KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Jeff Choate was named the 28th head coach of the Nevada football program Dec. 4, 2023. Choate comes to Nevada from Texas, where he served as the co-defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach since 2021. Under Choate’s tutelage, the Longhorn defense topped the Big XII (through Dec. 2, 2023) in rushing defense (80.8 ypg, third in the country), red-zone defense (71.4 percent, fourth in the country), scoring defense (17.5 points per game, 13th in the country), and total defense (321.7 yards per game, 23rd in the country), as the Longhorns racked up a 12-1 record, Big XII title, and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Prior to his time in Austin, Choate served four seasons (2016-19) as head coach at Montana State. There, he led the Bobcats to a combined 19-9 record over his final two seasons, making consecutive appearances in the FCS playoffs with a run to the semifinals in 2019.

Since starting as a graduate assistant at Utah State in 2002, Choate’s stops have included championship and top-10 programs as Boise State (2006-11), Montana State (2016-20), and Texas. His resume includes two Fiesta Bowl titles (Boise State, 2007 and 2010).

Raul Lara, the newly appointed Head Football Coach of nationally ranked Mater Dei High School, brings over 30 years of coaching experience marked by exceptional athletic development and mentorship. A native of Long Beach, Lara played under renowned coach Jim Barnett at Long Beach Polytechnic High School before continuing his athletic journey at UC Santa Barbara, where he earned a bachelor’s degree. Returning to Long Beach Poly as a coach, Lara led the program to five CIF championships and an outstanding record of 142-30, earning CIF Southern Section Division I Coach of the Year honors five times.

His career also spans coaching roles at Warren High School, Servite High School, and St. Anthony High School in Long Beach, with many of his players advancing to collegiate and professional levels. Lara’s background as a Dean and Deputy Probation Officer in Los Angeles County reflects his dedication to supporting young people’s growth on and off the field. Now at Mater Dei, Coach Lara is ready to lead the program into a new era of success.

TJ Ewing is a seasoned and dedicated coach celebrating his 20th season as the Head Varsity Football Coach at Monterey Trail High School. As one of the founding staff members, Coach Ewing has been instrumental in shaping the athletic culture at Monterey Trail, continually driving growth and success both on and off the field. His dedication to student-athletes extends beyond coaching, as he also serves as an on-campus teacher, instructing Strength and Weight Training classes for all Monterey Trail students.

Coach Ewing’s vision and commitment to his students and community are evident in his efforts to establish a thriving football program, which has strengthened the bond between Monterey Trail and the surrounding community. His influence and leadership make him an ideal speaker for The Clinic of Champions, as he continues to build upon the legacy of Monterey Trail’s athletic program and inspire countless student-athletes.

Richard Sanchez, the Head Coach and Athletic Director at Cardinal Newman High School, brings a wealth of experience and a remarkable track record of success in high school and college football. A celebrated coach with the most wins in St. Augustine High School history, Sanchez led his teams to two CIF Championships and five League Championships, earning him the prestigious title of Meritorious Coach of the Year in 2014 by the CIF San Diego Hall of Champions. Sanchez’s playing career includes roles as a quarterback, running back, and wide receiver at New Mexico State University, where he completed a Bachelor’s degree in Education. His coaching journey began as the Head Coach at Montclair High School and San Diego High School, followed by a Graduate Assistant role coaching the offensive line at San Diego State University (SDSU), where he also earned a Master’s degree in Exercise Science. Sanchez further honed his expertise with positions as Running Backs and Special Teams Assistant Coach at the University of San Diego, Defensive Backs and Special Teams Assistant at Valparaiso, and Running Backs, Tight Ends, and Special Teams Assistant at Sacramento State. He returned to St. Augustine High School as Head Coach and later rejoined SDSU as a Defensive Backs and Special Teams Assistant under Rocky Long. Sanchez also served as Associate Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator at Southeastern University in Florida. His extensive background and accomplishments make him an ideal addition to the Clinic of Champions, where his insights and experience will be invaluable to aspiring athletes and coaches alike.

Berk Brown, a Southern Oregon University (SOU) alumnus, is entering his second season as the Raiders’ head football coach in 2024. In his debut campaign, Brown led the team to its first winning record in five years, finishing 6-4 overall and tying for fourth in the Frontier Conference with a 5-3 record. Notably, the Raiders won five of their last six games, including a 31-16 upset of No. 5-ranked and eventual NAIA semifinalist College of Idaho. Building on that momentum, the team improved to 8-3 in 2024, maintaining a 5-3 Frontier Conference record.

Brown’s connection to SOU runs deep. After transferring from Modesto Junior College, the Turlock, California native joined the Raiders as a defensive lineman in 2005, helping turn around a one-win program. Following his playing days, he transitioned to coaching while earning a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education. Brown rose through the ranks from assistant to defensive coordinator, playing a pivotal role in SOU’s 2014 NAIA national championship run. His defense was instrumental in the Raiders’ 2015 return to the championship game, highlighted by standout postseason performances against top-ranked teams.

Beyond SOU, Brown has held leadership roles in the Medford area, including assistant athletic director at St. Mary’s School and head coach at Crater High School, where he guided the Comets to the Class 5A championship game as defensive coordinator. Returning to SOU as its 17th head coach, Brown combines a legacy of on-field success and deep ties to the community with a commitment to elevating the Raiders program to new heights.

Jason Tenner is the head football coach at West Park High School in Roseville, California. Since West Park opened in 2020, Coach Tenner has led the school’s football team to remarkable success. In their inaugural varsity season, West Park made history as the first Sacramento-area school to win an outright league title without any seniors, earning a spot in the playoffs. Under his guidance, the team has qualified for the playoffs each year and reached the section semifinals in both 2022 and 2023.

Beyond high school coaching, Coach Tenner has made significant contributions to national and international football. He coached in the prestigious U.S. Army All-American Bowl in 2006 and in USA Football’s International Bowl in 2017 and 2018. From 2015 to 2021, he served as a Regional Director with USA Football, helping to shape and develop the sport at the grassroots level. Coach Tenner’s leadership continues to inspire and develop young athletes, positioning West Park High School as a rising force in high school football.

Rob has just completed his 6th season as the head coach at Spanish Springs HS. He and his staff have worked to make Spanish Springs a perennial contender in the Northern 5A football conference. He believes very strongly in building relationships and helping his student athletes become hard working, high character, young men. Rob teaches weights, PE, and health classes at Spanish Springs HS and also serves as a Co-Leader of the school’s FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) program. Rob is blessed with a beautiful family and very much enjoys spending time with his wife of 20 years, Mandy, their children Trey, Tate, Brady, and Aubrie, and their 3 dogs.

Mason Hughes is in his first season at the College of the Sequoias, where he serves as the Special Teams Coordinator and Safeties Coach. Before joining the collegiate ranks, Hughes built an impressive 15-year career as the Head Coach at Central Valley Christian High School. During his tenure, he led his team to three CIF Central Section titles, three Southern California Regional titles, and captured a California State Championship. Known for his strategic expertise and dedication to player development, Hughes brings a wealth of experience and a championship mindset to the Clinic of Champions.

Frank Marques, head coach of Hilmar High School’s Yellowjackets, is celebrated as one of the top high school football coaches in California. Named a 2022-23 Model Coach Award winner by the California Interscholastic Federation, Marques has led Hilmar High for over two decades, achieving an impressive career record of 187-63. Under his guidance, the Yellowjackets have qualified for the playoffs 20 out of his 22 seasons, excluding the 2020 season canceled due to the pandemic. His teams have claimed four Sac-Joaquin Section championships in 10 finals appearances and celebrated a 2018 Division 6-AA state championship, establishing Marques as a transformative leader in high school sports.

Started 16 season coaching career at Highlands and then Cordova High School as a Junior Varsity Defensive Coordinator and position coach. Coached for Steve Kenyon and Mike Dimino at Del Campo form 2001-2015. Served as Junior Varsity Head Coach for multiple seasons and was an offensive position coach on the 2006 Section Championship Team. Served as QB Coach / Pass Game Coordinator for 2009 Section Championship Team and coached the DIII Offensive Player of the Year QB Ryan Dimino. Took a break from coaching in 2015 to mentor students in the top student led non-profit in the United States, Kids Helping Kids Sacramento. Started the Del Campo Girls Flag Football program in 2023 and led team to a 16-2 record and a Quarterfinal Playoff berth. In 2024, led team to a 17-3 record and a Foothill Valley League tittle and a San Joaquin Division III Section Championship. Named the Max Preps San Joaquin Division III Coach of the Year.

Coach Valach has taken over the Girls Flag Football at Liberty High School. He has an extensive career in coaching Football, he just enjoyed his 26th season as the Head Coach of the Patriots. During his tenure, he has led the Patriots to 7 trips to the state playoffs, with four quarter final finishes and 2 appearances in the state championship. Steve has been named Kingco 3A coach of the year on multiple occasions and in 2009 was named the Seahawks Coach of the Year.