Hall of Fame 2003

Ronald Hedgpeth 

Class of 1960

     Born in San Francisco, Roland Hedgpeth moved to Corralitos in 1954.  His mother Ann Hedgpeth taught at E.A.Hall Jr. High School until retiring in 1972.  Ed Hedgpeth, Roland's father worked at various businesses in the county until the late 1960's.  Roland has one brother, Ed Hedgpeth Jr., and a sister, Ann Marie Johnson.

     During high school Roland participated in a variety of activities including band, wrestling, tennis and soccer.  He graduated from WHS in 1960.                     

     After graduation, Mr. Hedgpeth attended East Los Angeles Junior College for 2 years.  During the winter of 1963, he transferred to Humboldt State University in Arcata, California. In June 1964, Roland married Priscilla Baclig. Roland graduated in June 1965, with a degree in social science and business. 

     After graduation, Roland worked for Standard Oil Co. in Eureka, California until returning to Humboldt State University to get his teaching credential.  In the fall of 1969, he began teaching for the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. He has taught every level from kindergarten through high school in his 34 years of teaching.

     Mr. Hedgpeth began coaching soccer at WHS in the fall of 1970, coaching 22 years at the varsity level and 12 years as an assistant coach.  During this time, WHS won 26 league titles and 6 CCS championships.  His teams have been to the playoffs every year except one.  Coach Hedgpeth is proud to state since the 95-96 soccer season, over 80% of his soccer team members have gone on to college, with 63% in college over 5 years.  There are now 19 teachers, 12 engineers, two doctors and 13 high school coaches who have played WHS soccer.

     Roland, with six others, established the Santa Cruz County Youth Soccer League in 1974.  He was also on the Pajaro Valley Youth Soccer Board for 12 years.  He was on the Board and coached in these leagues for 18 years.

     Although busy with soccer, Roland finds time to belong to the Corralitos Padres, a local non-profit organization of men who support the youth in the community.  He is also a member of the racing team, M.E.M. Motorsports, working with Doug McCoun on the Southwest Tour, Stock Car Division.

     Coach Hedgpeth was selected Coach of the Year for SCCAL 3 times.  This year, 2002-03, he was chosen Central Coast Section Honor Coach.  In 1995, he was selected "Man of the Year" by the Watsonville Chamber of Commerce for his involvement in the various non-profit groups of the community.

     Roland has 2 daughters. Stephanie, her husband, Eddie, and children Emily, Eli and Benjamin live in Corralitos.  His younger daughter, Stacey, her husband, Chuck, and their 2 children, Sam and Kate make their home in Sacramento, California.  Both daughters followed in their father footsteps and also became teachers.

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