Since I arrived at Creek, Joseph and I immediately connected. There were moments when we would randomly see each other on campus and exchange stories from our childhood, especially since both of us are products from the East Side. I remember seeing students run up to Joseph when he worked around campus, making sure it was pristine for students, teachers, and families.
Something that really stands out to me about Coach is his patience and authentic cariño. I have seen firsthand this year how Joseph finds his players' strengths and has them exercise those assets within the football field. Particularly, Coach tapped into a student-athlete who he leaned on for crucial moments within the game. Joseph found that his players’ tenacity and hunger for the game would motivate his teammates and himself to strive academically. Joseph found something in that student that may often be overlooked and underappreciated in spaces he would venture into. What’s particularly heartwarming about this dynamic is that this student is neurodiverse. Still, he is never doubted when approaching the scrimmage line, protecting his quarterback, or sacking the opposing quarterback.
Joseph is an incredible asset and a fantastic presence at Silver Creek. His warm East Side company is something I wished I had as a student in high school; a strong male Chicano figure was hard to come by, and I’m in absolute awe of the work he does day in and day out to be that person for many of our youth here on campus.
