When Clinton Goblirsch moved to Missouri to attend Avila University, he always knew he’d return to Ceres.

Younger brother Derrick opted to stay in California to further his education. He attended Modesto Junior College and Stanislaus State.

Clinton and Derrick followed similar career paths after graduating from college.

The third-generation Cereans teach and coach at Ceres Unified School District’s two public high schools.

They earned their teaching credentials from Stanislaus State.

“It means more to teach and coach in your hometown,” said Derrick, 33. “This is where I grew up and went to school. I never had a desire to get away. I’m comfortable here. To be able to give back to the community, I take pride in that.”

“I was born and raised in Ceres,” said Clinton, 36. “I graduated from there. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher and coach in high school. Being able to come back to my alma mater is special. I’m working at a school my parents and grandparents went to. My mom works here.”

Clinton teaches four periods of U.S. History, one period of government/economics and one period of weight training at Ceres High School.

“I love what I do,” said Clinton, who started working at CHS in 2014-15. “As a teacher, you’re always adapting things from year to year. You’re always looking for ways to improve. Being able to coach helps you build relationships with students.”

Derrick teaches four periods of finite math and two periods of P.E. at Central Valley.

“I love it at CV,” said Derrick, who started working at the high school 10 years ago. “We try to promote a positive environment for learning. We’ve built a good culture here.”

“Every day brings a new challenge,” he added. “It doesn’t get stagnant. When you’re prepared, it makes your job easier. The most enjoyable part is building relationships with the kids. If you show kids respect, and they know you’re in it for their best interest, they’ll try to do well for you.”

Clinton and Derrick will match coaching wits when their respective varsity football teams clash on Jan. 22.

Clinton earned a promotion after second-year leader Matt Chachere stepped down in November.

Derrick was promoted after Scott Edwards retired at the end of the 2019 season to spend more time with his family.

“We didn’t envision this happening,” Derrick said. “Both of us have worked really hard to get to where we’re at. It’s going to be a lot of fun, not only this year, but for years to come.”

Clinton started coaching at Ceres High School in 2006.

He was varsity offensive coordinator for six seasons (2006-09, 2018-19).

He was varsity defensive backs coach for one season (2014).

He was junior-varsity head coach for five seasons (2010-11, 2015-17).

Derrick served as head coach of Central Valley’s junior-varsity football team for five seasons (2012-15, 2019).

He worked with quarterbacks and running backs at the varsity level in 2019. Goblirsch was defensive coordinator from 2016-18.

Clinton and Derrick also serve as head coach of their high schools’ varsity baseball programs.

Clinton and Derrick graduated from Ceres High in 2002 and 2005, respectively.

Derrick earned eight varsity letters, including four in basketball, two in baseball and two in football.

Clinton earned six varsity letters: two in basketball, two in baseball and two in football.

Clinton and Derrick played one season of basketball together.

Derrick (2004, 2005) and Clinton (2002) were both named Ceres High Male Athlete of the Year.

Father Rick (1976) also won the same ward.

Mother Kimli (class of 1977) was a standout athlete with the Bulldogs as well.

Clinton and Derrick are both married.

Clinton and his wife Megan have two daughters, including Carsynn and Camrynn.

Carsynn and Camrynn attend fourth grade and first grade, respectively, at Sinclear Elementary School. Megan teaches second grade at Sinclear.

Derrick and Vanessa also have two children, including daughter Ella (4) and son Zeke (3).

They attend Ceres Christian Preschool.

Vanessa teaches P.E. at Caswell, Adkison and Don Pedro elementary schools and coaches track and field at Central Valley.

“We enjoy teaching, working with kids and being a part of the community,” Clinton said. “We’re deep-rooted. We don’t plan on going anywhere.”