Legacy of Soto Family Has Never Left Venice

In January of 2000, 14-year-old Gilbert Soto Jr. gave a eulogy at the funeral of his father, Gilbert Sr.

“My dad was my best friend.... My dad taught me to be happy.... My dad was a hard worker.... My dad was a fighter.... My dad didn’t give up, his body did.”

On Friday night in the City Championship football game at the Coliseum, Gilbert Soto will be the starting free safety for unbeaten Venice (13-0) against Carson (10-3). He’ll play his heart out for the Soto family because that’s what a Soto does.

“It’s like a dream,” Gilbert said. “I’ve grown up wishing to do this.”

There will be more than 50 aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces rooting for Gilbert and his cousin, receiver Gerold Rodriguez. They are two of 10 Soto family members who have played football at Venice since 1977.

The school newspaper offered the top pickup line last year for Venice students: “Hi, I’m a Soto.”

The most famous Soto of all, former Venice quarterback J.P. Losman, who could be a first-round NFL draft choice next year, is flying in from New Orleans to be at the game.

Gilbert and Gerold are Losman’s cousins but really his little brothers. Gerold has stayed with the Losmans since he was in third grade. Gilbert moved in with the Losman family after his father’s death.

Losman’s mother, Tricia, is a Soto. She was one of 13 children born to George and Rose Soto. There were eight boys and five girls.

“It’s a great environment to grow up in,” J.P. said. “Any time you step on the field, you don’t want to let your family down. It keeps you focused.”

The first Soto to play for Venice was Art, who graduated with Venice Coach Angelo Gasca in 1978. Art’s two brothers, Ernie and Eddie, played quarterback for the Gondoliers. Art’s sons, Anthony and Arthur, went on to play for Venice and others continue to follow.

The patriarch of the family, George, died in 1979 at age 46. He was a longtime youth football and Little League coach. He worked two jobs, one of which was taking tickets at Laker games at the Forum.

The Sotos view sports almost like a religion.

“There’s always something going on and always a football,” Tricia said.

Added Gilbert: “My whole family is in love with football and baseball. If we go to a little kid’s birthday party, somebody’s throwing a football around.”

There are so many letterman’s jackets, old cleats and jerseys owned by the Sotos that they could have a monthly garage sale. “If we put everything together, it would be a big Sports Chalet,” Gilbert said.

Gilbert is only 5 feet 7 and weighs 155 pounds, but he has been a critical contributor in his senior year for the Gondoliers.

“He’s been playing unbelievable,” Gasca said. “He’s all over the field.”

Gerold has been a senior standout, part of a receiving trio likely to gain All-City honors that includes James Lewis and Ryan Graves. In its three playoff victories, Venice’s offense is averaging 59 points per game.

Gilbert has a 3.7 grade-point average and wears No. 7, the favorite Soto number. It was the uniform number worn by Art, the seventh Soto child. Losman had the number and all the Sotos want it. Gerold’s younger brother, Gabriel, will be a freshman at Venice next season and hopes to get No. 7.

Gilbert wishes his father could see him now.

“Growing up, it was me and him,” he said. “We used to call each other best buddies. He took me around everywhere with him. My dad taught me a lot of things, to always live day by day, always be happy, hope for the best and make your life better.”

Gilbert’s father has been gone for almost four years, but his son has not forgotten the Soto mantra.

“I try to have a positive outlook on life, working hard to get what you want,” he said.

Sports, family and fun. That’s the Soto way of life and they’re going to be out en masse Friday night, hoping to add the first City Championship football title to the family tree.

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Eric Sondheimer can be reached at eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.