BREAKING NEWS: Backus officially on Arcadia’s staff

It’s official. Randy Backus will join the Arcadia High coaching staff where he’ll serve as the team’s linebackers and running backs coach. Backus spent 14 years at Temple City serving in one capacity or another and almost completed his second season as head coach last season before he was put on leave and ultimately relieved from his duties as head coach after an altercation with a student on campus. Backus continues to teach English at Temple City High. The addition of Backus was in the works since at least May but nothing was official. Arcadia coach Jon Dimalante continually was asked throughout the spring about Backus possibly joining his staff but could not officially confirm. Dimalante said Thursday evening during a passing game against Maranatha and San Marino at San Marino High that the hiring was “pretty much official.” Dimalante said the process took longer than expected because the school had yet to hire an athletic director; the school functioned with an interim A.D. most, if not all of last year. Ryan Press, who last week assumed duties as the school’s athletic director, said that Backus’ prolonged hiring process took longer for other reasons he could not talk about. “It’s great for us,” said Press of Backus’ hiring. “He obviously has a lot of experience and is a great football coach. He did great things at Temple City and we’re excited to have him on staff.” Press previously was a special education teacher at Arcadia and will give up that role to be the school’s full-time A.D. Press is also in his second season as Arcadia’s assistant head football coach. Back in May when asked about Backus’ announcement, Dimalante said: “We should know by the summer time. As far as I’m concerned he’s 100 percent more than welcomed to be with us and we’ll be happy once that’s finalized.” Dimalante said Thursday that Backus volunteered in the summer program as well. Arcadia and Temple City will battle it out in the “Brawl for the Mall” in Week 3. Backus could not be reached for comment.

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