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By way of introduction, Principal Delia Fant told of the unique team coaching approach of Head Coach Tony Barile and his wife, Alexis Barile (also a teacher at Summit High). “Mr. and Mrs. Barile are a part of our Summit family. The Bariles are family and they create a family with all of these boys. Their home is open. They feed them at Thanksgiving. They do all sorts of amazing things and the bonding is incredible. The character building that happens, the discipline that they develop, is proof that it is a very successful program.”

Coach Barile credits the team’s transformation for their 2011 CIF Eastern Division Championship win. “What I feel is really special about this group,” he said, “is that we had a mission after last season when we went to the CIF finals in only our fifth year of existence and, unfortunately, we lost to Elsinore. Later that year we saw them at a track meet with their CIF championship rings and they had on their rings that ‘team beats talent’ and we took it as a slap in the face because we felt we were a very talented team but they had said throughout the week that we may have been more talented but that they were a better team and more disciplined. So, we felt it was time to up our level of expectations because we always felt we played as a team but knew we needed to do more to win the CIF championship.“

“So, I went to work and I didn’t let them forget that ‘team beats talent’ and how important it was that we played together as a team and we talked about character every day and we talked about team and we talked about family and all the important things – the discipline that it’s going to take for them to be successful later on in life. And that’s the reason we won this year. This wasn’t the most talented football team we’ve ever had, this was the most selfless football team – the best football team we’ve ever had. These gentlemen didn’t care about their (individual) stats. They worried about our team and our overall family. They should be commended for coming together as a family and really bringing back the pride that Fontana feels as a City in their football team bringing that championship back to Fontana.”

Coach Barile gave a special shout-out to some of his players. “We have (so far) two young men who are committed to Division I scholarships: Donte Deayon and Jamaal Williams. Donte is going to Boise State and Jamal is going to BYU. Brandon Mosley already has a few offers and a number of other seniors who are being looked at and are talking to colleges. These young men have prepared themselves to go on to the next level and we are very proud of them. We have eight All-CIF players, including Co-MVPs on Offense, Bernard Porter and Jamaal Williams and MVP on Defense, Donte Deayon, and numerous All-Valley and All-League players. Those are just some of the individual awards but again this is the team that brought the CIF championship to Fontana.”

He also recognized his wife, Alexis Barile, for her contributions. “She really has put aside her aspirations as a basketball coach to help me out with the football program,” he said. “She really is the head coach and I just go out there and look pretty on the sidelines.”

Superintendent Cali Olsen-Binks congratulated Coach Barile and the football team for their achievement. “I know how hard you all have worked,” she said. “I know the dedication you have for the Summit SkyHawks and I also know that you are all very good role models and are leaders in your school. Bringing this win is an incredible thing but I thank you for what you are doing outside as well – the community service, the mentoring younger players, freshmen, the middle school students and just helping Ms. Fant out on campus.”

Photo #3 courtesy of the Fontana Herald News.