McCloskey new football coach at Central Valley

CERES -- Central Valley is hoping a new energy and voice will produce winning football for the first time in school history.

Central Valley recently announced the appointment of Jason McCloskey, a Minnesota transplant who becomes just the second head coach in the school's short history.

McCloskey replaces Tim Garcia, the program's architect and a former prep star at Grace Davis. Garcia left to return to his alma mater as the offensive coordinator, according to a report in the Ceres Courier.

Garcia had coached Central Valley since its inception as a senior-less varsity program in 2006, compiling a 19-36 record in those six seasons.

During that span, the Hawks failed to produce a winning record or reach the Sac-Joaquin Section's postseason.

Central Valley was 4-6 last fall, despite possessing one of the Stanislaus District's most explosive offenses. The Hawks' best campaign under Garcia was 5-5 in 2008, its last in the Valley Oak League.

"They've had their struggles as far as a football team goes," said McCloskey, who met with returning players on June 18 and recently rounded out his coaching staff. "But I think they're heading in the right direction, so it's a good time to get into a team with a lot of ability.

"Everyone has been amazing, really goal-oriented. They like what they see and hear from me, and I like what I see and hear from them."

"You have to give Mr. Garcia a lot of credit for starting a new program," said McCloskey, who last coached at Minnesota's Waubun High from 2009-11. "It's hard. I've started a few myself. It's tough to keep your nose to grindstone and keep everyone working.

"I can't control the past. The kids can't control the past. Every day, we've got to get better. When we talk, we want to be physical and hold each other accountable. Our ultimate goal is to be in the playoffs ever year."

The pieces are there for immediate success.

McCloskey inherits a wealth of offensive talent, beginning with running back Ja'Quan Gardner.

The nimble junior-to-be erupted onto the scene last fall, rushing for nearly 2,000 yards in 10 games. He set school records for rushing yards (1,985), rushing yards in a game (397), touchdowns (25) and TDs in a game (7).

Gardner is joined in the backfield by three-year varsity quarterback Abraham Navarro, currently locked in a duel with Kenny Lopez, a spot starter last fall.

McCloskey has spent the last few days familiarizing himself with those performances, watching all 10 games ... twice.

"We've got some athletes on the team," he said.

His track record should excite Central Valley fans. McCloskey has won at every stop, with every assignment.

He guided Waubun to a 19-13 record in three seasons as head coach, winning a North Tri-County League championship and clinching two section finals appearances in nine-man football.

He also coached the girls basketball team from 2005-11 and won at least one playoff game from 2009-11.

"I consider myself a player's coach and coach's coach," said McCloskey, who played quarterback for Southwest Minnesota State and a variety of semi-pro teams. "They know that I'll be loyal to them and always have their back. My motto is 'Results require discipline.' Discipline doesn't mean to be punished, but are you doing what's asked to the best of your ability?"

He and his wife, Lindsey, a teacher at Sierra High, decided to move west last July to experience California living.

After taking a year off, McCloskey is eager to get back on the sideline.

"I got bored pretty quick," he said with a chuckle. "I'm excited for this opportunity. I'm excited to pick up where I left off in Minnesota, being a leader of a program and doing what I love."

Source: http://www.modbee.com/2012/06/29/2264298/mccloskey-new-football-coach-at.html

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