Doing what he loves
Rio Mesa football coach Ron Herrera, in a wheelchair since birth, teaches players to kick the ball
By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com

INSPIRATIONAL LEADER-Rio Mesa kicking coach Ron Herrera looks on while the Spartans practice Wednesday afternoon. Herrera said he's contemplating retirement at the end of the football season.

This season Rio Mesa kicker Kristopher Reveles is doing just about everything the Spartans have asked him to do. Reveles has converted 31 extra points out of 33 attempts. He has punted 14 times for 466 yards and is averaging 33 yards a punt.

Much of Reveles' success comes from his 50yearold kicking coach, a man who has never kicked a ball in his entire life.

From his appearance, Ron Herrera in his wheelchair may not look like a typical kicking coach. Herrera said he often receives weird, almost crazy looks from kids when they find out he will be their coach, adding that he's never had a problem with a player.

"The first time Coach (Bob) Gregorchuk told me to go work with him on kicking in practice, I didn't think too much of it," Reveles said. "I figured there was some story about him, maybe he was a kicker before he was in a wheelchair. I was a little uncomfortable asking him about it. Later on, as we practiced more over the next few weeks, I finally asked him and he told me."

Herrera suffers from spina bifida, a defect that involves the incomplete development of the spinal cord and its coverings. Herrera has been in a wheelchair since he was born, but the condition hardly holds him back.

"As a kid, I would play sports with my brothers in the street," Herrera said. "I always felt part of what they were doing. Sometimes I would be all-time quarterback when playing football and the kids weren't allowed to rush. Other times we would play baseball and I would be the pitcher."

Herrera later served on the Navy base in Port Hueneme as a supply clerk, but took retirement nine years ago due to health reasons. During the time with the Navy, Herrera never lost his passion for sports, especially football.

Herrera later went back to Buena High, where he graduated in 1975, to do football statistics. It was during this time that Herrera said he got the kicking coach job almost by accident.

"I was doing their statistics for football and their coach, Rick Scott, noticed me," Herrera said. "He told me 'Hey, you're out here every day, why don't you help me with my kickers and look after them."'

Since Herrera wasn't able to help the players physically, he began to learn everything about the mental game of kicking.

"Back then the Internet wasn't quite as big as it is now," Herrera said. "It was more finding something on a website and then sending away for a video tape to explain how to kick.

"Now it's easier. There are some websites that explain the whole process of how to kick field goals and punt right there on the site. I read many sites, books, listen to what announcers say on television and listen to what other coaches have to say.

"In order to be a successful kicker, you have to have no fear," he said. "You must have a lot of selfconfidence and be good under pressure. If you miss a kick, you have to forget about it and move on."

While Herrera was doing the statistics for Buena, Gregorchuk, who is Scott's stepson, was playing for the high school. Three years ago, when Gregorchuk became the head coach at Rio Mesa, Herrera was one of the very first coaches he asked to join his staff.

"When I thought about bringing over a coach that would be a good influence on these kids, he was one of the first people I thought of," Gregorchuk said. "He has a way of looking at life that I think is great and has rubbed off on the players. He doesn't take anything in life for granted, and he's proved that you can overcome any obstacle and adversity if you work hard enough."

Reveles said Herrera has been a great coach for him while he's been at Rio Mesa.

"I love having him as a coach," Reveles said. "He helps me with my extra points by telling me to keep my head down. He also helps me with my punts, steps and drops. He really loves the game and cares a lot about the kickers. He likes to take all the kickers out at least once a week for food and we all sit down and talk about what we have to do."

Herrera is in his third year coaching for the Spartans. He expects to retire soon.

"I think next year will be my final year coaching, but of course I've said that before," Herrera said. "I love the camaraderie a football team has. Hours before the game you start to feel the excitement and feel the rush of what is coming

soon. I am living my dream job by coaching high school football. I take it very seriously."

Gregorchuk said he would be sad to see Herrera go if he chooses to do so next year, but he will respect his decision and is very happy to have him there now.

"Just because someone is in a wheelchair doesn't mean they don't have a lot of knowledge about the game," Gregorchuk said. "He's a good coach, very patient, and helps with a lot of certain aspects in this game. Like any coach, I would miss him if he left because he's a great asset to this team."