Lorenzo Hernandez has taken over as the new head coach at Whittier.
By George Hernandez
I sat down with long time Garfield head coach Lorenzo Hernandez who will be at the helm for Whittier this next season after taking over for Jimmy Welker. Hernandez has put together a solid staff and has high hopes for the Cardinals.
Q: What’s up coach, how’s it going?
A: Hola, sir. Things are going well—slowly progressing to where we want to be as a staff and program as a whole.
Q: How was your year off from coaching?
A: I think the year off was a good thing. It gave me the opportunity to spend time with my son and help him settle into school at UCLA. I really appreciated the chance to watch him play for me at GHS and enjoy some much-needed quality time at home. It also allowed me to reflect on the positives and negatives of coaching, and to evaluate our program at Garfield from a different lens as an Athletic Director.
Q: After 24 successful years at Garfield that included a state playoff run, what made you want to take over a Whittier program that has one league victory in the last three seasons?
A: That’s a great question. What drew me to this position was the opportunity with Whittier entering a new league, a solid core of returning players, and a strong principal and administrative team that promotes a great academic culture.
Q: Will you be on campus working or just coaching?
A: I hope to be on campus and will find out after July 1. That’s a big reason I took the job. It’s critical to be on site to address issues and help shape expectations daily.
Q: You don’t have a Roosevelt here for a rivalry. Who are you looking to compete against the most in your new league?
A: There’s nothing quite like the Roosevelt game, but our goal is to raise the standard and create our own rivalries. Based on proximity, Pioneer HS stands out as our rival, but we also want to challenge top programs in the area like La Serna and St. Paul. No disrespect to any other schools, but our focus is on competing at a high level and building strong rivalries with whoever is at the top.
Q: We know you have Marc Shettleroe on staff. How’s the rest of your staff going to look?
A: We were very fortunate to bring Marc on board. He’ll serve as our Offensive Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach. He’ll be joined by some former Garfield coaches:
• Derek Wicks – WR / Passing Coordinator
• James Wicks – Defensive Coordinator
• Josh Chavez – Defensive Line (Garfield & Western HS)
• Carlos Hernandez – Special Teams
We also have a strong group already at Whittier with great experience:
• Matt Lozano – QB Coach
• Visko Ancich – LB Coach
• Matt Martinez – OL Coach
• Darrien Diaz – DB Coach
• Juan C. Aguilar – DL
• Cesar Franco – DL
New additions include:
• Jimmy Montoya – RB/TE (formerly South El Monte)
• Henry Polanco – Strength & Conditioning
Q: Any idea on what kind of offense you’ll have on the field? We know everyone likes airing it out now but what are you looking to do?
A: We will mold our offense to our personnel but our foundation will be pounding the ball and setting up the pass.
Q: What will be a successful first season for you as head coach of Whittier high school?
A: A successful season would be reaching a CIF section championship. We have a strong community and a great pool of student-athletes. With a seasoned staff, it’s an exciting opportunity to make a great run!
Q: You’ve been out there for a month now. Are there any players we should look out for this season?
A: Here are some of our varsity players to watch:
Nathan Cedano – Free Safety
Jayden Casas – CB/WR
Juan Castillo – Linebacker
Xavier Villasenor – LB/TE
Nathen Gallardo – OLB/RB
Joseph Medina – C/G/DE
Charlie Ancich – A rising star with great skill and strong football DNA
Q: Anything else you would like to say or let us know?
A: We want to build an inclusive environment and keep local kids at Whittier HS. The way will accomplish that is by creating a strong, positive football culture. We’re committed to working hard, bringing stability, and making Whittier football a staple in the community.
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As an impartial parent who cares nothing about drama, theatrics, gossip, and tabloids.i will boldly say that as a fact, a man an his character is paved by effort and hard work and not spread through biased opinion. I have been a part of Whittier’s community for over 20 years and from what I gather and not solely based on Whittier High schools dismal football program the last half decade I think that bringing on two Pilars like Mr. Favela and Coach Hernandez’ are the best thing that could’ve happened. From my take, the above mentioned gentleman know not only how to win but how to build community, passion, work ethic . But above all, make a good young and prepare them for football and more importantly, Life! Welcome former Bulldogs and we look forward to all you bring to our community.
@Anonymous
First Pioneer and “ Harbaugh” are league games. Who do you want a team that hasn’t been relevant over a decade to put on the schedule? They’re playing competitive games they could get a W besides I say SP. who would you put give us 5 pre season games if everyone is available
Whittier will NEVER be a powerhouse as long as Favela is principal. He’s selfish, has no morals, and would sell his own soul just to be liked. Get rid of him before he completely ruins your school! He hired Hernandez because nobody else would (he’s too old and has burned too many bridges to get a job elsewhere).
He’ll probably have a winning season—just look at Whittier’s schedule. Their toughest game is against a St. Paul team that’s been decimated by transfers. Who else is left—Pioneer? Harbaugh? Was East Whittier Middle School not available?
Lorenzo will leave Whittier at the first chance he gets. He wants to be an administrator—it’s no secret. He’s a master manipulator; just ask any of the City Section coaches. The guy threw his last league game to try to avoid playing in the top division, and it still didn’t work.
Stack the box, and his teams will fall apart. I give him two seasons—definitely no more than three. HE’S A HORRIBLE COACH and an even worse leader of young men.
From T. Peterson: Harbaugh?
Didn’t Whittier smack pioneer last year?
truth is making the finals in a division of almost worst teams around means they got an opportunity to play decently in playoffs against many of the worst teams around? But pioneer did beat them and Coach Juarez can really coach
bottom line is (I suggesting not claiming i know it all) there is not a very big amount of head coaches that are applying for positions like Pioneer and similar programs. And I also suggest that the coaching ‘pool’ of qualified college football players graduating ” looking to become first year teachers and head coaches is slim? Whittier is super fortunate to have this Principal ask, and bring Hernandez to his high school. They worked together many years right? They obviously have lots of respect together and hopefully, finally….definitely finally, this hire will turn a way below average program into a solid program because of the very successful experience within his staff. I do not know if he will get a chance to compete with La Serna early on (scheduling?) , but who knows if this staff is very good/ great enough to do what all the previous coaches could not do since a few decades? I hope so
Bottom line? What? Do you really think there are plenty of very qualified head coaches with a winning /successful background out there looking for head coaching jobs? Possibly there are (i will not claim that i am knowing it all) but i suggest there are not many successful experienced head coaches that have been applying to schools like Pioneer ? I suggest there are not even coaches that just played last year of college football applying for jobs around here
Why some negative about Pioneer? last Ichecked they went to 2 straight finals.1-1.When the last time Whittier has been in the playoffs
Thank God Hernandez is finally leaving East LA! Whittier HS, he’s your issue now! Favela & Hernandez- get ready for some real grade changing and fundraising shenanigans. Look into the real reason why Favela left Garfield- cheating is in his DNA! I guarantee you, nobody on the east side is going to miss those clowns. If Whittier was serious about improving their team, they should have hired Coach Pat Vargas, current Garfield Coach. Hernandez didn’t find success until Pat was part of the program.
Wow
@Briones
The right side of the pic is league starting with Lynwood
Thank God for Coach Hernandez! W.H.S. Finally has a legitimate football coach. The residents and alumni are thankful for this. Can’t wait to attend the games this year and see the coaches finally use the talent(s) they have and prosper. Go Cardinals!
Thank God for Coach Hernandez coming to Whittier. We finally have a legit coach at W.H.S.!
What are the schools in Whittier’s Conference? What schools are in the league that Whittier was placed in? Thanks
Good Luck Coach
To all readers who believe a lack of experience as a head coach is not a big deal, I present the person of Lorenzo Hernandez as a powerful reminder that yes, experience can count for a great deal. The season remains months away, but the vibe coming from Whittier is one of excited optimism, the virtual opposite of what has to be going through the minds of St Paul and Pioneer supporters. Best of luck to Lorenzo in his latest position, and thanks to George Hernandez for another great interview.