Gomez’ wife Dianna spoke of the countless hours he dedicated to the football program. She said their whole family life revolved around football. “We all support him because coaching Santa Paula football is not a hobby and it’s not a job, it’s his passion,” she told the board. “Our students deserve a coach that understands that, while we all want victory on the field, the true victory comes off the field from leading a successful life. That is what football is truly about”Gomez said that the Superintendent was within his rights to let him go as coach, but said there were irregularities in the way it was handled. Gomez talked about former UCLA coach John Wooden who once said he wouldn’t know if the lessons he instilled in his players were successful until maybe 20 years later. He added that Coach Wooden knew that the journey was far more important than the destination. “He understood that the true lessons in teaching athletics are about life, not winning or losing,” Gomez said. “Only a teacher can appreciate the impact of that statement. I am a teacher who coaches. “I’m not a coach who teaches. There’s a big difference there. So, have I been successful? I guess we’ll have to wait around a few more years to see just how successful I’ve been or not. I’m willing to stick around and see the results of my labor.”Paul Spinner read a letter, endorsed unanimously by the membership of the local American Federation of Teachers opposing the dismissal of Gomez and called the manner in which it was handled “shameful.”Henry Jacinto, the former SPHS Athletic Director and an assistant football coach read a letter from the Tri-County Athletic Association, supporting the reinstatement of Gomez. The letter read in part, “A coach at the high school level is an educator and a role model. He teaches discipline, sacrifice, teamwork and accountability. Success should never be about wins and losses. It must be measured by how a coach sacrifices his or her time and life to help others. Ed has been committed to this ideal since he began coaching. Ed Gomez is a man of great character and integrity. He is a dedicated professional and respected by his staff, players as well as the coaches in Ventura County.”
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Ed Gomez listens to discussion about his dismissal as varsity football coach. Photo by Brian D. Wilson |
SPUHS board gets an earful over firing of football coach
January 23, 2008
Santa Paula News
By Brian D. Wilson
Santa Paula TimesSupporters of fired Santa Paula High School football coach Ed Gomez made their feelings known at last week’s school board meeting.District Superintendent Dr. David Gomez announced the decision in December. Ed Gomez has headed the Cardinal football program for eight years. The team has struggled, especially after moving into the tough Tri-Valley League, where they had to go up against big football programs like Oaks Christian and Oak Park. When he made the decision Dr. Gomez said they wanted to go in a “new direction.”Perhaps the biggest surprise of the evening was the appearance of Oaks Christian High School Head Coach Bill Redell, a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. Redell said he was not asked to appear, but came of his own accord. “Coach Gomez’ teams that play against us are extremely well coached,” Redell told trustees. He said the Santa Paula players have great character, they play to the last and when the game is over they show good sportsmanship, they don’t complain…and he and his staff to a fantastic job. “It would be a shame to lose someone of his caliber and quality to the game of football,” he added. “Santa Paula will have a much greater opportunity to rebuild their program in the Frontier League. There’s no disgrace in going to the Frontier League….but, I’ll tell you this, if he is not hired back I will certainly hire him at Oaks Christian.”A number of people spoke out about the decision. Former Santa Paula High baseball coach Gerry Sandoval said he and Gomez agreed that “wins and losses are not as important as making winners of our kids.” He said both Santa Paula and Fillmore do the best they can with the limited number of athletes they have.Sam Cathcart said he’s known Ed Gomez since he coached Gomez in high school. “The kids at Santa Paula are great kids,” he said. “If they have a teacher like Ed Gomez they’re learning a lot more than how to win or lose football. They’re learning how to be grown up adults.”
