Winning isn't everything on some Inland Empire campuses

Another high school coach in Riverside completes a very successful season on the field, but gets shown the exit door shortly afterward.

This time it's Edson Garfias, the boys' soccer coach at Riverside Arlington, who led the Lions to a Southern Section Division II semifinal appearance last month, but wasn't as adept at organizing team banquets, dealing with parents and taking care of equipment, according to Athletic Director Jake Harrison.

In January, it was Riverside North Coach Lou Randall who was let go after leading the Huskies to a second consecutive section football championship. At the time, Athletic Director Dale Kinnear said he was more concerned with the "overall growth and academic success'' of the team.

I guess the famous aphorism "Just win baby" of Al Davis, pictured, doesn't apply everywhere.

-- Dan Arritt

-- Image from partmule.com

Comments

[Jerl Coats]

This is a devastating development. Arlington is in the middle of a huge population change as is all of So Cal. The school, which used to be predominately white, is now a majority Mexican-American campus. Sound familiar? Coach Edson was one of the few Hispanic role models on campus and had created an exciting program that was growing so rapidly that a freshman soccer team was added this year. In addition, 2 players from this year's great team were signed to full scholarships to Cal State Fullerton!! Funny how that is not mentioned by athletic director Jack Harrison. Harrison is also a hold over from the opening of the school some 30 years ago when Arlington and California was very different. Where are the Hispanic role models for today's children? Not working at Arlington.....