58-Year-Old California High School Coach Uses Mike Tyson’s Boxing Comeback Story to Break Age Barriers in Gym Inspiration

Age is just a number, proved by once in a millennium individuals like LeBron, Ronaldo and Tyson. You could add Mater Dei Monarchs high school football team’s year 1 coach Raul Lara to that list. Although not as impressive as the above-mentioned, with no offense to the legendary coach, he’s doing it in the coach’s way. By being the walking, talking inspiration for breaking boundaries and redefining what it means to lead. And his latest Instagram notice proves he’s not just about motivating his players; he’s redefining inspiration for all of us, one squat at a time.

The 58-year-old himself shared some Thursday motivation on his private Instagram account’s story that we somehow managed to see before it disappeared. Channeling his inner boxing GOAT Mike Tyson, Raul Lara posted, “If Mike Tyson can box at 58 years old, you can go to the gym tomorrow.” With a dash of humor, he added, “Lol! But true!!” As harsh as it sounds, it is in-fact true. If Iron Mike could step back into the ring against a younger, sprier opponent like Jake Paul, why can’t Lara inspire himself—and others—to push their limits?

But Lara doesn’t just talk the talk; he squats the squat—literally. In another Instagram clip, posted few days ago, he was seen squatting an eye-popping 429 pounds, quipping, “429 lbs 4x!!! Okay.” Dressed for battle with headphones, knee caps, and a lifting belt, Lara looked every bit the part of someone who practices what he preaches. Debunking the age-old myth of “Coaches don’t play” with a weight that some of the seasoned athletes might find hard to budge. When Coach puts up those numbers, you know he’s serious. The two 58-year-old probably might be the fittest of their ages.

The Mater Dei leader’s journey to coaching greatness wasn’t handed to him; he earned every accolade. Over 13 seasons at Long Beach Poly, he built an empire, racking up five CIF championships and an astounding 142-30 record. Mater Dei President Michael Brennan summed it up best: “Lara’s resume speaks for itself.” But his hire wasn’t just about his past. It was about the future—one where Mater Dei continues its reign under a leader who embodies perseverance and passion. On top of that, coach Lara surely got to reveal his diet plan.

What sets Raul Lara apart at 58?

What sets Lara apart isn’t just his coaching record but his ability to inspire players and fans alike. Drawing parallels between his personal gym feats and his team’s grind on the field, Lara said, “Strength is mental, then physical.” It’s a mantra that’s resonated throughout his career. Whether it’s rallying his players for the California State Open Division Championship or squatting nearly 430 pounds at the gym, Lara proves that limits exist only if you let them.

As Mater Dei takes the field under Lara’s leadership, one thing is clear: this isn’t just about football. It’s about rewriting the narrative of what’s possible at any age. Like Tyson, who defied age and doubters alike, Lara is showing that greatness doesn’t fade with time—it evolves. Whether it’s on the sidelines or under a barbell, Raul Lara is living proof that age is just a number, and the only thing that matters is how you show up.

This Saturday, his storied program faces another great SoCal side De La Salle Spartans under the lights at Saddleback College to decide the California State Open Division Championship.