MidValleySports.Com

By Alex A. Gonzalez

If you grew up in or around Temple City, you have probably heard of Temple City High School football. You’ve also heard who legendary head coach Bob Hitchcock was and the history that he possesses. From Hitchcock to Mike Mooney to Riley Saxon, Temple City football has a long history with its players and coaches. It started in the ’70s, where the school won 196 games- including 46 straight- and also hoisted seven CIF Southern Section titles between 1970 and ’79. 

Football reigns supreme in the small community that is smack in between Rosemead and Arcadia. And when this Fall season came, Temple City finally got to show off its brand new Bob Hitchcock Stadium for the rest of the San Gabriel Valley to see. 

“When people talk about Temple City football and this community, which you know is a small, tight-knit community, football is something that means a lot to the people,” said Rams assistant coach Matt Lopez. “Being around the city, the way that the school district supports it and being around local businesses here to support it as well is exciting.” 

It’s been two years since construction crews came in and tore down the field to rebuild it, and Friday night was the long-anticipated unveiling of the new Bob Hitchcock stadium. Before the Rams took on visiting Bosco Tech and got their first win of the season, 45-14, I was there to soak in all the pre-game festivities to see the additions and to also get a quick tour of the field, and many more additions that the high school has in its future. 

“I think it’s a long time in the making. I’m so glad that we have a track now that has a non-dirt surface that makes it safer for people. In terms of having a turf field, we were probably the last school in the Rio Hondo to get this, and I’m just amazed at how great it looks,” said Principal Elena Li. “I’m so proud of all the people who had a hand in making this happen, including the residents of Temple City. I’m so glad that they invested in this and that our future classes can enjoy this for generations to come.” 

Granted, as an alumnus of Temple City High, I was excited to see the project unfold as I would drive up and down Temple City Blvd. over the last 24 months. Football is a sport that brings fans and students together in waves. Those said waves were getting bigger and bigger as time started winding down before the band would make their traditional lap around the field, before the players would come out. 

But with that said, from the moment that I was told that Hitchcock Stadium was getting a much-needed upgrade, I’ve had former players give me their two cents on how they feel about it. 

“Being around old teammates and old teachers and bringing everybody back to the new beginning of the stadium at the sports complex that is being built up here feels good. It feels good to finally be on the field and to embrace the atmosphere,” commented Lopez.

Even former offensive linemen and current Upland offensive line coach Josh Ouellette weighed in on the additions by saying, “Initially, my first thought was that tearing out the grass was a mistake. Tearing out the blood, sweat, and tears of countless Rams wins would make the stadium lose a little bit of its soul. But the more I thought about it, the more I wished this had happened sooner. Maybe it would’ve helped past teams or drawn more interest to the athletics at TCHS. Hopefully, this new stadium will be a shining light for our beloved Rams and a beacon for great things to come on that field.” 

Well, when the lights came on, not only were they bright, but they would also flicker on and off before the game started and every time the Rams reached the endzone. And in case you missed it, there was a live feed on the updated video board that would replay what had happened a play before. 

With all that said about the improvements that the field has seen, there is still more to come. When I got the chance to talk to Superintendent Dr. Art Cunha, he was able to give me a little more insight about what else is yet to come. 

“We have new turf fields for baseball and softball. Our tennis courts are coming, and every sport that is not in a gym or in a pool is going to be centralized out here. I even got a putting green for my golf team,” stated Superintendent Cunha. “This is something that our community has been wanting for a long time, and it’s something that our kids deserve.” 

Over the last 15 years, Temple City High has made improvements to both its academics and athletics. The school has transformed with new buildings and athletic facilities that can and should draw more interest from others who would want them to attend the school.  

But just like the great Al Davis would always say at the end a Raiders game, and what I want for my Almar Mata, 

“Just win, baby.” 

That’s where I’m going.