Norco, California – Legendary head football coach of Norco High School, Gary Campbell sadly passed away on February 11, 2023. Coach Campbell was not just a gifted coach, but also an example to the many players, students, and members of the community who were fortunate enough to come into contact with him. Norco High announced Coach Campbell’s death through their official Facebook post on Saturday.
Dr, Melissa Bako, the principal of Norco High School released a statement on Saturday following the death of the Legendary head football coach;
Dear Norco High School Community,
It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Coach Gary Campbell, the legendary head football coach of Norco High School. Coach Campbell was not only a talented coach, but also an inspiration to the countless players, students, and community members who were lucky enough to cross his path.
During Coach Campbel’s tenure of 34 years, he won 276 games and three CIF Southern Section
titles. Coach Campbell was inducted into the Norco High School Alhletic Hall of Fame in 2004 and our football stadium was named and dedicated to him in 2009.
Coach Campbel’s passion for the sport and dedication to the development of young athletes was unmatched. He instiled in his players the values of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork, and his Impact wll be felt for generations to come.
Coach Campbels legacy will live on through the memories of those who had the privilege to know him and the countless players who have gone on to great success in their athletic and personal lives.
We offer our deopest condolences to Coach Campbel’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dr, Melissa Bako
Principal
Who was Gary Campbell?
Gary Campbell was a resident of Norco, California, a city in Riverside County, California, in the United States. Norco is known as Horsetown, USA, and prides itself on being a “horse community,” with horse trails, hitching posts, and corrals, and city ordinances requiring construction to have a “traditional, rustic… Western flavor”. He served as Norco High School’s head football coach for over 34 years and he impacted the lives of countless players, students, and community members who were lucky enough to cross his path.
Stuart Gonzalez the son of Gary’s friend Ben Gonzalez wrote on Facebook expressing his sorrow following the death of Gary Campbell. Gonzalez wrote, “Got this news earlier this morning. I’m absolutely devastated by this. Gary and my father (Ben Gonzalez) worked and coached together for over 30 years. That is to put it minimally.
He continued, “They have remained lifelong friends since both retired 18 and 15 years ago. Coach Campbell was not only a vital member of the NHS community but personally, a vital part of my life growing up at Norco High. Our families have been intertwined since the early 70s.
“My heart goes out to his children, grandchildren, friends, and all those who are extended family. An icon of NHS is gone, but let us never forget and forever celebrate the legacy that Gary Campbell left,” Stuart Gonzalez said.
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