The search for Aaron Rodgers, IT'S THE BIGGEST weekend of the year in Gilroy, California, with more than 100,000 people visiting for the annual garlic festival. I said, 'oh yeah? Follow him! He doesn't eat right. DeBoeuf could not be more honored to be chosen to replace Martindale. I was a little nervous about it," Cable says. "It gives me this sense of independence. John Hersey High School Buffalo Grove High School Elk Grove High School Glenbrook South Rolling Meadows High School Saint Viator. "When an able-body person says that they can't do something, his greatest message is, 'who says I can't?' "Get over here!" His team is a mix of freshmen and sophomores, some with a bit of experience, most with little to none. "Yes!" "That's how humans are -- they adapt. Head Coach: Dan DeBoeuf Assistant Coach: Tim Beishir, Jeff Collier, Matt Weber, Jim Argentine, Dan Keller Brock Collins, Sean Cummins Matt Weber Jeff Collier Jim Argentine Michael Watson Dominic Cannon Mike Naboltny Tom Whalen Erik Hammerstrom Dan Yeoman Shaun Cummins Dan Keller School Administration Principal: Greg Minter Athletic Director: Omar Alebiosu Athletic Secretary: Amy Nickel School Color: Columbia and Navy Nick Name: Knights "Hey," he says, "Would you mind giving me a hand and putting one of those in my mouth?". Quote of the . he says. High school coaches are notoriously hard to contact. 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. ", He acknowledges that the attention is often uncomfortable. I mention that one of the themes I'm thinking about for his story is this idea of a beautiful mind. The quarterback removes the cap from a blue dry erase pen and puts it in Mendez's mouth. You guys fought your butts off. Now, he inspires others to be strong and never give up despite adversity. This one is simple, there's no reason to attend a showcase camp with nationally ranked D1 programs and pro scouts if you play at the D2 level. Call or Email the Football Office to acquire the 2022 Ticket Code. 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 haven't graduated college yet. "There you go!" You're different. When his friends played basketball, Rob was the referee. He despises the word "special.". "There's no way," he says. Not until he nearly received a DUI driving Rob's handicapped accessible van did he realize the path he was on. IN HIS 30 years, Mendez can't recall a single dream in which he has had arms or legs. "I kept thinking, 'How can this guy possibly coach?'". The left side of his face slams into the concrete floor of the garage. You hear stories about people with cancer, fighting for their lives. Full-time coaches may work more than 40 hours a week for several months during the sports season. But he's always there for the kids. My dad would tell me, 'You're not special, Rob. An assistant coach holds a whiteboard a few inches in front of Mendez. "I've been getting messages on Twitter . I stuff a pad between him and the chair back -- paranoid he could fall. "I appreciate you," Mendez says. Preston Gannaway for ESPN He asks his quarterback for a hug. Unlike fighting or fantasy games where he constantly had to engage, football gave him breaks. That's not me," Mendez says. Because he weighs 50 pounds, alcohol affects him faster than people who weigh much more. Mendez was born with tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare congenital disorder that prevents the formation of limbs during embryonic development. A young boy holds open the door as Mendez approaches his favorite spot. But this time, he has no idea the belt around his waist isn't buckled. Prospect Reels produces high quality sports highlight videos so you can market your athletic skills to college coaches, recruiters, and others who can help you get recruited. Rated as the No. The football team won the 7A State Championship in 2001, 2002, and 2005. . On this night, on the same field where this journey began, Mendez gathers his team one last time. This time it's flawless. It gives me hope for the world. "We live and die." Mendez took over as the coach for Prospect Highs JV team, and led his players to an incredible 8-2 season. Good s--- you've done with those kids. Unofficial or official visit invites. Jan 31, 2023 4:00 PM PST. The day-to-day blanks are easy for him to fill in. https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/02/rob-mendez-football-coach, Why hiring Sean Payton will require NFL teams to make an expensive trade with the Saints, Win or lose, the Bengals can prove Joe Mixon's 'big dog of the AFC' claim right against Buffalo, Trevor Lawrence revealed his Waffle House order after the Jaguars wild comeback win over Chargers, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Ditas Faraon Buhler Science Teacher. How could someone who had never held a football teach a freshman how to throw, tackle or block? It isn't about what the players did right or wrong or what they need to clean up before the next game. But here, he's in his element. The lift mechanism on his wheelchair broke on the trip. It's an image his brain can't compute. He says if he had arms and legs he has no idea how his life would be different. If Rob sensed someone staring, he'd roll up and introduce himself. The junior quarterback was 24-for-42 . In most cases of tetra-amelia, death occurs before birth. Eventually you will come across your passion and for me it was football and working with people. To feel comfortable. Bob eventually turned to alcohol. "I've always been someone to be not afraid of failure," Mendez said. "Put me on your shoulder," he says. I've been a 2 year starter on the varsity football team. "I'm sorry," he says. Keep your heads up. Football coach without arms or legs inspires teamBorn without arms or legs, Rob Mendez was never able to play football, but that didn't stop him from pursuing his passion for the game as a coach.ESPN And with that, in this world, I know I'm going to be all right.". Copyright 2023 KGO-TV. Encouraged the group to play for their teammates. 3 quarterback, and No. And 26 percent of the school's students are economically disadvantaged. Three other players start chitchatting between reps. Mendez loses it. "I'm sorry," he says. Rio Fujita Math Wizard. He knew his offense, he knows his x's and o's and he brings an energy to the team, the players and the rest of the coaching staff. His greatest fear was failure. "I'm not the perfect guy. The biography of Nick Vujicic, a 36-year-old motivational speaker from Australia who also has tetra-amelia, says there are just seven known people living in the world today with the syndrome. In most cases of tetra-amelia, death occurs before birth. For the last few minutes of our ride, we both keep quiet. Cable obliged. "They don't have the grief of losing a limb because they never had it. Mendez didn't care. I don't sign up for being inspirational Rob." "I kept thinking, 'How can this guy possibly coach?'" How safe is your neighborhood? The World Series is on television. Rob's father saw potential in the happy, spunky baby, but also wrestled with his own emotions, admitting he often asked God "why?" "I've always been like that ever since I was young. The last question is far more complicated. "I think it always will." The 14-year-old wraps his arms tightly around Mendez's back. "We live and die with each other," he says. Prospect's Amazing and Dedicated Coaches! I'd completely forgotten that Mendez can't feed himself. Tired. He's had people who hear his story and then approach him in tears. Good s--- you've done with those kids. Embrace it. The players jog back to their positions. I think back to something his pediatric physical therapist told me. "It's just me." Mendez gives me directions. There's the answer he feels as if he should deliver. The California Cool of Jared Goff LESS THAN TWO weeks before his son's first game as a head coach, Bob Mendez prepares to drive Rob home after Sunday family dinner. He says if he had arms and legs he has no idea how his life would be different. "Just focus -- you got this." Keep your heads up. 1 poison," he says. "It didn't take long for me to figure out that alcohol is not the answer." I hope that 'who says I can't?' Scouts evaluate athletes as possible recruits. I couldn't tell you what it felt like to catch a ball in the flat, but I knew what it was and why it worked." His torso pushes against his belt. 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. They chose to stay with him. He reads, draws and spends extra time with family and friends. Wayne DrehsDrehs is a senior writer for ESPN. Mendez says it started with the Madden video game. Because he weighs 50 pounds, alcohol affects him faster than people who weigh much more. Elk Grove Village, IL. I know I'm good for the kids. "Great job, Coach. Rashada, a California high school star, returned home to the San Francisco suburb of Pittsburg instead of enrolling. In high school, his friends organized a 32-team Madden tournament. I unbuckle the belt around his waist and weave it through the slits torn on the sides of his shirt. "I'm so proud of you. "I like the way I am, really," he says. He is 50 pounds of head, neck, torso and waist. I tell him that's the most honest he's been in our time together. There, he drives his chair into the living room, where his roommate and caretaker, Mike McAvoy, waits on the couch. His greatest fear was failure. "I'm not going to let that happen. Bennett, Will Cassaidy, Matthew Dietrich, Connor Konieczka, Sean ( Sr.) Letzig, Charles ( Fr.) And yeah, of course that's frustrating." The receiver is open. "But I don't think about this the same way everybody else does. IT WASN'T UNTIL an ultrasound in the eighth month of her pregnancy that Rob's mother, Josie, found out her son was not growing limbs. I can work with people. Mendez rolls over to his dejected quarterback. "I just try to shut it down as quickly as possible." The school sits on the western edge of Silicon Valley, just 5 miles from Apple's campus. On this day, one of his freshman quarterbacks struggles to grasp the footwork on the 37 stretch. So I try not to complain. "I guess you saw a little bit of the other side tonight. He started as a manager on his Gilroy High School team as a freshman. The quarterback removes the cap from a blue dry erase pen and puts it in Mendez's mouth. "Yes, Coach," the quarterback says. ONE WEEK LATER, Prospect finishes its season 8-2 with a 19-13 victory over Yerba Buena. I swear. In the morning, he will coach the biggest game of his young career. And just like that, the man who so often projects like everything is fine rips off his facade. by Elk Grove. On convenience alone, it would have been the perfect place for him to coach forever. But I don't know what else to say. One of the bartenders reminds him he's not supposed to have more than two drinks. That man was Mike Cable. "Special is bulls---. Otherwise it won't work. I know what you're saying. In a little more than 12 hours, Prospect will play for the league JV championship. Shaving. Meanwhile, Sports Illustrated currently ranks Manning as the No. When the players met their new coach, the whispers began. But those experiences come at great cost. "I just try to shut it down as quickly as possible.". . "I don't think I could do that to those kids," he says. The throw is too long, and the ball harmlessly caroms out of bounds. How does he go to the bathroom? Im fighting to have something to drink. Three-star prospect by 247Sports . He acknowledges that the attention is often uncomfortable. Mendez orders a water. He reads, draws and spends extra time with family and friends. What the hell does that even mean? He despises the word "special." Make sure to check your junk mail folder if you do not receive an email . It's society that imposes that grief. I know what you're saying. My dad would tell me, 'You're not special, Rob. Bob eventually turned to alcohol. I unbuckle the belt around his waist and weave it through the slits torn on the sides of his shirt. That's what I've realized over the years.". The battery on Mendez's wheelchair is dead, so two Panthers push him onto the field. When coaches ask you to go on an official visit, paid for by the school's program, they're using their budget to show off their school and create an impressive experience for you as a recruit. The last question is far more complicated. I think he needs them just as much. Things like that happen all the time. Nor did he and Josie have any idea how to take care of this baby. "And the muscles in your neck are not supposed to be used that often. One player quit because of Mendez. It's the Friday night before Halloween. "His mind is the greatest thing," Prospect JV Assistant Defensive Coordinator Todd Livingston said. Mendez learned to diagram plays by using a pen in his mouth. It's almost midnight. He learned how to draw and write using his mouth. I love you, man," Lopez says. What do you want out of this year? And there's the reality of what he feels, but rarely reveals. It confirmed how much he despises losing. The day-to-day blanks are easy for him to fill in. "I'm pretty good at dealing with pain, and I didn't want to stay home feeling sorry for myself," he says. "Bugs the s--- out of me," he says. and Head Coaches) Prospect High School 801 W. Kensington Rd. He runs Eight Laces Consulting where he specializes in helping coaches nationwide in their job search process. That sentiment has been followed by so many other coaches that he came across in his career. He talked about building a family. I'd completely forgotten that Mendez can't feed himself. Prior to arriving at Prospect, Martindale was at Wheeling High School for 14 years. Last April, the varsity coach at Prospect was looking for someone to help change the culture of the Prospect program when he came across Mendez's rsum. It showed him how much energy he draws from the kids. ", "Yes, Coach," the quarterback says. Mendez calls his last timeout. A young boy holds open the door as Mendez approaches his favorite spot. His team is a mix of freshmen and sophomores, some with a bit of experience, most with little to none. For the next 12 years, he worked as an assistant coach at five high schools, waiting for someone to believe in him as a head coach. Tears begin to fall. I love it. "We live and die. And he knew what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. There, he drives his chair into the living room, where his roommate and caretaker, Mike McAvoy, waits on the couch. One way he was able to do this is through coaching football. It's an accomplishment to the public because I have no arms and legs, but the reality is I'm not accomplished. He hates talking about any of this. We'll get to that. With the help of adaptive technology, he went skiing. How do you move a fully grown adult with no arms and legs? High School Football players in Texas, join us for a one-day showcase on January 15 in Georgetown, TX! Combing hair. The day is designed by college coaches in order to get the most out of everyone's time. He learned how to draw and write using his mouth. How does he sleep? "You know how Ironman gets in his suit and he just starts flying everywhere? Coaches from Southwestern University and Nicholls State University will lead this showcase and will be joined by other college coaches from various programs. Mendez gives me directions. "We are two very different people. Preston Gannaway for ESPN He never quit and now he has everyone asking, "Who says I can't?". Its classrooms are a melting pot. 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. Mendez tries to explain, but the kid doesn't get it. His presence should tell anyone, if you're paying attention, that your mind is the most powerful thing. He rolls in wearing a plain white T-shirt and faded red San Francisco 49ers hat. Prospect High School Football team golf tournament and smoked BBQ fundraiser! ", Born without arms or legs, Rob Mendez was never able to play football, but that didn't stop him from pursuing his passion for the game as a coach.ESPN. Steven O'Dell, a big class of 2024 prospect from Broome High School in Spartanburg, told The Clemson Insider that he's been hearing some from the Tigers via social media and communicating with Thomas Austin. When his friends went out for football his freshman year of high school, Rob became the team manager. He put the name into Google. Mendez screams. They gave me a feeling of importance. He scoffs. The coach nods and says "thank you.". You hear stories about people with cancer, fighting for their lives. It happened at the end of his senior prom, when he tipped over the wheelchair ramp as he and his classmates were leaving. But Rob refuses because the upper belt limits his ability to access his phone and draw plays. Sobrato is located across the street from his parents' home in Morgan Hill. It seems like no big deal. As much as he doesn't want this syndrome to define him, at the same time there's a part of him that loves the fact that it sort of does. 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 Mendez orders a water. "It sounds so ridiculous, but it's true," he says. His older sister, Jackie, pushed her brother to try new things and one day tucked a PlayStation controller under his chin. And swimming. "Rob? "It brings out the best in people. He doesn't listen to the doctors like he should. Martindale has been the Prospect boys' athletic director since 2005, and has been teaching at the school for 20 years. So I try not to complain. "That's how humans are -- they adapt. But other than the tetra-amelia disorder, his son Rob was born a healthy baby boy. Practice starts in a few days. Blood runs everywhere. 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.
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