Press Releases 2006

CONTACT: Mary Planding, Director, Marketing & Communications
(831) 479-6158
mary.planding [at] cabrillo.edu
November 17, 2006

Bill Garrison Named Head Football Coach For Cabrillo College

Aptos, CA—After a planned transitional season by long-time coach Steve Cox, former Aptos High School head football coach and Cabrillo alumnus, Bill Garrison, is taking over as head football coach for the Cabrillo Seahawks. Cox, who retired in June of 2005, agreed to return the following September in a temporary, part-time role to serve as interim football coach until the next leader of the program could be chosen and groomed for the position. A national search for Coach Cox’s successor concluded in May 2006, when Cabrillo hired Coach Garrison as a full-time faculty member and coach.

“Steve has been a valued faculty member for many years. His successful mentoring of Bill means the Seahawks will continue to have many more winning seasons. We are all looking forward to Bill’s strong leadership and infectious enthusiasm,” declared Renee Kilmer, Cabrillo’s Vice President of Instruction.

Garrison states, “I felt fortunate to have gone through the process and gotten the job. Steve has done everything to make me feel comfortable and welcome here. He’s obviously been extremely successful as head coach. I hope to carry on the strong tradition of education Steve and all the other coaches who preceded him have established. I look forward to being an advocate for every student athlete in our area.”

Garrison spent 15 years as head coach at Aptos High ending with a 93-53-3 record. He also taught physical education, earth science, math and driver’s education at Aptos High. Garrison has 27 years of football coaching experience, 17 of them as head coach, earned at institutions such as St. Francis High School in La Canada, California Polytechnic Institute, Fairfield High School, St. Paul High School in Santa Fe Springs, Calabasas High School, Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills and Live Oak High School. His lifetime coaching record is 101-65-3.

Pat Lovell, commissioner of the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League claims, “Bill will be a tremendous asset to Cabrillo’s football program. He is greatly missed within the high school ranks for his professionalism and great coaching ability. He loves Cabrillo and is ecstatic to be there.”

"Coach Garrison is a very personable guy. He forms great relationships with his players, which made it much more fun to play for him. He knows how to motivate his players, and I still appreciate the support he gives me today while I am off at college,” claims Bryan Van Meter, sophomore, U.C. Berkeley Golden Bears Football Team.

The Cabrillo Seahawks compete in the Coast Conference. All intercollegiate athletic competition is governed by the Coast Conference and the California State Community College Athletic code. Individuals interested in becoming a Seahawk should contact Dale Murray, Director of Athletics at 831-479-6149. Obtaining clearance for athletic eligibility often requires considerable checking of records and code provisions. These procedures should be started well in advance of the opening of each athletic season.