prospect high school football coaches
He has spent his life fighting statistics, proving doctors and doubters wrong. He learned how to draw and write using his mouth. In his first full season as head coach, he led the Panthers to a playoff birth and a near-perfect season. He's a great guy and I'll go to the end of the earth for him.". Going to the bathroom. A few days before Rob was born, doctors walked his father, Robert Mendez Sr., through the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit. He learned how to draw and write using his mouth. Coaches teach amateur or professional athletes the skills they need to succeed at their sport. If you plan to attend the game with a prospect and want to sit with him, please be sure to have the prospect list you as a gusest as opposed to submitting . "I'm not going to let that happen. It took him more than a half hour - sometimes two steps up, one step down -- but he did it. More award-winning storytelling from SC Featured, One dog's remarkable journey to find a home, "Screw that," he says. "Hey," he says, "Would you mind giving me a hand and putting one of those in my mouth?" After his speech, Mendez asks for a ride home. When the final buzzer sounds, the players and coaches line up at the 50 to shake hands. They sit in front of us, untouched, for nearly 10 minutes. But other than the tetra-amelia disorder, his son Rob was born a healthy baby boy. Dear Coach Doe; My name is Joe Blow and I am asking you to consider me as a future prospect for the University Notre Dame football team. There have been opportunities over the years to pursue prosthetic limbs, but he has turned them all down. Most days Mendez has chronic neck, back and shoulder pain. ROB MENDEZ IS not only the most unique high school football coach in America, he's one of the most unique humans in the world. We're going to fake it this way and then waggle out," he says. The battery on Mendez's wheelchair is dead, so two Panthers push him onto the field. Make sense?" He tells his offense he believes in them. Unlike fighting or fantasy games where he constantly had to engage, football gave him breaks. And he doesn't like the idea I have for framing his story. Prospect's lone highlight came on defense when, just before halftime, the Panthers stonewalled Sobrato on four straight plays from the goal line to keep the game scoreless. "In life, I feel like I'm always being helped," he says. And yeah, of course that's frustrating." "I think it always will." The 14-year-old wraps his arms tightly around Mendez's back. A handful of schools reach out about head-coaching jobs, but he says he's almost certain he will return to Prospect to lead its JV squad again next season. "You don't need to apologize," Mendez says. His older sister, Jackie, pushed her brother to try new things and one day tucked a PlayStation controller under his chin. IN HIS 30 years, Mendez can't recall a single dream in which he has had arms or legs. ", "You don't need to apologize," Mendez says. It's a testament to his ability to be comfortable in any surrounding and put strangers at ease. As he was not able to play football, Mendez taught himself the game by playing Madden football video games. Preston Gannaway for ESPN. Wilky DenaudDefensive Line - High School: Four-star prospect along the defensive line who as a senior helped the John Carroll Rams and Coach Mickey Groody to a When he's away from home, he's careful about what he eats and drinks, often keeping it to no more than an iced coffee. I'm proud of you. And how does he deal with such a challenging life? "When an able-body person says that they can't do something, his greatest message is, 'who says I can't?' It actually came well before Mendez started coaching football. I might take two steps forward and then one step back. "This was confirmation that you know what, I'm doing OK," he says. ESPN, 247Sports and Rivals all rank the 5-10, 170-pound receiver as a four-star prospect but his high school coach, former UK defensive back Maurice "Moe" Douglass, is not sure that does him justice. I pick up a fork, stab it into the roll, drag it through a puddle of soy sauce and put it in his mouth. This is the first opportunity for college coaches and high school football players to interact directly with each other on the football field. Mendez rolls over to his dejected quarterback. That's how I feel in my chair," he says. It's almost midnight. It's now a full-on escort -- a motorized wheelchair flanked by two cars with their hazards flashing. For now, I start with a topic far simpler: football. "I'm not going to lie. The next day he spends almost entirely in bed, unable to open his eyes. A very small percentage. I'm lazy. IN HIS 30 years, Mendez can't recall a single dream in which he has had arms or legs. How does he sleep? How High School Football Coaches Help Their Players Get Recruited Sanjay Kirpalani July 5, 2013 Dothan (Ala.) High School head coach Kelvis White is one example of prep coaches doing. "Great job, Coach. How does he coach football? There's the answer he feels as if he should deliver. They sit in front of us, untouched, for nearly 10 minutes. "I'm not the perfect guy. Mendez didn't care. After his speech, Mendez asks for a ride home. The World Series is on television. 2. THE DAY AFTER teaching his quarterback the 37 stretch, Mendez sits under the lights at the Prospect 50-yard line, exhausted. Practice starts in a few days. She says she couldn't look at her son for the first couple of weeks. What the hell does that even mean? The World Series is on television. He's meeting me at the bar. Going to the bathroom. The football team won the 7A State Championship in 2001, 2002, and 2005. . Otherwise it won't work. "I know that's there," he says. The throw is too long, and the ball harmlessly caroms out of bounds. My dad would tell me, 'You're not special, Rob. Preston Gannaway for ESPN The receiver is open. He tells his offense he believes in them. If you watch one thing all weekend, it should be ESPNs incredible and inspiring profile of Rob Mendez, a high school football coach unlike any other. For the past six years, Mike McAvoy has been Rob Mendez's caretaker, roommate and friend, each morning helping him with everything from taking a bath and brushing his teeth to getting dressed and eating breakfast. Mendez looks up as the quarterback's pass sails overhead. Prior to arriving at Prospect, Martindale was at Wheeling High School for 14 years. Mendez gets a fist-to-shoulder bump from every Sobrato player. The school sits on the western edge of Silicon Valley, just 5 miles from Apple's campus. How does he eat? But Rob refuses because the upper belt limits his ability to access his phone and draw plays. "I'm sorry," he says. And swimming. After a few minutes of conversation, he seemed like any other football coach having a beer on a Friday night. A class of 2021 recruit, Buddin was considered a four-star prospect out of high school and a top 40 linebacker in the country, according to 247 Sports. Tournament Game 2022 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSA Class 7A Reavis 13 Prospect 62 Final Box Score Tournament Bracket Oct 29, 2022 @ 2:03am Eric Frantz Friday, Oct 28, 2022 I haven't graduated college yet. I know what you're saying. "I'm not going to let that happen. "They gave me the feeling of being the helper. Key California high school football games, computer rankings, statewide stat leaders, schedules and scores - live and final. I am a team player and a hard Bob rushes his son to the hospital. He has heard it from their parents and teachers. Aleksic, Danilo ( Fr.) Prospect High School junior varsity football coach Rob Mendez, who was born without limbs, was honored on Wednesday night at the ESPYS with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. He even got to call some plays. Mendez is hungry. "It didn't take long for me to figure out that alcohol is not the answer.". I can adjust to anything that's thrown my way. Preston Gannaway for ESPN It just makes me mad." Make sure to check your junk mail folder if you do not receive an email . "That's what I'm talking about! When Mendez first took over the coaching job, many kids on the team were surprised to see a man with his condition coaching them. The season has been a greater success than Mendez could have imagined. "I'm pretty good at dealing with pain, and I didn't want to stay home feeling sorry for myself," he says. The coach nods and says "thank you." This also ensures that prospects will have time to interact with the coaches and learn from them in a small group and one-on-one setting. "Thank you," he says to me after his first sip. The next generation of basketball legends will rock uniforms by New York City-based streetwear designer Eric Emanuel. If Rob sensed someone staring, he'd roll up and introduce himself. "By the time I was a senior in high school I was wearing a headset with the coaches and listening to them," he said. I think he needs them just as much. The California Cool of Jared Goff By Tuesday afternoon, he's back at Prospect for practice, apologizing to his players for Monday's absence. Congratulations to @ProspectXCTF Coach Pete Wintermute on his @ITCCCA XC Coach of the Year and the Track Coach of the Year!!! And few at Prospect High School, some 40 miles up the road in Saratoga, can remember the last time its JV won much of anything. "Put me on your shoulder," he says. For Rob, the message from his father was simple: Embrace your differences. Preston Gannaway for ESPN. 'Who says I can't?' Combing hair. He rolls in wearing a plain white T-shirt and faded red San Francisco 49ers hat. "Where you going, man?" Once buckled, Mendez says he feels unstoppable. I love that. His older sister, Jackie, pushed her brother to try new things and one day tucked a PlayStation controller under his chin. Clay, Brock Powell, Bryant ( Fr.) It's the second day of the team's sleep-at-school preseason camp, and the coach is trying to install one of his favorite plays: the 37 stretch. Later, she would cover Rob in blankets when they went in public. I love the feeling when I lift kids up. By Tuesday afternoon, he's back at Prospect for practice, apologizing to his players for Monday's absence. I'm in Las Vegas and there's some guy stumbling drunk, looks like he was just in a fight. Doctors recommend surgery. It seems like no big deal. And those kids gave me the feeling that I can do anything." Shaving. But most importantly, it's given him an understanding of his journey in this world, a path untethered to anything anyone on the outside might say, think or believe. It seems like no big deal. "The one thing that I want people to see is just how hard work pays off," Mendez said. As the quarterback rolls out, the play unfolds perfectly. Is that you?" For the last few minutes of our ride, we both keep quiet. "I've been getting messages on Twitter . DeBoeuf could not be more honored to be chosen to replace Martindale. He's meeting me at the bar. I lift him out of his chair and carry him to my car, buckling him into the passenger's seat. Bob hears the sound from a few feet away. All the honorees will . His presence should tell anyone, if you're paying attention, that your mind is the most powerful thing. In most cases of tetra-amelia, death occurs before birth. I suggest we move to a lower table and make things easier. And 26 percent of the school's students are economically disadvantaged. It wasn't like there was a store to buy clothes or toys for children with no arms and legs. Nor did he and Josie have any idea how to take care of this baby. I tell him that's the most honest he's been in our time together. "I'm pretty good at dealing with pain, and I didn't want to stay home feeling sorry for myself," he says. ESPN producer Kristen Lappas directed the SC Featured documentary, available on ESPN+. But he hates the sidewalk. Preston Gannaway for ESPN. "I'm sitting right there at the bar next to you. "I think every parent worries about their kids when they leave this earth," Bob says. He knows what he has given his team. "I like the way I am, really," he says. Can you lift me out of my chair?". How could someone who had never held a football teach a freshman how to throw, tackle or block? High school coaches are notoriously hard to contact. 3 quarterback, and No. "In a text message.". Mendez operates his cellphone, attached to a stand on his wheelchair, with his nose and lips. I haven't graduated college yet. "As he approached, I didn't know how he could be a football coach. I panic. Complaining is my No. It's just natural to just be bold and try things in life. Jan 31, 2023 4:00 PM PST. We're going to fake it this way and then waggle out," he says. The players jog back to their positions. I'm proud of everyone. Combing hair. 1 poison," he says. Pick a play, execute for a few seconds, take a break, pick another play and repeat. "I'm so proud of you. Mendez tries to explain, but the kid doesn't get it. How do you move a fully grown adult with no arms and legs? The school sits on the western edge of Silicon Valley, just 5 miles from Apple's campus. I don't sign up for being inspirational Rob.". Mendez shakes his head. He sees me, and he stands up straight and pulls himself together so he can open the door for me. "I wish more people were like that. It means that you aren't putting yourself in front of coaches that would actually recruit you. I suggest we move to a lower table and make things easier. Good s--- you've done with those kids. And that's special because sometimes in this world, on a day-to-day basis, I wish I could do more. "He was still in diapers," Bob says. I'm in Las Vegas and there's some guy stumbling drunk, looks like he was just in a fight. "I got it. "Complaining is my No. With the help of adaptive technology, he went skiing. He can see how they've grown as players and people. How do you move a fully grown adult with no arms and legs? It gives me hope for the world. More SC Featured Now he has everyone asking, "who says I can't? He immediately snaps. On Rob's first day of kindergarten, they watched nervously behind a glass window as other 4- and 5-year-olds approached their son eager to learn about something most of them couldn't comprehend. At first, students and staffers did not quite know what to make of Robert, but it did not take him long to put their fears to rest. I guess that from my nurturing from my parents and my determination to be successful in life, as well as all the doubts along the way, I've become more hungry along the way to just be accomplishing in football and in the career of coaching. He developed a great football mind, but he wanted more. When his players ask what happened, he tells them he got into a fight with the pavement. "Yes, Coach," the quarterback says. He has scoliosis, which makes his spine look far more like an "S" than the "I." The receiver is open. And to just kill the pain," he says. It just makes me mad. I just want to be Coach Rob. But later he acknowledges he hated having to ask for help. But Mendez doesn't care about that. With a dream of one day becoming a head football coach, Mendez worked for years as an assistant at various schools, until he was finally given the opportunity hed been working for. He has lived his entire life without arms and legs. He wanted to leave by 9 p.m., but one conversation led to another. High School Football players in Texas, join us for a one-day showcase on January 15 in Georgetown, TX! A FEW MINUTES after our first beer, a bartender brings Mendez a plate of California rolls. He started as a manager on his Gilroy High School team as a freshman. Clemson Tiger Bryan Bresee returned from an ACL injury to become a highly rated defensive draft prospect. Shaving. "You know how it is." MENDEZ'S WHEELCHAIR NEVER sits still, but the way it pinballs back and forth between the hashmarks on the Prospect practice field says the coach is not happy. I make mistakes. by Elk Grove. He doesn't listen. "I love you, bro. On this day, one of his freshman quarterbacks struggles to grasp the footwork on the 37 stretch. Martindale has been the Prospect boys' athletic director since 2005, and has been teaching at the school for 20 years. "Like a pancake hitting the ground. As we head back to Gilroy, I ask Mendez if he's aware of the impact he has already had on Prospect players and coaches like assistant Todd Livingston. "It sounds so ridiculous, but it's true," he says. THREE MONTHS AFTER we first met, Mendez and I are in another bar, this time in downtown Campbell. And there's the reality of what he feels, but rarely reveals. Prepped for head coach Victor Winters at Gadsden County High School in Havana, Flarated a three-star prospecta first-team all-state and a first-team All-Big Bend selection for the Jaguars after grading out over 90 percentinvited to participate in the NUC All-American Game in 2022had interest from several programs, including Florida Atlantic, Maryland, South Florida, Wake Forest . A few days before Rob was born, doctors walked his father, Robert Mendez Sr., through the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit. I mention that it seems as if anything that reminds him of his physical challenges bugs him. Mendez has made stops at many different schools across the Bay Area, including Sobrato High School in Morgan Hill, Calif. where he met Coach Tim Alvernaz. Prospect's Amazing and Dedicated Coaches! ", Mendez leans forward in his chair. "But I don't think about this the same way everybody else does. "Honestly, when I first hired him at Sobrato High School, I knew he was something special. "It first actually came from a friend challenging me at an 8th grade dance," Mendez said. "I think it always will." The battery on his wheelchair is dead, and he wants to charge it at school overnight. No way. 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