Former Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Chuck Ferrero Passes at 78

Chuck Ferrero, the guiding force behind Monarch football and eventually Monarch Athletics, passed away May 4 following a hospital stay in Oceanside. Ferrero was 78.

A graduate of nearby Monroe High, Ferrero would move to UCLA in 1965 on a football scholarship where he played center for the Bruins. A neck injury short-circuited his playing career, but not his love for football. 

Ferrero would become the defensive coordinator for College of the Canyons before moving to Valley in 1979, thus beginning a career that would span almost three decades. Men's Athletic Director George Goff saw the bright future in Ferrero's career when he reported to the Valley Star, "Valley College is very fortunate to obtain the services of such a capable coach. His background in the administration and coaching of football has been outstanding. It is easy to predict that Chuck Ferrero will have much future success at Valley. Chuck's 100 percent dedication to this work will greatly enhance our student-athletes in their program and elsewhere."

In June of 1991, Ferrero made the move to the front office becoming the school's athletic director, replacing both Goff and women's athletic director Diedra Stark. He finished coaching with a 54-55-1 record, making him the second most successful coach at LAVC at the time. He led the Monarchs to the SoCal Conference Co-Champion crown in 1985 and the Western State Bowl in 1989. 

Among other things, Ferrero would masterfully guide the program virtually unscarred through the economic turmoil of the Great Recession of 2007. During his tenure, Ferrero played a key role modernizing many of the venues, creating teams, and helping found the Athletic Hall of Fame. His influence on the Monarchs' athletic program continues to this day. 

Seventeen years after his retirement, many of Ferrero's colleagues remember him quite well. 

Brick Durley, the dean of Administrative Services, oversaw the athletic department. He recalls, "As the athletic administrator I worked closely with Chuck for 18 years. He was flat out the best, especially in light of his amazing work ethic. Indeed, he loved Valley College Athletics.We became great friends, and I'm going to really miss him."

Dale Beck worked closely with Ferrero for 15 years as the sports information director.  He notes, "Chuck was passionate about his job and expected (but not always received) the same from others. The beauty of Chuck was that he 'walked the talk.' As he once told me, 'When a man gives me a four-hour job, I'll give him eight hours of work.'"

Gary Honjio worked alongside Chuck as the men's department chair for the entire tenure of Ferrero's career as Valley's athletic director.  Recalls Gary, "Our offices were next to each other and Chuck was in constant motion (24/7).  Chuck had a super "Type A" personality and was relentless about anything that affected Valley College Athletics. His work ethic was legendary.  We butt heads on occasion, but I had a tremendous amount of respect for Chuck, because he would listen to reason, and he was fair. He treated all sports equally and understood the role of athletics within the Kinesiology (Physical Education) Program. His contributions and impact upon our department, our facilities, and Valley College Athletics are immeasurable.  I will miss him!"