Editor’s note: This is one in a series of Q&A stories students in James Burns’ Communication by Design class at Sierra High did to profile “impactful teachers” at the campus.

Jeff Abrew is an intelligent and experienced football coach at Sierra High School. After 16 years on campus, some would say he has seen more than a world traveler. He doesn’t have to identify himself when he walks into a room. He is well known, on campus and in the community, since he grew up in Manteca and attended crosstown rival East Union. His stories can be captivating and interesting, especially the ones about college life on the southern California coast or when Sierra won a CIF State Football Championship. I sat down with coach Abrew to discuss his role as a football coach, teacher, and teller of all tales.

Q: What motivates you to teach?

A: I enjoy impacting the lives of teenagers on a daily basis.

Q: How do you want/expect students to view your class?

A: I want my AP students to view my class as challenging, but I also want to make sure they are enjoying learning, which is tough to do.

Q: What drives you to coach football? 

A: I’ve always loved the game of football since I was a kid. I just want to be around the game for as long as possible.

Q: What is your favorite part of being a coach?

A: Building relationships with the players ad watching them grow as a player and teammate throughout the season.

Q: How has distance learning been for you?

A: Distance learning has been a challenge. I feel bad for our students because they are missing out on the complete high school experience.  I try to be as empathetic as possible with my students because this is a very challenging time for them.

Q: What has been your experience with the pandemic? 

A: I’ve become a lot more cautious about where I go and whom I’m around.  I’m looking forward to things getting back to normal as soon as possible.

Q: What was your high school football experience? 

A: I really enjoyed high school football. I met lifelong friends and had great coaches.

Q: What college did you attend and why? 

A: I went to San Diego State. I wanted to experience college life as far away in California as I could.

Q: Can you describe your upbringing?

A: I had a great upbringing. We lived across the street from a park and my friends and I were always outside having fun. My parents kept me involved In sports as a kid so I always had somewhere to go.

Q: What are some hobbies that you do that clear your head?

A: I like to play golf and go to the lake to clear my head.

Q:  What are your favorite subjects to talk about in your history class? 

A: My favorite topics to discuss in class are World War I and World War II.

Q:  What drives you to get up and go to work every day? 

A: I enjoy seeing the students on a daily basis.  Sometimes you see the students more than you see you own family.  Each day brings new challenges and I just enjoy every aspect of teaching and coaching.

Q: What drives you to make athletes better that come through sierra high system?

A: I want to see each player reach their full potential and it’s very rewarding as a coach to see players reach goals that, maybe in their own mind, they thought were not attainable.  

Q: Did you want to become a history teacher?

A: At first, I wanted to be an accountant, but I decided to become a history teacher.

Q: How was your college experience? 

A: I had a great time in college.  I hope everyone who comes through Sierra High School gets to experience college.  I have a ton of amazing memories from college that some people just don’t have because they chose to take a different path after high school.