After two consecutive losing seasons, the Varsity Boys Soccer team and head coach, Rod Jativa, have decided to part ways. The Rams currently hold a 1-7-1 overall record, including an embarrassing 10-0 loss against Arcadia, and are hoping this coaching change will provide them with a fresh start and more success for the remainder of the season.
Although Athletic Director Mr. John VanDeVeere described the change as a “mutual decision,” those who followed the team knew that a change would happen sooner or later. Many of the players were frustrated by Jativa’s coaching techniques, while others were tired of getting blown out and losing every game. Some of the parents were upset at the way Jativa was treating their children and began to request change.
“We were upset with the inappropriate language used towards the athletes. There were also a number of times that [Coach Jativa] would quit at halftime and then decide later that he didn’t quit,” said one parent of a varsity player. “As parents we just want the coach to be a good role model and inspire our athletes to be their best. He was not doing any of those things.”
It has been a long time since the Rams have tasted success. Although he was brought in to help turn the program around, Javita was only been able to win two games in during his tenure as opposed to 23 losses and two draws. The players are hoping that new head coach, Guido Zamalloa Flores, can help them turn the tide.
“I am looking forward to re-structuring the fundamentals of soccer and teaching the boys teamwork, which is the most important aspect of any sports team,” Coach Flores said. “My goal is to make sure we improve with each and every game. Regardless of score, each progressive game must have a certain aspect corrected in order to improve our overall play. I expect these players to be ready for change, and it all begins with respect towards one another. With this, training and developing skills will be able much easier to accomplish.”
Although the Rams are 0-2 under Coach Flores, the players sincerely feel that they can still salvage this season. The Rams suffered tough losses to Blair and San Marino by scores of 5-1 and 5-2, repectively. The team still believes that they can turn things around and have a winning record for the rest of the season.