Mitosinka, Eagles on brink of history
EL CENTRO — Two years after “retiring” from football, El Centro native John Mitosinka returned to the gridiron as the defensive coordinator for Southwest High’s junior varsity team.
About seven games into the season the following year, Mitosinka stepped in as the varsity head coach and in 2014 had his first full term in the top spot for the Eagles.
That year Southwest went 4-7 overall, 2-3 in Imperial Valley League action and even made an appearance in the CIF-San Diego Section Div. IV playoffs.
Since then Mitosinka and his staff have seen Southwest go on an impressive streak that this year included a string of history-making accomplishments.
Yet the Eagles are not finished, as Saturday will mark their toughest challenge so far in the CIF State Div. 4-A championship game.
“I never thought this was something we’d be doing,” Mitosinka said. “Heading into the season I knew we had a great bunch of kids, but I wasn’t sure if we had the depth to do it. It’s week 17. We’re playing in our 15th game. That’s a game short of an NFL season and longer than a college season.”
Mitosinka was quick to commend his staff in its role in the Eagles’ success, which so far this year includes an IVL title, CIF-SDS Div. III title and a CIF State Div. 4-A Regional championship, which likely played a significant role in Mitosinka earning CIF-SDS Coach of the Year.
“It’s definitely a great honor, but I’ve it said before, it takes the whole ball of wax to make it,” he said. “You’ve got to have the players and coaches.”
While Mitosinka hasn’t had much time to reflect on this season’s success, he has been able to step back and appreciate a few of the wins along the way.
“It’s awesome,” he said. “I keep going back to Saturday and seeing the kids celebrating on the field and hearing everybody screaming.”
Mitosinka said he was appreciative of the community’s support as well as that of the school, administration and district and was looking forward to one last win on Saturday.
“I think if we work hard and play the way we’ve been playing, we’ll have a good chance.”