Erik Terry looks back on his nine years as head coach of the ‘Irvine Vaquero football family’

Former Irvine football coach Erik Terry guides his team during a summer league game at Irvine Stadium.

Erik Terry has been contemplating a big decison for a while.

But Thursday he made it official and resigned as Irvine’s head football coach after nine seasons and 18 overall with the program. He had a 43-50-3 overall record and led the Vaqueros to three CIF playoff appearances, including this past season.

Terry talked about what went into his decision and the highs and lows of his career, which included big wins, tough losses and the death of a popular former Irvine football player.

When did you make the decision?

Terry: We have been discussing for the past six months but ultimately made the decision last weekend to move forward.

What was the reaction of your players?

Terry: Players were definitely disappointed but most seem to understand the reasons.  We have always preached family first in our program so I hope they see that I am living by example.

Elaborate on your need to be with your parents:

Terry: My parents have not been able to be as involved in our lives as they have both struggled with health issues over the last few years that have slowed them down.  I know my dad has always hoped that our family would be closer geographically and them moving to southern California was not really an option.

What were your top moments at Irvine and memorable achievements?

Terry: All of my top moments/memorable achievements really revolve around watching all the players I have coached grow into fine young men and the building of a “family” in our football community. There are way too many to relay in an article but a few that stand out are:

– How the Vaquero Football family rallied to support Austin Hwang’s family emotionally and financially after his untimely death from cancer at age 19.

– When the Vaquero Family came together to support Curtis Jackson after his mother’s death during his junior year, from arranging and serving the meal at the reception after the funeral to the Filia family taking Curtis into their home

What will you miss most about coaching at Irvine?

Terry: The relationships with the coaches, players and families.  We have a great support system in our football community. Win or lose we all have the right perspective about the power of high school football in a boys transition into a man.

What are your plans for coaching again and how do you pursue another job?

Terry: I walk by faith and not by sight on this journey.  Over the years we have taken our team to Arroyo Grande High School for a summer passing and lineman competition so I have developed relationships that I will lean on in searching for a job.  Full-time teaching is the top priority to support my family but I hope that I will find a coaching position as well. There are quite a few quality football programs in that area so I hope someone has a need for “seasoned” coach at whatever level is available.  I would like to be a head coach again one day but those plans belong to someone greater than me.

What is your reaction to three Irvine coaches in one week resigning?

Terry: (It is) difficult for our football community in the city of Irvine but the programs will all still press on.

What kind of coach should Irvine get to replace you?

Terry: My hope is that Irvine will seek out a man of high integrity whom believes in the mission of helping every young person that comes through this program become the very best version of themselves.  It would be great if the next coach has ties to Irvine High School because we have a unique culture here that I would like to see continue.

ERIK TERRY RESIGNS AS IRVINE COACH AFTER NINE YEARS

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com