Lopez Leaves El Rancho for Pacifica

Vinnie Lopez, shown here being interviewed by Tim Peterson, is leaving El Rancho for Pacifica

Vinnie Lopez, shown here being interviewed by Tim Peterson, is leaving El Rancho for Pacifica

By Tim Peterson

(Pico Rivera) – Vinnie Lopez is stepping down as the head coach at El Rancho to take the same position at Pacifica he confirmed late Thursday.

“I think it was the hardest decision of my life. I love El Rancho for giving me the opportunity to be a head coach and I love those kids in the locker room,” Lopez said. “But this was an opportunity that I could not pass up.”

Lopez took over for Rick Zepeda after the 2011 seasons and went 5-5 in 2012. He followed that up with a 6-5  season in 2013 and then had his best year in 2014. He led to the Dons to a Del Rio League title last year and finished 8-3 overall. Despite a first round playoff loss to Burbank Lopez had brought an excitement to the Ranch that hadn’t been felt in years. Lopez leaves ER with an overall record of 19-13.

Pacifica went 2-8 last year.

“That’s the thing about all of this. It was really hard to leave a championship team like El Rancho for a team that struggled last year,” Lopez said. “But I can see a lot of talent at Pacifica and I think we can turn it around.”

Lopez was happy with the direction that the program had taken. The Dons knocked off perennial Del Rio powerhouse La Serna on the way to the league title.

“I really think it was just us and La Serna in the Del Rio the last couple of years. I don’t think it would have mattered who else was in that league we were the two teams to beat,” said Lopez.

Lopez feels that the future is bright for the Dons but is now looking forward to his new gig at Pacifica. He will be teaching as well as coaching at the school.

“I’m an OC guy so this is like going home for me. There were several offers that came my way but this was just the right one for me and for my family. I’ve got three kids under 10 and this just made sense for me,” Lopez added. “I loved my time at El Rancho but this a good move for me.”

Lopez told his team and the staff Friday afternoon.

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