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Aztec Gold Online News

Legendary coach bids goodbye to Aztecs

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Coach Althoff Retirement

Legendary coach bids goodbye to Aztecs
By Mia Drake / Photos by Jessica Pedroza and Daniel Nunez

 

“Look at the jerseys, it doesn’t say, ‘Will we win?’ It says, ‘We will win,’ because we will win, no matter what.” – Jim Althoff, head football coach

 

After coaching for a span of 30 years, El Dorado’s very own head coach Jim Althoff is retiring. Althoff spent his entire career in Socorro ISD and has been at El Dorado since it opened. He also coached at Socorro and opened up Americas High School with El Dorado’s current principal, Cynthia Rentana. Throughout the years, he has become a coach, a mentor, and a father figure to so many people.

 

“Before football, I wasn’t doing so good in life. I was a troubled kid, he set me on the right path,” junior Joshua Rey confessed.
On and off the field, Althoff has shared his knowledge and wise words. It’s evident he’s truly a great man and has made strong relationships with students.
“It’s a sad feeling knowing he’s leaving, but I know he’ll be moving on to better things and enjoying retirement,” senior Tristen Hester said.
It’s been a great season for the Aztecs. Althoff led El Dorado to their first district title this season.
“He’s played such a major role in this football team since it first open. He’s brought us up from the bottom,” senior Austyn Hill said with a heart full of gratitude.
For a lot of the seniors this year, it’s a very bittersweet moment; but knowing he’s ready and happy with his decision is comforting to most players.
His time with the Aztecs is highlighted throughout his coaching career. According to Maxpreps.com, Althoff’s coaching record at El Dorado stands at 41-28-0. A surprise ceremony celebrating his retirement was held in the cafeteria Tuesday after school. Althoff seemed to be overcome with emotion and the realization that so many people would miss his presence at El Dorado and that his successful career was finally coming to an end.

 

To show appreciation and acknowledgement of Althoff’s accomplishments, follow the link below and vote for him to be awarded the PCA’s Double-Goal Coach Award.
http://www.positivecoach.org/our-awards/2016-double-goal-coach-awards

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