By Tim Peterson
(El Monte) – Chuck Leonardis has stepped down as the head football coach at Arroyo he confirmed Wednesday.
Leonardis cited being able to spend more time with his kids as the reason for his resignation after two seasons.
“My son has played 20 college football games and I’ve seen one. I wasn’t able to attend my daughter’s volleyball games. This had absolutely nothing to do with the school or my players at Arroyo. I love Arroyo and the program but I need to be a better father and I need to be there for my kids,” Leonardis said.
“It was a very hard decision but it’s the right decision for me at this time. I love coaching football and may return but not right now. This is the best decision for me right now.”
Leonardis took over for Jim Singiser before the 2020 season but Arroyo’s football season was canceled due to COVID-19. The Knights then went 10-1 in 2021 and fell in the first round of the CIF Division 9 playoffs to Claremont.
Last year Arroyo went 9-4 overall and advanced to the Division 12 Semi Finals before coming up short to Lancaster 20-17.
Arroyo won two Mission Valley League titles under Leonardis and were 19-5 overall in the two-year run. The Knights were 10-0 in league during that span.
Arroyo will begin the search for a new head coach immediately.
A great coach and a great guy, enjoy your time away from sidelines with fam my brother.
Great coach and even a better person, enjoy your time away from sidelines with fam.
A tough decision, especially with so much success and building something special… But I completely respect Coach Chuck’s decision, as men our most important team must be our family. We can’t be there for others kids more than our own 👏🏼
One of theee very best coaches around. Not opinion… it’s a Fact!
Bit of a shocker, although a sweet opportunity for someone……….
Kenneth Andrew?
Looks like Singiser is coming back!
cant be mad at the guy, unfortunate for Arroyo.
Question is now
Will they hire with in staff? keep someone near the program ?
or
Will they hire mattV ? lol
Total respect for this man’s stated situation, and total thanks for what he did at Arroyo. Enjoy that family time sir.