A New Era for Walnut Football
Joe Goyeneche, a veteran coach from Ventura County, was announced this week as the new head football coach for Walnut, bringing with him a track record of success that includes a CIF‑SS Division 3 championship at St. Bonaventure in 2023.
Goyeneche’s departure from St. Bonaventure was driven by a desire for greater job security and a teaching position in a public school, a move he said he had been contemplating for months.
After a season serving as an assistant at Bishop Diego in Santa Barbara, he will now take over a Walnut program that has posted consecutive 4‑6 records and is looking to rebound after the retirement of longtime coach Eric Peralta, who guided the Mustangs to a Division 11 title in 2022 and a Division 13 final the following year.
In a brief meeting with staff and players on Monday, Goyeneche outlined his vision for a program that he described as a “rebuilding project” but one he believes can be turned around quickly with the right culture and preparation.
Principal Jamie Norell and Athletic Director Valerie Varela voiced strong support for the hire, citing Goyeneche’s competitive pedigree and his ability to develop winning teams as key factors in the decision.
The hiring committee highlighted his proven ability to build successful programs, noting that his appointment should ease concerns among the Mustangs’ faithful who have watched the team struggle in recent seasons.
Goyeneche, who will soon relocate closer to campus, expressed confidence in his coaching abilities and excitement about the future of Walnut football, promising to work closely with the administration and the community to restore the program’s competitiveness.