Get to Know New Mountain View HC Paul Rodriguez

Mt. View HC Paul Rodriguez

By George Hernandez

Paul Rodriguez is entering his first season as the head football coach at Mountain View

Q: How’s everything going coach through this situation we’re all going through?
A: Everything is going as good as can be expected. I am extremely fortunate that I have a job where I can work from home and still get paid. I have been able to spend a lot of quality time with my family that I normally wouldn’t be able to being a football coach. The only downside is not getting to be around the team.

Q: Where did you grow up and play your pop warner and high school football?
A: I grew up in Rowland Heights, did not play Pop Warner but played my High School ball at Rowland High School for 4 years.

Q: Did you play football after high school?
A: Nope no ball after high school for me. Not ashamed to say I was not that talented. Straight to a 4 year college for academics for me.

Q: Where did you start coaching and where else have you coached at?
A: I started my coaching career in the heart of South Central LA at historic Manual Arts High School, pretty much across the street from USC. I started as a JV Offensive Coordinator… had the amazing opportunity to actually coach Division 1 talent and coach against players with NFL talent. I have also coached at South Gate High and Belmont High in LA as a DC and of course I was at the View for 3 years as a DC for Coach Romero.

Q: How was your first time around at View as DC?
A: My first time around at Mountain View was an excellent learning experience. I found out I did not know enough about defense. I am very thankful Coach Romero provided me the opportunity to learn and grow so this time around I am prepared for that side of the ball. I learned a great deal of offense from him and Coach Jerry Rivas and the work environment and culture he created is something I plan to emulate and take to the next level. While we did not have the success that we wanted we were extremely close to getting over the hump. If I was a better DC at the time and knew what I knew now things would have turned out different. But that’s the way things went.

Q: What made you apply for the Mountain View job knowing their history?
A: I applied for the job because first of all I want the challenge of being able to turn around a program that no one believes in. Part of my underdog in life upbringing. Tell me I can’t and I’ll show you I can. Second the school is an amazing place. Some may give it a bad rap but the kids worked so hard for us when I was there. The families and administration were extremely supportive and they have recently made many upgrades to the facilities there. The school leadership is committed to providing the kids at Mountain View the best.

Q: Who are some of the coaches you’ll have on staff with you?
A: I have a mix of coaches, some I worked with at my previous school, some who coached at Mountain View in the past and some former players of mine from Mountain View and other schools. No big names, just a bunch of guys who love coaching football, have great character, are willing to learn, work hard and believe in what can be done.

Q: What are you looking for in your team your first year, if everything goes well and we have a season?
A: In our team we are looking to increase our numbers on all our levels. That our young men demonstrate character, commitment, and competitive spirit not only on the field but in the classroom and in the community. Football wise is that we focus on becoming a bigger stronger faster more physical team that plays with relentless effort and is fundamentally sound. We do those things and results will follow. Our motto is “Keep Climbing” and that’s what we want our young men to learn to do.

Q: Any changes to your pre season schedule?
A: Have a couple changes. We play San Gabriel Week 0 at home and Century Week 4 away.

Q: I know you were named just before they shut down the schools, were you able to meet any of your players?
A: Yeah it’s really strange. I have a team but I really don’t know them. I met them once when I was introduced to the parents. We have been meeting on zoom pretty much 3-4 days a week for the past 3 weeks and communicating on hudl so I am slowly getting to know them. I can’t wait to get to work with them.

Q:Anything else you would like for some of the readers to know?
A: I am personally grateful to the Mt. View admin for giving me this opportunity. It’s been a goal of mine to be an HC for a long time now. Our staff is going to work as hard as we can to put a product on the field that the Mountain View community will be proud of. We can use your support. So any alum, local leaders, and businesses please reach out. We need you all.

#KeepClimbing

4 Comments to "Get to Know New Mountain View HC Paul Rodriguez"

  1. Victoria, Isabella & Natalia Rodriguez's Gravatar Victoria, Isabella & Natalia Rodriguez
    April 24, 2020 - 5:32 pm | Permalink

    Congratulations to Coach Rodriguez and the Mountain View community! We are looking forward to being fans in the stands this Fall! Good luck Vikings!!

  2. Fuzzy's Gravatar Fuzzy
    April 24, 2020 - 9:40 am | Permalink

    Like the photo of this new coach, I’m a bit unclear on who Paul Rodriguez is. The one I know is a comedian, but this can’t be him, because football at the View is no laughing matter.

  3. April 23, 2020 - 10:12 pm | Permalink

    He’s gonna do just fine an the View! I like the fact that he said increasing numbers will be a priority. I really hope he’s able to turn around this thing. It’s an uphill climb but it I know he has the work ethic to get it done.

  4. Anonymous's Gravatar Anonymous
    April 22, 2020 - 11:42 pm | Permalink

    Congratulation coach. What a great accomplishment for you. As an alumni and former player for THE VIEW. I wish you, your staff, and student athletes great health, success, support. I am glad they hired someone whose been there before. Again coach, huge accomplishment and tons of hard work and discipline ahead. Thank you in advance for what you will do. I hope many appreciate your dedication.

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