Legendary El Camino football coach John Featherstone plans to ride into the Manhattan Beach sunset after 31 years with the football program. He will retire with an overall record of 214-119-1.

El Camino has enjoyed much success under Featherstone including one national championship, two state championships, two additional championship game appearances, 11 conference titles, five consecutive Southern California playoff appearances, 19 bowl games and 21 finishes nationally ranked by the highly respected JC-Gridwire, according to the EC website.

The eight-time California State Coach of The Year will retire with the highest winning percentage of any active coach in the Southern Section of California. Featherstone has helped place more than 600 former student athletes into major college programs.

“We’ve always had a strong family atmosphere at El Camino,” Featherstone said. “I treat all my former players like my sons. It has been a wonderful ride.”

Former EC star wide receiver Russell Shaw II, who played under Featherstone in 1994 and 1995, credits the coach for helping him get to the next level.

“He wasn’t just a football coach, he was mentor,” Shaw said. “He taught you about life skills and helped kids get a second chance. He helped me get my scholarship to the University of Michigan.”

Feathestone’s enthusiasm and passion mirrored the football culture he created. He inspired athletes to “get after it in the weight room and on the field” as he laid the foundation for a winning program, former EC linebacker Juan Jimenez said.

“Without coach Feather’s support, I would not have earned JC Gridwire All-American honors and a scholarship to the University of California, Berkeley,” Jimenez said. “He genuinely cares for the well being of his players. It’s because of men like Feather that players like me were able to leave the inner-city community and graduate from one of the most prestigious universities in the world.”

As Featherstone plans to retire from coaching, he and his wife will take six months off and “see the world.” However, the coach wants to be at El Camino when the new Murdock Stadium opens next season and hinted at a possible return to the football program in some capacity.

“My wife and I are going to travel after the season and then I’ll make my mind up in March or April,” Featherstone said. “I want to be back and christen the new stadium. I’m really looking forward to that.”

While Featherstone steps into the next chapter of his life, former players are grateful they had a chance to play for an incredible leader.

“Playing football for coach Featherstone was truly a rewarding experience,” Jimenez said. “I’d like to thank him for being a remarkable teacher, mentor and coach,”