Santa Barbara High Boys Soccer Champions of ’70s Reunite With Coach Lito Garcia
Noozhawk
September 28, 2026
There's something special about a winning tradition that starts with a student's big idea. Back in 1973, Alfonso Guzman got the Dons' soccer program rolling at Santa Barbara High, and just two years later the team brought home its first CIF-Southern Section title — then did it again, and again, three-peating as champions.
Recently, several of those pioneering players from the '70s got together at the home of their coach, Lito Garcia, to swap stories and celebrate the roots of a legacy that still echoes through local prep soccer. Noozhawk has the story, and it's a sweet reminder that the bonds built on a high school field can last a lifetime.
For those of us who grew up around Peabody Stadium or cheered on the Dons, this one hits close to home. Here's to Coach Garcia and the players who set the standard — thanks for giving Santa Barbara a tradition worth passing down.
This summary was written by AI based on the original article from Noozhawk.
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NoozhawkPublished
September 28, 2026
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