Football:

By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor

Over the past 40 years alone, the San Gabriel Valley has showcased a who’s who of talented, dedicated and highly successful and influential football coaches.

Bonita High School coach Steve Bogan won four CIF-Southern Section titles at South Hills. Don Lugo’s Greg Gano claimed four championships for Los Altos. Tim Salter earned four trophies for Upland. Mike Maggiore led West Covina to three, and Bill Zernickow won a pair of championships while at San Dimas.

Last but not least, is the longest tenured and winningest active coach in the state.

He is the 73-year old living legend from Charter Oak, Lou Farrar.

Farrar has won 316 games and begins his 49th season at the helm of the Chargers, which also happens to be his alma mater. He’s also in a very elite club of those handful or so of prep football coaches with 300 or more victories. Farrar’s Chargers claimed CIF-SS titles in 1985, 1998, 2001, 2008 and 2009. Charter Oak has won north of 35 league titles over that stretch and Farrar’s program continually sends its top players to the next level annually.

For now, though, winning and losing football games is miles away from what Farrar is focused on. Don’t get it wrong, he still wants to prepare the boys and give them their best shot at winning every Friday night, but currently Lou is going nose to nose with his most challenging opponent ever.

Farrar is battling Leukemia.

The San Gabriel Valley coaching icon is receiving wonderful treatment at the City of Hope. There is an extensive effort to find a match for a bone marrow transplant. To this day, even 35 pounds down, ‘Big Lou’ still looks intimidating at 6-foot-3, and he’s still got a nice head of hair.

I had the honor to speak to Coach Farrar for nearly 45 minutes Wednesday, while he watched his beloved Chargers take on Bishop Amat in a scrimmage at Charter Oak.

Farrar watched from his golf cart and he was obviously fatigued, but his passion hasn’t waned a bit and despite being in a class of success above almost all of his peers, he wanted to talk about faith, relationships, helping raise awareness for cancer and helping others.

He recently told his players that he wasn’t sure if his efforts would save his own life, but that he wanted to make sure that one day soon a kid battling cancer could get the right treatment to live to 73, just like Big Lou.

His wife Nancy is also his best friend, his champion, his chef and his idol.

Farrar called his wife his physician’s assistant, as she’s with him every step of the way, and she makes sure he takes his medications, gets rest and also serves as her husand’s psychiatrist when it comes to listening to Lou and giving him feedback that even sometimes he might not want to hear.

Farrar’s 48-year old son Dominic, who also serves as Charter Oak’s athletics director, is beginning his 28th year as an assistant coach on his dad’s staff.

Dom’s son, Vincent, is a sophomore quarterback, and in all, Farrar has six grandchildren, three each from Dominic as well as Farrar’s daughter, Natalie. When asked if he’d be on the sidelines for Charter Oak’s August 23rd opener when San Marino comes to town, he didn’t hesitate, saying, “I’ll be out here every day I can. These kids and my coaches keep me going.”

While Farrar will have to, in some ways take a step back or so, he’s trained each and every coach he has and they are more than ready and able to step up to the plate.

Football has been important to Farrar from day one, but his love of the game and his mastery of the x’s-and-o’s pales in comparison to the impact he’s made on thousands of lives.

I’ll share just a couple anecdotes to give you an idea of the contributions this man had made to his players and society in general.

In a conversation recently with Bryce Bobo, who played at both Charter Oak and the University of Colorado, Bobo said Farrar dramatically helped change the course of his life for the better and that his coach has made him the responsible adult he’s become.

Before getting to Charter Oak, Bobo was expelled in middle school and when no one else wanted to give him a second chance, Farrar and his family stepped up, helped him get into a local middle school, and as he described it, “they took me under their wing.”

Bobo said Farrar has no idea how truly grateful and impactful his genuine love has meant to him and it’s the reason he’s stayed out of trouble after getting that much-needed guidance from the Farrar family.

Another wonderful story is that of San Gabriel High School coach Kevin Encinas.

Encinas would admit he wasn’t the greatest person as he entered high school, and on top of that, football wasn’t even something he considered doing.

He was interested in basketball, but as his life was heading southward with a less than ideal home life, Lou Farrar stepped in and filled the void.

Encinas said Farrar saw something special in him long before he saw it in himself.

After his playing days were over, Encinas wanted to come coach with his idol, but Farrar knew Encinas had much bigger things he still needed to do and pushed him to go back to school and to continue his career on the football field.

Encinas took Farrar’s advice and he attended and played at both Citrus College and Waldorf University in Forest City, Iowa.

He earned his bachelor’s from Waldorf, his master’s at San Jose State, and his teaching credential at Cal State Fullerton.

“My life would not be anything like it is now without the guidance, love and discipline of Big Lou,” Encinas said. “He saved my life and I owe everything I have to him. I am trying to make San Gabriel into a Charter Oak type program and I use almost everything he taught me. I love this man so much, and so does every player that was touched by Big Lou’s love. He got us to prioritize our academics and becoming good people far before anything that happens on a football field.”

I asked Farrar about taking in kids that others might not give a second chance to.

“I tell them that what they did before they got here is over,” Farrar said. “They get a fresh start, but they know we’re watching and that we demand their best. There are so many kids who in their teens aren’t who they are later in life, and if we can help them become good husbands and dads and members of society, we’ve done our job. And that is far more rewarding than any success that happens in football.”

Farrar also wanted it known that he’s been blown away by the prayers, love and messages of hope, not just from friends and peers, but also rivals and maybe some who aren’t exactly Charter Oak or Lou Farrar fans.

When you’ve had as much success as he’s had, regardless of sport, people want to see you get knocked down a peg or two.

How incredible has Farrar’s career been?

Consider this:

In high school football, you’re guaranteed 10 regular season games per year.

If a program makes the playoffs, depending on how far they go, a football team could play as many as 14 or 15 games in a season.

To become a member of a 300-win club in prep football, a coach would need to average 10 wins per season over a 30-year stretch, and Farrar’s done so at a school he attended and has always loved.

Of all the coaches we spoke to, who all happen to be top-notch leaders, literally each of them said Farrar’s success comes from his diligent game plans as well as his loyal, and cohesive staff, that comes back every year to be a part of his program, and very much his family.

He is also one of four finalists among a field that began with 50 coaches nominated, including one from each state in the union.

The winner will be announced in January in Nashville.

Each state is allowed one representative, as mentioned, that serves as an inspiration to his players, school and the sport of football.

What is Farrar’s current mission in life?

There are a few things that are very important to Coach Farrar.

1. The love, care and support he’s received at the City of Hope has been a life-changing experience. City of Hope is on the frontlines of battling so many of today’s ill’s, including cancer, HIV and many other medical maladies. He would very much appreciate anyone who can donate, even in small numbers, to help kids and adults in need. Click here to donate to City of Hope.
2. As funny as it may sound, especially for those of us with parents in their 70’s, and who come from a generation of “rub some dirt on it,” Farrar couldn’t emphasize enough how important it is to put your pride aside and do everything your doctor recommends, including diet, rest and everything else that goes along with battling a potentially life-threatening illness.
3. Farrar is making it a mission to get as many people as possible to donate blood, organs and to be swabbed to see if you can help save or prolong other people’s lives by being a match to someone in need.

Farrar said there are two things he most wants to live to see:

The first being September 20, which will mark his 50th wedding anniversary to his wife. and secondly, that trip to Nashville in January, and with the chance of being named the nation’s most inspirational coach.

Check out the  video interviews with some of Farrar’s coaches and players, including his grandson, Vincent, and son, Dominic below.

We all want Lou Farrar to not only beat this, but to continue his life for another few decades.

Unlike most of us, though, Farrar’s legacy is already set in stone and he’ll always be remembered as a man who not only won more games and titles than almost anyone, his impact on young men’s lives is nearly unmatched.

Said Lou Farrar: “I can’t thank my wife enough for all she does. She is everything to me and I appreciate how strong she’s been. My son, daughter, grandkids, coaches and players are all sources of both pride and strength. My faith has helped me deal with this, but make no mistake, I am going to do everything I can to beat this, because I still have a lot to contribute to young people’s lives, and that’s why I’m out there and have been for 50 years.”

Below are quotes from Farrar’s former players and distinguished peers and rivals.

Quotable:

Former Charter Oak/UCLA player, current Charter Oak principal, Joey Strycula: “Coming from a family full of football coaches, Coach Farrar and my Grandfather were bigger than life to me growing up. Having uncles and my dad coach for Big Lou and my older brother Johnny playing for him in the late 80’s, me and my younger brother Chris were ball boys and always around the program.

You hear people say all the time how much impact a coach has had on them growing up and Big Lou was definitely one of those very influential coaches. He has impacted so many people and has been an icon in our valley for a long time. He instilled a mindset in you in to never give up and I applied those lessons while playing football at UCLA and in life in general. I was always grateful for the experience I had playing for him and being a part of his program.

From a principal standpoint, having him still be the coach at Charter Oak High School is great for our kids and community. In a day in age where high school coaches come and go, to give our families and school a coach with his pedigree and devotion is almost unheard of these days. It is great having him on campus each day and I always enjoy talking with him and watching him interact with our younger teachers. His mentorship to our staff is invaluable and he is still impacting the next generation, not only of student-athletes but educators as well.

There is no doubt that he has a tough road ahead of him with this battle. Cancer is a horrible thing and to see anyone have to go through this is unfortunate. He is a strong man and I have been so inspired by how people who have been willing to help out and send prayers. As a Christian man, I believe in the power of God and I pray that God heals him.”

Former Upland coach, Tim Salter: “I am distraught for what he is going through. My dad and Lou were very good friends and when my dad couldn’t get around much, Lou would bring film of Charter Oak and watch it with him. My dad is a great judge of character and he had the highest respect for Lou. When we’re not competing against each other, we always tried to help one another. The Farrar’s are more like family than coaching counterparts. He has impacted the lives of so many people and has been the Rock of Gibraltar.”

Former Bonita coach, Eric Podley: “His players were always mentally and physically prepared and showed a passion for the sport. You have to respect that he’s been willing to put himself out there this long and you are subject to slings and arrows to the public out there. He’s still a competitive and fiery guy. We always felt at Bonita, if you were going to play Charter Oak, you better have your A game, because they were going to be well prepared. The most important thing I see with Lou is family and it’s still alive and well at Charter Oak. And that’s his legacy.”

Former West Covina coach Mike Maggiore: “I’m praying for Lou. He has been an icon of high school football in the San Gabriel Valley for four decades. I have been fortunate to be able to coach against his teams and they were always well prepared, and most importantly, they played with confidence and passion. That’s a reflection of their coach and the program he’s built. I am better coach and mentor because of him. Get well, Big Lou!”

Former La Salle coach, current Antelope Valley College director of football operations, Russell Gordon: “Lou is a man of character and he’s a fierce competitor. He built a great program the right way and they are competitive year in and year out. As coaches, we are all behind you and appreciate everything you’ve done for the school, your program, the kids and the sport we all love.”

Former Glendora coach Jerry Lewallen: “To quote John Wooden, “A good coach can change a game, a great coach can change a life.” Coach Farrar is a great football coach, with an impeccable record, winning numerous CIF titles and league championships, but I think his legacy is as a positive role model for young people. His impact on his athletes goes way beyond the four years they spent in his program. He served as a father figure to those who needed a positive influence in their lives.”

Former Los Altos, current Don Lugo coach, Greg Gano: “For quite a while, the rivalry between Charter Oak and Los Altos was as good as it got. Lou wanted to beat us by 100 points and we wanted to beat them by 100 points. We weren’t ever going to out-coach them. His longevity and success at one school spreaks for itself. We all want Lou to know we are in his corner and wish him the very best as he fights yet another opponent.”

Former South Hills, current Bonita coach, Steve Bogan: “Lou is one of the “few” who have both a long and rich career and legacy. I pray regularly for his healing, and for comfort and peace for him and his family.”

Former Glendora coach Mark Pasquerella: “Coach Farrar’s success as a football coach will never be duplicated. His teams were always coached extremely well and played hard every night. They established a system that got the most out of their student athletes. His family and high school football have been his life’s works. I have the utmost respect for his longevity and commitment to the Charter Oak community.”

Former Bonita, current El Rancho coach, Adrian Medrano: “Coach Farrar is a man who has a deep respect and care for not only his players and program but for the coaching fraternity as a whole. He showed great concern about the constant turnover of football coaches during a local coaching event a couple of years ago. His longevity & impact demands respect. Add the success to his coaching career, and it demands admiration.”

Former Sierra Vista & Mt. Sac coach, Paul Russell: “I was lucky at Mt. Sac to get areas to recruit and my area included Charter Oak. His son Dom played for us at Mt. Sac. He always had the time for me and the energy to put into his program and the patience to work with young men. His success speaks for itself. It was easy to see why. He was structured and has always had a good coaching staff. Dom used to come over and watch our practices. Good people attract good players.”

Former Rancho Cucamonga, current Etiwanda coach, Nick Baiz: “Charter Oak teams are always well coached and they play with a passion that is a reflection of their coach and his staff. His passion is a big reason why he’s lasted so long and had so much success, and it’s also a reason we believe he’ll fight this like he has all opponents throughout his life. We all certainly want the best for Coach Farrar, his family and their program.”

AFCA representative, Chris Fore: “Temecula Valley coach Bert Esposito and I thought it was a no-brainer to nominate Coach Farrar because he is as passionate about his players becoming good human beings as much or more than even winning football games on the field. When you win as much as they do, not everyone likes you, but he certainly has everybody’s respect. And if you actually get to meet and know Coach Farrar, he is a very solid, family-first type of guy and his players are so lucky to have a guy early in their lives to help lead the way.”

Bishop Amat coach, Steve Hagerty: “I know Coach Farrar mostly through people I know. My brother-in-law as well as Coach Dick Salter, two guys with a great sense of judgement when it comes to character, have told me so many good things about Coach Farrar. He is someone with an amazing longevity and I know how much his players and staff care about him. The entire football world is 100-percent behind Coach Farrar and we wish him all the best as he wages this battle.”

Former Covina coach, Darryl Thomas: “It goes without saying that Coach Lou Farrar is a living legend. He’s a man who knows what the word family really means. A man who’s fire for the game still burns bright and is an inspiration to many coaches throughout the country. I feel blessed to have known ‘Big Lou’ and to have had our teams compete against each other. It always brought out the best in us.”

Former Damien, current Corona Santiago coach, Scott Morrison: “The relationship with Lou has developed over time. His health has allowed him to do this for a very long time. When I was at Damien, we played Charter Oak early on. Lou and I hit it off right away, when it came to trading film and to prepare for each other. I had a lot of respect for how hard his team always played for him. It’s something I wanted my teams to be like. I ended up joining the coaches association and Lou was a friendly face on the board and we’ve served for the last 15 or so years together. He’s left a mark that few will ever leave. His longevity, his winning, the impact on his kids. Lou is a guy who sets the example, and a guy in my life that I still consider a mentor.”

Former Damien coach, Mark Paredes: “Lou is definitely a legend and one of the best coaches that I’ve ever faced. He is very thorough and gets his team to play hard and that’s what it’s all about. In my experience with Charter Oak, that’s always the case. He does a great job of getting the ball to his playmakers. He’s a great leader and he surrounds himself with men who aspire to greatness. He has people who execute his offense and defense. Having a great staff is so important and that’s what they’ve got at Charter Oak.”

Former Charter Oak player, 2009 graduate, Tyler Perri: “My dad passed away when I was in the eighth grade and the Farrar’s always made my two brothers (Michael & JP) and I feel like family and it’s always been something we’ve appreciated. It hurts us to see someone we love having to face this, but Coach Farrar is a tough man, who has never backed down and we all have faith that he’ll get through this. He has impacted the lives of so many kids and it’s one of the reasons why my brothers and I are coaches to this day.”

Fox Sports analyst, Chris Rix: “Having been a player at Bishop Amat, a coach and now a reporter, I’ve gotten to know Lou’s son Dominic well, and it’s allowed me to see what his dad has and is accomplishing. In some ways, he reminds me of my coach at Florida State, Bobby Bowden. Coach Farrar’s teams are always ready and they play with a passion and spirit that you can’t help but respect. You never see a Charter Oak player on the field with his head hung low, and that’s a reflection of Lou, his staff and his program. We all send the very best to Lou and the entire Charter Oak and Farrar family in these challenging times. We know he’s a fighter.”

National Hall of Fame Wrestling Inductee, Longtime Northview Wrestling Coach, David Ochoa: “Coach Farrar has been one of the most successful and well known coaches in San Gabriel Valley athletic history. His storied career and commitment to the Charter Oak community has been unsurpassed. His impact will be ever lasting.”

Former Charter Oak and University of Colorado player, Bryce Bobo: “The whole family did a lot for me. I was in middle school and get expelled. Instead of going to a continuation school, the Farrar’s helped get me to go to a middle school close by and that they’d take me under their wing when I got to Charter Oak. Since then, I have stayed out of trouble. The Farrar’s have impacted my life in so many ways, and they’re all positive (ways).”

Former Charter Oak player, Aaron Vaughns: “From day one, Coach Farrar and his family showed me love and I couldn’t be more thankful. They helped me become a better football player and we were a family at Charter Oak, but what I appreciate the most is all the off-the-field direction and love they gave me. We all have Coach Farrar in our daily thoughts and prayers and want him to know how much we all love him.”

Former Charter Oak player, current San Gabriel High School coach, Kevin Encinas: “There are so many kids with similar stories to mine. I was young and very fearless and didn’t have a good direction. I wasn’t even a football player and was a basketball player. I was lost and going nowhere and had a bad home situation. Big Lou was there and gave me discipline when I needed it and love when I needed it. Big Lou saw something in me and brought me up and I was scared and nervous. He believed in me way before I believed in myself. My life would be nothing like it is without Lou. Big Lou, you saved my life.”