By Annie Hoang, Staff Writer
After Chin finished planning the boys volleyball league schedule, he visited their practice, ensuring that they are following safety protocols.
The echo of squeaking shoes grew louder as Athletic Director Eric Chin set foot into the brightly lit gym. He clapped as he watched players swish jump shots. Suddenly, a phone call startled him and he reached into his pocket, preparing to schedule another game.
“I honestly did not expect sports to start up with watching the news and seeing so many cases on the rise,” Chin said. “I remember being really happy, and then I began to worry because I knew all the sports were going to happen all at once, but I’m glad we’re at least giving students the option to return.”
Chin manages all sports teams and oversees that the games run smoothly without any complications.
He allocates much of his time scheduling games by handling phone calls with coaches, seeking referees and arranging buses for away games.
Chin completes the bulk of his work online due to COVID-19, but when he has time, he visits the practices and games in the afternoon. He verifies that sports are following COVID-19 protocols, enforcing L.A. County and the state rules.
“I know it’s my job to supervise the games and practices, but it doesn’t feel like it,” Chin said. “To me, it feels more like I’m enjoying a sports game all over again. It brings back so many memories of playing basketball and volleyball. I just can’t wait for life to become normal again so I can meet up with the students and staff.”
With the recent startup in sports, Chin bears a greater workload.
“Things have been really busy lately,” Chin said. “I’m being swamped with work since all the sports are starting up so fast. I’m trying to get as many games in before the end of the school year, so now it’s just way more work than the beginning of the year.”
Chin attended TCHS and played basketball and volleyball all four years. He was on the varsity team three years in each sport, and after he graduated, he played in adult basketball and volleyball leagues in his spare time.
Prior to obtaining the Athletic Director position, Chin was a substitute teacher at Oak Ave Intermediate and TCHS. During that time, he also served as the head volleyball and basketball coach for 10 years at TCHS. At the moment, he serves as the assistant girls varsity basketball coach.
“Sports was a big part of my life, and I just thought it would be a fun job if I could still be part of sports at TC,” Chin said. “Some of the teachers I went to school with are still here, and I still say hi to them. The staff are super friendly to me. I just love the whole atmosphere here because it’s unlike any other school.”