While trying to lead his soccer team to victory, Coach West has been in a personal battle with cancer for nearly 12-years after being diagnosed with chronic lymphatic leukemia or C.L.L.
"If I can get up and make it to school that's a good day. I haven't had many bad days," said West.
Last year he developed a second form of leukemia and treatment for the C.L.L. stopped working. Just last week doctors began a new type of chemotherapy. "He told me if that doesn't work you have a month. I hope it works I want to be here through the semester for these guys."
West remains optimistic. It was nearly 10-years ago that he quit his job in construction and began teaching a computer and architecture design class at Washington Union.
Colleagues say he motivates and challenges students by bringing in professional architects from the community.
"Last year they did a habitat for humanity project. They made a floor plan for habitat for humanity," said Washington Union Principal Joey Campbell.
Until this year, the avid cyclist rode his bike to school for 11-miles a day and still keeps his best time on the board.
"He's just an inspiration," said Vice President of Washington Union Hank Gutierrez.
"He told us we taught him something this year. It doesn't matter win or losses it matters the person you become on the field and off the field," said soccer player Natalie Aquino.
"I was meant to be a teacher....they inspire me," said West.
