The alma mater of a former Chandler High School football coach has announced he’s taking over its program.
Servite High School in Anaheim, Calif., has announced the hiring of Rick Garretson as the Friars’ next head football coach.
Garretson, a 1974 graduate of Servite, brings with him nearly 40 years of experience to the Friars, having dedicated the majority of his adult life to coaching.
Those years include being a nine-year assistant and later head coach of the Chandler Wolves. As CHS’s head coach from 2019 to 2024, he furthered the school’s long legacy, leading the Wolves to Open Division titles in 2019 and 2020.
The Wolves won 46 consecutive games from 2018-21.
Chandler High won four big-schools classification crowns and two ESPN Geico Bowl titles in the nine years Garretson was an assistant. Joining the staff in 2010, he coached the wide receivers, quarterbacks and was the offensive coordinator at various times.
Servite athletic director Matt Marrujo, himself an SHS alum, said Garretson’s deep understanding of the school’s and Friars’ missions are probably part of why he decided to head a program at about age 70.
“As an alumnus, former teacher, and coach, Coach Garretson understands the vital role coaches play in forming faith-filled leaders,” Marrujo stated in the news release. “The combination of his professional experience and deep-rooted connection to Servite makes him the perfect fit to lead our young men moving forward.”
Garretson is also quoted in the release. He stated he’s looking forward to attacking the challenges and making the most of the opportunities that exist in the Trinity League, where the Friars compete.
“I want to continue the tradition that makes Servite football and Servite High School so special,” Garretson stated.
Garretson owns numerous season and lifetime-achievement coaching awards, including the City of Chandler Legendary Coaches Award, which he received in 2023.
Prior to his time at Chandler, Garretson was a Servite football assistant from 1989 to 2004, working as pass game coordinator before becoming the offensive coordinator in 1995.
A Friar himself, Garretson was an all-state selection his senior year before going on to compete at San Diego State.
The release states Servite welcomes Garretson, his wife Wendy and three children back to the Friar family.
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