Kirk Sundberg left a program in the Rocky Mountains where he won five state titles in his eight years to coach a team in the desert that went 3-7 last season. The reason: A favor for a friend.

"I wasn’t looking for an opportunity,” said Sundberg, who left Valor Christian in Colorado to become Valley Christian’s sixth coach. "I really wasn’t interested but as a favor to a friend I filled out an application. Once I got further into the process, I had an interview and they actually flew my wife and I out for the second interview. What got me engaged was the community of folks here. They are generous, care and are really good people.”

Even though he left Valor Christian, Sundberg only had favorable things to say.

“Valor was a great place. I feel very fortunate to work with some incredible people. It is a great school. The leadership and direction they have for the school plus the community made it a great place to be a part of.”

Defensive coordinator Jake Peterson is excited to have Sundberg aboard.

“There’s a feeling of excitement when somebody can bring some new things in especially when you see the background he has in coaching a program like Valor and the success that they have,” Peterson said.

Peterson can feel the difference in the effort he wants out of each coach.

“Overall, just higher expectations. Coach is putting in more time because we are looking to change a lot of the culture that we have had in the past and if you want to get things done the right way, you have to put in more work when the talent and size is not available.”

Sundberg made an immediate impact on his players. Valley Christian is 2-1.

“When we first heard he was going to be the coach I did not know much about him,” said running back, quarterback and cornerback Vincent La Gatta. “When he first came in he was great. He talked immediately about love and tenacity. We have that on the back of both of our shirts.”

Sundberg has his players support.

“He’s a great coach no doubt. We have his back at all times. He has really tried to make us better people before footballer players. He does everything for us. It has been a great year so far and hopefully it continues.”

Sundberg knows coaching is a “learning process. I am nowhere near good at it at this point. That is a fun challenge to push myself and take risks.”