Building Bridges and Power Lines: The Dual Legacy of Coach Matt Bates

Matt Bates, also known as Coach Bates, has carved a unique path from the classroom and football fields of Arizona to the entrepreneurial landscape of California. His journey is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, honesty and community involvement.

Bates began his career as a high school Special Ed teacher and football coach at River Valley and Queen Creek High Schools in Arizona. Known for his engaging teaching style and no-nonsense attitude on the football field, he quickly became a beloved figure among students and athletes alike. His ability to inspire and motivate young minds was evident in both the classroom and on the gridiron, where he emphasized teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. But he truly shined when it came time to teach young men how to block, tackle, and motivate.

After spending several years at Mojave High School, Bates chose to pursue a new path. He first gained valuable experience at Southern California Edison before launching his own utility company in California. His motivation was to make a significant impact and meet the increasing energy demands of local communities. His company, Outsource Utility, specializes in electrical infrastructure construction and is a leader in the highly specialized field of energized power lines and equipment. With crews working across the western United States, Outsource Utility prides itself on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and, most importantly, safety.

Despite his business commitments, Bates remained deeply connected to his roots in football. For the past decade, he has been an integral part of the Palos Verdes Pop Warner and HS Football programs. The youth football league that has seen significant success during his involvement. He’s held many roles, including coach, player agent, field commissioner and league commissioner. Bates’s involvement with the high school program goes beyond coaching; he has been a quiet supporter, dedicating time and resources to ensure the program’s growth and success.

His special connection to the Palos Verdes program is evident in the relationships he has built with the players. Many of the athletes he coached as young players have gone on to achieve remarkable success, both on and off the field. Notably, 4-star quarterback Ryan Rakowski and defensive end Dabe Nwude are among the standout talents who have benefited from Bates’s support and mentorship. His influence has helped shape their athletic careers, instilling in them the values of hard work and resilience.

A particularly rewarding aspect of Bates’s involvement in the program has been the opportunity to coach and support his sons, Matthew, who will graduate in 2025, and Max, who will graduate in 2027. The highlight of this experience was watching his sons play for a team that went on to win the California State Championship, a moment that underscored the impact of his dedication to the sport and the community.

To this day, many of his former players can recite the Line 6 mantra that he taught while coaching them:

“We are the Mavericks
Together united and strong
Ready to fight our battles
Striving to be number one
We are the Mavericks a team and a family
And champions we’ll always be”

The recent success of the Palos Verdes football program can be attributed, in part, to Bates’s unwavering commitment and strategic insights. His ability to develop young talent and foster a sense of camaraderie among players has been instrumental in the program’s achievements. Under the guidance of HC Guy Gardner, the team has not only excelled on the field but has also cultivated a strong sense of community and sportsmanship.

Matt Bates remains a shining example of how passion and purpose can drive meaningful change and positively impact the lives of young men.