Did Temple City High do the right thing in firing Backus?

Nervo

Your comments on the AD make sense, but one would think his nearness to the BS would afford him some first hand knowledge.
If his comments were indeed off base, then as I have stated many times, it is he who should stand before the emperors axe next.

I also believe the overlying reason for closing out the Backus era - goes to fears of future liability for the high school and TCUSD.

Where this road ends is scary.

The Cupboard Ain't Full, FB Einstein,

We have something like 5 returning starters and 13 returning lettermen.
Just for comparison sakes, Paraclete had 9 of 11 offensive STARTERS returning last year. Just offense.

In others words TC graduated pretty much all the skill positions except one RB. I went over this in detail in another post.

You are correct on the HC job being no glory post. Area candidates know this, as TC has long been ID'd as a dwindling talent pool. Barring another novel from me, the bottom line is - WE NEED A NEW COACH, THE RIGHT COACH, ASAP. For team building, for whatever needs doing - we cannot get a new hire on board in May or June and expect success. In truth, we may not even be able to expect success at all. The powers that be - had a strict tunnel vision duty and question - Backus or no Backus?

The aftermath and road kill of their actions is now WHAT WE AS TC SUPPORTERS should hold them accountable for. After all, Backus' removal and the hiring of a replacement should all be for the benefit of the kids, yes? Will it be?

also, as much as Van de veere would like to think he is almighty and powerful, he had no say in the decision whatsoever. He was no idea why Backus was fired because it was a decision made by the school board that was passed on to Backus. I can guarantee you that the situation was exactly why Backus got the boot and that van de veere has no clue what he is talking about, but continue to flap his mouth. This is what has exacerbated the situation; the only person who has been willing to speak about the situation isn't even involved, yet continues to make speculative claims that have no basis other than that is what he thinks. If anybody here is willing to believe that the school wanted to "head in a new direction" and that Backus' actions had no effect whatsoever on the decision, then continue to believe all the other BS van de veere spews, but for everybody else here who uses their brain, vandeveere is clueless and made the situation worse.

speaking as a parent,

I shall elaborate. Backus did not choke the student. I actually am partially responsible for leaving that interpretation available. He placed his hands on the student's collarbone with his fingers over the students shoulder. It was not to choke the student, but it was a very threatening gesture where he could have choked the student. When I said the district lucked out, it is because it was lucky to have had a person close to the district be involved who would not sue the district. The student in question has indeed gotten into his share of trouble, and the fact that his parents realize both this and the fact that it wouldn't benefit anybody to sue the district (they might get some money, but then would likely have to quit their job because of it)made it lucky for the district in that no legal actions were taken. Were it a parent like you (and most others for that matter), obviously the district would have had a suit filed and Backus would've had criminal charges filed (not meant to offend you, but rather point out how the district lucked out). So while this was a bad situation, it could have been MUCH worse for both Backus and the district.

Nervo,
Plain an simple, Backus put his hands around the throat of a student.
That student did happen to be the son of the superintendent's secretary, and that stroke of luck likely saved the district and Backus a lawsuit. He could have been charged with a civil suit for assault and battery, which he likely would have lost. Not to mention the possible insurance implications of having these charges filed in a student/teacher situation. As much as I love Backus and as much as I truly believe he is a great guy, there is no way the Administration/Board could keep somebody who had already assaulted a student on staff for the reason that he did a good job this season. Backus unfortunately has a bad temper and it would be a liability to let him continue his post after this situation.
Your statement is rather hard to believe as well as digest. You seem to have a fair knowledge of TC football as a player and as an observer as well as many individuals on this blog who have commented on the Backus situation. But let me get this straight, you are basically stating that Backus choked out a student and because that student is the son of the school superintendent’s secretary, the district lucked out? Obliviously you are not a father and would have no idea how to handle a situation like this but speaking as a father if a coach wrapped his hands around my son’s throat, believe me young man, every news van in so. cal would have been at TCHS that day because someone would have gotten a major beat down. It’s a very scary thing to think that the powers in charge are willing to allow a man who “put his hands around the throat of a student” to continue to be a walking time bomb as a teacher at the school but their greatest concerns according to their AD and I quote him are,
"We want to go on a different direction," Van De Veere said. "We just felt that some things the past two seasons were not exactly what we wanted, both on and off the field.
"It was kind of one of those things where we're asking ourselves if this is the type of person we want leading our football program."
So let’s put this issue to rest once and for all by calling it exactly what it was, what it is and what it has always been, plain and simply A WITCH HUNT.

formerram et. all,

One final note for all the people who keep bringing up Mooney's departure from TC. Mooney wasn't pushed away by the district. I was told that he never even applied for the VP job, which is very disappointing to me because he was a great coach and administrator. So stop crying foul and claiming TCHS didn't want him because a)you are making ridiculous claims and
b)you can't convincing anybody who knows even a slight amount about TCHS that Mooney (one of the 50 most distinguished alumni along with his brother) is not wanted in TC.

Also, have spoken with some JV coaches and I don't believe they will leave. As loyal as they may be to Backus, they had no hand it the way things panned out, and they would not likely leave to coach at another school (all the ones who would have are already at San Marino). Also, Coach Lopez is a Soccer coach and Coach Camerano is a Baseball coach, so they have more tied into this than just football.

I played for Backus and I agree with everybody here: he is a really nice guy and a good football coach. However, everybody needs to think about what happened and weigh it as if they were the TCHS Admin/Board. Backus has been previously disciplined for foul language multiple times to no avail. When I played for Backus, I understood that sometimes his medium for expressing himself was profanity, but other people on the team were not so understanding and complained. While Backus tried to cut back, he still continued and let himself become a bad influence (language-wise) over us. The Admin/Board aren't doing what they do for sports dominance or acclaim, but to try to get everyone to grow up into better people.

Now seeing how the language factor has already been discussed I will move to the more pressing matter.

Plain an simple, Backus put his hands around the throat of a student.

That student did happen to be the son of the superintendent's secretary, and that stroke of luck likely saved the district and Backus a lawsuit. He could have been charged with a civil suit for assault and battery, which he likely would have lost. Not to mention the possible insurance implications of having these charges filed in a student/teacher situation. As much as I love Backus and as much as I truly believe he is a great guy, there is no way the Administration/Board could keep somebody who had already assaulted a student on staff for the reason that he did a good job this season. Backus unfortunately has a bad temper and it would be a liability to let him continue his post after this situation.

And thus begins, Temple City becomes the next Ganesha as the curse falleth upon!

Someone who knows said:
Of course that kid is still well respected, **he is the son of the Superintendent's secretary.**

That is the dirty secret.
January 15, 2009 6:30 AM

No JF Matador, I'd CHONK him up...splat

JFMatador said:

Wow if I where a football player/student and I liked the coach **I'd beat him up** lol
January 15, 2009 1:35 AM

I don’t disagree with most of what you guys have to say in regards to Backus’s language and demeanor as a coach. Most of what kids learn today they get from music, TV, and movies. What we have to realize is that we live in different times and some of the actions that Backus displayed as a coach do not meet today’s expectations. I support Randy Backus and I think he is a hell of a coach and even better person, but there does come a time in all of our lives that we have to make changes in order to keep up with the times. A simple adjustment by Backus could have meant a different outcome. It is my understanding that he and previous coaches at TC had been warned about this issue many times. I’m not sure the administration is worried about wins and loses as they are educating and raising good young men and women. My guess would be TC will bring in someone who understands this.

Whoever inherits this program will be happy to know that he has a great crop of kids coming in next year. Starting with the linemen, O’Malley, Sutton, Smith, Lumary and Fei. The biggest will be getting Max Ruckle back at RB. Not to mention, the 2 lower-level kids that where playing in the playoffs and made HUGE contributions on special teams. As for the QB position they have a couple of kids that showed a lot of potential last year. The biggest question mark will be the return of Dusty Sanderson and whether or not he decides to play football. He was by-far the biggest loss of talent that team faced last year. If Sanderson comes back, lookout! With both he and Ruckle in the backfield they could be dangerous.

I don’t disagree with most of what you guys have to say in regards to Backus’s language and demeanor as a coach. Most of what kids learn today they get from music, TV, and movies. What we have to realize is that we live in different times and some of the actions that Backus displayed as a coach do not meet today’s expectations. I support Randy Backus and I think he is a hell of a coach and even better person, but there does come a time in all of our lives that we have to make changes in order to keep up with the times. A simple adjustment by Backus could have meant a different outcome. It is my understanding that he and previous coaches at TC had been warned about this issue many times. I’m not sure the administration is worried about wins and loses as they are educating and raising good young men and women. My guess would be TC will bring in someone who understands this.

Whoever inherits this program will be happy to know that he has a great crop of kids coming in next year. Starting with the linemen, O’Malley, Sutton, Smith, Lumary and Fei. The biggest will be getting Max Ruckle back at RB. Not to mention, the 2 lower-level kids that where playing in the playoffs and made HUGE contributions on special teams. As for the QB position they have a couple of kids that showed a lot of potential last year. The biggest question mark will be the return of Dusty Sanderson and whether or not he decides to play football. He was by-far the biggest loss of talent that team faced last year. If Sanderson comes back, lookout! With both he and Ruckle in the backfield they could be dangerous.

Golden Arm,

While it appears that the Ram's Semi-Final run makes this position look appealing, in reality it is not so. True, the Rams retain a quality O-Line and a good TB. They must replace a two year starter at QB who took 99% of the practice and game reps, all the receivers, the LB crops, and the defensive backfield. The administration ran off the entire coaching staff on all levels. Who wants the AD and the prinipal looking over their shoulder at every minor transgression? Football is a hard sport. That is what makes it great. Unfortunately the powers at TCHS are shortsighted, dimwitted, and clueless as to what makes a total program.

Miquel:

My last comment got sucked up by the CBS Smother Brothers censors. Can you release?

Apparently the inappropriate language by the coaches and players was too much to overcome in Temple City for Backus. Was Backus worse (in language) than previous coaches such as Jim Walker, Gabe Soumakian, Mike DiFiori, or Mike Mooney? Don't think so. What about Bob Hitchcock? Hitchcock didn't use foul language. Of course not, Hitch was the woodshop teacher and made a big paddle and swatted your a$$ red for any discipline problem. How wood (get it) that stand up in TC now?

Hey Rams 09,
You were there. How was Backus language this year in the locker room, meetings, during practice, and in games? Was he the erratic lunatic alluded to by others?

Wow, just checked the vote and 80% for Backus, 20% TC School Board. This is just one of those limit your liability deals. What if the Coach does a Red Foxx impersonation next year? The Board might be liable. It can’t be the internet, cable TV or South Park that caused Junior’s vocabulary to expand, must be the Football Program at TC. I’m just happy a decision was finally made. I’m really not sure why it took three months, but I’m thinking it took that long to decipher all the off the record, secret phone calls and discussions that never took place to consider things like what is in the best interest of a child that doesn’t play. Remember these are elected officials and if you disagree, take a stand and vote for change. I only wish TC Football the best in their quest for their next Saint of Circumstance to fulfill the Head Coach Position.

Rams 09,

you are correct it was the rosemead game. i had heard the complaint originated when some people had walked by the locker room at half time...and overheard some world class butt-chewin going on. after that first half, anybody with a brain would have stayed 2 miles away from the TC locker room. may be it was the profanity snagged by the PA system as you suggest, I don't really know either way. whatever, at this point it does not much matter....as the whole "leave of absence" thing followed by the termination just does not add up when you total all the parts and statements made by the AD and Principal. the whole "wrong person", wrong direction thing.

Personally, I cannot imagine Backus sitting in the grandstands and watching a Temple City varsity game. Being on campus and feeling the build up toward the M-town game, seeing players wearing shirt and tie on game day. Though he has battled a deadly disease, there is no way Randy Backus will be able to make the adjustment to cheerleader. There are more changes to come.

Goldenarm,

Carrington showed up only on Wednesday nights and gave pointers that would often go against what Valdes had said. He's a cool guy, but he doesn't do much for the program (that's visible-he's titled as equipment manager). At a point, many of the players stopped listening to his yelling on the sidelines to get behind the white line and he had to have a talk with us as to why he does it. He's been in the program for a very long time though.

I really have no problem with vulgarity, yelling, etc. so long as its warrented;however, there were complaints last year from parents in the stands of hearing f-bombs being dropped from the sideline. During the Rosemead game, or one of the homegames (with the admin on the track) a f-bomb got heard on the PA System.
Generally, the consensus of coaches and teachers on campus(a few from the 70's who played or coached) is that players have a lack of respect and cuss up a storm. I disagree, but I can see a few representatives that would make us look so. I feel that if complaints weren't there, Backus would still be there. Firing Backus as a coach is still pretty unwarented- previous coaches were much worse on the field.

Loya and Valdes are close friends. Loya told us his plans to spend more time with his family after our game against Paraclete, and Valdes has not said what he plans to do. At many times Loya/Valdes didn't see eye to eye with Backus and it was very visible. My hope is that Valdes (I'm not sure if he's in some sort of education occupation where he lives) comes to TC. He's a great guy and great coach.

Jaime, Dana Baskin? All over this? You have got to be kidding me! No disrespect but that guy never covered anything to do with sports in the last ten years! football, basketball, baseball nothing...If it wasn't a city council meeting he didn't care...

yeah they noticed him, but they also ran him out of the school. if you can't promote a man to v.p (might i add alumni!) and great track record football wise then shame on them. he too was reprimanded of foul language. come on, it's FOOTBALL!!!

Apparantly TC Admin wants to move back in the direction of losing games. Did anyone notice Coach Mooney in the crow's nest calling plays in the Paraclete game?

Backus language had really toned down in the past years. Unfortunately, the perception was that he used profanity all the time. Once, Backus got in trouble for language at a practice when he was out of town. Previous coaches at TC were far worse. Backus is also one of the funniest guys around, always cracking a joke in a ream meeting or at a Ramrodder function. Backus ran into the kid on campus before Christmas break and apologized. The kid accepted and the case is closed between them.

FB Einstein......

Your full of (insert name here)!

A coaching staff without disagreement, not challenging one another, not sometimes really pissed off at each other....hmmm, maybe that love fest is where the TC admin wants to go.

Instead of the TC fight song we can skip rocks and whistle the Mayberry tune.

If you saw the faces of Loya, Valdes and Cable after the Azusa game. Well, lets just that kind of feeling... and exhilaration, makes things seem more than worthwhile. That includes the heckling and insults Loya was hearing early on when TC was struggling. Above all else, not having Loya to put things in perspective next year....really sucks.

FB Einstein

Cable did step up and put in the extra work, expanding his role and doing whatever he could. The 17-0 shutdown of Azusa was a defensive highlight film, a Conora feature film on shutting down a scrambling QB, and a D-line "get off the ball" expose. The Aztecs were backpedaling most of the night.
Maybe a player from from this year's squad could comment on Carrington's contribution this year. In my observation, I would describe his role as lesser than the others mentioned.

TC brought up a bunch of lower level kids for the playoff ride. A couple got some field time and looked
promising. I hope the exposure prepared them for what awaits.

As far as the profanity, if harsh words offend you, stay away from both end zones and the 100yard stretch of grass that lies between. Throughout history, the 3 yard corridor along either sideline has been home to some of the most raucous, psychotic displays of "gentlemen" gone over the edge. Coaches losing it, running on the field and sticking a ballcarrier, a la Woody Hayes. Dennis Green post-game versus the Bears. Tirades where headsets choke fellow players and down markers fly like spears. The stoic Tom Landry types are few and far between. I don't think Backus would even make the top 30% of looney -tune, swearing, running madmen, neck veins bulging and nostrils flared like saucers.

Randy Backus was slighted by the powers that be at TC. In the end they did not back Randy and it resulted in his dismissal. However, Backus was not completely innocent nor was he completely honest about his language on the field. It was reported several times to the administration that Coach Backus repeatedly used strong language habitually during practice and in the locker-room. I have close ties with both administration and the TC coaching staff. The general consensus was, long before this happened, Coach Loya was not returning after this season because of Randy’s sometimes erratic behavior and his desire to take some time off. In addition, Coach Valdez did not always see eye to eye with Backus.

A lot has been made of the departure of Loya and Valdez (which is warranted) but there were two other Varsity coaches that carried the weight during the run to the Simi’s last year…don’t forget Coach Cable and Coach Carrington. Art Carrington has been coaching at TC for over ten years. Though his role was limited in the last few years, Art Carrington was a pillar for that program dating back before Backus and even Mooney. Coach Cable was not there long but his influence on the defense was evident during the playoffs.

I guess TC has seen the last of 6 POWER.

Some out there needs to grow a pair and do some good investigative journalism work to get this whole situation out in the open. Not that this is the most burning issue we are all facing in our lives at this point - but I bet it is to Coach Backus. Let's look at; the kid (adult - over 18) involved, the "new direction" the administration wants to go in, Coach Backus's proven track record-not only with football, but teaching, his former position's in the district PE program (specfically his great work in the adaptive PE program at the elementary level) the time table on decisions made (why so long) and the effect on the players, etc. If Dana Baskin from the San Gabriel Valley Weekly was still with us (he is sorely missed) he would be all over this. Miguel? go for it!

Ideally one would like to think that we should treat everyone the same. However the reality is that’s not the case. If this kid has ties to the superintendent and you know the situation why would Backus act the way he did? Sounds like these two have had some type of history between them. If that is the case Backus did not count up the cost and just reacted, which most of us are guilty of from time to time. Should have Backus been fired from his coaching job for reacting toward a disrespectful student? Probably not. However knowing the situation and knowing this kid was associated with superintendent it was not very smart to handle the situation the way he did. Bottom line is if coach handles the situation differently he keeps his coaching job and the kid’s trouble. Because of the teachers union his teaching job could not be taken away so they went after the coaching job. Backus was going to pay with something. Is it right, everyone has an opinion and such is life.

Of course that kid is still well respected, he is the son of the Superintendent's secretary.

That is the dirty secret.

I forgot to mention Loya and Valdes ran the show for LC, Arroyo, Azusa and Paraclete. Step to the plate, take more responsibility....and the AD and school are uninterested in seeing you return.

In my opinion, yes we have two very good, young JV coaches. Thankfully, in the tradition of TC football, both have participated and observed the goings on at the Varsity level. Both have compiled strong winning records 2 years straight on JV. Whether one or both stay...that could change or stay the same. In the current environment and seeing what they have seen,,,who knows. Matt/ Thomas - good luck and I hope you both are back in 2009.

Miquel,

Is anybody starting to see some of what lies behind this?

The A.D. states "he HEARD that Tim Loya mentioned to the team he would not be returning" and then further states that he "had not spoken to Valdes".

What does this describe? It describes a Director of Athletics who is only slightly interested, ill-informed and obviously seeing no need to retain or even speak with two of the area's best assistant coaches in Loya and Valdes.

These are two men who would be prized, highly effective and well liked wherever they coach and on any coaching staff. Valdes is tough and pushes hard for top performance from his line. Despite his yelling, whistle-blowing up downs and intensity - 99% of his lineman would say they respect and like Valdes. The results from the Valdes coached line - nearly 3000 yds on the ground!! O and D lineman of the year!! Oh Yeah...we need a new direction...why bother contacting such a crappy coach and seeing if he had intentions to return??

WE HAVE NO VARSITY COACHING STAFF.
Miquel, trust Backus' answer. No one is staying.

Wow if I where a football player/student and I liked the coach I'd beat him up lol

I'd find another school close by, RHS, Gab, SM, Arcadia, whatever - to go to. If everybodys' ditching then you know what happens. Think about it.

Players consider this FOR YOUR OWN GOOD!

In reply to Miguel's....> "If that's the case, Temple City High not only has to find a new head varsity football coach but they'd also have to find an entire coaching staff including the at the lower level.

With spring practice not that far away, does this decision not end up hurting the players more?"

JFMatador,

Honestly, the school gave him(and backus) a bit of crap at first; but later on we realized that it was a mistake on both parts. Backus and the student are still well respected.

I wonder how much crap that kid got *the one who got Backus fired*

NO!

All I know is that TC needs a TC guy.

Miguel, when you spoke to the administration at TC, did they elaborate on the comment that they wanted to take the football program in a "new" direction, hence the firing of Backus? Apparently, winning is secondary goal to this "new" direction.