Helmets and Pads: St. Paul

To be honest, I had wanted to visit a St. Paul practice since the suspensions – mostly out of curiosity. How does a team function with only two coaches? How are the kids adapting? What’s the focus like at camp? There were several questions that needed answering.


Casey Morales works with the line

What I saw was about 47 suited up players (looks like there were another 7-10 that were injured) that performed well given the circumstances.

What was most surprising was the number of coaches or alumni that came out to support the team. Former coaches Casey Morales, Rich Avina Sr., and Shawn Clingan along with alumnus Mike Cortez and R.G. Uballez helped with drills and practice.


Rich Avina Sr. observes during special teams practice

Here’s an interview with offensive coordinator Visko Ancich about Wednesday’s practice –

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Here’s an interview with defensive backs coach Rich Avina Jr

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Here’s an interview with linebacker James Fimbres

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Quarterback Jeremiah Hernandez rolls out of the pocket

I couldn’t tell you how St. Paul is going to fare against La Mirada in 10 days but it’s good to see the program recovering.

Here’s my story on their practice that will run in Thursday’s paper –

PREP FOOTBALL: Former coaches, players come in to support program.
By Andrew J. Campa Staff Writer
SANTA FE SPRINGS — Written on the back of the shirt of St. Paul High School football assistant coach Rich Avina Jr. is the slogan “bring back the tradition.”

The statement took shape at Wednesday afternoon’s practice when the football program welcomed back a few former coaches and alumni to help out a team with only two active coaches.

“It’s real positive because those guys know the system,” St. Paul offensive coordinator Visko Ancich said. “They played, coached and been a part of it for a long time so they’re aware of what we’re trying to do on the field.”

Ancich and Avina Jr., the defensive backs coach, are the Swordsmen’s only two varsity coaches not serving suspensions in the wake of last week’s hazing allegations.

However, the practice field was not short of leadership as former coaches Casey Morales, Shawn Clingan and Rich Avina Sr. and former players Mike Cortez and R.G. Uballez helped out.

“I have to get used to yelling again,” said Morales, the school’s athletic director. “My throat is all dry.”

Morales coached the offensive line last year and found himself in the familiar position of serenading the hogs with his baritone bellowing.

As for Clingan, this was the assistant athletic director’s first varsity action since he coached with Ealar Gallagher at La Salle seven years ago.

“A lot of people have been making phone calls and just letting us know that they’re concerned,” Avina Jr. said. “So, a lot of those guys that have come back are really close to the program.”

Avina Sr. found his memory a bit rusty when he worked with his son on kick-return and kickoff duties.

“It’s taking a while,” Avina Sr. said. “I’ll get it.”

The help was well appreciated by both coaches, who received assistance from alumnus Andrew Canales at last weekend’s blue-white game.

“The day-to-day stuff gets a little more difficult,” Avina Jr. said. “Obviously, we’re short-handed and people that are showing up, they’re showing up and we’re trying to put them into drills.”

Even with a small staff, Ancich was happy with the team’s practice and noted it had been the best practice since the scrimmage.

“We’ve just talked about the players still have to move on. They still have to keep working regardless of the situation,” Ancich said. “It doesn’t matter who’s out here. They are the guys on the field and they have to be ready.”

The message sunk it with senior linebacker James Fimbres, who understands his role and that of the seniors has changed.

“I need to become a better leader, be a role model for the younger guys,” Fimbres said, “the defense has a bunch of young guys.”

Avina Jr. admitted it’s a challenge to focus the attention of teenagers away from distractions but was encouraged by the strength of his team.

“These kids are amazing,” he said. “That’s something historically that St. Paul has always brought to the table. We’re going to be tough, we’re going to be resilient and we’re going to overachieve.”

andrew.campa@sgvn.com
562-698-0955, ext. 3061

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