Blog: Superb Coaching Staff Guides Tigers Track Team to New Heights

I have covered the high school prep sports scene for over 50 years, having a special fondness for track and field (having competed myself in my youth).

During this period of time, I have seen several top notch coaches, but have yet to find any that are as dedicated to their program as are those at South Pas High School.

Coaches P.J. Hernandez and C.B. Richards devote countless hours guiding their proteges with innovative coaching methods not found anywhere else. Their reputation has grown so much that people come from all over the southland to be tutored by them to improve their abilities. They can be seen at night and weekends coaching these athletes (including their own) so they will achieve their best.

I have watched with admiration as these coaches assisted by an outstanding staff of assistants that specialize in various events have produced some of the top track marks in the state and even the country.

This is not a fluke, they have contended for the CIF title for a number of years, finally obtaining the coveted CIF championship crown last year in the girls division. Coach Hernandez has won coach of the year honors for 3 years, unsurpassed by any of peers.

Their devotion to their athletes is shown by the affection their young people have for them. I have never seen such respectful interaction between a coaching staff and their athletes. In the long run, (excuse the pun) it has worked out for both coaches and athletes with the end result being one of the top track programs in the state.

They have put SPHS on the map by hosting a number of all-comers meets that have teams from all over the western USA taking part. Even the prestigious Arcadia games, one of the top prep meets in the country, has made the local school a part of the event, as they host some top track teams in a meet held at Solari Stadiium concurrently with the Arcadia meet. And once again they are heavy favorites to repeat as Rio Hondo titlists.

I could go on with accolades for these two superb coaches, but there is not enough room on this blog. If you really want see some excellent competition, come and watch one their meets, you won't be disappointed.

Editor's Note: In an earlier version of this blog, the author incorrectly identified the person who has won coach of the year for three years. It is Coach PJ Hernandez.