Coach grateful as he leaves

 Editor’s Note: Zach Beihl has been a longtime assistant coach for the Newport Harbor High football team. He is leaving the program next month and has written the following letter:

Dear Newport Harbor Football Community,

For 10 seasons I have been honored to coach varsity football at Newport Harbor High School. Newport Football has been a part of my life for nearly 25 years and will forever be a part of my life.

At the age of 8 years old I moved from Santa Fe, N.M. to Newport Beach, my sister, Molly, enrolled as a sophomore at Newport Harbor and I became instantly wrapped up in the “Tar Ball” lore.

My family lived on Irvine Avenue right across the street from the anchor and I could hear Mr. O’Hern saying things like, “Tommy Walker carries for a Sailor first down.”

I have seen almost every game that Coach Jeff Brinkley has roamed the sidelines and have been proud to coach in his 100th and 200th wins.

My coaching tenure has come to an end at Newport as my wife, two children and I enter a new chapter in our life in Pittsburgh, Pa.

My wife, Denise, has a tremendous career opportunity and we will be leaving in April. Before I leave I would like to take the time to recognize and thank some wonderful people.

 To the fans of Newport Harbor Football: I have enjoyed your dedication and support and, yes, even your second guessing. The passion you have for the Sailors is felt by all in the program and the players and coaches believe truly in what Coach Brinkley tells us that “we supply the emotional nourishment for the community.”

Over the years I have been treated to countless meals and “perks” of being a part of a successful program, but more meaningful have been the well-wishes and congratulations I have been bestowed by folks throughout the community. I know that your support will remain forever strong as it should for this very special program.

 To the families of Newport Football: All I can say is THANK YOU! In many programs the coaches avoid the parents like the H1N1 virus, but at Newport not only do we interact but we become friends. The Jones family, Cole Family, the Rothwells, Wendy Chai, the Marshalls, the Beaudette family, the Kinneys, the McKays, the Talbots and the Norton family to name only a few have done so much for me and my family that words will never express our gratitude. What a special place, what a great program, but most of all, great people.

 To the players past and present: You create the spirit that is Newport Harbor. The greatest day possible is practice on Thanksgiving morning and having all the former Sailors come back. The joy you bring to the community is something so very special and unique.

 To my O-line boys: I love you all ... I always told you that I will be here for you for the rest of your lives and that remains true even though I will be across the country. Blair Jones, Wuka, Cruzer, Mad Hadder, Big Daddy, Brant Hill, Chavey, Jimmy Erickson, Scott Lopez, Jeff Marshall, Robert Chai (my brother and the best I have ever coached), Big Frank, Brian Beaudette, Smitty, Big Nate Castillo, Talbot, Little Peter Kinney, Wardo, Rios, Jay Tay, Coffey, McKay, Palanjian, Miki, Gillette and all the rest, you have made me look like I knew what I was doing, THANK YOU!

 To the coaches: The hardest thing about this move is leaving you. Coach Eric Tweit, I thank you for everything you have done for me and every other coach to walk on the Newport campus. You are the only athletic director at Newport Harbor in my humble opinion.Coach Joe Urban (and Karen), for over 15 years you have supported me in every way; you are wonderful people, thank you!

Coach Brown, you are amazing and I thank you for the laughter and the wisdom you have provided to me over the years.

Coach Ciarelli, what can I say? Each day was interesting, thank you for the knowledge and spirit you provide.

Coach Stephanie, you are an inspiration.

Burnsy, my friend for almost 20 years, you are the best.

Coach Calloway, you are the epitome of dedication.

Govie, you have a great future and I appreciate your friendship.

Coach Pulido, you are truly one of a kind.

Ryno, you make it all happen buddy. To all the former coaches, Bargas, Paternie, Chaves, Brenner etc; it has been an honor to work with you and I will always be proud to call you friends.

Coach Brinkley, I have no idea what to say. Other than my parents I don’t think there has been anyone more influential in my life than you. I owe almost everything I have to you. You have been my coach, my boss, my mentor and my friend. Thank you Coach!

Newport Football, it is truly special. It is special because of the people and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to be a part of it.

“Mean, tough, pride, poise ... TARBALL!”

— Zach Biehl