Meet the new Cardinal football coach, Teohua Sanchez

The Santa Paula Union High School District Trustees confirmed Teohua Sanchez as the new Cardinal football coach this month after the controversial removal of Coach Ed Gomez. Sanchez was born and raised in Oxnard and is a graduate of St. Bonaventure High School, where he was starting quarterback where he led his team to a number of titles, including a 12-1-1 record in 1996, defeating Nordhoff. He also lettered in basketball and track. He continued to play in college and obtained a BA in history. He then went on to obtain his teaching credential at Cal State Northridge.He coached JV football at St. Bonaventure for two years and then for three years was varsity quarterbacks coach and finally offensive coordinator. He helped lead the team to a State Championship.Sanchez said he believes that his players are students first, then athletes. “I’m all about academics,” he said. “I believe it’s very important. Football can come and go, but your academics stay with you for life.” He said he tries to be a role model and turn these student-athletes into young men. “You can never give a child too much attention,” he added. In terms of football he said he’s going to field the best team possible. “We’ll be very competitive and very disciplined. We’ll show some great sportsmanship.” He said he’s looking forward to support from the staff, administration, the board of trustees and the community. “I’m looking forward to working with all members of the community and my staff, the administration and my coaches as well,” Sanchez said.Despite the controversy surrounding his selection Sanchez said he’s moving forward. “Santa Paula always supports their teams no matter what,” he said. He’s already held a meeting with potential players. He said 58 boys showed up for the first gathering. He’s anticipating around 75 kids will come out to play. He noted that he’s going to talk to eighth graders in the area about coming out for the team next fall. He said he wants to have players for all three levels. “One of my main goals is to keep Santa Paula players in Santa Paula. I’m gong to try to give them a reason to stay.”