Student: Gabriel Santillan
Year In School: Senior
Plans After High School: Gabriel wants to play collegiate football and has plans to attend Fresno State or Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo to continue his playing career.
Toad PRIDE Focus: Personal Responsibility, Integrity, Empathy
What Gabriel Does to Show Toad PRIDE: The phrase “With great power comes great responsibility,” is a famous, short, clear statement of wisdom that has been popularized by Spider-Man as he slings his webs and swings from building to building in metropolitan New York. Essentially, the statement means that holding strength, influence, or ability creates an obligation to use it for the good of others rather than for selfish gain. For Senior Gabriel Santillan, he has developed power and influence over the Horned Toads Football program as a two year Captain on the Varsity team - a responsibility that he doesn’t take lightly. As a starter on both the offensive and defensive lines, Gabriel is a powerful and physically imposing force (6’2, 285 lbs) that prevents the opposing team from getting to CHS QBs while at the same time, he has an uncanny ability to fire off the ball defensively and disrupt an opponent's offensive scheme. (2025 Stats: 83 pancakes while allowing only 1 sack) For his credit, Gabriel was selected to the West Sierra League 1st Team All League as an offensive tackle and looks to replicate those accolades in the newly formed Northwest Athletic Conference. In addition to the chaos and destruction he has displayed in the trenches at CHS’s Chuck Garten Field, Gabriel’s power has been on full display this past offseason in the weight room with an impressive 315 lb bench press, 500 lb squat, and a 230 lb power clean. Collectively, there is an expectation of hard work, intensity, preparation, punctuality, respect, and determination by the Horned Toads Football program in what has been popularized as TOADAL COMMITMENT, and to his credit, Gabriel and fellow Captain Gracin Redding have set the tone for TOADAL COMMITMENT with their leadership and intensity. “Gabe is what our football TOADAL COMMITMENT is all about,” comments Head Coach James “Poo” Watson.
Gabriel Santillan is force for the Horned Toads Football program, earning 1st Team All League as an OT during his junior year in the West Sierra League.
Beyond his PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY to maintain a high level of intensity as captain of the Horned Toads Football program, Gabriel possesses incredible characters in the areas of INTEGRITY, Empathy, and quiet humility as a leader on campus. Teachers often praise Gabe for the respectful and kind disposition that he displays in the classroom to his peers and in his interactions with staff. “I had Gabriel when he was a freshman and what I remember the most was his kindness,” comments Social Studies Department Chair Kolbe Gillette, “He always completed his assignments on time and was always willing to help classmates that were struggling.” Coalinga High School Teacher and QB Club President, Amy Redding, echoes similar sentiments about Gabriel’s kindness, “He is a talented football player who remains humble and kind, but what truly makes Gabriel special is the joy he brings to those around him…” For his relentless commitment and PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY to uphold the standard of excellence in being captain of the football team and in the EMPATHY and kindness he has towards staff and his peers, Gabriel Santillan has Toad PRIDE.
Gabriel Santillan is a leader on the field and on campus with high levels of INTEGRITY and EMPATHY.
What Toad PRIDE Means to Gabriel: “Toad PRIDE means everything to me. I feel so honored and lucky to represent Coalinga High School and those that have played before me. Toad PRIDE is why I play every Friday for the Orange and Black.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Gabriel:
“Gabe works hard, bringing great attitude and effort everyday. Gabe is one of the captains for this Horned Toads Football team. Gabe is what our football TOADAL COMMITMENT is all about. Gabe has worked hard this off season and will make a huge impact on our team this season. We are excited to see Gabe do big things for our program this season!” James “Poo” Watson, Head Varsity Football Coach, Coalinga High School
“Gabe has always impressed me with his work ethic. He works hard to get things done and is very proactive when it comes to his goals and his assignments. I appreciate the fact that he was always so respectful both to me as a teacher as well as to all of his peers.” Jennifer Lucero, Biology Teacher, Coalinga High School
“Gabriel Santillan is a respectful student who always greets everyone with a smile. He takes pride in his academics, athletics, and being an overall great student. When I see Gabriel I always know that he is making a positive impact for the school community. Gabriel, your dedication, perseverance, and commitment to doing your best serve as an excellent example to your peers. Congratulations on this achievement, and I hope you continue to pursue your goals with the same confidence and determination.” Gabrielle Saldana, 10th & 12th Grade Guidance Counselor, Coalinga High School
“Gabriel shows Toad Pride through the respect he gives to others, especially his teachers and coaches, and through the hard work he puts in every day to reach his goals and build a positive future. He is a talented football player who remains humble and kind, but what truly makes Gabriel special is the joy he brings to those around him—he is always making people laugh, and there is never a dull moment when Gabriel is around. He is a great kid who represents what it means to be a Horned Toad with pride.” Amy Redding, Teacher and CHS QB Club President, Coalinga High School