As Head Football Coach here at Palos Verdes, let me welcome you to Sea King Football. As we head into the 2010 season, we have high expectations on all levels. We know that these need to be met with lots of hard work and dedication, which our players and staff have eagerly begun. Last year was one of change, and we feel our program took a collective positive step in the right direction. We will miss our seniors, but look forward to their visits, as we do all Sea King Alumni. This year’s schedule is very challenging, and we open with traditional power Esperanza. Our players and staff look forward to the upcoming season. 2010 Sea King Football…Make It Happen!
Staff: Our Varsity staff includes David Young, Duane Davis, Brian Kane, Kevin Neal, Jim Hudnall, and Francesco Vaccaro. Our JV Team is led by Jeff Lulejian, Jr. Our Freshmen Team is led by Jeff Lulejian, Sr., and assisted by Dan Dunbar, Mike Alexander, and Denny Bales.
Spring Football: Spring Football will begin on May 10th and end on June 3rd. Practice will run from 3:15 to 5:30pm, with Fridays off. We encourage all parents and incoming freshmen to attend our Red and Black Game on June 3rd. All players need to be in good academic standing to participate in Spring Football.
Summer Program: Summer football for all levels begins on June 15. All Sea King football players must enroll in the Summer Program. Varsity/JV players will meet from 3:00-5:30pm, Monday through Friday. Freshmen will meet from 4:00-6:30pm Monday through Friday. Weight training, agility drills, and Sea King football will be emphasized in the summer. Varsity will also compete in Passing Leagues, along with a tournament to be announced. Players will be off- with no official responsibilities- from July 24th thru August 15th. We expect the players to keep up with their lifting and running, and the weight room will be open for those who want to use it.
Fall Season: The season officially begins on Monday, August 16. There will be approximately two weeks of 2-A-Day practices. We will practice on Labor Day. Times for 2-A-Day practices are still being determined, yet there is usually one practice in the morning, followed by one later in the afternoon. The first Varsity game will be on either Thursday or Friday night, Sept. 2 or 3rd, at Esperanza (Bradford Stadium in Placentia). The JV will play their first game on Thursday, September 2nd at home at 3:00pm, and the Freshmen will play at Esperanza High School on Thursday September 2nd at 3:00pm.
Clearances: All players need to be cleared in order to participate on August 16. This will include an updated physical, proof of insurance, and other forms to be completed. Please look for future information on our website or call the school for more information (310) 378-8174.
Academics: A constant in our program is the importance of academics. I feel it is the student-athlete’s responsibility to himself and his teammates to obtain the best GPA possible. Football requires a lot of time, and managing time is one of many great lessons learned playing sports. Research still suggests that those who participate in extra-curricular activities do better in school on average than those that do not.
I do not think it is appropriate for players to miss practice because of school work, especially if that work was to be done at an earlier date. It is their responsibility to manage their time appropriately. I understand that some individual circumstances would excuse this (illness, emergency, etc.) But, if a student has a “heavy” workload this week, and decides that he can’t go to practice because of it, that is his choice. But 49 other players are competing for spots to play, and they turned in their work on time. Absences of this nature will result in decreased playing time for that individual.
Player/Coach Communication: If you have a concern regarding finances, dates, schedules, academics, your child’s health and well being or behavior, or ways to help your child improve, you may contact me or other coaches by calling the following numbers. If no one is in the office, we will get back to you as soon as possible. We can also arrange for a meeting if needed, just leave the available times and we will set one up.
Football Coaches Office: (310) 378-8174 Ext. 290
Coach Gardner’s email: gardnerg@pvpusd.k12.ca.us
Playing time, team strategy, and play calling are topics to be left to the discretion of the coaches and are not up for discussion. In high school athletics, playing time is no longer a guarantee, and this is sometimes difficult for players or parents to accept. Our program comes from a TEAM-based philosophy in which decisions are based on what is best for the TEAM. Attendance, work ethic, character, and ability are key ingredients to increased chances of “playing time”. However, we feel all players have a valuable role in making this TEAM the best it can be. ( see Philosophy)
PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CONFRONT A COACH RIGHT BEFORE, DURING, OR AFTER A PRACTICE OR GAME. This atmosphere is not conducive for promoting resolutions. Please schedule an appointment through the given phone numbers.
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I believe your son will benefit in many ways from playing in our program. High school football is a very unique experience. These young men will create memories that will last a lifetime. They will understand what it means to be part of a team, learning responsibility, accountability, and dependability, which will help them be successful throughout their lives. They will also learn discipline, loyalty, leadership, toughness, compassion, and self-worth. I believe each student plays a crucial role in the team’s success. Your son will understand that their approach in the classroom is key to any success we have on the field. Their work will be challenging, yet with the appropriate amount of fun. We will demand the athlete’s best effort, just as he would expect from his coach. I believe each player should strive to become better on and off the field. I am a believer that we need to be the best at what we can control- which is all related to effort. Your players will be treated with class and coached in a manner that is safe.
We will play hard, physical football. Yet we will play with class, by the rules, and respect our opponents. We will play as a TEAM, with the TEAM placed before individuals. We have high expectations, a growing tradition, and are proud to wear the Black, Red and White. GO SEA KINGS!
Sincerely,
Guy Gardner
Head Football Coach |
