Coaches
Coaching is everything. It takes a special type of person to bring out the potential in young athletes. All of our coaches have degrees. They have all competed on the collegiate level or higher. Our coaches understand what it takes to adjust to the speed of the game at the next level. They have been there, as athletes and as coaches. As an institution, these elements are not the deciding factor when we bring on a new coach. The most important quality we look for, is the ability of our coaches to communicate with young athletes. This is a language not many people speak. It is the only language our coaches speak.

Zaire Calvin born and raised in Altadena, California, graduated from John Muir High School. Zaire then went to Pasadena City College where he earned his AA in Sociology and Physical Education. Zaire continued his passion for Sociology at Alabama State where he earned his BA.

While attending both colleges Zaire played football in multiple position as Defensive End/Nose Guard and all Linebacker positions; was voted Defensive player of the year, Lineman of the year and received the Iron Man Linebacker award. Zaire played a variety of sports and had a natural talent for all, however was signed as a free agent from Alabama to play with the Minnesota Vikings organization; due to circumstances he was unable to take the offer. However, he was able to continue his football career playing with a semi-pro team from 2004-2005 and received the "rookie of the year" award. Other sports Zaire has played and been able to master is basketball & baseball. Zaire taught karate for three years and was on a swim team. He also enjoys horseback riding and was part of the 4-H Club.

Through Zaire's passion in Sociology along with his passion to help children, Zaire has been working with children in group homes for over fifteen years. Currently Zaire is a Social Worker/Child Therapist for Five-Acres, which is a child and family service agency that strengthens families and prevents child abuse through treatment and education in the community. Zaire has continued working in the community for over ten year coaching the Little League Baseball team in Altadena, junior boys Basketball, and three years coaching Pop-Warner Football. Zaire has taken a number of Personal Training courses and has received a variety of certificates along with his PFT Certificate. Zaire has trained men and women with a fitness program to personally help the individual needs and has maintained a 100% satisfaction rate with his clients.



Eric Hunter is a So. Cal. native. He graduated from West Covina High School in 1997. He was a 3 sport letterman, Football, Basketball, and Track. He continued on to ELAC earning his AA and playing football. Eric furthered his education on a full scholarship for football at the University of Idaho. Upon completion of his B.A. he went on to have workouts for the N.Y. Jets and the Oakland Raiders. Eric returned home in 2004 and began coaching at his alma mater West Covina High. They went on to become 2004 CIF champs. Eric has a passion for teaching and preparing young athletes for the colligiate level. Because of his own experiences he feels he has alot to offer in this arena. His eye for detail sets him apart. He is looking forward to the new challenge of A.D. with Zion Athletic.



With a passion for sports and working with children, Tracey Roberts decided to pursue a Masters degree in Kinesiology, Sport Management at California State University, Long Beach in 2006. She recently completed her thesis in January 2008. Tracey believes that allowing children to participate in sports promotes a healthy way of life and provides the decipline necessary to reach both academic and sports achievements. She played both high school and college softball. She also played high school basketball and still plays recreationally when time allows.



Reuben Thropay is a graduate of U.C.L.A. He played football and was on the Rowing Team. He is a father of four and a local Pastor here in Monrovia. He brings years of experience as a husband, father,and pastor to the table here at Zion Athletic as our Character coach.


 

Check out the article on Temperance in this weeks Character Development section." To be successful we must closely guard and monitor the three T’s. Our Thoughts, our Temper, and our Tongue. With these three in check we will have few regrets."

Speed and Agility will be run in the mornings starting Dec.1st .

We would like  thank everyone  who contributed to a great football season.

The football skills and conditioning program is Saturdays at 8 am. Half shells and helmets.You must be scheduled and cleared to attend.

There will be an Introduction to Youth Quarterback class available in December. This class will focus on the skills needed at the younger ages to excel at this position.


The Zion Athletic Mission
We are committed to the health, fitness, and athletic development of the youth in our community.
Zion Athletics

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