Pinal Today

Randy Robbins was presented the key to the city by the Casa Grande City Council after announcing his retirement as Casa Grande Union High School (CGUHS) athletic director.

The former Denver Broncos cornerback first worked at CGUHS from 1997 to ’98. He returned as athletic director in 2014. During his tenure, he presided over state championships in cheerleading in 2019 and in football in 2021. 

Robbins was humbled by the city’s award.

“I know it’s big,“ Robbins told Pinal Central. “I just don’t know how big it is and I don’t want to screw it up. That’s kind of how I’m feeling about it right now. I’m honored. I’ve got it sitting on my table at home; I got the key and I sit and look at it.”

Robbins said he will miss the rapport he has with students more than the success the CGUHS athletic program had under his leadership.

“We all know what the football program did recently,” he said. “That team was amazing. It shows our programs are just getting better and the kids are competing. I’m gonna miss talking to the kids because I have an open-door policy; the kids want to come in, sit down, chat. I have the kids call me by my first name. I don’t have them calling me ‘Mr. Robbins,’ because that’s who I am and it helps break down barriers.”

Robbins stressed that students need to focus on enjoying their time in school, despite all the pressures they face.

“If I would give some kids advice, I’d tell them go back to having fun,” he said. “I think sometimes as parents — I don’t know if I’m going to get into trouble for saying this — but I think with this generation we are putting too much pressure on our kids. I learned that from my head coach in college, Larry Smith. He said the first thing you need to do is have fun. And I think kids need to have fun first so they enjoy that sport.”

Robbins said he wants to travel after his retirement.

“I want to go to Australia, and I want to go to Switzerland, as I have some friends over there, but I really want to see this world that God has made,” he said.