Prep column: Eagles’ Boyce weighing decision

Barry Faulkner

It’s been more than a month since Edison High offered Estancia High

Coach Rich Boyce its boys basketball head coaching job.

Initially flattered, Boyce has thoughtfully considered the offer, gauging

the pros and cons against the tug of his heart strings. He’s scheduled to

meet today with Edison Principal Brian Garland to extend the discussion.

Judging from a conversation with Boyce the last week of March, as well as

a straw poll of some who know him best, Garland would likely have to make

a pretty effective sales pitch to lure Boyce away from his Estancia home.

Boyce, who came to Estancia with Tim O’Brien from Tustin High, Boyce’s

alma mater, before the 1987-88 season, has bled Eagle red the last 13

years.

Estancia gave him his first full-time teaching gig, named him boys head

coach four seasons ago, and has given him lifelong friendships with

coaching colleagues, rivals, and, of course, associations with hundreds

of athletes.

But it has hardly been a one-sided affair.

Boyce, as anyone who has ever seen him work a sideline can attest, gives

his all, every second of every game he’s ever coached.

When then-coach Russ Davis was sidelined for the better part of the girls

basketball season a few years back, it was Boyce who stepped up and

filled in, though it meant a grueling stint coaching both the boys (as an

assistant) and girls programs.

When Nancy Ferda, Estancia’s girls athletic director, was caught without

a softball coach, Boyce, with no previous diamond experience, accepted

the post and led the Eagles to their first playoff appearance in seven

seasons last spring.

When Ferda again encountered a coaching crisis in girls tennis last fall,

Boyce finished the season as the junior varsity coach.

He has conscientiously run the annual December Coast Classic tournament,

helped construct a first-class team room, and has conducted himself and

his program with the utmost class.

And, oh by the way, he’s a first-cabin basketball coach, who has the rare

knack of mixing intensity with perspective. He asks the world of his

players, but diligently deflects the weight of the world from their

shoulders when things don’t go the Eagles’ way.

Boyce will, eventually, do what is best for himself, his family and his

career.

But if you’re looking for a tiebreaking vote, Rich, I’ll cast mine for

you to stay right where you belong.