Varsity Football Team Calibrating to New Coach

SIMEON LAM
Staff Writer

Six weeks ago, the Alhambra Unified School District shocked AHS’s football program by terminating its coaches for providing creatine, a muscle-building supplement. This gave former football coach Eric Bergstrom the opportunity to become the new head coach. His love for the game of football made the decision to become head coach effortless. He previously coached 10 years as an offensive coordinator at the college level.

“My expectation for [the team] is that we can get better every day,” Bergstrom said. “That is what we strive to do every day and not just be satisfied with where we’re at with something.”

After a summer of hard work, the Moors have started season play. Their first non-conference game resulted in a 6-38 loss to Arcadia on Aug 30. In 2012 and 2011, the previous teams have gone 4-6 and 9-3, respectively. The varsity squad hopes to return to CIF playoffs with their fourth coach in three years after missing out last year. The team also hopes to become league champions for the first time since 2006. With league play coming up, the players have adjusted to the new coach very smoothly over the summer.

“[He] is very organized and straightforward. Everyone is excited for the season to start,” junior center Kyle Hua said.

Daily football practice consists of warm ups, stretching, offensive individual drills, group drills and team drills. The same routine repeats on defense. Meanwhile, the Moors have special teams practicing in the middle of the field.

According to Bergstrom, the team has shown a great work ethic. “I think they’ve got potential to do good things. I’m having more fun coaching right now than the last couple years,” Bergstrom said. “We want our [football] program to be a good representative of the school and the community.”

According to the players, Bergstrom’s strong leadership has pushed them to work hard.