Montclair didn’t have to look long or far for a new football coach, naming Eric Kennedy the successor to T.J. Fiorenza.
Kennedy had been on Fiorenza’s staff the last three years, the first of those as defensive back and special teams coach and the last two as defensive coordinator. He also teaches social studies at the school.
At 26, he is the youngest head coach in the Inland Valley.
“T.J. brought stability to our program and Eric will continue that,” Athletic Director Bill Blades said. “It will be a smooth transition.”
Kennedy is a resident of Rancho Cucamonga and 2007 graduate of Corona Santiago High School. He is looking forward to taking the reigns of the program and says he will retain all of the coaches from Fiorenza’s staff but wouldn’t rule out new additions as well.
He has been running the school’s conditioning weight program since the start of the semester.
“T.J. brought stability back here, something they hadn’t had in 20 or so years,” Kennedy said. “I’m just picking up where he left off. There are good people here and good kids here and I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”
Fiorenza had been in the football program for 13 years, the last five as head coach, He stepped down ot pursue administrative opportunities.
The Cavaliers were 4-6 last season but 0-5 in Mt. Baldy League play.
Unfortunately for Kennedy, the school’s three top returning players have left the school. It is something Kennedy plans to address immediately.
The Montclair football program has long suffered because of the lack of a youth program in the area. Middle school kids have to go to program’s in neighboring cities and oftentimes decide to go to the high schools in those areas.
“All we can do is make this the best program we can so kids want to stay here,” he said,
