Woodbridge football Coach Rick Gibson (middle) was honored by Irvine Mayor Pro Tem Anthony Kuo (left) and Woodbridge Athletic Booster Club president Jay Lyon Friday night. (Photo Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone)
Woodbridge High officials, the Athletic Booster Club and the City of Irvine honored outgoing football coach Rick Gibson after the team’s final game of the season Friday night against Portola at University.
Gibson was praised for his 32 years as head coach by Irvine Mayor Pro Tem Anthony Kuo. Kuo, on behalf of Mayor Christiana L. Shea, presented a certificate to Gibson, “thanking him for three decades of impactful service, mentorship and coaching at Woodbridge.”
Athletic Booster Club President Jay Lyon praised Halagan’s contributions and loyal service and presented him a plaque from the booster club commemorating his career.
Assistant coaches Cliff Nelson and John Halagan also praised Gibson’s career, which ended when Portola defeated the Warriors 35-28 Friday night. Woodbridge needed to win in order to advance to the CIF playoffs.
Gibson ended the program, which was held on the field, by thanking the players he coached, parents, Woodbridge officials and fans for their support and his wife Julie. He also congratulated the new coach at Woodbridge, Aaron Craver.
“I have three daughters,” he said. “God gave me three daughters which I’m super happy that I got. Every guy that I coached in football I consider as a son and I hope you feel that and I hope you understand how much you gave me.
“It’s not even close what I gave you. You gave me a whole lot more, and for that I cannot thank you enough. Once a Warrior, always a Warrior.”
RELATED: Coach Gibson reflects on 32-year coaching career
-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
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