Bowing Out

When the final second ticks off the clock and Chatsworth High’s football season comes to an end, so will the 37-year coaching career of Myron Gibford.

“I’ve been through it all, I’ve seen it all,” said the 62-year-old Gibford, who began in 1961 as Class B coach at Sylmar High. “I’ve loved coaching between the lines. I love to be on the field.”

Chatsworth (5-5) plays at South Gate on Friday night in the first round of the City Section 3-A Division playoffs. Gibford guided Chatsworth to the 3-A championship in 1979, his first season at the school, and runner-up finishes in 1985 and 1991.

“It was tough the other night, going onto the field knowing it would be the last time,” Gibford said of coaching in his final game at Chatsworth.

Gibford has encountered his share of critics over the years, particularly parents, but he has refused to take it personally. His coaching record is 110-128-6.

“Teaching is a great profession, coaching is a great profession, but you have to have a thick skin,” he said.

Gibford is a survivor.

“There’s not too many football coaches who can go out when they want to,” he said. “I’ve hung in there. I’ll miss the kids.”