For 31 years, Refugio "Poonie" Estrada was a constant when the Cerritos College football season started. One of the most dedicated and loved employee to ever be part of the Cerritos College family, Estrada passed away due to cancer on January 28, 2021. When the Falcons step on the field Saturday night against Pasadena City College for their 6:00 p.m. season opener, it will be the first time in three decades that Estrada will not be there to issue uniforms, fix equipment or fill the room with his laugh.
Head coach Dean Grosfeld, who was a quarterback during Estrada's first two seasons, stated that the team will be dedicating the season to their beloved equipment manager.
"It hasn't been the same since we lost Poonie," said Grosfeld, who spent 1994-2017 as an assistant coach before taking over as the head coach. "We know he's there cheering for us and we're dedicating this season in his memory and his honor."
In addition to a poster of Estrada permanently affixed to the wall in the Field House next to his equipment cage, every player will have a "P' decal on the back of their helmet.
As welcoming and giving as he was, Poonie only demanded one thing during his time as the equipment manager... do not disrespect the Field House. Although it was the first building to be erected when the campus began in 1955, Poonie spent years keeping it in pristine condition. He worked diligently on keeping the football, baseball and track uniforms in the best condition possible. The college used to send out their uniforms to be sewed when they ripped. Knowing it cost the school money they couldn't spare, he learned how to sew and fixed them himself. It went unnoticed, but Poonie was able to get any kind of grass or dirt stain out of a uniform, which helped maintain the longevity and saved the college even more money. Need a belt? Poonie knew where it was. Need stirrups? Poonie knew where it was. Needed a place to get away and talk? Go see Poonie.
Estrada was also a member of the Falcons cross country and track and field team from 1984-85 and was named the team's Most Inspirational Player and Most Improved Player.