He was taking it hard after his team's 34-32 loss to San Fernando in the City Section Division II final when he received a text message the next day from a former player from his Roosevelt High days.

"Just wanted to say great season coach and what you did in the playoffs was amazing. Your boys turned into men in the playoffs and truly believed in the three stripes. Continue to develop these boys into men coach because like myself, it will help them become a better man, a better father, a better son.

"The three things that I still do and have passed on to others is . . .remember to laugh every day, cry every day and tell those people that you love that you love them. Once again, I'm so happy that you and your whole staff is coaching again. Next year I hope to attend your bonfire."

The former player is now a school police officer, and what put things into perspective for Casagran is that the former player lost his father six years ago when he was hit by a car and died a few days later.

"It meant a lot that he took the time to try to make me feel a little better,' Casagran said.

It's the success stories and resiliency of former players that make coaches want to coach.

Eric.sondheimer@latimes.com