Have Ya’ll seen Mater Dei coach Raul Lara lately? This man ain’t your average football coach—he’s a walking W with muscles to back it up. Imagine a football coach at 58 squatting 500 pounds clean like it’s light work. Yeah, let that sink in. Mater Dei’s head coach posted it on his IG story on December 26, flexin’ on us looking like jacked D1 linebacker: knee straps locked, Dr. Dre beats blasting, and straight-up clean-squatting half a ton. His caption? “500lbs, baby!!! I haven’t done 500 in a year! No prep, but it’s time! April is the goal! Let’s go!!!” Tagged his gym crew too, because when you’re built differently, you gotta let the squad eat, right?

But don’t get it twisted—this ain’t some midlife crisis. Coach Lara’s been about that grind, both on and off the field. He’s got 6 CIF Division 1 championships as a head coach, six more as an assistant, and a record of 142-30. If “winning” was a person, it’d be Raul Lara. His first season at Mater Dei? Flawless. The Monarchs went 13-0, clapped De La Salle for the California State Championship, and served up a little revenge on the side. See, 23 years ago, De La Salle took down Lara’s Long Beach Poly squad in an iconic game. This time? Tables turned. Coach Lara’s had a last laugh.

Let’s break it down: the man’s about excellence. “Set yourself free from norms and follow God,” is his vibe. You don’t win six MVP Coach of the Year awards just wingin’ it. Nah, this man’s blueprint is elite. At Long Beach Poly, he turned the Jackrabbits into a powerhouse. Five CIF titles and a legacy that had the rest of SoCal football shook. Then, he hit St. Anthony in Long Beach, linked up with Michael Brennan—now Mater Dei’s president—and boom, the stars aligned again.

Fast forward to Mater Dei. This program’s no stranger to dominance—three Heisman winners and a permanent spot in the championship convo. But bringing in Coach Lara? That’s next-level. This year’s Monarchs weren’t just winning; they were making statements. Beating St. John Bosco 31-24 in the CIF-SS Division 1 final was a movie. Steamrolling De La Salle 37-15 for the state title? Straight-up poetry. It’s not just about revenge; it’s about rewriting the script. Lara’s all about that redemption arc, and he’s got the Ws to prove it.

Now, let’s talk fitness. What’s crazier: a coach this decorated or a 58-year-old pushing 500 pounds like he’s still in his prime? The man’s literally a gym rat. If you’re thinking, “Why?” here’s the tea: it’s all part of the grind. April’s the goal, and he’s locked in. You’ve got players half his age tryna keep up. Imagine your coach out-lifting you—wild. And don’t forget, Lara’s a man of faith. He’ll tell you, “Hard work and God’s plan” are his secret weapons.

Raul Lara’s accolades: Built different

Look, when it comes to numbers, ain’t nobody like coach Lara in the market right now. Lara’s stats are pure gold. 6 CIF Division 1 titles as a head coach, six more as an assistant. MVP Coach of the Year 6 times. At Long Beach Poly, he turned the Jackrabbits into a dynasty with 5 CIF titles. Mater Dei? Undefeated in his first season, back-to-back state champs, and a redemption win over De La Salle that’ll go down in history.

His secret sauce? Focus, faith, and never settling. Lara’s teams don’t just play; they dominate. He’s the guy who turns high-schoolers into legends and makes sure every game’s a statement. Even off the field, he’s setting the bar. That 500-pound squat isn’t just about lifting weights; it’s a mindset. If you’re not pushing limits, what’re you even doing?

Coach Lara’s journey is wild. From Long Beach Poly to St. Anthony, and now Mater Dei, he’s seen it all. But this season? This was special. Winning state with the Monarchs, squaring up with De La Salle, and showing everyone age is just numeric on the sheet—it’s a full-circle moment. He’s the definition of “It’s never too late.” And let’s not forget, this man’s got Jesus on his speed dial. Lara’s philosophy isn’t just about Ws; it’s about purpose, legacy, and keeping the grind alive. So, next time when you’re thinking about skipping leg day, remember Coach Raul Lara—58 young, still snatching souls in the gym and on the field. This man’s a legend, plain and simple.