HS FOOT: Crespi names Mack new football coach

Winning the job over an impressive group of applicants that included coaches Tim Lins of Moorpark, Dean Herrington of Alemany of Mission Hills and Troy Thomas of Servite of Anaheim, Jon Mack is the new head football coach at Crespi High of Encino, and he promises a successful turnaround after the talent-rich Celts have failed to make the playoffs the past two seasons.

The Daily News first broke the news of Mack's hiring on Wednesday.

Mack, 49, is a proven winner. He was 163-47-1 in 17 years at St. Bonaventure of Ventura, including seven section championships and a runner-up over a 10-year period from 1996 to 2005. He has coached at Ventura College the past three years, compiling a record of 19-12, including 7-4 this past season.

Mack was introduced today at a campus press conference, and the first question was would he bring Crespi back to the playoffs.

"I wouldn't put a limit on just making the playoffs. I want to win the whole thing," Mack said. "We understand there's a lot of competition, and we want to be the best we can be."

Mack replaces Jeremiah Ross, who coached Crespi to the 2007 Pac-5 final but went 11-9 over following two seasons, including a total of one Serra League victory; Ross was forced out in December.

About 40 applicants from as far away as New York seriously pursued the Crespi job, which was narrowed to six finalists this past week.

"Obviously, that adds to the honor of the position that there was so much interest," Mack said. "It says something special is ready to happen here. This is very exciting. I can't wait to get started."

Crespi has plenty of returning talent, particularly at the skill positions. Among the key underclassmen are running backs Rhasheed Johnson and M.Ajani Shanks and receivers Devin Lucien and Brian Irvine, along with blue-chip defensive lineman Reggie Coates, defensive back Charles Washington and kicker Patrick McDonough.

"We love great athletes of all shapes and size, but speed is something I especially love," Mack said. "That's the key to victory."

Mack said he has yet to decide on any assistant coaches and that he plans to interview as many Crespi assistants that are interested in coming back.

"I feel pretty good about the new coach. I think the team will respond well," Lucien said.
Shanks was impressed with Mack's positive attitude.

"He seems like he has a lot in store for us," Shanks said. "He doesn't seem like the type of guy who's going to give up easily."

-- Gerry Gittelson