(East Los Angeles, CA) [From The Editor’s Desk]: Last Sunday, on 11/26, the Los Angeles Chargers, during the NBC Sunday Night Football (SNF) Game of the Week #12 vs. the Baltimore Ravens, traditionally announced the 2023 “Coach of the Year” awarding to its three winning Regional High School Coaches. The ceremony took place at half-time with the team’s acclaimed Hall of Fame running back, LaDainian Tomlinson making the presentations.

Unfortunately, sadly, and most regrettably, one of the honors was awarded posthumously to Steve Medina, of Legacy High School, located in South Gate, CA, The Tigers, representing the Eastern League and CIF/L.A. City Section (LACS), had a breakthroughs season this year thanks in great abundance to the due diligence and extra hard work that Coach Medina and his excellent Coaching Staff put into their rising program.

On hand to receive the Chargers 2023 “Coach of the Year” Award in his honor were his wife and two children. Medina won the award representing Los Angeles County, while his contemporaries, Coach Kevin Oberlander, Sonora High School in Orange County, and Coach David Dunn, Lincoln High School, in San Diego County, were also presented with theirs.

To learn more on the Chargers “Coach of the Week” program, visit www.Chargers.com. Please give a very good read to the Team’s press announcement that provides more in-depth details of the event.

Los Angeles Chargers Announce “Coach of the Year” Winners at Halftime of Sunday Night Football

Each Coach, representing LA, OC and SD County, were recognized for their impact on and off the field

The Los Angeles Chargers proudly bestowed the title of “Coach of the Year” upon three exceptional individuals representing the regions of Los Angeles (LA), Orange County (OC), and San Diego County (SD).

Recognized for their influence both on and off the field, Steve Medina, Legacy High School, Kevin Oberlander/Sonora High/Orange County, and David Dunn/Lincoln High/San Diego County, stood out as exemplary leaders during the 2023 high school football season.

The selection of Medina, Oberlander, and Dunn as Chargers “Coaches of the Year” was grounded in their unwavering commitment to advancing youth football, nurturing motivated student-athletes, and making substantial contributions to their respective communities.

The “Coach of the Year” accolade is a testament to the Los Angeles Chargers’ ongoing dedication to supporting local high school football programs. Throughout the high school football season, the Chargers identify a “Coach of the Week” from Los Angeles County, Orange County, and San Diego County. These weekly winners then contend for the prestigious title of “Coach of the Year” at the season’s end.

Nominees for the Chargers “Coach of the Year” are chosen by a panel of distinguished C.I.F members, including Dick Dornan (Los Angeles City Section), Thom Simmons (Southern Section), and Joe Heinz (San Diego Section). The ultimate winners are determined through a fan vote on the Chargers’ website, ensuring community engagement in the selection process.

Tragically, Coach Medina, a Week 7 “Coach of the Week” recipient, recently passed away. He led his Legacy Tigers to an impressive 8-3 record, leaving an indelible mark on his team and the community. Oberlander, who guided the Sonora Raiders to a commendable 9-3 record, was recognized as the Week 8 “Coach of the Week,” along with Dunn, who propelled the Lincoln Hornets to an outstanding 11-1 record.

As recipients of the “Coach of the Year” award, each honoree was presented with a generous donation for their respective high school football programs by Chargers Hall of Fame running back, LaDainian Tomlinson.

For nearly two decades, the Chargers have teamed up with the NFL to host the team’s High School Football “Coach of the Week” program. Annually, this program recognizes high school football coaches who have made a difference in the lives of their players through leadership, hard work, and a special dedication to their young scholar-athletes. All nominations are decided upon by the Chargers “Coach of the Week” selection committee comprised of California Interscholastic (CIF) Federation administrators, retired coaches, and more. Each winning Coach receives $1,000 to go to their school’s athletic department.

Aside from the Coach of the Year announcement, all 33 “Coach of the Week” winners were spotlighted, emphasizing the Chargers’ commitment to recognizing and celebrating the incredible contributions of high school football coaches.

[2023 L.A. CHARGERS COACHES OF THE WEEK]

*[Los Angeles County]
– Scott Altenberg (Junipero Serra)
– Matt Bechtel (Damien)
– Derek Bedell (Mayfair)
– Rudy Fortiz (Marquez)
– Guy Gardner (Palos Verdes)
– Sean Jackson (Verdugo Hills)
– Steve Medina (Legacy)
– Jim Rose (Birmingham Community Charter)
– Andy Moran (Eagle Rock)
– Kevin Pearson (Warren)
– Dylen Smith (Palisades Charter)

*[Orange County]
– Dusan Ancich (Villa Park)
– Sean Curtis (Capistrano Valley)
– Rob Frith (San Juan Hills)
– David Gutierrez (Fountain Valley)
– Daniel Hernandez (Ocean View)
– Chad Johnson (Mission Viejo)
– Frank Mazzotta (La Habra)
– Kevin Oberlander (Sonora)
– Randall Reynoso (El Toro High)
– James Stewart (La Quinta)
– Dan Urbanos (John F. Kennedy)

*[San Diego County]
– Tyler Arciaga (Bonita Vista)
– Casey Ash (West Hills)
– Scott Ashby (Torrey Pines)
– David Dunn (Lincoln)
– Marlon Gardinera (Scripps Ranch)
– Will Gray (Hoover)
– David Pena (Central Union)
– Sean Sovacool (La Costa Canyon)
– Rick Rubio and Ray Vandiver (Brawley Union)
– Shane Walton (The Bishop’s School)
– Eric Weddle (Rancho Bernardo)

                                                                                                     ###