Moreau Catholic did not have to look far to find its next head football coach. Rob Gatrell, who teaches physical education at the school and has been the offensive coordinator for the past six seasons, was announced on Wednesday morning as the program's successor to Andrew Cotter, who accepted the head job at Freedom last month.
Gatrell returns to a familiar role, as he was the head coach at Windsor back in 2011, when he led the Jaguars to a 14-0 record and a NCS Division II title. After that season, he got the full-time teaching and coaching position at Moreau, and joined forces with former high school teammate Cotter. Over the last four seasons, the Mariners have reached the quarterfinals of the section playoffs or farther. Another big benefit, aside from his current role as an on-campus teacher, is the fact that he will also bring back every assistant coach, providing continuity for the program.
"We're trying to figure out spring ball right now, and have our first staff meeting tonight, but it should be a short one. We all know each other already," Gatrell said. "We've built a consistent program here, with great, consistent coaches. We've been on the same page, and I am excited to keep that together."
The former NCAA and NFL offensive lineman will continue to bring high expectations to the Moreau program. After playing tight end in high school at Liberty (with Cotter), Gatrell was a guard for Fresno State before moving on to the professional level, which included a stint with the New England Patriots. His playing career concluded in the Arena Football League. Gatrell has also coached at Santa Rosa Junior College, where he spent eight years with the offensive line.
"We want to compete each day at the highest level possible and see each day at practice as an opportunity to get better," said Gatrell, who has his master's degree in kinesiology. "Games are merely a reflection of how hard we have worked and prepared for the contest."
For Gatrell, the opportunity to take over the program at Moreau Catholic was ideal after his past six years with the school.
"I am amazed by the student-athletes at Moreau, and excited to continue mentoring them and developing not only their football skills, but also their life skills," Gatrell added.
His promotion resonated strongly with the Mariners' former coach, who stressed his desire to leave the program in good hands.
"I am thrilled for him. It is a great opportunity, and he is going to be awesome," Cotter said. "Moreau Catholic is in great hands, and I am excited to monitor their success."
Players within the program also expressed their excitement at having not only continuity, but having it in the form of Gatrell.
"We have a very close relationship, and it means a lot to me that (Gatrell) is taking over," said running back Adi Anderson, who is one of the top returning running backs in the section. "Everybody is excited to have him, and happy to see what the season will be like. This program will continue to be great, just as it has been."
Moreau Catholic opens the season against St. Patrick-St. Vincent, who moves up to Division IV this season after winning back-to-back Division V titles. They should be two of the top programs in the division this year.
