Philomath High School announced this week that Gerardo Garibay will assume the role of head coach for the boys soccer team, bringing a decade of coaching experience from Central High School to the heart of the Oregon West Conference.
Garibay’s connection to the area runs deep; he faced Philomath as a high school player between 2009 and 2013, giving him a personal understanding of the community’s soccer culture. That familiarity, he says, will help shape a program that values both performance and the relationships that underpin it.
Building Culture and Player Development
In outlining his philosophy, Garibay emphasized culture‑building and the development of athletes beyond the confines of the pitch. "Our goal is to create an environment where players grow as individuals and as teammates," he explained, noting that the approach mirrors the standards he set while coaching at Central.
The Warriors finished the previous season with an 8‑4‑2 record, narrowly missing the 4A playoffs. Garibay inherits a roster that returns key contributors such as Jacob Hernandez and Sammy Hernandez, both of whom are expected to play pivotal roles in the upcoming campaign.
The coach also highlighted the importance of the Oregon West Conference, widely regarded as the most competitive league at the Class 4A level. "Facing the best teams each week pushes us to raise our own standards," he said, adding that the conference’s reputation was a major factor in his decision to join Philomath.
Garibay’s official start date is June 8, marking the beginning of summer workouts that will lay the groundwork for preseason preparations. The hiring coincides with Central High School’s return to the Oregon West Conference, a move that could influence scheduling and rivalry dynamics for both programs.