Era Closes as Gershon Calls it Quits

Joel Gershon resigned as Channel Islands High’s football coach Thursday after 22 seasons. In Gershon’s tenure, the Raiders made the playoffs 12 times and advanced to a Southern Section final in 1987.

Channel Islands has struggled in recent years, and was 2-8 this season and winless in the Marmonte League.

“I’ve been contemplating this for years,” said Gershon, who with his wife, Ileene, has three grown daughters. “This was not a rash decision. The time is right.”

Gershon sent 48 players to four-year colleges, including Blane Saipaia last season. Saipaia is a starting lineman at Colorado State.

“The kids at this school are great,” Gershon said. “And I had loyal assistant coaches who stayed with me through the good times and the tough times.”

Gershon, 54, will continue to teach physical education at Channel Islands. No successor has been named, although Gershon said that more than one current Raider assistant is interested in the position.