The Legend of Coach Perez

by Amanda Puryear El 

There is a man named Jose who roams the hallways of a school. He speaks fluently in "jump high," "run another lap," "stretch over here," and "stretch over there." "Don't be mad, don't swear; this is necessary." Vivid memories of hearing his whistle and yelling, "Get in the back of that line with your hands behind your back!" How can anyone forget? He's been saying this for 54 years in the same place—that's almost a century! A community of kids always confides in our favorite coach, who has the heart of gold and is always effortlessly so friendly. So many years, cheers, fears, and tears. He has retired and gotten rehired; no one can take his marathon-running fire that is completely extraordinary. Throughout the streets of PSJA, there is a legend better known as Coach Perez, waiting for his class every single session and worrying about the physical health of every student inside his favorite sanctuary. A gymnasium where, for over 5 decades, he shows up explaining everything that he loves without giving up, in a neighborhood that adores Henry Ford Elementary and their favorite celebrity.