Riviera ISD and the fighting Seahawks have been blessed for many years with Coach Artie De Le Rosa. He has taught all students not just athletes how to respect themselves and their school. Last week Coach De La Rosa told the student athletes that he had decided to retire from coaching and remain with the district as a teacher. It is always a hard decision to make and a very emotional one. Every coach reaches a point in his/ her life when they know that it is a constant struggle to keep up with the demanding hours. I personally have been where Artie is and I admire him for the love and dedication that he has given for over thirty years in one of the most demanding professions.

Family should always come first, but in coaching they are the ones that suffer the most. The time away from their family can never be recovered. Artie and I have talked many times about his children and grandchildren. As a coach you always wonder when the right time to hang it up is and Coach Artie has expressed to me that time is now. Artie is a man of his word, he told the community that he would make Riviera Seahawks a winner and he did. Artie has chosen to go out on top. In the years to come people will know Coach Artie as a true champion and no one can take that away from him or his family.

Artie, I wish you and your family happiness, love, and most importantly memories that you have made for yourself. Old coaches like you never leave the game, because the game gave you athletes that look up to you like a father and they know that they can come to you for help and advice.
Sincerely,
Ernest Havner
Superintendent of Schools