The Thomas Jefferson football program welcomes Jesus Escobedo as its new head coach.
Students listen as new Head Coach Jesus Escobedo talked about his plan for the TJ football program. Photo by Tori Wallace
In an exclusive to the Thomas Jefferson Journal, TJ Athletic Director Andrew Skari announced that Jesus Escobedo has been hired as the new football head coach for the Spartans football program.
“He’s known as ‘Coach Esco’ and has been coaching at Kennedy for the last 12 years as the Freshman Coach, JV head coach, Assistant Head Coach, and Defensive Coordinator. He was the Defensive Coordinator when Kennedy made their Final Four run two years ago, and even played at Kennedy in the early ’80s,” said Skari about Escobedo. Skari indicated that he was the unanimous choice among the football interview board that was made up of coaches, parents, former boosters and teachers. “I sat down with our younger classmen players and asked them what they wanted in their new head coach. With the attributes that they conveyed to us, (Escobedo) was the closest match for the program,” said Skari.
Escobado really stood above the other coaching candidates – which was made up of coaches from anywhere in Denver to out of state candidates – when he proved that he was able to connect with Denver students . “He was able to build a lot of success with kids that have a similar population to us,” said Skari. The board was also impressed by the fact that Escobedo was able to show success in Denver and even in 3A, which TJ has now transitioned into. “It helps when he has shown that kind of success in our own backyard,” said Skari.
There is a wealth of optimism around Escobedo and the new era that he ushers into Thomas Jefferson football. “Nobody will work harder to make sure that Escobedo will succeed in this school than I will. I feel great about this decision and I just know this guy is the right one,” said Skari. There is also a strong feeling that Escobedo will have a profound presence around the school, even though he doesn’t teach at TJ. “He has already been to several basketball games, and loves the school that he is at. Would it be nice that he was here and you could walk down the hall? Yeah, but while he is here Escobedo plans to be a strong presence,” said Skari.
Another virtue that has impressed the football program is Escobedo’s determination to the players. “Not only will he help them on the football field, but he will encourage our students to be multi-sport athletes,” said Skari who added, “I hope that Escobedo will get the kids that are sitting on the fence of playing sports, and convince them to start playing sports for the school.”
Skari plans to introduce the new coach to the players as soon as possible, as Escobedo continues to put the staff together for the upcoming football season.
