Melendez: PHS takes McFarland, but why so long?
MIGUEL MELENDEZ COLUMN
This column will appear on Page 3B of the Star-News sports section on Friday, March 20
Well, it's about time.
It only took four months but Pasadena High School finally has a new football coach.
He is Mike McFarland. He replaces Kevin Mills who resigned in November.
Despite word leaking on the Star-News' preps blog (www.insidesocal.com/paspreps) that McFarland was hired, Pasadena principal Derek Evans would not confirm or deny the hiring.
He said he wanted the announcement to be done in a professional matter, and by that he meant he wanted us to wait until the school sent out an official press release.
For a school that needed four months to comb through resumes, handling this in a "professional" matter seems farfetched.
Pasadena was the first school to announce a vacancy and it's the second to last school to hire a new coach.
Temple City, the second school in the West San Gabriel Valley to announce a football coaching vacancy after Pasadena, still is going through the final process and is expected to present a finalist to the school board in a meeting Wednesday.
For what it's worth, Evans explained the prolonged process.
The job vacancy was listed not only on EdJoin.org and on the CIF-Southern Section Web site but also on icoach.com, a Web site dedicated in helping match and notify candidates about vacancies across the nation. It's there where McFarland found the vacancy.
Just under 40 applications were submitted and a list of four finalists was narrowed to two.
McFarland was offered the job Wednesday night and accepted on Thursday.
"That's why I couldn't tell you (Wednesday)," Evans said.
McFarland notified Evans on Thursday he would fly to California to get finger prints taken. As an assistant football coach at Missouri Western University, McFarland's finger prints can be located on the national database, but because he will teach social science at Pasadena, McFarland had to go through the process again as indicated under California guidelines.
"I am confident everything will go through," Evans said. "(There's) nothing in his background that will present a problem."
McFarland was in his second season as tight ends coach at Missouri Western after a stint as running backs coach at Minnesota State University-Moorhead. He then coached the offensive line in the spring of 2007 and he also served as the primary academic coordinator for the football team, according to the Missouri Western media guide.
He also coached football at Occidental College, Muir and coached softball at Keppel.
He graduated from Arcadia where he lettered in football, basketball and track, and he earned his B.A. in social sciences from California Lutheran in 1997.
Sounds like Pasadena made a wise choice but fans still grew impatient during this seemingly tenuous process.
"We wanted to make certain we made the best hire," Evans said. "That was my objective. I wanted to find the best."
There's a misconception that if the boys basketball team needed a coach, the school would not have taken as long in the hiring process. I said as much to Evans.
"If individuals want to analyze it that way, that is up to them," Evans responded. "I know what we wanted.
"My thing is I was not going to rush. I was going to take my time to find the right person. Why? Because the football season (was) over and we (could) afford to take our time.
"If it was basketball I would have taken the same amount of time."
But now this means the team is five steps behind every team that's had time to weight lift and bond in the offseason.
"I firmly disagree," Evans replied. "If you don't find the right person you're going to be five steps behind for years. If you find the right person, there will be gaps that can be overcome in no time. We'll might be behind a little but we'll get there with the right person."
When reached by telephone in St. Joseph, Mo., McFarland was excited about coming home.
In McFarland, the Bulldogs will get a no-nonsense coach with an emphasis on academics. He said he won't rush into putting together a staff and he hopes to be in Pasadena by the beginning of April.
"We've been in the Midwest for a few years," McFarland said. "It's going to be a real positive thing to go home and be around friends and family."
Well, it's about time.
miguel.melendez@sgvn.com
(626) 578-6300, Ext. 4485
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About this blog
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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. |
If PHS Alumn don't support Mac, they're missing out. He's extremely familiar with the community with close ties in the area. PHS has made an outstanding choice in the hiring of Mac. I've known him since he was a soph. playing football for me. I've had the pleasure of watching this individual grow from young athlete with an incredible work ethic, into the ultimate professional. I've personally coached with Mac and he knows X's and O's better then most. He has a knack to see the big picture and come up with quality game plans. Good luck Mac, but the Apaches will still take ya down...
The Huckster,
What's up bro! It's good to see you alive and well on the blog once again. It's not NEARLY the same without you. Now to some of your comments.....
Your incessant predictions of Muir's apocolyptic demise have rung hollow for the last few years now. When The Huckster screams, "The END has come for Muir," does ANYONE listen? The Little Boy Who Cried Wolf could only fool the townspeople for so long...
As far as "belittling" Coach McFarland, where did you see that on my posts? On the contrary, I think that phs has actually made a good hire, and I thought it was SMART for them not to rush into a decision. I don't know Coach McFarland from "Adam's off ox" but after reading his resume there is no doubt that the man knows and understands the game of football; and in our anemic league, I have no doubt that the dogs can contend for the playoffs every year.
In regards to my "delusional" thinking and my new title as the "STUPIDEST person on earth"...well, if imitation is the highest form of flattery, pat yourself on the back and consider yourself flattered.
I have no idea about Darrick Holmes' boys, but if they are anything like their dad was then I can't WAIT till they get to Muir!
Btw, if our defense was "subpar" to the dogs offense during the Mills era, when we held them to 30 points in four years (or 7 points a game), than I'd hate to see our defense play "up" to par.
Till next time Huckster!!!
Stang Fan,
You’re so delusional that it’s ashamed! You think with “Hardy” coaching (JV’s), Ryan Graves a.k.a (The GM) and my home boy D-Loc (Darrick Holmes) boys is going to guarantee yawl victories over the Dogs over the next couple of years? I know how smart you are but, I’m calling you the “STUPIDEST” person on earth! I’m guaranteeing we will whip yawl a$$ with all the supposedly talent coming into Muir and it’s going to hurt worse than I felt in 2005 & 2006 football years, because we had more talent than yawl! “Individualism” killed us! Period! We never had an “O” line coach that was on the same page as the “O” coordinator which is why in tight games the other teams “Sub-par” defense was able to stop us! Yes, Muir’s defense was sub-par to our offense, like everyone else in our division at the time! Now, you fools want to belittle “Mike Mc” cause, he’s coaching the “BULLDOGS” and he’s a good “O” line coach! But I’m here to tell you that, if your dishing it out like this and you know me! Just be prepared for a “HUCKSTERAVALANCHE” that we good “ol” boys know about, around the city! But hey! I want my friends to feel the same way I felt come “Bowl” time, except worse! The “END” has come for “MUIR”!
INFO
you seem like a fairly decent person, but when you question whether I am a "true" Ram fan, it makes me want to take the dust off my old uniform and beg you to run a post over the middle while I play safety.
I WON'T BE BE CALLING FOR THE COACHES HEAD NEXT SEASON....but the A.D and the rest of the "axe to grind" squad is a completely different story. THE ACCOUNTABILITY HAS BEGUN AND ENDS WITH THEM, and that cuts both ways, good or bad.
I support the team the way I know how. Sometimes that means criticism, sometimes disgust, and on great days sometimes pride and elation. . When you begin to understand the full scope of the game and the passion behind it, you will know that is what a "true" fan is.
Blue and Gold,
By the looks of your screen name I can tell you are a fan of the Stangs, or at least someone who follows the school. Kudos!
However, you bring up a couple of points that have been discussed at length on here before, and I don't think the rest of the bloggers care to see me rehash the multitude of facts and arguments that counter what you believe may happen to the school. Suffice it to say, I TRULY believe that neither of the situations you propose will occur.
Dreaming of a better PUSD,
Speaking of DREAMS, have you infiltrated mine? I've been dreaming and hoping for just that for YEARS! At this point in time, with all the budget cuts, eliminating Marshall and Blair, or at least turning them into Jr. High schools, makes TOO much sense.
GA, I hope you won't be calling for the TC Head Coaches head either, if in your words, should the RAMS come out slow and drop a couple games.
Maybe show some support and help out rather than criticizing. I know some things haven't gone the way you wanted or envisioned but you have to accept it and be a supporter if you are a true TC Ram Fan
30 days ago all the insiders said the new TC coach MUST be a credentialed teacher and be on campus full time.
Now, word is a "walk on" is just fine.
One of the reasons given for the Backus firing was "lack of disciplinary control" over the team. I am wondering how a coach will exert tighter control over kids - while off campus working his other job? And at this late date, where are top notch assistants coming from, other than bringing up two kids from the TC JV coaching crew?
The new direction will supposedly be unveiled on Wednesday. Unless somebody changes direction, that is.
No telling what the TCUSD board will think of the candidate put before them and how this will spin from there. Nothing is guaranteed, and their is little sand left in the hour glass, especially for the seniors who have busted butt for 3 years and don't want to hear the R word. (Rebuilding)
More likely the admin may know the other R word come next November, Regret.
The PUSD can pool its resources and out of the ashes make PHS and Muir into 2 great schools if they close Blair and Marshall.
The Stang Fan,
In 5 years I hope Muir still has a team, any team for that matter.
The way the sports programs are going south over at Muir is sad. Years of neglect (or worse) from the Pasadena school district have gotten us to this point.
They may just shut the school down and send the students elsewhere. Or keep the school open without sports teams and focus on academys.
NY,
OK, let's be honest. The Pacific League is HORRIBLE! So to have a competitive phs team is actually great for the league. Not only that but the Turkey Tussle SHOULD be one of the best and most popular rivalry games in all of southern California.
There is NO REASON this game shouldn't be as popular as Garfield-Roosevelt, Dorsey-Crenshaw, Mater Dei-Servite, or even the ol' school Banning-Carson games. And if I had to place primary blame on any number of factors, I think it is fairly obvious that phs' SEVERE lack of competitiveness reigns supreme(they've won the game only ONCE in the last 25 years). True, MD has beaten Servite for 20 consecutive years, but with the product Servite puts on the field every year, they have a REALISTIC chance at winning...and that's why you see their alumni come out in droves for that game. phs alums and the Turkey Tussle? They're not stupid, they read the papers. They know what kind of product dons their beloved red and white and they KNOW what's going to happen, so they don't even bother showing up! Hopefully with Coach Mcfarland the dogs can make this game meaningful again and the rivalry can take its right place in SoCal as one of the best.
By the way, Muir still wins the next five...Guaranteed.
Let's be honest. PHS is a sleeping giant. They now have a coach that may place an emphasis on developing the offensive line...Stang Fan, that must make you at least a little bit concerned....
First of all “Mike Mc” is a good man! I know him personally and he knows his X’s and O’s! He will be a great fit into our PHS community!
Now, if you’re not a “DOG” and I’m talking to “REYES” you shouldn’t speak on anything you have no clue about! The “BLACK PHS ALUM’S”? Reyes, I’m trying to be a changed man these days don’t make me turn back to the “DARK SIDE OF THE FORCE”! We “African Americans” care about our kids grades too. Reyes, I’m telling you now, you don’t know me!
The key for Mike and starting off on a positive note is to hire people that know “FOOTBALL” & are familiar with the “PASADENA COMMUNITY”! I know for fact that some of it is in place as we speak. He is a very personal guy with great people skills and knows how to coach football. He is a teacher and will be on campus, which will be a big help too. I’ve went over the game of football with the man and he will be 1000% upgrade as far as on the field things.
I still feel that “Randy Horton” would have been the right choice, but “God” has a plan and things will work out for everyone involved with the PHS program, which “Horton” will be a part of! I’m really excited for the new direction “Pasadena High School” will be going in and I’m one of the “Blackest PHS Alums”! You can put that in your “Don’t Know What You Said Book!”
First of all “Mike Mc” is a good man! I know him personally and he knows his X’s and O’s! He will be a great fit into our PHS community!
Now, if you’re not a “DOG” and I’m talking to “REYES” you shouldn’t speak on anything you have no clue about! The “BLACK PHS ALUM’S”? Reyes, I’m trying to be a changed man these days don’t make me turn back to the “DARK SIDE OF THE FORCE”! We “African Americans” care about our kids grades too. Reyes, I’m telling you now, you don’t know me!
The key for Mike and starting off on a positive note is to hire people that know “FOOTBALL” & are familiar with the “PASADENA COMMUNITY”! I know for fact that some of it is in place as we speak. He is a very personal guy with great people skills and knows how to coach football. He is a teacher and will be on campus, which will be a big help too. I’ve went over the game of football with the man and he will be 1000% upgrade as far as on the field things.
I still feel that “Randy Horton” would have been the right choice, but “God” has a plan and things will work out for everyone involved with the PHS program, which “Horton” will be a part of! I’m really excited for the new direction “Pasadena High School” will be going in and I’m one of the “Blackest PHS Alums”! You can put that in your “Don’t Know What You Said Book!”
I hope the community will embrace the new coaches around the area and give them support. It takes time to turn programs around.
I'm looking forward to seeing a disciplined group of Bulldogs in the coming years.
I'm looking forward to seeing La Canada play to its potential.
I'm looking forward to seeing TC (when they name a coach) keep heading in the direction of the CIF finals.
Lets chill on the racist card. If this gets out of hand I'll be forced to stop allowing comments. Simmer down boys...
Reyes that's pretty racist! I'm a black PHS alum that wants to see the students excel at both academics and athletics, If a choice must be made please excel in academics. Are there some alums that chose athletics over academics? Sure. But to lump everyone up into that shows your ignorance. This kind of racism is holding back process. Reyes don't ASSume it shows your true colors. White, Black, Green or Brown we need a coach, a good man to help teach our boys how to be men. From all accounts I hear this guy is a good fit so let's forget about the dumb stuff of the past and support coach McFarland. All of us PHS alum want to be able to talk head to Stangfan and mean it. Reyes don't ASSume, help the process not tear it down before it gets started.
I think McFarland is a very good hire!!
If die-hard Black PHS Alum give the man chance!!!
That will be his biggest battle(Black PHS Alum)!!
Die-hard Black PHS Alum who cares more about football then kids grades!!!
As far as football goes I hear McFarland is a very good choice. I've talked to a couple of coaches in Pasadena and they say this guy is definitely an upgrade. It took a long time coming but if he is as good as most say it will be worth the wait, we'll have to wait and see. As a PHS alum good luck coach McFarland.
Could the wait have been a calculated effort by the PHS admin to hold players hostage? Announcing the new coach so late in March almost April will cut down on transfers.
Anon, Greg
is that you back singing the same old song about school officials having priorities GREATER than who is going to coach football?
In theory, you are correct... others on staff could "handle" lifting and conditioning, and sometimes this happens. More often though, it does not, or happens with minimum effort and conviction, which returns miniumum results.
Everyone understands the schools admin's have a full plate, but so do cab drivers, data entry clerks and the rest of us fortunate enough to have a job. Sorry, but if your job description includes hiring a football coach - you need to get it done. In case you have not noticed, nowadays excuses carry zero weight in the workplace.
You are right about one thing, get the best guy for the job, inside or out. In the case, the guy is a little of both. Seems an intelligent hire to me. Hopefully the hard-nosed Missouri alumni already have thickened McFarland's skin...he is going to need it.
Too much is made about hiring quickly at the HS level. Theoretically, there is no recruiting and other people on the PE staff can handle the players lifting weights and conditioning through PE.
What is important is the the coaches get hired before Spring Practice, which cannot start until after Spring sports end and a good summer program to work on the new systems, but the parents and kids must participate in lieu of vacations and the like.
Is it any coincidence that the other vacancies have not necessarily been filled in a "timely" matter? If a school is going to do a thorough search, it will take time. Afterall, the schools have other things that take a bit more priority that who is coaching football.
CASHEE and standarized testing, cut backs on staff, budget concerns, grades, and other things are just a bit more important than next fall's football coach in the great scheme of things.
What PHS people need to understand, there may be a whole paradigm shift in the direction of the football program. PHS (and Muir for that matter)has the ability to contend for not just League, but CIF titles if properly led. Sometimes, it take an "outsider" to see the potential and raise the level of performance and sportsmanship on and off the field.
I think Coach McFarland will do a great job uless his hands get tied by the usual PSUD mess and angry parents and boosters who are against him from the start.
BTW, McFarland may not be from Pasadena, but growing up in Arcadia definately means he understands the Pacific League and the West SGV.
MIQUEL
blog editor has my number - can you release?
follow up to Stang Fans list.....THANKS
I've always loved that picture above....
Dr. Evans is spot on when he mentions the benefit of waiting to hire the right guy. I'd rather wait and take some lumps the first year with a good coach who will build a good program, as opposed to rushing into hiring a coach who will have kids on the field during the early months of his first year but eventually turns out to be a bad hire.
Unless of course its your senior year....then it sucks.