CATCHING UP WITH JIM ARELLANES

Before the Pat Hill era began, Jim Arellanes was Fresno State’s starting quarterback in 1995 and 1996 under Jim Sweeney. Now, he’s a high school football coach, and a very successful one at that. VSP’s George Takata caught up with coach Arellanes to talk about the good old Fresno State days, winning an MVP award, and his success on teh high school level.

GEORGE TAKATA: Where are you now and what are you doing?
JIM ARELLANES: I am currently the Head Football Coach at Northview HS in Covina, CA. I have been coaching high school football since 1999. The first few years I was coaching during the fall and playing during the spring. 1999 in NFL Europe (Rhein Fire, Germany), 2000 in the Arena Football League (Carolina Cobras & Florida Bobcats) & 2001 in the XFL (Orlando Rage). I was an assistant coach for 6 years at 2 different high schools before becoming the head coach at Northview. We have done a pretty good job turning this program around. Northview HS had not won a league championship since 1990. We just won our 2nd straight league title! I really enjoy coaching at this level and it is not about the wins and losses, but rather the impact that we have on these young men. It is great to see them mature and work hard towards a common goal. My staff and I were selected to coach the East squad in this years Hall of Fame Game down here in the San Gabriel Valley. So we have had a good 3 years.

GT: Do you have any “Jim Sweeney” in you?
JA: Of course! I have been very fortunate to have been around some very good coaches during my time as a player and as an assistant coach. I have based so much of what I try and do as a coach has been because of all those great coaches I have been around. Coach Sweeney and some of his philosophies are very instrumental in some of the success I have had as both a player and a coach.

GT: What was it like to be named World Bowl MVP? What year was that and with what team?
JA: It was an unbelievable experience. That year, 1998 with the Rhein Fire (Dusseldorf, Germany), I was a back up to Mike Quinn all season. We had a good team and Mike was having a great year. He got hurt with like 4 minutes left during our last regular season game. I went in for one series and threw an incomplete pass. My only action all season. We had already clinched the World Bowl berth. During the week, I had the opportunity to work with the 1’s and I prepared all week as if I was going to be the starter, while Mike was trying to rehab and still play. I didn’t find out til just before the game that he was not going to be able to play. It was pouring rain almost the entire game.
True story, following the regular season finale, my offensive coordinator was very upset because the opposing team was hooting and hollering because they took Mike out of the game. They were to be our opponent in the World Bowl. He came to me immediately following the loss in the locker room, pulled me aside and said “You are going to start next week, we are going to win that game and you are going to be the MVP!” We went on to win 34-10 and I was named MVP 12-16 for 269 yards and 3 TD’s.

GT: When was the last time you were in Fresno?
JA: Probably 7 or 8 years ago. I try and make plans to go watch a game or to go check out spring ball, but I just haven’t been able to. I really want to make it back soon!

GT: What was it like competing with Rich Donati for the starting QB job all the time?
JA: It is always great when you get the opportunity to compete. Coming out of JC I was not promised anything other than the chance to compete for the starting job. I had opportunities to go other places where I would have been named the starter as soon as I stepped on campus, but that is not what I wanted. I had a great opportunity to work with Jeff Tedford and Jim Sweeney in a pro style offense. It was the best fit for me. I finally became the full time starter following the Hawaii game during week 8 or 9 of my junior season. Richie was great the whole time. He helped me out with the X’s & O’s stuff as soon as I got on campus. Even though we were competing for the same spot, we developed a great friendship. We were even roommates for a year and a half. We still keep in touch to this day.

GT: What’s your fondest memory of playing for Fresno State?
JA: The very first time I ran onto the field at Bulldog Stadium. I believe it was during the 2nd quarter of our opening game. I just remember hearing the roar of the crowd when they announced that I was in the game. I usually didn’t hear that kind of stuff, but I did that time. A moment I will never forget.

GT: Are you married? Do you have kids? If so, what are their ages?
JA: I am divorced and have 2 children. My ex-wife is a UCLA grad and actually teaches at the same high school that I teach at. My daughter, Madison is 8 and my son James III is 4.

GT: Did you ever think you’d be coaching after playing?
JA: You know, I never thought I would be doing what I am doing now. I have my degree in Criminal Justice and thought I was going into law enforcement when I was done playing, but I got an opportunity from a former coach of mine to become a walk on assistant coach back in 1999. He suggested I started substitute teaching when I wasn’t playing. I fell in love with the teaching/coaching immediately.

GT: Do you still keep track of how the Bulldogs are doing?
JA: Absolutely! I follow how all the former NFL Bulldogs are doing. I got to watch Billy Volek in the playoffs 2 years ago and Brian Robinson in the Super Bowl this past February. I also keep up with those ‘Dogs who have played after me. It is always exciting to see them playing and doing well.

GT: Do you keep in touch with any of your old teammates?
JA: Yes I do. I keep in touch with lots of those guys. Jeremiah Ross & Scott Thompson are coaches at Crespi high school down here in the LA area. Damon Hicklin is the WR coach at Azusa Pacific University. I speak to Lane Kiffin a few times a year. I have kept in touch with Richie Donati and a few others as well. It’s good to keep up with those guys.

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