June 1 not only marked the end of the California high school track & field season, but it also marked the end of a long and illustrious career of El Toro High coach Rick Hagin. Hagin, who has been a part of the El Toro High cross country and track & field programs since 1985, announced his retirement this season. In those nearly 30 years, Hagin has coached numerous teams and individuals to league, section and state titles. We got a chance to talk with Hagin in his final week at ETHS, and discussed his future plans and his fondest memories.
Q. What feelings did you have at last weekend’s CIF State Track & Field Championships?
A. It was one of those things where I was excited, but I definitely had mixed emotions. You’ve been doing something for so long, and now you’re thinking about not doing it again. I’m happy, but at the same time I feel it’s hard to walk away. But you got to do it sometimes.
Q. Why retire?
A. It’s a good time to make the break. I will still likely be around and be available, but I won’t be officially coaching or teaching. I just think it’s a good time to do some other things in life.
Q. Such as?
A. Well, my wife Janie and I are active people. We don’t like sitting around. We’ve done some traveling, but we’d like to do some more – likely visit our four children and seven grandchildren more. We bought a house in Chico, so we like going back there, and hopefully do some mission work for our church. I’ll miss coaching and teaching, but I’m excited about doing some other things.
Q. What’s your fondest memory at El Toro High?
A. There are so many wonderful memories, I hate to focus on one. One that comes to mind was at this year’s Sea View League track & field finals where we finished 1-5 in the 2-mile run. Juan (Gonzalez) winning the state cross country meet this year was pretty amazing. All these victories takes your breath away sometimes.
Q. You were a teacher, assistant principal and principal in the San Diego area before coming to El Toro. What made you want to settle in at El Toro High?
A. I liked the atmosphere, the kids and the staff. I felt at home here. I also felt it was a great opporttunity to get a tradition going. Trabuco Hills had just opened, and a lot of our top kids ended up going there, so we kind of had to start over. I liked the challenge and I liked the way parents were involved with the kids. It was a good place, and I thought hopefully I could stay for awhile.
Q. What kept you at El Toro?
A. Working with these young people…they give you so much satisfaction. It’s neat to see them fulfill what you’re trying to accomplish for them. That’s what’s so rewarding about coaching.
Q. What are you most proud of during your time coaching at El Toro?
A. Since 1999, the boys cross country team has advanced to the CIF-Southern Section Finals every year. That tells me that we have – regardless of how great the teams were – put it together for 14 straight years now to contend for a state-qualifying spot. That’s what I’m most proud of.
