Lathrop isn’t ready to make any sweeping changes to its football program coming off an historic run under coach Ryan Teicheira.
The decision makers did not need to look far to find his successor.
Last Friday, Justin Muschott was introduced as the fifth head coach in the school’s 17-year history. He joined the Spartans family in 2021 when Teicheira took the reins. Muschott served as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach for the varsity team the past three seasons. Teicheira stepped down to pursue another opportunity that could bring him closer to his family.
“The hiring committee was unanimous in the decision to hire Justin,” Lathrop Athletic Director Chuck Selna said. “When we announced him as our new head coach at lunch on Friday, he got a standing ovation. It’s an exciting time for us.
“I think the intensity he brings each day suits our kids well. His expectations are high for himself and our program, and I think he’s ready to take us to the next level.”
Muschott believes much of the heavy lifting has already been done.
Lathrop went 40-16 during Teicheira’s five-year reign which included back-to-back Western Athletic Conference outright championships and advanced to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division V semifinals in 2024 and 2025. The Spartans previously had one postseason appearance (2015) and was ousted in the first round.
With Muschott as his right-hand man, Teicheira spearheaded a change in culture and perception.
“Going back to the start in 2021, from the outside looking in, it seemed like it was a big project to undertake,” Muschott said. “It was honestly easier than expected, because the support we’ve had from the administration to the student body has been outstanding.
“The kids bought in, and in the last couple years we reached higher and higher whether it was for more wins or the respect we’re getting in the area. We want to continue to build on that. We have larger goals and raised expectations every year, and it’s no different with me taking over.”
While Teicheira fostered toughness in the trenches when introducing the Wing-T offense, Muschott helped do the same for a swarming defense anchored by big-bodied scrappers up front and ball hawks on the back end.
“I think the Wing-T is going to be a staple at Lathrop High,” Muschott said. “There will be variations and adjustments. Obviously, we’re going to cater things to the kids we have and their abilities and put them in positions to be successful.”
Muschott said he won’t be the only coach returning from the previous regime, though he is still in the process of building the staff.
“A lot of guys are interested in coming back, which is going to be big for continuity,” Muschott said. “Our program has done a lot of good things in the lower levels and we want to continue that. There’s obviously a lot to be discussed, and I’m looking to grow the coaching staff even more, but it’s a great start if I can get those guys back.”
The 1999 Manteca High graduate has been coaching since he was in high school, starting with the Delta Rebels and Manteca Cowboys youth programs. Soon after graduating from MHS, he began a 14-year run as a coach for the Manteca Jaguars. He began coaching in the high school ranks in the meantime, joining the Sierra boys basketball and football staffs in 2008 and 2009.
Muschott took multiple breaks since with the births of his sons, and he didn’t hesitate when Teicheira asked him to join his staff at Lathrop. He never anticipated getting promoted to head coach, however.
“I wouldn’t say I had aspirations to be a head coach,” Muschott said. “I’m perfectly fine just being part of something special, whether I’m in charge or not. Football is my passion — it’s what I love. I figured I owed it to the school, the community and the kids to give it a go.
“I have an appreciation and respect for the trust that the administration, Chuck and Dr. (Melissa) Beattie, have in me. I’m looking to help keep Lathrop on the map.”
