Santa Ana’s Charlie TeGantvoort named LA Chargers Orange County coach of the week

Santa Ana Coach Charlie TeGantvoort prepares his players before a game this season. (Photo: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).

Santa Ana High School football coach Charlie TeGantvoort loves making an impact with the players he coaches.

“My favorite part of coaching is watching first-hand the transformation of young kids to young adults,” he said Thursday. “Sometimes it takes all four years, and sometimes it happens in one day.  But seeing them become mature independent resilient young adults before my eyes is definitely one of the best things about coaching.”

TeGantvoort, the Saints coach for nine years, was recognized for his efforts when he was selected the Los Angeles Chargers Orange County Coach of the week Wednesday.

“It is always very humbling to be honored by anyone, especially an amazing organization such as the Los Angeles Chargers,” he said.  “I am truly thankful. Coaches would never get any awards if they didn’t have great players and we are fortunate to always have great players at Santa Ana High School who always play with toughness and respect, which fortunately makes coaches like me look good. “

TeGantvoort, nicknamed “Coach T,” has led the Saints to four league titles.

“We have made the CIF playoffs every year and we have always had a winning record every season as well,” TeGantvoort said.

The program receives $1,000 from the Chargers, which TeGantvoort will go toward helping in a number of ways.

“We do not charge our players anything to play here, even the Spirit Pack is free to them,” he said. “We are only able to do this through donations from many generous donors, such as my mother, who are always willing to support us.  So, this money will also go towards things like food, spirit wear, any basic necessities our players may need, and of course our banquet.”

Santa Ana (5-2 overall, 3-0 in league) is in a virtual tie with Orange (4-2, 2-0) atop the Orange Coast League standings and plays at Costa Mesa Friday night. Orange hosts Calvary Chapel Thursday night.

Santa Ana and Orange meet in a game which will likely decide the league title on Friday, Oct. 28 at Santa Ana Stadium.

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