHS said:

reality,

I agree with you to a degree. There is nothing better for a football program that needs to be saved like South El Monte then enthusiastic fresh blood. One of the best things that our coach Podley has done is surround himself around the young coaches he has from ULV. A school like South El Monte could use these guys. Its well known that Podley has been grooming Medrano to be a head coach and this is a good chance for him and the others to go and get extra experience just like the way the La Puente coach from Glendora is doing.

January 8, 2011 7:28 PM

reality

said:

The need for a successful football program for a high school cannot be over estimated. It sets the achievment level for the school from day 1. Recycled coaches have not proven to have good results at many schools. It is time to give younger coaches a chance like they did at Diamond Bar. There are terrific enthusiastic assistant coaches at San Dimas, Bonita, Shurr etc. that would bring real energy to a program that a recycled burnt out coach could not. The job of rebuilding a program requires a huge commitment of time and energy, a name alone does,nt do it. I hope these programs that need H.C.s think out of the box. If you interview the older coaches that are the sages of the SGV they will to a man admit they would be nowhere without their young aides and it is they that do all the heavy lifting. These are the coaches that will scour the campus and find all the talent that just goes to waste at so many schools.

January 8, 2011 12:30 PM

Aaron

said:

He probably would have been let go, kind of hard to keep a guy around to let him build after not improving.

January 7, 2011 10:24 PM

SEMHS FAN 3481

said:

WoW - that's some news there, Fred!

I wonder what other coaches might want to take a chance at re-vamping the Varsity Team?.......makes for a interesting off-season......

January 7, 2011 5:10 PM

FredJ said:

this is a test