Former Long Beach Poly Coach Raul Lara Named Mater Dei Football Coach

Former Long Beach Poly coach Raul Lara has been named as the new head football coach at Mater Dei, bringing his wealth of experience and success to the prestigious program. Lara, who won five Division 1 titles during his 13-year tenure at Poly, is set to take over immediately and lead the Monarchs into the upcoming season.

The decision to hire Lara marks a significant shift for Mater Dei, as the program looks to move on from the controversy surrounding former coach Bruce Rollinson and the recent dismissal of Frank McManus. With Lara’s proven track record of success and his emphasis on academic achievement, character development, and community involvement, Mater Dei President Michael Brennan believes he has found the right person to lead the team.

Lara’s appointment was met with anticipation and excitement, as many in the high school football community see him as a perfect fit for the Monarchs. His previous experience at St. Anthony and as an assistant coach at Servite has prepared him well for this new challenge, and his strong relationships with members of the Mater Dei coaching staff bode well for a smooth transition.

Troy Thomas, who worked with Lara at Servite, expressed confidence in his former colleague’s ability to excel in his new role. “He’s a strong, faithful guy, which is important,” Thomas said. With Lara’s commitment to teaching valuable life lessons both on and off the field, Mater Dei is poised for success under his leadership.

As the Monarchs gear up for spring football practice, all eyes will be on Lara as he begins this exciting new chapter in his coaching career. Stay tuned for updates on Mater Dei’s journey under the guidance of their new head coach.