By Elaine Cruz
USCRipsIt staff writer
A football team cannot function without its bare necessities -- football equipment.
It's not just the players that are out there on the field every Saturday. It's their uniforms, their helmets and their pads. The special equipment they use during practice is important to help them prepare for those games. There is a lot of responsibility that comes with taking care of a team's needs, especially when it involves taking care of the stuff that helps to prepare and protect every player. Such an important job is in the hands of Tino Dominguez, USC's football equipment coordinator.
Dominguez has worked for the USC athletic department for 19 years. He has worked under previous coaches Larry Smith, John Robinson and Paul Hackett. His experience with being an equipment coordinator doesn't begin at USC, however, since he started at a high school.
He started working at the high school level as a coach, equipment manager, and trainer, handling almost every aspect of a football team. After working there for 10 years, Dominguez decided to join the Equipment Managers Association, a group that has members ranging from the high school level to the NFL. He flew out to St. Louis to get his certification.
Soon after getting certified, Dominguez saw an opening for an assistant equipment manager at USC. He decided to apply and was invited back three times throughout the interview process. He got a final call and has been with the athletic department since, working primarily with football.
Some of his jobs specifics are to make sure the sizing of jerseys and pants are correct and that helmets are ready for use. He also gets the equipment ready to go on the field for practice use. He oversees the repairs of the equipment and is in charge of loading the equipment for transportation.
Dominguez also is responsible for setting up and taking down the equipment. He also employs the help of 12 student managers, and having that many helping hands is essential to helping to move, set up and take down the hefty equipment.
Dominguez says working with Coach Carroll as being a really good coach to work for.
"I like to describe Coach Carroll as a young John Robinson. He trusted your experience, judgment, and abilities," he explains.
He also describes the habits of Carroll he frequently observes.
"He likes to throw curve balls, change his mind, and plans. He's easy to work for," he says.
Of the many memories and experiences Dominguez has with Trojan football, his favorites have been all the trips to the BCS bowls, particularly the Orange Bowls. He also mentions another part of his career which he is fond of."The biggest high points are when we graduate players and they go to the NFL. Many become very successful professional athletes," he states.
Dominguez is proud of the players he has worked with. He likes to have close relationships with them while at USC. He says he's seen many players grow right before his eyes as they come to USC as kids.
"They've played in college for years and for free. Now they play in the NFL making millions of dollars," he says. He reminisces about the players he has worked with throughout the years which include Keyshawn Johnson, Lofa Tatupu and Troy Polamalu, among many others.
Dominguez was born in New Mexico but moved to Southern California when he was 6 years old. He said his family supports his career.
"They're proud to say that their husband, father, brother, uncle works for USC," he says.
When he isn't working he likes to spend time doing his favorite hobbies.
"On the side I build. I restore classic cars," says Dominguez. He also likes to attend his son's boxing matches. He also tries to fish when he can.
If one thing is certain, it's that Dominguez has an important but fun job. That's why he takes his time making sure everything is done properly and is ready for practices and games. The team relies on Dominguez to help them prepare for each game, and he is happy to be the person they can rely on. He cheers on the team as the fans do, but he gets to do it right from the sideline. All of the work he does, he does with his heart.
"I love what I do," he simply says.
• You can contact USCRipsIt staff writer Elaine Cruz via email.
