Mr. Ornelas

Mr. O, a PE coach at Day Creek, has been teaching at Etiwanda for 33 years, including 5 years of 8th-grade math and science. He also coached volleyball and taught PE at Summit Intermediate for 10 years before moving to Day Creek in 2004. 

“[The most challenging moment from my career has been] reading 8th-grade names at graduation,” said Mr. Ornelas.

As hard as it may seem for students to leave Day Creek Intermediate, Mr. O will also be leaving with memories that won’t fade. 

“[My biggest success was] when we coached. I was over at Summit. We were undefeated three seasons with girls’ volleyball,” said Coach O.

While Mr. O and his volleyball team were undefeated, he also wrestled through some challenges.

“For all the kids who hate PE, I really wasn’t a team sports guy. I played football, wrestled and played baseball in high school, but I never really was a team sports guy,” he said. 

In response, Mr. O began coaching with an intent for all kids to have a love for PE, as well as mastering how to turn off a “switch” from work and home. 

“I got this big ‘switch,’ and when I hit the door, I turn it off. It’s something that takes practice, which you just gotta do, or else you’ll drive yourself crazy,” said Coach Ornelas.

We’ll miss you Mr. O!