Business & Tech

Grossmont High Alum Tom Karlo Takes Over As Head Football Coach

Karlo amassed a record of 44-31-2 in seven years as coach of Mount Miguel High School.

Being able to work and coach at your alma mater is a dream for a lot of people. For one alum, that dream has become a reality.

As head coach of the football team, Tom Karlo garnered much acclaim and accolades for his Matadors squad, including consecutive Grossmont Valley League championships in 2010 and 2011. Karlo, who was recently hired in the same position at Grossmont, hopes to bring that same record of success to La Mesa, his hometown.

The position became open when longtime Grossmont coach of cancer in February.

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“With the unfortunate passing of Coach Murphy, it’s a situation that really made me think hard,” said Karlo.

He admitted that what was initially a tough decision, became easier when he began to think about “going home,” in a manner of speaking.

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“I think first off, I live in La Mesa. Both of my sons are gonna go [to Grossmont]. It’s where I went – my sister, my brother. So there’s a strong family connection to Grossmont. Ultimately it came down to my kids. My 11-year-old son wants to go to school where his dad coaches, and this is an opportunity for me to do that.”

He also said his relationship with athletic director Frank Foggiano also played a role.

“I played basketball for him,” Karlo said. "His daughter and I were good friends in high school. I’ve known him a long time.”

During his tenure at Mount Miguel, Karlo compiled an overall record of 44-31-2. The Matadors were ranked in the Top 10 in the county each of the last two years.

“I pride myself on having a good relationship with my players. And I have a real good relationship with the kids at Mount Miguel,” he said. “I brought them into a room and just explained to them the family situation and my community ties. It’s been great. They’ve been real supportive. I’m still kind of tagging around the weight room making sure guys do well. I definitely want to see Mount Miguel do well. And I want to see the success that we’ve built upon continue, and the legacy of getting kids scholarships to the next level continue.”

Karlo has helped several of his players get football scholarships to four-year colleges, many in NCAA Division 1. Two of Karlo’s players from last season earned D-1 scholarships: Malcolm Jackson (OT) to San Diego State, and Cory Littleton (LB/DE) to the University of Washington.

Last week, Karlo said he met with several of his new players at Grossmont.

“I’m very impressed with the character and the culture they have here in terms of football. I’m even more excited now based on being around these kids for a couple days, than I was when I decided to take this job,” he said. “I’m looking forward to doing what we do and bringing our unique and innovative brand of football to Grossmont. I sure hope that the community and the school are as excited as I am about this new chapter.”

Karlo admitted that there are already a few players who he is eager to get his coaching “hands” on, so to speak, including sophomore quarterback Anthony Lawrence, wide receiver Ryan Green, lineman Rocky Rangel, and defensive back Trent Galkoski.

“Obviously, Anthony Lawrence – I’m really excited to see what he can do. We run [University of] Oregon’s offense, and it’s a QB-centered, up-tempo offense, and he had a lot of yards and a lot of touchdowns last year,” Karlo said. “He’s a great student. He had over a 4.0 GPA, so I’m really looking forward to working with him. I think he’s got a chance to be special.”

He said that having an experience quarterback, even a sophomore, will help the transition.

“I think in general it’s a real solid group, but any time you go into a situation where you have a starting quarterback returning who’s just a junior, that’s a great situation to be in, because you know you’ve got consistency in a core position for two years.”

Karlo said that he will bring some of his staff from Mount Miguel over to Grossmont as well. 

“These guys know our routines and our offense and defense is all based on continuity with each other. I think they’ll really respond well. I’m going to do everything I can to put these kids in a position to be successful,” he said.

But beyond football, Karlo is thankful to once again be a part of the La Mesa community.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back into community of Grossmont, and doing my work where I am, where I live. I’ve lived here my whole life outside of the four years I went to college. My parents are from here. My wife’s parents are from here. Whenever you add it up, it was a no-brainer.”

Karlo is holding advanced weight training classes for his team now. There will be a spring camp in June, and the annual “Blue and Gold” summer football camp will be in July, featuring practices three days a week.

“I can’t wait for the next five months,” he said. Can’t wait till August 30 hits and we’re on bus up to Ramona.”


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