After graduating from McFarland High School in 1988, I attended College of the Sequoias. At COS, I Studied criminology and was All-state in Track. After leaving there I ran on a scholarship at Cal State University Bakersfield. From 1992 through 1996, I served in the United States Coast Guard. Stationed at Yerba Buena Island Small Boat Station. There I conducted maritime Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue in the San Francisco Bay.

In 1996 I entered the California Department of Corrections Training Academy in Galt, Ca. I am in my 19th year for the Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation. Through out this time I have always been involved in running, either competing or coaching. I have helped as a volunteer coach along side of coach White at McFarland High School. When my own children started competing it took on a whole new meaning; I started coaching younger athletes. As young as 5 years old. I coached through the McFarland Parks & Recreation program or the McFarland Track Club which was established in 1973 by coach Jim White. I took over The track club in 2003. The club has never been more active with the help of the athlete’s families.

I married my high school sweet heart, Martha Ramirez, on November 13, 1993. Our family includes our sons Thomas , Andrew & our daughter Brianna. Martha is a 5th grade teacher in McFarland. My son,Tommy, after graduating from McFarland High School is attending Bakersfield College hopes of becoming a firemen. Thomas had a cameo appearance at the end of the movie with his 2013 McFarland Cross Country team. Andrew attends Garces Memorial High School in Bakersfield, Ca. Andrew is a stand out pitcher for the Varsity Baseball team. Brianna is a 8th grader at Columbine School in Tulare County. Brianna is a successful runner in her own right. She will be attending McFarland High School in the fall.

I have always been a competitor whether it be my own personal goals or helping young athletes achieve theirs. From the front of the pack to the back end, we all have limits. Never let someone hold you back from pushing beyond what others think is impossible. Whether it’s a long stride or small steps to the finish the goal is to finish. Dream Big!!!