Written By: Editor, Julia Bailey
BEGINNING ANEW – Poly’s football emerges into its age of legacy with the new coach, Jarron Gilbert
After an impressive college career as a defensive tackle at San Jose State, earning the 2008 Defensive Player of the Year for WAC award, among other awards, Jarron Gilbert followed his dream and was picked as #68 in the third round of the 2009 NFL draft. Despite Gilbert not only being gifted in football in high school, he decided his senior year to devote his love and devotion to football, as he saw a clear future ahead of him. Today, Gilbert is Poly High School’s Head Football coach.
As someone who “always had a ball in [his] hands” growing up, Gilbert developed a passion for sports early on. Beginning with basketball, and then transitioning to football, he credits his father with being his number one motivator, stating he looked to him for everything. Gilbert not only models after his father through his family values and supportive character, but also his coaching style. As an athlete himself, Gilbert’s father expected the best out of his son as he was described as “demanding, but also could relate” which Gilbert has thankfully adopted into his coaching method. While always wanting to push his players to their limits to seek their top performance, he also understands that everyone is going through something different and he hopes to be a crutch his players can lean on in a time of need.
The big question is: why Riverside and why Poly? For Mr. Gilbert, his family comes first. After moving here two years ago, he put down roots, expressing that Riverside was “a great spot for [his] family.” With a wife and four kids, he admits coaching is a juggling act, but it’s a challenge he takes on with fervor as he loves being a dad. As for why he chose Poly, Gilbert saw an opportunity to apply his expertise and experience to build a program with a diverse population of kids from all walks of life, and he took it, excited to be a part of this legacy. However, greatness does not come from idleness; with success comes sacrifice. To accomplish what he did, Gilbert had to “give everything, devote his entire self to compete, whether that is constant time in the weight room, study room, or out on the field.” He emphasized that to succeed “you must sacrifice.” This mentality is something he hopes to instill in his players year after year as he prepares them not only for their future in football but also in life. As a reflection of that, Coach Gilbert prioritizes players’ grades above all else, saying they are student-athletes, not the other way around, and that school comes first.
Most coaches would agree that in their first years at a school, they strive to construct their legacy. Coach Gilbert is no different, as he has big plans and goals set for the following years. On the top of that list is establishing a “winning culture” and building up his young men in this program to be “model citizens.” As his players grow up and begin to move on, if they only remember one thing from Coach Gilbert he hopes it is this: to understand what it takes to be successful and to never shy away from their responsibilities.
The Poly Bears are excited to step into this new chapter of Poly Football with Coach Jarron Gilbert, as we welcome him with open arms.