Maranatha High School Welcomes Eddie Ficklin Jr. as New Varsity Football Head Coach

Maranatha High School proudly announced the hiring of Eddie Ficklin Jr. as the school’s new Head Coach for Varsity Football. Bringing a wealth of coaching experience, a passion for character development, and a faith-centered approach to leadership, Coach Ficklin joins the Minutemen program with a strong vision for building excellence both on and off the field. The Maranatha community warmly welcomes Coach Ficklin and his family to campus as they begin this exciting new chapter together. #WeAreMaranatha

Maranatha High School and Director of Athletics, Alicia Vessey, announced the addition of Coach Ficklin following an impressive 2023 season at Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School. Under his leadership, the program achieved a 9–3 overall record and a 5–1 finish in league play, earning a CIF playoff berth and advancing to the second round — a feat accomplished by only three head coaches in the school’s history.

“We are blessed to welcome Coach Ficklin to the Maranatha Football Program,” Vessey shared. “His passion, football expertise, and faith-driven character development of athletes will propel this program to new heights. We look forward to having him and his family as part of our community.”

With more than 12 years of experience in education and coaching, Coach Ficklin has mentored student-athletes across five states, earning a reputation for his relational leadership style and dedication to helping young athletes grow as both competitors and individuals. In his first season at Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary, his leadership helped produce seven All-League selections, while four student-athletes were chosen for the SGV All-Star Game. He also served as defensive coordinator for the SGV All-Star Game and was named head coach of the Casa Hernandez Memorial Bowl.

A man deeply grounded in faith, Coach Ficklin places a strong emphasis on accountability, discipline, and intentional mentorship. His favorite scripture, Psalm 147:4–5, reflects his belief that every student-athlete has purpose and value, a philosophy that continues to shape his coaching approach.

“I’m most excited for the opportunity to build relationships with our student-athletes and help them grow both on and off the field,” Ficklin shared. “With God’s guidance, we will work to build a program rooted in discipline, unity, and purpose while competing at a championship level. Maranatha’s mission aligns closely with my values, and I’m honored to lead this program.”

Coach Ficklin also shared a message with future players and the broader school community: “How you do anything is how you do everything.”

The Minutemen are set to open the 2026–27 season on August 21, 2026, against Dominguez High School at 7:00 p.m. on The Keith Family Field.

Maranatha High School, 169 S. St. John Avenue, Pasadena, (626) 817-4000 or visit www.maranathahighschool.org.