Image Courtesy of Chance Parker / Journal-World
By Dira Marie Wong
A new guy has hit town with a brash promise – to make Saturday nights fun and exciting.
He’s no DJ, but new football coach Oscar Rodriguez, Jr. promised to change up the play list, score a few hits and get the band back together again.
Rodriguez signed on at Southwestern College after a two-year stint as defensive analyst at the University of Kansas. He was hired following a national search to replace Dionicio Monarrez, the former University of Nebraska star who has coached at the college for 22 years. A full professor, he will remain a member of the college faculty.
Rodriguez has 13 years of coaching experience spanning high school to Division I. His wife is from Chula Vista, which helped influence Rodriguez’s decision to move west.
Athletic Director Ron Valenzuela expressed his full confidence in the new head coach and said he expects him to change the culture of the program.
“Coach Rodriguez rose to the top among a long list of candidates,” Valenzuela said. “He has depth, willingness and desire to build up these athletes. As simple as that sounds, it’s not always done.”
Mental aspects of football have been a large part of the problem at Southwestern, according to returning players like safety Ta’Sean Du Bois.
“The team struggles with confidence,” he said. “I think the past two years have really gotten into a few of our returning players’ heads.”
Other players said the Jaguars lack chemistry. Linebacker Darian Philips said he did not even know the names of some of his teammates last season. Unfamiliarity prevents the establishment of trust, said Philips.
Safety Julian Rabago said he is excited for the new season and optimistic that Southwestern will improve.
“Last season was really tough,” he said. “Honestly, we need more discipline. I trust that Coach Rodriguez will lead us correctly.”
Philips agreed.
“Coach is just so passionate,” he said. “He has this confidence that we have lacked. We’re ready to take over.”
Rodriguez has called several players-only meetings to share his concepts of discipline and camaraderie. He said the gatherings have been very productive.
“These athletes, these players are hungry,” he said. “There’s been a void in the team and these boys are eager to fill it.”
Rodriguez said he has had plenty of time to think about what is important in life. A two-time cancer survivor, he founded the Coaches Against Cancer Foundation that raises money to support people facing surgery, treatment and grueling recoveries.
Football could be – and should be – fun, he said. Restoring Southwestern’s football heritage is a primary goal.
“Saturdays are something people will once again look forward to,” he said. “People want to be winners and communities want to watch their athletes win.”
