|
|
Published August 20, 2008
|
Miramonte Pays Tribute to Late Coach
|
| By Garrett Ley |
|
|
After a district meeting on June 18, the Acalanes Unified School District announced that Miramonte will pay tribute to the late Paul Yriberri and rename the Miramonte football field to Paul Yriberri Field.
Yriberri, a beloved Miramonte coach and teacher who influenced the lives of thousands of people, unexpectedly passed away in March 2007, an event that especially shocked the Miramonte community.
“He is loved and admired by staff and students alike,” Miramonte counselor Linda English said. “He loved a good story, appreciated a sense of humor and remained compassionate, caring and dedicated even when situations got tough.”
Yriberri grew up in Orinda and graduated from Miramonte where he lettered in football, wrestling and baseball. After attending college at the University of Colorado and a stint in the Army, Yriberri returned to Miramonte where he taught physiology and biology for 33 years until his passing. He also served as the head coach of the Junior Varsity football team from 1976-1991 and the varsity defensive coordinator from 1992-2001.
Last August the district was receiving requests from people who wanted to name the field after Yriberri, according to Superintendent Jim Negri. The idea gained more traction in May of this year when students and parents convened and requested that the stadium, which was previously unnamed, be changed to Paul Yriberri Field.
In the June 18 decision the board voted 4-1 in favor of the name change, according to Negri.
Three years ago Miramonte named the aquatic center after the venerable Bill Brown, the water polo coach and teacher who had a similar impact on the Miramonte community.
Miramonte will have a ceremony during the 2008 Homecoming football game to honor Yriberri and his family. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Reach Garrett at: info@lamorindaweekly.com |
|
|
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA