Despite 2 trips to playoffs, head coach John Becerra was removed
from position following parental complaints
HOLLISTER
Despite back-to-back appearances in the Central Coast Section Division I playoffs, San Benito High boys basketball head coach John Becerra will not return to the sidelines next season for the Haybalers.
Becerra, usually seen swinging a towel during each and every game in front of the ‘Baler bench, said he was terminated by SBHS Athletic Director Tod Thatcher amid concerns and complaints from parents.
Thatcher called it a “personnel issue” and said he was unable to comment further on the dismissal.
Becerra was in his third separate coaching stint of the SBHS boys basketball team and had been coaching the ‘Balers the previous four seasons. He compiled a 56-54 overall record, 26-22 in the Tri-County Athletic League, and made three trips to the postseason.
Becerra said he was shocked to learn of the school’s decision.
“As far as I know, I had a good relationship with the parents,” Becerra said by phone last week. “I wasn’t angry. I was hurt.”
Becerra, who initially took over the ‘Balers varsity program in 1979, previously coached at Gavilan College as well.
“In terms of the process with Coach Becerra, it was an administrative action that he’d be removed from his position,” said Shawn Tennenbaum, director of human resources at SBHS.
Tennenbaum called Becerra an “institution” within the Hollister community.
Parents and administrators both for and against Becerra’s dismissal made their voices heard last Wednesday at a school board meeting at the SBHS library, the majority of the opinions voicing their displeasure with the school’s decision to release the head coach.
This past season, Becerra said he was approached by one parent who was concerned with a particular athlete’s playing time. Becerra described the discussion as “very calm” and “very nice.”
“I thought I had a great relationship with most of the parents,” Becerra added.
The Haybalers, meanwhile, were fresh off two straight seasons that concluded with a trip to the CCS playoffs. In 2007-08, San Benito went 20-9 overall before falling to Serra in the Division I quarterfinals. The ‘Balers then graduated 10 of the 14 players from that roster and went 15-13 overall this past season before losing to top-seeded Piedmont Hills, once again in the CCS quarterfinal round.
SBHS is currently searching for a new head basketball coach, and those interested are to contact Tod Thatcher, or apply online at: www.edjoin.org
