[pullquote align=”right” speaker=”Senior, John “Juju” Smith”]It was an honor and experience playing for one of the best Poly coaches.[/pullquote]
After thirteen years as Poly’s head football coach, Raul Lara announced his resignation on the Friday after the team’s last game.
“[It was] a decision a lot of people didn’t know,” said athletic director Rob Shock.
Over his tenure as head coach, Lara acquired five CIF Championships, more than any other coach in Poly history. These championships were in 2001, 2004, 2007, 2008, and most recently in 2012.
Lara has had long standing ties with the Poly Jackrabbits. After playing football for Poly, he graduated in 1984 and enrolled at UC Santa Barbara. During his college years Lara volunteered as an assistant coach to the Jackrabbits.
Coach Lara became head coach in 2001, and won a CIF title in his first year. Not only has he been the head coach for the Jackrabbits, but he also has had a full-time job as a probation officer in the Los Angeles County Juvenile Hall. Lara willingly put in many hours of work as a coach for a yearly stipend of around $5,000.
Many of the seniors on this year’s football team have gotten to know Lara over their four years at Poly. Jason “Pops” Fao got to know him especially well because he was a four-year varsity starter.
Not only did Lara win championships, but he also instilled values into his players, Lara encouraged them to be people of character.
“He said to always remember where you came from,” said Fao.
“He taught us to play together” said senior lineman Gasetoto “Gmac” Schuster
Fao also said “I’m going to miss him. He was a good coach.”
“It was an honor and experience playing for one of the best Poly coaches,” said senior receiver John “Juju” Smith
Schuster said Lara was, “Like a father figure to me.”
Defensive coordinator Jeff Turley will serve as the interim head coach for the time being.
Athletic director Rob Shock is accepting applications for the vacant head coaching position until January 7, 2014. After that, the formal interview process will start.