Hofman continues to kill them with kindness at La Canada

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Who says nice guys finish last? Tom Hofman, boys’ basketball coach at La Canada, is one of the most good-natured individuals around. He’s as genuine as they come, held in high-regard by many. And what about his teams ending up toward the bottom of the standings at the end of the season… Well, let’s just say that’s never been acceptable.

Year and year out, Hofman finds a way to get things done, finds a way to make his Mr. Nice Guy approach work. With that said, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn the 22-year veteran reached a milestone Thursday, picking up his 200th career Rio Hondo League win with the Spartans’ 57-38 victory over South Pasadena at home.

‘Winning my 200th means a couple of things. One, I’m getting old, and two, I like my job too much,’’ Hofman said. ‘I’ve been lucky. We’ve had some good kids come through this program, some kids that have bought into the system. As a coach, that’s all you can ask for. Honestly, if I had the energy, I’d do this for 22 more years.’’

Sure, he’ll enjoy the moment, but not for long, considering the postseason is right around the corner. Finishing undefeated in league play assures La Canada of a top four seed for next week’s Southern Section Division III-AA playoffs and it’s reasonable to expect that Hofman will have the Spartans ready. It’s in his nature. You don’t amass 200 league victories by being unprepared and simply playing the nice guy role. Or do you?

-- Sean Ceglinsky