I wrote in the previous thread more big-time coaches could follow, and it took all of two hours for another big-namer to turn in his time card. And there are still more to come, sources say. Aram “SGVN football” Tolegian is a busy man today. In addition to Podley, Covina’s Darryl Thomas and Wilson’s Bob Burt also resigned: The good news for Aram is that they made their annoucements hours before tonight’s Alabama-LSU game. At least for now. Here’s the latest from Aram on what is a sad day for football fans in the SGV: Bonita High School football head coach Eric Podley resigned on Monday, with the school naming 27-year-old special teams coordinator Adrian Medrano as his replacement.
Podley, who was head coach at Bonita for 12 years and won two league titles and coached the Bearcats to the 2010 CIF-SS Southeast Division championship game, will remain on the varsity staff as offensive coordinator under Medrano. Longtime defensive coordinator Ray Medina was also retained.
“The workload of being a full-time classroom teacher, athletic director and head coach seemed like it was expanding each year and something had to give at some point, and so I decided the head coach football job would be the one to go,” Podley said. “It was something I definitely thought about it, especially last year when I got so sick. An illness like that can make you reassess some of your priorities in life.”
“The first thing I wanted to take over was the coaching staff. I’m fortunate enough to not only have Podley back but the entire coaching staff. It’s definitely a big challenge and I’m confident I can step up to the challenge. The game of football has been part of my life since I was a little kid. I’ve surrounded myself with people who know the game.
“And every single day, I’m trying to learn something. It’s not going to be easy, but I’m looking forward to it.”
Below: Even when Mr. Bonita’s not coaching football you run into him everywhere. He always answers your phone call and helps with everything involving Bonita sports, which I’m sure he will continue doing, some guys are just wired that way. At least he’s still on the varsity football staff and more importantly enjoying good health. See you on the sidelines coach …
