Coach Mike Alberghini celebrates his 200th win with Grant High School Pacers on Oct. 23, 2009. Photo courtesy Twin Rivers Unified School District 

MCCLELLAN, CA (MPG) - Twin Rivers Unified mourns the loss of Mike Alberghini, a dear friend, mentor and beloved football coach whose influence touched countless lives, especially at Grant Union High School where he led the varsity football team for 31 years.

His teams are considered among the best in Sacramento prep football history.

Coach Alberghini dedicated 53 years to the district as a teacher and coach before retiring.

“Coach Al had a unique ability to connect with students, see their potential and inspire them to achieve their very best, not just on the football field but also in the classroom and in our community,” said Twin Rivers Superintendent Dr. Steve Martinez. “He was a mentor, a role model and a true champion for our kids. He will be profoundly missed but his legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.”

Those who knew Coach Alberghini never defined him solely by his role on the sidelines. He was the heart of the Pacers, demonstrating what it means to give everything - his heart and soul - to students and the Del Paso Heights community.

“High school football and Friday Night Lights has lost an icon in the passing of Coach Alberghini,” said Darris Hinson, Grant Union High School principal. “The entire Pacer4Life community mourns his passing and we send our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Said Christine Jefferson, Twin Rivers school board member, Area 3, “I have so many wonderful memories of Coach Al. I used to work as an audio-visual materials technician at Grant and Coach Al would bring me game highlight tapes and I would help him put them together for the players headed for college. He cared so much for our students. Back in the day, when they had Saturday practices, Coach Al would pick up kids and make sure they got home safely. He was one in a million and I will miss his caring spirit.”

Twin Rivers Unified will forever remember Coach Al’s passion, dedication, love for the game, his family and the community.