High school football fans bid farewell to coach Rick Garretson, who announced his retirement after a successful six-year stint at Chandler High School in Arizona. Garretson led the Wolves to the Open Division Playoffs five times, winning two state championships.
In an exclusive interview with “Zone Read,” Garretson reflected on his decision to retire, citing his age and the physical demands of coaching in Arizona’s extreme heat as factors. Despite a challenging final season with a young, injury-plagued team, Garretson received an outpouring of respect and admiration from fellow coaches in the region for his impact on and off the field.
Garretson shared memorable moments from his coaching career, including a legendary 2018 playoff game against Highland that led to the championship. He also discussed the influence of former head coach Shaun Aguano on his coaching philosophy and highlighted the success of Arizona high school coaches now leading Arizona State University’s football program.
In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Garretson emphasized the importance of relationships with players, coaches, and administrators. As he enters retirement, Garretson expressed gratitude for the support and experiences he gained during his time at Chandler.
Meanwhile, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, Brophy running backs coach Nyles Outley continued his “Bags of Love” campaign to help those in need in the community. Outley’s efforts to provide essentials for the less fortunate showcase the giving nature of Arizona high school coaches beyond the football field.
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Photo credit sports360az.com
