- New Aztec Coach Tom Joseph leaves behind a football legacy at Mesa Mt. View High School. — Photo courtesy Robert Sirrine
Tom Joseph knows that 2011 holds some challenges, but that doesn’t worry him. He’s faced adversity before, and this time will be no different.
Joseph is Corona del Sol High School’s new football coach, and he says he can’t wait to start his new assignment.
Joseph comes from Mountain View High School in Mesa, where he posted a 92-23 record in nine seasons. He will replace former coach Zane Zamenski, who resigned shortly after the 2010 season.
Joseph said he’s excited about the opportunity to coach the Aztecs. After a 1-10 season, he said the challenge will be to change the culture and help the players believe they can win.
“Getting them to believe they can be successful is critical,” he said.
It all starts with developing an attitude, Joseph said. Over his 29-year coaching career, 19 of those as a varsity head coach, Joseph says his teams have always been mentally and physically tough. He believes in having a team that’s both physical and disciplined.
Offensively, he said, the Aztecs will run the Wing T, an attack that requires tough and athletic linemen, hard running and good decision-making.
The most important unit offensively, Joseph said, is the offensive line. He said developing a good offensive line will be critical to the team’s success next season.
“You’ve gotta find five good linemen,” he said. “(If) you have a good line you can do a whole bunch of things, so it’s our goal to get that going.”
Over his nine-year stay at Mountain View, Joseph’s teams averaged 33 points per a game and 400 yards of total offense.
Secret to the offense’s success was running the football effectively, he said. Mountain View averaged 250 yards rushing and 6.7 yards per rush.
“You’ve gotta run the ball to be successful.”
The Aztecs will use a 4-3, Cover 2 defense next season. At Mountain View, Joseph’s teams surrendered just 12 points per game. Joseph said he wants to develop a defense that is tough and works together.
“We have to fly to the ball. We’ve got to be physical. You’ve got to get a lot of hats on the ball defensively,” he said. “You’ve gotta be physical in every aspect of the game.”
Joseph said he’s excited about helping the Aztecs improve after a tough 2010 season.
“They had a rough year last year, but traditionally they’ve been very good. I think it’s a good fit for both of us,” he said.
“Traditionally they have good kids. They work hard, put in the effort, and I think they want to be good. If they’re not afraid to work, we’re going to get along great.”
He said taking the Corona del Sol football job has him feeling re-energized—he “can’t wait” to get to work.
“I’m excited to get things going with these young men,” he said. “It’s like a new beginning for them. They don’t really know me. As long as they’re open to working hard we’re going to be in great shape. It’s a challenge (to win), but very possible. I’m very excited about it.
“I’m excited to get started, meet the young men, see what we’ve got, and get to work.”
