Beloved Venice Football Coach Angelo Gasca Passes Away
Venice High School Football Coach Angelo Gasca Passes Away at 65
Angelo Gasca, a distinguished high school football coach and beloved special education teacher at Venice High for 36 years, passed away on Monday night while watching a Lakers game. He was 65. The news was confirmed by his longtime friend, Steve Clarkson.
A graduate of Venice High’s Class of 1978, Gasca dedicated his life to his community, achieving his first and only City Section Division I championship in 2021. Renowned for his innovative passing schemes, he developed numerous standout quarterbacks, including former NFL player JP Losman. His commitment to Venice was evident as he often coached the sons of his former players, embracing the concept of a “neighborhood team.”
Gasca’s legacy extended beyond football; he was deeply invested in training and mentoring his players to become educators and coaches themselves. Many members of his coaching staff were former players he had guided. He supported them through the challenging process of obtaining teaching credentials and finding positions in education.
Reflecting on his role as a coach, Gasca recounted a moment from a coaches meeting when he encouraged an ex-player who had considered quitting. “I’m not accepting your resignation today,” Gasca told him, advising him to reconsider. The player stayed on the team and became the starting center, reinforcing Gasca’s belief that coaching transcends winning games.
Despite speculation about retirement last season, Gasca remained committed to his role, expressing a strong passion for teaching and coaching. He believed that engaging in sports could significantly impact lives. He often shared insights from his own background, noting, “My parents didn’t attend high school… When you play, you get a little taste of success and want to play harder.”
Gasca’s influence extended far beyond the football field, shaping the futures of countless students and athletes in the Venice community.
