Caption: High school notebook: Environmental Charter boys soccer team succeeding thanks to father-son connection
Originally posted on Daily Breeze.
It was already going to be a special year for Ubaldo Arana, because as coach of the Environmental Charter boys soccer team, he was going to coach his son Elton in his senior year.
The good times are still alive because the White Tigers are still alive in the CIF Southern Section playoffs. Environmental Charter will face Samueli Academy in the Division 7 semifinals Tuesday. Environmental Charter is located in Lawndale. Enrollment is around 500.
“The key has been communication,” Ubaldo said. “At first, the kids did not go to practice, and I told them from the beginning that I’m going to coach them, and I’m coming here to push team and develop the team.
“If we’re going to do something, then we will do it seriously, and that starts by practicing hard.”
This is Ubaldo’s first season coaching at Environmental Charter, which enters Tuesday’s game with a 13-2 record. He previously coached Lennox Academy and led them to the playoffs.
Elton Arana has led the way this season, scoring 17 goals.
“We had some returning players, and I knew the guys who were returning,” Elton said. “The first couple of games, I knew we had a good chance to make it far. The last couple of years, we had a coach that wasn’t interested. Now, my dad and coaches are here to teach us and coach, and the guidance they’ve provided and leadership this year has been the big change.”
The White Tigers have scored 10 goals through their first three playoff games.
ECHS Boys Soccer has advanced to CIF finals! The final game will be on Saturday, March 3rd. For more information on location and time visit MaxPreps.
