Victor Valley names new hoops coach

Victor Valley College has named former Hesperia High School coach Michael Stewart its women's basketball coach. He replaces Lana Tomlin, who headed the program for two years.

"I am going to make a commitment of being here at least five years," said Stewart, 41. "My expectations are always going to be high. My priority right now is going out to the schools here because there is talent here."

The Rams were just 5-50 overall and 1-29 in Foothill Conference play under Tomlin, who resigned for job and family reasons.

The program was already struggling when she took over, going 8-20 overall and 2-12 in conference play under previous coach Stacia Rustad in 2005-06.

Stewart also previously coached the boys varsity team at Victor Valley High School and says his roots in the community have already made a difference.

"I've been here since 1972. My dad umpired in the Pac-10 and has done a lot of clinics and I have worked with him. So I think word has gotten out," he said. "They have only carried eight or nine players in the past but we're going to have a full squad and I have been pleased with how I have been received so far."

Stewart has been employed with the Hesperia Unified School District but that will end later this month. He and his family are in the process of opening a sports memorabilia shop in Victorville not far from the college.

But bringing back a competitive team is his main goal.

"We're going to do what it takes to get back on track," he said.

Also, Rams Athletic Director Jaye Tashima said the school is suspending the track program. The coach had resigned and she was going to have to look for another one anyway.

"The budget is really tight," she said. "We have to do it to save some of the other programs."