Clinton Goblirsch, offensive coordinator for Ceres High School’s varsity football program for the past two seasons, has been promoted to head coach.

Matt Chachere, Goblirsch’s predecessor, stepped down in November.

The Bulldogs amassed a 1-19 overall record during Chachere’s two-year tenure.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity,” said Goblirsch, a 2002 CHS graduate. “It’s something I always thought about doing when I came back to coach at my alma mater out of college. Being an alumnus of Ceres High and having played sports here, my goal is to build a successful program. That’s going to take hard work.”

Goblirsch talked with his wife Megan prior to committing to becoming Ceres High’s next head coach.

Clinton and Megan have two daughters: Carsynn (8) and Camrynn (5).

“It was a family decision,” he said. “It’s a big-time commitment. During the week, you don’t get home until 5:30 or 6, 9 (in the evening). We try to eat dinner together as a family and help the girls out with their homework. I put in as much time into them as much as I do coaching both sports (football and baseball).”

Goblirsch, 35, 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).

“It will be my 13th year coaching at Ceres High coming up,” Goblirsch said. “I have (varsity) head coaching experience. I’ve been running the baseball program for the last five years.”

Goblirsch faces a tough task in trying to rebuild Ceres High’s football program. 

The Bulldogs failed to make the playoffs and compile a winning record for the 15th consecutive year last fall.

“I put more pressure on myself than anyone can,” Goblirsch said. “I want to see our program be successful. We implemented a lot of different things to try to take that next step forward. Football is a year-round sport. We started weight training in December. We had guys lifting in the morning and after school. We’re limited in what we can do now (due to the coronavirus pandemic). There’s a workout app. They track what they’re doing. We have Zoom meetings online.”

More than 70 incoming freshmen from Mae Hensley and Cesar Chavez junior highs have expressed interest in playing football at Ceres High this fall.

“We had a booth set up on campus—recruiting and getting guys signed up to play,” Goblirsch said. “The goal is to field teams at all three levels. That will be based on numbers.”

The 2020 season will kick off on Aug. 21 if coronavirus-gathering restrictions are lifted.

Ceres High’s schedule includes games against West, Le Grand, Central Valley, Lathrop, Beyer, Johansen, Pacheco, Los Banos, Mountain House and Grace Davis.

“I expect us to perform well every time we’re on the field,” Goblirsch said. “Eventually, the goal is to win a league championship.”

Goblirsch was a multi-sport athlete at Ceres High.

He played football, basketball and baseball.

Goblirsch was named the school’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2002.

Brother Derrick (2004, 2005) and father Rick (1976) both won the same award during their prep athletic careers with the Bulldogs.

Mother Kimli (class of 1977) was also a standout athlete at Ceres High.

Derrick was recently promoted to head coach of crosstown-rival Central Valley’s football program. He also coaches varsity baseball at the school.

“My grandparents and parents went to Ceres High School,” Clinton Goblirsch said. “Being able to coach in the programs I played in is very special. I get to give back.”