Coach Rappa fired, miffed at Estancia

Steve Virgen

Tami Rappa, who guided the Estancia High girls basketball team to a

Golden West League championship in her first season, has been fired,

a decision made by Tom Antal, the school’s principal who made the

formal announcement Wednesday.

In a meeting with Antal and girls athletic director Nancy Ferda

Tuesday, Antal gave Rappa, “an ultimatum,” she said, either resign or

be fired. It was the same ultimatum given to Rappa after the Estancia

girls basketball team defeated crosstown rival Costa Mesa, 53-33.

She said she was terminated for, “running up the score,” one of

four reasons for her dismissal.

“I think Costa Mesa gets very upset because I’m a female,” Rappa

said of the lopsided victory. “When we lose to their football team by

40-some points, do we cry? I don’t think I did anything out of the

ordinary.”

Antal would not comment on the content of the conversation, but

did confirm he spoke with her after the game.

“I have decided that it is time for a coaching change,” Antal

said. “We are going to make one for next year. I can’t comment on the

reasons for that. I would like to thank Rappa for the service she

gave to our school.”

Rappa said Antal ended her two-year stint for four reasons:

“Because he thought I ran up the score against Costa Mesa, I caused

too many waves and my name had become a household name around the

district and it was not a good thing.”

Rappa was also told she held illegal Sunday practices, she said.

But she contested that accusation, saying she was never present at

the practices and the students are allowed to use the facilities as

they choose.

Rappa, who teaches at Ocean View, conducted a basketball class at

Estancia this semester. She said she sent an e-mail to Antal Tuesday

morning, stating she would cease from teaching the class until she

knew of her future with the program. Antal then held the meeting and

gave her the ultimatum.

“I’m not going to resign and slander my own name,” said Rappa who

compiled a 28-25 record that came with two playoff appearances. “I

have nothing to hide ... Coaching gave me a different venue to see

the kids in, and that’s what makes me such a great teacher. You get

more involved with them, more than just in the classroom. The kids

help to me to understand them. They also taught me lessons. I realize

they are a family for me. They know I’m there for them. That’s one of

the reasons I can’t resign. I’ve always told my kids, you have to

stand up for yourself.”

Rappa also said Ferda came to her defense during the meeting

Tuesday afternoon. Ferda had no comment on the reasons Rappa was

fired, although she was unsure of what exactly to say.

“This is my 12th year as athletic director and this has never

happened before,” Ferda said. “Tammy is a wonderful, excellent coach

and I loved having her in our program for two years. She’s a good

friend. I admire her skill and her coaching abilities.”

Asked if she supported Antal’s decision, she said, “Yes. He’s my

employer and that’s my job.”

Antal said he had a meeting with the Estancia girls basketball

team Wednesday afternoon when he delivered the news.

Rappa said she hopes to still have a team banquet April 3 in the

school’s gym, but does not see that happening. She plans to resume

coaching, and has been actively looking for openings.