Coach Moreno heading to North High

After four decades of teaching and coaching at Wasco Union High School, Edward Moreno has accepted a position as the athletic director at North High in Bakersfield. This is a personal milestone for Moreno and a significant chance for North High to benefit from his proven leadership and commitment to student success.

Moreno's tenure at his alma mater has been marked by many achievemenst. As a golf coach, he accomplished four undefeated SSL Championships, one Sectional Championship and one Sectional Championship runner-up. He was also named BVarsity's two-time girl's golf head coach of the year.

As a football coach, he played a critical role in accomplishing a State Championship runner-up, one Southern Regional State Championship, two Valley Championships, one Valley Championship runner-up, three SSL Varsity Championships, two SSL JV Championships and three SSL Frosh Championships, with a winning ratio of three out of every four contests in 29 years.

These wins and dedication to his students and athletes earned him widespread respect and admiration within the community. He said this was all possible because of the guidance he received over the years from his previous coaches.

"I was blessed to have been mentored by incredible coaches such as Tom Profitt, Frank Thiessen, Larry Pearson, Pete Mitchell, Joe Delarosa and Leonard Ortiz. Wasco Hall of Fame Coach Leonard Ortiz was not only a great mentor, but his time, love and commitment are the reason for my victories."

Moreno believed that as a coach, his responsibility was to produce student-athletes who would represent Wasco High with class, humility and the willingness never to give up. "And in doing this, they would know that in order to win at a high level, they would need to learn how to conquer defeat."

According to Moreno, coaching at Wasco High was like a trial by fire in many ways. "At times, in achieving success, unknown obstacles would seem to present themselves. But my strong will to serve my athletes at no cost allowed me to triumph over anything that got in my way.

"I would like to be remembered by my student-athletes that when life hits them hard, where it seems that there is no hope, I would want them to dig down deep into their soul and pull out their experiences playing for me as a Wasco Tiger and knowing that no matter how bad things are they were taught to overcome by all odds by their Coach Moreno."

Jerald Pierucci, head football coach for Shafter High School, has known Moreno for 30 years. In this capacity, they have not only played against each other but also coached against each other.

He said it's a new beginning for him. "When you are at a location like you've been at WHS for so long, sometimes you get to the highest position you can get as a teacher and a coach. He was looking for a new challenge."

"It's a great opportunity to show city people how us country people do things. He'll be able to bring a fresh new thought process to North High that only someone who grew up in a small community would understand."

Wasco Union High School District board member Sharon Nicol has known Moreno since he began attending youth group at her church in junior high. "He was also my son's football coach, and I worked with him as a substitute teacher at Wasco High."

"Ed's decision to take the job at North High is bittersweet for me. I'm happy to see him take a position that will challenge him, but I'm also sad to see him go. He is one of our last "old school" coaches. He has left his mark on Wasco High as one of the best defensive football coaches."

"Whether it was football or golf, he spent countless hours making sure our student-athletes were prepared for their game or match. I know North High will benefit from this work ethic, and I have nothing but well wishes for him as he steps through the door God has opened."