Women's Volleyball Football Soccer Water Polo Men's Basketball Winning mentality for the program Acting head coach Anthony Harris steps in to get team back on track

He’s coached the top prospects in the nation and directed championship winning teams.

Now, Anthony Harris has a new challenge ahead of him—leading the Pierce football team for the remainder of the season.

Harris was named acting head coach after Carlos Woods was placed on temporary administrative leave by Pierce College President Alexis Montevirgen due to potential violations of CCCAA bylaws.

Harris had knowledge of what was going on with the program and the ongoing investigation.

“I had seen what was happening on Twitter. I was approached by the district because I was one of the applicants for the athletic director position and they noticed in my application that I had nine years head coaching experience in football,” Harris said.

Harris said he didn’t need much convincing to take over the position because he loves football and it was a great opportunity for him to show his leadership skills.

He said his first conversation with the assistant coaches was positive.

“After I met with the President, I told him I had to meet with the coaching staff first to see how they were mentally and if they were going to continue in the program. As an acting head coach, I can’t do this alone. You need coordinators, assistant coaches that can contribute. To my surprise, they were welcoming and I was excited to see what we can do,” Harris said.

Harris said the players have been positive upon his arrival.

“I am an advocate. They know I am here for them. I’m here to make sure their needs are being met on and off the field," Harris said.

In high school he was involved in football and track and was coached by legendary coach Jim Brownfield.

At Azusa Pacific University, Harris did a living legend report for the Master’s Program on Brownfield.

“Growing up without a father, young men in athletics look up to their male coaches as mentors, and Coach Brownfield was one to me,” Harris said.

In other accolades as an athlete he received NCAA All-American honors as a sprinter at California

State University, Los Angeles and was a key player for the California State University, Northridge football team when they won their conference.

As a coach, he earned the coach of the year award in 2001 and 2002 at Campbell Hall.

In 2005, he coached the defensive backs at the United States Army All-American Bowl.

“It was the coaching experience of my life. Getting off the plane with someone holding your name. Getting in the hotel and there being a red carpet and going to the fifth floor and seeing all the Under Armour gear. Also being able to coach the top 100 players in the nation was unreal. I had the pleasure of coaching J.D. Washington, the son of Denzel Washington,” Harris said.

Harris shared that Denzel Washington would go to the practices at Campbell Hall because he was going to be portraying Herman Boone in Remember the Titans.

"During the playoffs, I remember Coach Boone and Denzel coming to several games to watch J.D. and he saw me and said what a good coach I was,” Harris said. He said to have been blessed to be athletic director at all levels and that athletics has given him everything.

“I had the opportunity to be around great student-athletes and coaches and sometimes it doesn’t feel like work because I love it so much and I want to continue to do it as long as I live,” Harris said.

As an athletic director at La Salle, their teams earned 18 CIF championships, 36 league titles, and one state crown while 84 studentathletes earned NCAA or NAIA athletic scholarships.

At Campbell Hall for 10 years, he built an athletic program that excelled by capturing over 40 league titles, six CIF Championships and two state titles.

“I built the program from it being recreational program to a contender in every sport. I would definitely rival it with La Salle, but I had the privilege to be at both schools so I can’t complain,” Harris said.

Acting Athletic Director Genice Sarcedo-Magruder said Harris started making an instant impact when he got cleared.

"He hit the ground running, pulled things together and is willing to learn on the go, which I appreciate," Sarcedo-Magruder said.

She said Harris is seeing the job from a different perspective.

"With his past experience, he is looking at it not necessarily as he is the coach of the team, but that he is the AD. He is seeing the football program as a whole," SarcedoMageuder said.

Counselor Joe Roberson had the opportunity to meet Harris. He said he has a history of professionalism.

"Many people speak highly of him. He has established a high level of consistency which says a lot. Hopefully it ends up being a blessing for the program," Roberson said.

Football showed improvement from their previous game, but it wasn't enough as they lost to the Pasadena City College Lancers.

Despite taking the lead in the second half, they couldn't hold on as PCC beat the Brahmas 3019.

Acting head coach Anthony Harris said games can't be won if they are not focused.

“We didn't respond when the momentum shifted. Our defense played well, but for our offense we are still trying to find our mojo. Tomorrow is another day as we prepare for our next game,” Harris said.

Harris said that they can't get positive results,when there are four turnovers. He mentioned they need to clean up things for the game against LA Harbor.

“We were a little sharper in comparison to last week. We want to put it altogether against Harbor since we will be at home,” Harris said.

The first quarter there was no score from either team. Both defenses stepped up especially on fourth down. Pasadena though will take the lead through Darnell William on a 20-yard run. The extra point from Bracamonte Buci was good.

With 14 seconds left in the half, Kareem Miles scored his first of two touchdowns on a 40yard pass from David McCullum.

Before the score, Pasadena had recovered the football after a fumble, however Pierce one play later would get the ball back courtesy of Jalen Burton.

To begin the second half, Brahmas took the lead through Dennis Mack, however the extra point was blocked by Amir Davis and the Lancers were awarded two points for the defensive PAT. The joy would last until the fourth quarter as Robbie Kindle would give Pasadena the lead.

Things got worse after McCullum saw his pass intercepted by Kaydon Spens.

Ahmad Lipscomb would score on a 18-yard pass from Edward Norton.

Miles would get his second touchdown of the game on a 58yard pass from Andrew Young. Pasadena ran down the clock when they had possession to secure the win.

Brahmas with the loss drop to 1-6 on the season, 0-2 in conference play and host the Seahawks next Saturday.

LA Harbor got the win over the Santa Barbara City College Vaqueros 35-10 and are now 3-4 overall and are undefeated in conference with Hancock College at 2-0.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at John Shepard Stadium.