Cholla Charger Network

By Georgina Rodriguez

When I interviewed Mr. Youngling, Chollas new football coach & world history/econ teacher, it felt more like a conversation than a formal interview. From the start, he was easy to talk to. Answering every question with honesty, humor, & detail. When asked whether he would rather coach in 110-degree heat or freezing weather, he laughed and quickly chose the cold, showing right away that he wasn’t afraid to keep things real.

Coach Youngling explained that what drew him to Cholla football was the talent he had seen in the team for years. While coaching at Amphi, he noticed that Cholla always had kids with skill & potential, it was just a matter of pulling everything together. His excitement for helping build that culture is clear. He describes his coaching style in three words: discipline, demanding, and informative. Judging by the way he talks about his players, it’s obvious he holds them to high standards while making sure they learn & grow.

One of the most memorable parts of the interview came when he was asked what makes a strong team captain instead of singling out one player, he highlighted four: Trey Morton, Urijah Carrera, Emilio Robledo, & Jeremiah Alvarez. He praised them for consistently showing up, doing the right things and holding others accountable. Recognizing multiple leaders shows how much value he places on teamwork and shared responsibility.

When asked about his favorite part of coaching, Coach Youngling didn’t hesitate. For him it’s the feeling in the locker room before and after a game. Whether it’s the energy leading into kickoff or the emotions afterward, he described it as an atmosphere unlike anything else one that bonds the players & makes the hard work with it.

Talking with Coach Youngling made it clear that his goals reach far beyond wins and losses. He is focused on teaching lessons his players can carry with them long after football. From discipline to teamwork, he’s building something lasting at Cholla both on the field and in life.