Reginald Tyson stepped onto the field at Reseda High School this spring with a clear mission: to restore a program that has languished since the departure of former coach Alonso Arreola, who led the Tigers to their last championship in 2019.
Tyson’s own football story stretches back to the early 1980s, when he starred as a free safety and slot receiver at Ontario High School before serving in the U.S. Army during Operation Desert Storm. After his service he turned to youth coaching, guiding teams such as the West Valley Eagles, the Calabasas Ravens and the Valley G‑Men, where he honed a philosophy built on fundamentals and player development.
Now in his first year as head coach, Tyson inherits a roster that includes only two players with prior youth football experience — junior linebacker Innis Marquez and senior running back Cristopher Santos. He has made it a priority to teach proper grip techniques, safe tackling methods and injury‑prevention strategies, a focus that has already earned the trust of parents and athletes alike.
The coaching staff, assembled from former youth coaches, works closely with Tyson, treating each other like family. This supportive environment extends beyond the field, as Tyson provides injury care and mental‑health support, reinforcing a culture where personal growth is as valued as athletic success.
Tyson’s vision includes more than wins; he aims to double enrollment in the football program, re‑establish a junior varsity team and ultimately capture a CIF LA City Section Division I title. He believes that sustained success will require commitment from players, parents and coaches, with each group serving as a pillar of mutual support.
The challenges are evident. Since Arreola’s exit, the program has struggled, with the previous two coaches combined posting a 2‑27 record. Yet Tyson remains undeterred, drawing on his military discipline and community‑first approach to turn the Tigers into a competitive force.