Football Coach Will Thurston, who played on the Moorpark College team as a running back in 1975 and 1976, took over the 69-member team this fall to become the new head coach. After 33 years, Thurston has taken over the reins of Coach Jim Bittner who retired in Fall 2011.
Thurston began coaching for the Fall 2012 season, and trained with student athletes throughout the summer to prepare them for the season.
Thurston has been teaching classes at Moorpark College in the fitness lab. He has been a professor for the last 30 years teaching golf, soccer, football, and weight lifting classes. Thurston has been with Moorpark College since he was a running back on the football team in 1975.
Howard Davis, Athletic Director at Moorpark College, said Thurston is the biggest change in the new football season.
“We are extremely fortunate to have a well-qualified person on our full-time staff to take over the helm,” said Davis.
Thurston named two of the things he is most passionate about at Moorpark College.
“Football has been my passion, and teaching my classes at Moorpark College has been my passion,” said Thurston.
Davis said that getting a new coach would change the dynamic of the team.
“Former coach Jim Bittner, did a phenomenal job in building Moorpark College into a football powerhouse. The success he had here is really remarkable,” said Davis. “That said, I believe, Coach Thurston will lead our program to new heights on and off the field. They truly have a vested interest in the success of the football program, and every young man that is a part of it.”
AJ Reed, Defensive Back for the Raiders, talked about how Coach Thurston’s coaching techniques is helping the team.
“He is doing good,” said Reed. “He is doing everything to get us ready each week.”
Davis said that he has high hopes for this years’ football team and the new coaching this year has in store.
“I am excited about Coach Thurston’s direction for the program,” Davis said. “He has demanded the football student athletes to be fully committed to their academic success and conduct themselves with the highest standards in all that they do. Coach Thurston has put a premium on teamwork, selflessness, accountability and work ethic.”
Thurston said that his plan for success is to get his team motivated to win this season.