FOOTBALL: Coach Rice takes Poly High School’s football team to a new level that will bring home wins.
By Devin Varner, Staff Writer
Riverside Poly Football has struggled in the past with their ability to win their games, but this year, however, is going to be a whole new story. John Rice, Poly’s new varsity head football coach, is making significant changes that will lead Poly football to victory.
Rice has a lot of experience when it comes to coaching football. He was the varsity football defensive assistant coach at St. John Bosco High School where he helped their team win the 2016 CIF Southern Section Champions, 2016 California Open Division Champions, and achieve the #2 national ranking by MaxPreps. He was also the varsity head coach at J.W. North high school, leaving a legacy. Not only does Rice have a background in football, but he also has six years of teaching experience. He taught ELA 10-12 World Lit (Honors), Intro to Lit, and READ 180 AVID. All of Rice’s background accomplishments have made him the perfect candidate for the Poly football varsity head coach.
On the field, improvements from last year are already noticeable. “Last year there was no sense of unity or pride, this year coach has come and completely changed the culture. I have never felt in my four years playing football this much chemistry on the team,” says Zachary Ma (12). The players are feeling more at home on the field thanks to Coach Rice. “The team last year was made up of individuals and Coach Rice has brought more of a team aspect to Poly Football,” says Luke Pruit (11). After only six months, Rice has positively changed the whole team dynamic. Not only has he made the connection between the players stronger but has also created a bond between himself and his athletes that wasn’t there before. “Rice was able to build a comfortable working relationship with every single person on the team. He has gotten to know us on a personalized level and as an athlete,” says Ma.
If changing the team dynamic isn’t enough, Rice is also showering his players with tough love. “Coach Rice has brought a higher intensity and more of a competitive atmosphere,” Pruitt says. In correspondence, Ma says “Coach [Rice] holds players accountable no matter who they are or how good they are.” Although Rice is tough on his players, they believe this is a key ingredient towards having a strong season. Rice cares for his players and hopes the best for them. He has wiped out the team Poly has come to know and brought in a whole new team.
The proof is in his players. “I believe the culture has changed for Poly football this year and years to come. It’s going to be a whole lot different. Polys back babyyyyy!!! Go bears,” Ma says.
