Saxon tackles a new position

After taking a break from coaching football last season, history teacher Mr. Riley Saxon will stand on the field again, this time leading the Boys Varsity football team through their workouts and practices as head coach, replacing former coach Mr. Marc Shettleroe. Mr. Saxon is now the 14th head coach in Temple City High School’s history, and the sixth coach in 12 seasons.
“I’m really looking forward to bringing back the football program to where it should be, and being with such a great group of kids,” Mr. Saxon said. “I hope the excitement that has been happening for me recently continues to build and keeps everyone excited throughout the whole next season.”
Mr. Saxon is a 2007 Temple City High School alumnus, and he played football from freshman through senior year. During that time, Mr. Saxon was quarterback when the team was undefeated at league from 2005 to 2006. After graduating from Occidental College in Eagle Rock in 2011, he coached for three years at San Marino High School, but ached to return to his alma mater. He eventually came back to Temple City in 2013 as a special education math teacher.
When a position as coach for the JV football team became available at TC, he jumped at the opportunity to become a part of the Rams once again. Since then, his relationship with the high school has strengthened throughout his coaching career, and eventually led to his teaching career as a history teacher in 2014. After four years of waiting for the chance to be on the field as the head coach, Mr. Saxon received the long awaited news on Feb. 21. After accepting the position, he is excited to give back to the football program that was a huge part of his life as a high schooler.
“Mr. Saxon was my coach when I was a freshman,” Junior Isaiah Isaac said. “Most of the team had him as a coach as well. I personally trust him because of the bond he has with the team. Obviously as I enter my senior year, my expectations are high, and I know we can do something with Coach Saxon and the rest of the coaches. I’m excited for this upcoming season.”