San Marcos High School is proud to announce the promotion of Jesus “Romo” Romero to Head Coach of the Royals wrestling program.
A former assistant coach of both boys’ football and wrestling, and a decorated Dos Pueblos athlete, Romero brings with him a powerful story of transformation, resilience, and vision that is already inspiring a new generation of San Marcos wrestlers.
Romero’s wrestling journey began humbly as a freshman with no experience and no wins. By the end of his senior year, he had transformed himself into a CIF Champion and State qualifier, earning accolades like Team MVP, Most Outstanding Wrestler, and News Press Athlete of the Week.
His career was a testament to perseverance, marked by brutal training sessions, a season-altering rivalry, and even a broken nose that he trained through—culminating in a triumphant 2003 CIF title at 189 lbs.
Romero’s talent runs in the family. His younger brother, Julio Romero, was also a DP wrestler who placed 3rd in CIF in 2008.
“This sport changed my life,” said Romero. “It taught me the power of resilience, integrity, and work ethic. I was happy to share that with my brother, and now I get to pass that on to the younger generation.”
Romero has coached wrestling for eight years across both youth and high school levels. He has previously served as the San Marcos Varsity defensive line coach in boys football, joining in 2022, before focusing solely on wrestling in 2024.
This marks his first role as a head coach.
“I have always been impressed with Coach Romo and am excited to see him continue the great work Coach Flores has done with the program,” saidcAaron Solis, San Marcos High School’s Athletic Director.
Romero has wasted no time setting a clear and ambitious direction for the program.
“Our short-term goal is to build a culture driven by humility, leadership, and a championship mindset,” said Romero. “Long term, we want to build a legacy—a program that athletes are proud to be a part of, one where their names and achievements live on long after they graduate.”
At the core of Romero’s coaching philosophy is the development of “championship-minded student-athletes.”
His program emphasizes six core values: Discipline, Resilience, Work Ethic, Integrity, Empowerment, and Team Unity.
“We’re not just training wrestlers. We’re shaping people worth rooting for,” Romero said. “Success this season isn’t just about winning, it’s about laying out a foundation of values that will define this program for years to come.”
The Royals will also field one of their largest girls’ teams to date this season, with five female wrestlers already signed on—an exciting increase from just one girl, three years ago. Romero is committed to growing the girls’ program further.
The 2025–26 season will be supported by a strong staff of experienced coaches, including returning coach Tommy Schaffer, newcomers Eric Egolf and Wesley Peery, and program advisor Kit Cooper, who Romero thanks and credits as the team’s “Chief of Operations.”
Romero also expressed gratitude to outgoing head coach Eric Flores for his mentorship and leadership.
Although Romero once competed against the Royals as a Dos Pueblos Charger, he says the transition into San Marcos royalty has been easy.
“The staff and athletes welcomed me from day one. Now, I wear the Royal colors with pride.”
With a committed coaching staff, growing program, and clear vision for the future, Romero’s tenure promises to be a transformative era for San Marcos wrestling.