If you have ever taken the STEM 7 Class at the middle school, the name, David Garcia, is one that many students will remember. While Garcia was a prolific teacher, he is also one of the two coaches for the Warren Hills Bowling Team.

A lifelong athlete, Garcia played for the bowling team, as well as the soccer team,  at West Milford High School for all four years, from 1989 to 1992. 

During those years, Garcia achieved some notable accomplishments. 

“In my senior year, our team won the conference championship and I was awarded MVP,”  he said.  “I have also been on teams that have won league championships as well.”

Garcia said he knew that bowling and soccer  were the sports he most wanted to do. So, of course that means that he had to have played in college, right? No.

“I did not play either sport in college at James Madison University,” he said, “but I was always involved in bowling leagues.”

Garcia studied Business at James Madison, graduating in 1996 with a BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) with a concentration in Marketing.  It was not until he became a teacher at Warren Hills Middle School in September of 2007 that he was able to combine his education with his enthusiasm for sports. 

“Coaching at Warren Hills has been amazing,” he said.  “It has been great to both teach and coach athletes at the school.  I have been fortunate  to coach teams and individuals that have been very successful.” 

With the 2021-2022 Bowling Season underway, Garcia said his focus will be on cultivating the two young teams.

“I always approach every season with the goal of helping bowlers improve and having fun,” he said.  “We have two young teams this year with tons of potential and I look forward to seeing how they do out on the lanes.”

Garcia said he has many great memories of his time coaching, but one in particular stands out.

“Being on the staff when the girls won the State Championship in 2018 was special,” he said.  “They had an unprecedented run that included an undefeated season in both conference and tournament play and finished it off with the Group III Championship.”

Garcia had some words of wisdom for athletes.

“My advice would be to pursue the sports that bring you joy,” he said.  “With dedication and hard work, sports can be rewarding in countless ways.”