FOOTBALL: Howard wearing two hats
Muir coach seeks results off field, too
Above: Muir head coach Ken Howard during the Mustangs' 50-28 victory over Arcadia on Oct. 26.
By Scott Galetti Staff Writer
PASADENA - Muir High school football coach Ken Howard is in an unusual situation.
Howard is busy preparing his team for this week's annual Turkey Tussle contest against Pasadena with the Pacific League championship on the line.
In addition to his coaching duties, Howard is a full-time security guard at the school.
And while dealing with the daily struggles, the Mustangs coach has one goal - to secure the future for his players.
To achieve his objective, Howard has become a personality manager first and coach second.
"I'd say 75 percent of my job is managing attitudes and 25 percent is coaching," Howard said. "I'm on the campus every day with the football players and the rest of the students. It's just not about the football players, it's about the students in general, but it just so happens that I'm the head football coach, so I'm going to be a little tougher on these guys."
Howard, in his 10th year at Muir, has been a member of the coaching staff since his second year at the school. This is his third season as head coach.
Howard's primary function at the school, however, is as a full-time security guard through ROP in the school's computer lab.
On the field, one of Howard's challenges was to get his coaching staff to buy into what he was trying to do.
"It's kind of expected that the kids are going to whine and moan and tell you what they can't do and don't feel like doing," Howard said. "I think the biggest challenge is selling your beliefs to the coaches."
Howard's most important sales pitch to his players has been to put grades before football.
"He's been a big influence and is like a second father to me," Muir running back Willie Youngblood said. "He takes care of us at school and always tells us to be at class on time.
"As my dad made me a man, (Howard) has made me a better man, too."
Added Mustangs wide receiver Ahmere Owens: "He gives us uniforms and the pride stickers on our helmets. Everything that we ask for, we can get it from him."
After some trials and tribulations, the coach has succeeded. According to Howard, 12 players were academically ineligible for the playoffs in 2006.
He and his staff have done grade checks every week and the Mustangs coach doesn't expect a problem this time around.
"My first couple of years were pretty tough because I inherited a team who knew that I was on staff, but I wasn't a head coach," Howard said. "Now, it's at a point where the kids know that it's no joke that (grades) have to come first.
"We did a grade check (recently) and we're right on top of it. We have the guys that have usually been low in their GPAs to where they're at 2.3 and 2.8 and eligible for the playoffs."
Howard's goal is to have a 100 percent success rate, and he is impressed with the way things have taken a turn for the better.
"I think it's been a big turnaround, and we've gotten the kids to believe in themselves," Howard said. "A lot of kids that don't believe in themselves won't go to classes, but I think this year's football team, because of some of the junior varsity guys that came up with these grades already, are believing in what we're telling them right now."
Howard stressed his goal is to improve his players' grades and not simply let them get by.
"We're not asking anyone to change grades, we just want to support them in the classroom by simply asking the teachers to let us know ahead of time so we can get on these kids and have them do the right thing," Howard said. "I have a zero tolerance when it comes to breaking rules where it's going to benefit you, and all of my students know that."
In addition to tackling the grade issue, Howard openly accepts the challenge of bringing in someone who can be described as a problem in the community and turning his life around.
"Those are the kind of kids that are in our community causing havoc and stuff and have nothing else to do," Howard said. "These are the type of kids we're looking for because the kids aren't bad. Kids are going to do what you allow them to do.
"If you want to play football for John Muir, you're going to have to cut away from some of the stuff and some of your friends. And if you're willing to do that, than I'm willing to take you on the team."
Howard's open-door policy comes with some strict rules, but he believes it's worth the effort to reach out to the kids.
"I can change a gang banger into a football player, but I won't tolerate a football player trying to be a gang banger," Howard said. "I believe if the school district allowed that kid to come to your school, obviously someone wants to give him a second chance, and if I can be a part of helping a kid turn his life around, I'm more than willing to help that kid. At the same time, that kid has got to want to help himself."
Football is one of the biggest tools Howard uses in helping out his players.
"We use the football team as mentors and the kids as community leaders and when we get these kinds of kids in, we let them know that there is a better life and a better way of doing things," Howard said.
Added Youngblood: "Many people could just walk away, but he sits there and sticks with us even though we've been through a lot."
It's clear that Howard wouldn't do things any other way.
"I've been calling my position a blessing because it's just a joy to see that you can help a young man or young lady turn their lives around and I'm not the type that's going to give up on a kid," Howard said. "I've been in Pasadena all my life and I watched it go up and watched it go down and the state we're in right now, it's all about our youth leaders. We have to get them back into believing that they are going to be the ones leading this community, so it really keeps me going."
37 Comments
Leave a comment
About this blog
 |
|
Melendez worked as a correspondent for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune for three years and later landed a job as a freelance writer at the Los Angeles Times before accepting an offer at The Orange County Register covering high schools. Melendez covered Major League Soccer at The Register for three years before being promoted to report on the Lakers, Angels and Dodgers for the Web. Melendez also worked for the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Fresno Bee, Oakland Tribune and The Boston Globe. E-mail opinions, suggestions and tips to miguel.melendez@sgvn.com. |
I would like to start my own blog one day. This was a really nice blog that you made here. Keep up the success :P
You make blogging look like a walk in the park! I've been trying to blog daily but I just cant find writing material.. you're an inspiration to me and i'm sure many others!
This type of advertising is also very flexible and can have a variety of elements that are used can promote your business in a variety of options included.
High quality info here! Keep up the great work. I love the feelings being expressed.
Syfy detest it or not it is often a a quality typeface remedy.. the NYPL logo is wonderful, and I dig the the new pfizer mark. AOL is left to become seen as to if it could be the very best mark. I think one particular or two in the worst marks with the yr have been notnearly that unhealthy. I d isagree with Kraft I kinda dig that and msn.
Love the blog here. Nice colors. I am definitely staying tuned to this one. Hope to see more.
I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it's rare to see a nice blog like this one these days.. :)
I would like to start my own blog one day. This was a really nice blog that you made here. Keep up the success :P
I agree with your thoughts here and I really love your blog! I've bookmarked it so that I can come back & read more in the future.
Nice!! Great Ifo. Great People. Great Blog. Thank you for all the great sharing that is being done here.
Way to focus and straight to your point, i love it. Keep up the work people. Dont let anyone stop us bloggers.
High quality info here! Keep up the great work. I love the feelings being expressed.
Way to focus and straight to your point, i love it. Keep up the work people. Dont let anyone stop us bloggers.
This is good info! Where else can if ind out more?? Who runs this joint too? Keep up the good work :)
Great wordpress blog here.. It's hard to find quality writing like yours these days. I really appreciate people like you! take care and see you soon
Interesting thoughts here. I appreciate you taking the time to share them with us all. It's people like you that make my day :)
I keep listening to the news speak about getting free online grant applications so I have been looking around for the best read to get one.:)
Indie rock artists They Might Be Giants ( Bed Bed Bed ), fresh off a 2009 Christian Louboutin shoes win for their children’s recording Here Come the 123s , hop back into the kids’ arena with an original song-cum-picture book designed to inspire kids to get moving. Called to action by the words “Hey, kid!” a tired-looking boy and girl are encouraged to stand up, get up off the christian louboutin shoes, “[j]ump up off the floor and go/ Get up off your chair and go! go! go!” Soon they’re moving like a monkey, jumping like a jack-in-the-box, and getting a high-energy groove on (there’s even a dance break). With just a hint of retro style about them, Campion’s thick and loose black ink lines provide a sense of fluidity in riotous Christian Louboutin Shoes that use a limited but appealing palette of green, gray, and peach, splashed over lots of white space.
Looks more like a facelift update rather than a total redesign.I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT! this is what they should have done before
Excellent job.
I played for coach Howard for four years. And every year not only has the team improved, but so has he. The First year when he was named Head Coach was the best for me. He set high goals and standards for us and we manage to reach them. He was there even when our own crowed was against us. Thanx Howard.
I have had the opportunity to play for Coach Howard since I was 8 years old I also have known him my entire life it is a blessing to see how he has changed things for the better, within himself and other people in his atmosphere. I remember playing ball from the Panther days up until my last Muir game he never handed me anything I always had to fight for it, he has instilled so much character in me in which has made me a Man a good husband and good father….it sucks that I now live in Arizona and unable to keep up with the “Stangs” like I want to but hey how many people can say that there Father makes a difference in the community such as my DAD… Good Luck @ the Tussle Pop which me and the kids could be there….
Scott G,
The article on Coach Howard was nice. There are so many negative influences surrounding so many of our student athletes. Coach Howard's effort to help so many young men is commendable. It is refreshing to see young men respect and respond favorably to an adult that has their best interest at heart. It appears that the Mustang football team is in good hands. With that said u should interview Coach Mills at PHS. No Stang nation I'm not losing my mind. I gotta keep it 100 though. Coach Mills is doing a great job. Winning football games is part of the equation when preparing young men for life. I know Coach Mills, education is the #1 priority. K. Mills has been coaching high school football for 5 years and there has never been one player ineligible. Moreover, all of his seniors graduate. A few of his former players are presently playing college football. Of course Coach Mills would love to go undefeated and win CIF. Most people see what is in front of them. However, Coach Mills is looking at the big picture. I see Coach Mills working, he is building a program. Our young men have to be well rounded. Most of the players he coach will not play football after high school. However, if Coach Mills can provide these young men with the skills and tools necessary to be productive citizens, then he is successful. If he wins a few Pacific League titles and CIF championships along the way thats gravy. So all u haters recognize the real. Coach Mills is the man to help those young men at PHS take there life to the next level with or without a football in their hands. Coach Mills, keep doing ur thang, u deserve the best.
Coach Howard is a great coach and an even better man off the field...I coach at Muir (assistant for girls varsity basketball) and he is always there talkin to our coaches and players preparing them and getting us ready for the upcoming season, and he is always there to support us as well...I went to Muir and "Howard" was there and has never changed except for the better...I thank you for everything coach!
Coach Howard is a wonderful coach and a wonderful person. He coached me in my high school days and all the things he told me and other seniors will always stick in our minds forever. When I even had my near fatal car accident last year, he came and visited me in the hospital, it made me feel good that he was my coach. Keep up the good work Coach Howard. See you at the Tussle.
This is what I have been saying all along from Nov. 2006 to the present regarding the psychology of coaching HS football is 75% mental by dealing with different personalities and 25% coaching the game...finally someone like Coach Howard was recognized from one of my previous post from early in the season.
Congrats Coach Howard and lets have a FUN Tussle.
ATOMIC DAWWG
Coach Howard is a beautiful man who knows how to communicate with his players and they respond positively to him because they trust him. I'm so proud of him but I'm not surprised, he's been doing this for a long time. He coached one of my sons who is now a father of two boys himself. Thank you coach for being who you are.
It's about time they made you head coach .I'm proud of you , I love you and I appreciate what your doing for my little bro Dion Holloway .
I played for coach Howard all four years at Muir. I also played for him in Jr. All American. He has been active in our community my entire life. I have alot of respect for him and I love the sucess he's having. His record is 32-10. This will be his second pacific title in three years.
Why, what's wrong with Mills?
Congrats Coach Howard, you are doing a great job with our young men.
Mr. Roggenstein, even after just one year as our principal I can see that you still have that "Stang" running all through your veins. We hope to see you out at the Tussle this Thursday. I'm telling you guys, once you get just a taste of that Stang culture it is HARD to let go.
Coach Howard is doing a great job of winning football games, and an even better job of winning with students. Every Muir student knows that Coach is the one to go to, or the one who will find you, and the one who will stick with you. Coach Howard has a real gift getting students to listen and learn.
PHS Alumni are PROUD of Coach Howard. "Thank-you" for doing a great job in getting our young people to do better and showing them that someone DOES care.
With all the criticisms about PHS and the "coach" you are a BRIGHT light from the "RED & WHITE"
Nice article on Coach Howard. Appears to be quite a contrast to the PHS coach.I doubt he would ever give an interview like what Coach Mills did to this newspaper.
Coach Howard is a gifted man who genuinely cares about the community, Muir High and students. He is a natural leader and a true difference maker who inspires others to do better and be better! His wife Deanna is the strong woman behind the man who likewise goes the extra mile for Muir High and the students at the school.
coach howard is a straight up guy, who i highly respect ! keep up the good work and stay being a decent person and you will go a long way. good luck !
Very impressive. Every community can use a Coach Howard.