Former Football Coach Travis Clark bids farewell to Samo

After winning two conference championship titles and training the Samo football program for six years, Travis Clark has resigned as the varsity football head coach to oversee the Lawndale High School football team. In his final goodbyes, Clark thanks the student and faculty members for all their support, on and off the field.

Dear Samohi,

I would first of all like to thank my mentor Mr. Norm Lacy for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, to coach at my alma mater, Santa Monica High School. I have had 6 amazing years and I will cherish this time for the rest of my days.

There are so many people I would like to thank, so I apologize in advance if I leave anyone out. Along with Mr. Lacy, I would like to thank Dr. Pedroza and Mr. Larry Boone for believing in me, Mr. Mike Griswold for being like a close uncle, Dr. Kusserow for his support, Ms. Baxter for her love of the school, Mr. Escalera for lighting a fire underneath me, the student body for their support, Kathy Fargnoli for her tireless assistance, teachers, counselors, the community, but MOST IMPORTANTLY, all of the student athletes who participated in football during this “Golden Era” I cannot thank you all enough, for your hard work,commitment to excellence and your time.

To my former players, remember that everything in life is temporary, so you must make the most of it while the time is present. We will always share those special moments, sleepovers, morning circuits, Samo-Jacks, and so much more. I would like to thank Matthew Tapia for inspiring us all, Storm Debarge for her courage, and all of my assistant coaches, whom I couldn’t have done anything without!

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift, that’s why we call it the present!

To Thee All Hail!

Best,

Travis Clark ‘86