CALUAG CALLS IT QUITS AT KEPPEL
Keppel girls basketball coach Minnie Caluag abruptly resigned last week, notifying school officials by email that she is not returning for a fifth season.
Caluag, who has been a member of the Aztecs girls coaching staff for 15-years, was named the varsity head coach in 2002.
Caluag leaves without ever losing an Almont League game after leading the Aztecs to four straight undefeated Almont League titles.
In the last two years alone, the Aztecs established themselves as one of the area’s premiere programs, boasting a 47-14 record. They went 26-4 during the 2004-05 season, and were 21-10 last year.
Keppel athletic director Ish Perez said Caluag has not spoken to him directly. Caluag, a walk-on coach, resigned in an email and did not give specifics.
“We were all surprised,� said Perez. “We heard hints that she might resign, but we weren’t sure. There was a booster club meeting where she apparently told some people she was going to quit. But as administrators, we weren’t invited to the meeting."
Caluag didn't return several calls seeking comment.
Tan Ha, who was Caluag’s varsity assistant all four years, has been named the head coach.
Ha wouldn’t speculate on Caluag’s sudden departure.
“We’re all kind of in shock, especially with the season starting soon,� said Ha. Official practice for winter sports begin on Nov. 10. “I’ve been here for a while and will try to keep the program going. Hopefully, I can do a good job.�
Anyone that knows the inside scoop, feel free to post it.
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Melendez worked as a correspondent for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune for three years and later landed a job as a freelance writer at the Los Angeles Times before accepting an offer at The Orange County Register covering high schools. Melendez covered Major League Soccer at The Register for three years before being promoted to report on the Lakers, Angels and Dodgers for the Web. Melendez also worked for the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Fresno Bee, Oakland Tribune and The Boston Globe. E-mail opinions, suggestions and tips to miguel.melendez@sgvn.com. |
Whatever the reasons, it's a huge loss for the Keppel program. Caluag took that team to incredible levels, always entering them in difficult tournaments and doing well.
I can't beleive that the AD admitted to hearing a rumor about it but still being surprised. When a coach with that type of record is rumored to leave, I would hope the AD would at least have a conversation with the person.
Well...
It could have to do with the district deciding recently that they would :
-Not have athletic theory classes next year
-Not allow on-campus coaches to teach an athletic theory class unless they have a P.E. credential
-Only allow 11th and 12th graders to be in the athletic theory classes.
This also comes on the heels of the absurd changes made by the district as a result of the Title IX lawsuit. Ironically, these decisions crippled the MKHS Girls Basketball boosters more than any other program in the district.
I could see her just being tired of the gutting of athletics by the district and saying "Forget it".