By Sammy Romero ’17
THE ROUNDUP

Mr. Robert Whittier, offensive line coach for the Brophy 2007 championship football team, returns to Brophy this year after three seasons at Phoenix Christian.

Mr. Whittier moved back from Houston, Texas in 2005 to coach for Brophy for five seasons and help win a championship in ’07 before going to Phoenix Christian.

“When we won the championship in ’07 here, we weren’t the best talented team but our team was close knit,” Mr. Whittier said.

Whittier said the work ethic of this year’s team is very similar to the championship team he coached in 2007. In many ways he compares the teams to one another by their effort.

“They remind me of the 2007 team,” Mr. Whittier said, “They play for one another and have the same work ethic.”

This will be his sixth season coaching with Brophy.

Even though he currently coaches offensive line, he used to coach special teams and defensive line. He said he likes coaching offensive line the most.

Jerod Johnson ’15 said he brings a comfortable feel and humor to the field.

Players say on and off the field he is a bit of a comedian. He can always bring his players’ spirits up with his funny comments and jokes.

The players said they see Mr. Whittier as a comedian but is an effective coach, passionate for football and very knowledgable.

“He focuses on technique more than other coaches,” said Jacob Collins ’16.

With the team on the field, he also hosts a fantasy football team. He said his first pick is Payton Manning with the New Orleans Saints defense.