By Jereimah Smith

Looking steadfast into the future is not how most would describe a history teacher and high school football coach. However, that’s exactly how Head Coach Chuck Chastain leads a program, with strong traditional ties and unwavering community support. 

Norco is the city’s only high school, setting the stage for a college-like environment. “One team, one city. Multiple generations are connected to this team. When you win it’s great, and when you lose you know it— and not just from the scoreboard.” _Charles Chastain

Charles isn’t only a coach. In addition to coaching he’s serving as the Cougars offensive coordinator and recruiter, all while handling the team’s administrative responsibilities. He does get administrative support when his four-year old daughter spends every Sunday in the office helping out. 

A father of three spends time traveling around as a supporter of an 11-year old soccer player and a nine-year old softball player. His loving wife, a former All-American athlete herself, has always supported his sporting life. He advises new additions to his staff on how important it is to have a partner that knows what’s involved, so that they can choose to live the sporting lifestyle. 

Coach Chastain also enjoys supporting the other programs on campus, snowboarding, and traveling. Like many of us, he longs for the simpler days when international travel was available with just a ticket and a passport. He spent a week in Italy (Summer 18), and would like to go back when it’s safe and fully open. 

On playing during the Covid-19 pandemic:

“A Roller Coaster for sure. It may be the inspiration for a book one day… The uncertainty of each day, not knowing if you would even practice or be able to play. We were just grateful for opportunities to play.”

The positive therapeutic impact football can have on kids became even more critical, as many of them had understandably difficult times adjusting to their school and or home lives being upended. 

“That’s why we love this game. It put football and the meaning of the locker room in perspective… The required safety protocols stretched our creativity for sure. We used caution tape and cones to separate the field by 20 yard sections… I did drills myself with a mask on and nearly passed out. The level of football we were able to have while following protocols commands my ultimate respect and admiration for these kids.”

Last Season The 2020-21 Cougars earned their first League Championship since 2009 and a win over perennial powerhouse Corona Centennial. “Feels good to win, the goal was always

to win. It was great to finally pull it off after being close a few times… Odd to win in the Spring, although it was exhilarating.” The momentum from Spring carried over into the Fall 2021 season. “It raised expectations, helping to solidify the standard we’ve worked to establish. They’re coming for us, we’re the hunted now.” The Cougars’ tough non-league schedule is filled with capable predators in search of prey. 

“We had this preseason schedule set the year prior. We didn’t know where we would be, but we’ve always known what direction we wanted to be heading—this schedule reflects that. In Division I and II there are no easy games, we prepare against the best to compete in CIF… We will continue to challenge ourselves. I believe it goes with how you see yourself as a program.” 

On the big rematch with Centennial at home: “Haven’t thought about it much, we’re somewhat familiar with each other.” Both Head Coaches are Norco alums. “Hope they win every game, but us. We expect nothing but their best effort.”

Featured story | IE Sports Net, The Magazine – Fall 2021