Segerstrom coach, like many others, prepares and stays ready during uncertain time

Segerstrom coach Joseph Tagaloa gets ready to lead his team out for a game last season. (Photo courtesy Mark Bausman, For OC Sports Zone)

Segerstrom football coach Joseph Tagaloa is well aware that his Jaguars are scheduled to open the season Friday, Aug. 21 with a home game against Compton.

But he and other football coaches in Orange County are waiting to hear for more direction as officials deal with the coronavirus crisis that has put a hold on sports.

Tagaloa, like other coaches, is trying to keep his players ready without being able to meet with them or coach them.

“Times are definitely difficult under the circumstances but we are all in the same boat,” Tagaloa said Friday by Email. “Luckily I have a great group of guys who are as anxious and excited to get back out there as the coaching staff, which drives them to put in work individually. Most of our communication is done through Hudl and Google Classroom.”

CIF Southern Section Commissioner Rob Wigod issued a statement Wednesday noting that officials are evaluating when to start football and other fall sports while adding that they are commited to holding playoffs.

In the meantime, there are no spring football classes or camps and it’s not known when or if teams will be allowed to practice this summer.

“I realize the physical component to the off season is still important so players are encouraged to get through their home workouts,” Tagaloa said. “I also assign film breakdown and playbook review on Hudl which they submit via Google Classroom. How we will proceed with the rest of spring and summer still remains to be seen.

“I am sitting down with my coaching staff brainstorming possible game plans as to how we will approach preparation for the upcoming season, but nothing is set in stone. I hope that we are able to get back out there sooner rather than later. Until then we will have to continue doing whatever we can so that when we do get that call, we’re ready to go.”

Coaches and players: Please share your stories on how you are preparing for the football season. Email Tim Burt; timburt@ocsportszone.com so we can share your stories.