Jude Oliva served three seasons as the SG HC.
(San Gabriel) – Jude Oliva has resigned as the head football coach at San Gabriel he announced Monday.
Over the course of his three seasons helming the Matadors program, Oliva, one of the area’s most popular and respected coaches, went 17-17. This includes a 9-5 record and an advance to the Mid-Valley Division final in 2011.
“I leave with great memories, great accomplishments, and great relationships built over an eleven year (coaching) career,” said Oliva. “It was tough, but the kids love me so they understand.”
Oliva did not comment about his immediate future, but did share with Mid Valley staffer Duane Barker that he had nothing in coaching lined up.
Married in 2010, and recently a father of a baby girl, speculation has often been made of Oliva’s future at San Gabriel. While serving on campus, he did not have a full time teaching position and was working in a “walk on” capacity in leading the football program. Several schools, including Muir, have made overtures to him in the past but none were able to couple an offer with a teaching job.
“Just taking a step out on faith,” said Oliva.
Oliva played for the Matadors in the late 1990’s as the program rebounded under head coach Gary Orona and made the playoffs. Later he became a key assistant under Keith Jones and was part of the staff when SG went on its memorable 2003 finals run. Later Oliva assumed the role of offensive coordinator from Jones and the Mats solidified themselves as consistently having one of the most diverse and dynamic offenses in the valley.
After going 5-5 in his first season and missing an Almont League title and playoff appearance by a combined four points, San Gabriel finished 3-7 in 2012, losing all three of its league games on the final play.
In 2011, after beginning the year 1-4, Oliva guided his team to eight consecutive victories and a final’s appearance against Monrovia.
“I still want to coach, it just has to be be a good fit for me,” said Oliva. “I love football and my family wants me to keep coaching.”
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