Mustangs in search of leader

Rick Devereux

The search for a Costa Mesa High varsity football coach is in full

gear, weeks after Tom Baldwin stepped down following his one season

at the helm.

The Mustangs (2-8) missed the CIF Southern Section Division VII

playoffs for the second straight year after Baldwin was given the

reins to the program when former coach Dave Perkins was fired July

23.

“We knew [Baldwin] was just an interim fill,” Assistant Principal

Kirk Bauermeister said. “[His resignation] was not a surprise.”

Baldwin, 73, suffered heart problems after the third game.

“I was extremely fatigued,” he said. “When a game started, I

didn’t have the fire or zest that was there before. I think that’s

unfair to the kids for me to not give 100% of my best.”

Even with a turbulent season, there was an outside shot Mesa would

make the CIF playoffs if it could beat Estancia in the Battle for the

Bell in the regular-season finale. The Eagles won, 18-13.

The job opening has been posted on the Newport-Mesa Unified School

District’s website and Bauermeister has been pleased with the

response.

“We have already had a lot of people contact us in regard to the

position,” he said.

Bauermeister estimated 15 to 20 people have submitted online

applications. Applications will be accepted until Jan. 18.

Bauermeister said the interviews could begin Jan. 20 and hoped the

position would be filled by the end of the month.

He is optimistic a teaching job will be offered with the position.

Baldwin will be on the hiring committee, as will Bauermeister,

Principal Fred Navarro, Boys Athletic Director Tim Postiff and a

handful of football players and parents.

“We want varsity, [junior varsity] and freshmen parents, as well

as a few players,” Bauermeister said. “It’s going to be their coach,

so they should have a say.”