Family, friends, coaching colleagues, school administrators and prep football players past and present gathered at the San Marcos High Greek Theater on Monday to pay tribute to Jeff Hesselmeyer.
The beloved coach and teacher who worked at crosstown rivals San Marcos and Dos Pueblos in his long career passed away at his home on July 23. He was 59.
Monday’s program featured a moving speech from Derrick Dallmeyer, a player on Hesselmeyer’s 2009 football team at San Marcos.
Dallmeyer said Hesselmeyer was a father to his players and they were like his sons.
“We should take the lessons Coach Hess taught us and carry them on,” Dallmeyer said. “Coach Hess will be immortalized on the football fields of Santa Barbara and Goleta. And every Friday night for many nights to come, at Valley Stadium and Scott O’Leary Field, when the lights turn on for that game to be played, Hess’ light will shine among the players and coaches, Royals and Chargers, for generations to come.”
A beautiful tribute to Coach Hesselmyer. So great to see his mentors, fellow coaches and players give honor to him. Love the MVP trophy!. Thanks for making boys into men+?