MidValleySports.Com

New Cantwell head coach Daniel Fierro

By George Hernandez

I talked with new Cantwell head football coach Daniel Fierro who took over for Eddie Ficklin Jr. Fierro looks to turn around a team went 1-9 last season.

Q: What’s up coach? How’s it going?

A: What’s going on brother? Everything is going pretty well. I can’t complain. Appreciate you reaching out.

Q: How does it feel to finally get the opportunity to be a head football coach?

A: I’m truly blessed. The journey has been one that has tested my faith and my patience, but I truly believe that I’m meant to be at this destination. Excited to be a part of the CSHM family.

Q: Can you tell us about your life in football, like the places you played and have coached?

A: I played at Nogales High School, spent some time at Citrus college before getting hurt. I lost my mom to cancer shortly after getting hurt and I didn’t feel the same drive to continue playing. I was given an opportunity to start coaching at St. Thomas Aquinas for a few years before transitioning to Buena Park HS. I’ve also spent time at Workman and El Monte as an OC. My mentor helped our group navigate to Calabasas and Bishop Alemany as offensive assistant. After that I was the OC at Don Lugo HS. My most recent stop was a Downey HS helping out the offense.

Q: What attracted you to Cantwell after the rough year they had last yea?

A: I want to say it was in a sense Divine Intervention. I grew up in the Montebello area as a kid. I’ve had family that went to Cantwell and have ties within the area. I applied at a few schools and each school decided to go in a different direction. When I had seen Cantwell open I thought it was a great opportunity. The community, alumni and admin are all great. I can relate to the kids on campus and in the area. This place is special and we want to show people how special this place can and will be.

Q: I’ve known you while coach and I know what you do. Can you tell the people what’s your offensive philosophy?

A: Everyone labels myself and our offensive staff as guys who throw the ball. We take what the defense gives us. Whether it be running the ball or throwing it, the goal is to showcase our athletes in space. We want to give our playmakers opportunities to be special. Up front we want to be physical.

Q: Who is your staff going to consist of? Are you bringing in a whole new staff or keeping some guys on?

A: So our staff consists of guys who I trust. We’ve all been around each other for roughly 10 plus years. We aren’t going to drop names of our coaches just yet, but they will be announced this upcoming week after we meet with the parents. We are keeping some coaches from the prior staff, but mostly new to the program.

Q: I know it’s only been a few days, but have you been able to meet any of the players and if so who are we going to have to look out for?

A: I met with our team this past week and have talked with a few of the guys in our program. We’ve also watched some film so we have an idea of who can do what. A few guys that we’re excited about are Vincent Naranjo ATH, Michael Coria OL/DL, Owen Martinez WR/DB, Phoenix Fultcher RB/LB, Max Ochoa RB/LB, Matthew Escobedo QB.

Q: Is your schedule set and ready to go? Any games that you are looking forward to?

A: Our schedule is set. That will be announced this week as well. We look forward to competing against everyone. We always emphasize competition. Some games I personally look forward to are Montebello as they’re coming off a Championship game appearance, Nogales as I’m an Alumni and my boy Kevin Encinas just got the job there, All of our league games.

Q: What is your ideal outcome for your team as a first year head coach?

A: We plan to compete for league, that’s goal number one. Earn a playoff berth is goal number two. I’m big on us being physical and competing. We will line up and execute our assignment. I want to give these kids a fun experience. You get four years of high school and I think giving them a great experience is crucial. We want to build a culture and a standard, if we do this in year one, I consider it a huge win for our program.

Q: Is there anything you would like to say or let the people know?

A: We are excited to be here. We were blessed with a special opportunity. We want to bring energy and excitement back to the area and community. We are ready to work. I look forward to pouring knowledge and life values into our program. Cardinal Nation is the Destination. Hope to have you come out to a game Big George.