Tom Hofman will be in his 41st season of coaching basketball at La Cañada High School, including his 39th as the team's coach. He is a future Hall of Famer and still coaching at 73 years old.
The key to his success is that his wife, Cindy, remains passionate about basketball, which means Tom will continue to coach. They have been married for 53 years.
“I like children,” he said. “My wife still loves it.”
This will be the final season of the Rio Hondo League. Under Hofmann's leadership, La Cañada won 31 league titles. Rio Hondo will merge with the Pacific League next season.
“I don't like it,” Hoffman said. “It's a shame.”
La Cañada has been running the same offense copied from Bobby Knight's days in Indiana since day one. “We tweaked it a little bit,” Hoffman said.
This offense is why opposing coaches like to play a zone defense against La Cañada. Players lose due to too many layups in head-to-head match against La Cañada.
Hoffman is most proud of coaching neighborhood kids and making sure everyone knows he never recruited players.
“We did everything right,” he said. “I never made the initial contact.”
The Rio Hondo League held a media day Thursday in South Pasadena, with coaches paying tribute to Hoffman's longevity at the same school.
“His passing game is amazing,” Blair coach Derrick Taylor said. “To go 41 years is a long time. He's really amazing. He's a first-class guy.”
It's one of a kind as another basketball season begins next week. And he says this won't be his last season as long as his wife continues to enjoy the game.
This is a daily look at positive developments in school sports. To report any news, email [email protected].
