El Cerrito High Football Coach Update November 5, 2021

[Negar Souza]

Dear El Cerrito Community,

I am pleased to announce that Mr. Jacob Rincon or “Coach Jake” will be welcomed back Friday, November 4, 2021, following many requests and the initial investigation into a viral video.

Students have made it clear Coach Jake has helped them become the players and people they are now, emphasizing his importance at El Cerrito High School.

After interviewing Varsity students that were at the practice in August 2019, it has become clear that Coach Jake was delayed to the practice due to parent/teacher conferences. This was the first day the players were using pads and were to be conditioning, however once the coaches became aware of how the players were partaking in an unapproved aggressive drill, the coaches changed to team practice. During the investigation, it became clear that Coach Jake was not present during the drill, and the coach who conducted the drill was dismissed.

Students recalled that Coach Jake apologized the next day for that drill to occur as it did, and it would be the last time anything like that would happen.

While we will continue the investigation, it is clear Mr. Rincon is a valued member of our community and staff. He was able to handle and address the situation at the time and will continue to uphold the values of the West Contra Costa School District.

Sincerely,
Dr. Kenneth Chris Hurst
Superintendent

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