Please enjoy this post from our intern. I told you it would be good. By the way, I didn't know what "PDA" means. If you need a quick lesson in urban dictionary, please let me know and I will provide the definition.

Last month, I had to cover a few high school softball games around the Valley. I definitely don't look my age-23. People mistake me for just another high school girl. But besides that, when it was time to sit and watch the games, I decided to join the fans on the stands.

It's been five years since I've seen any kind of high school sport played. These games were an eye-opener, to say the least, in witnessing a new breed of "teenage fans."

I guess one of the biggest changes is the very open PDA. I mean, it was happening right next to me. As I jotted down plays in my scorebook, it was hard to not glance over at the teenage couple, locking lips in the open or underneath a ratty t-shirt.

They were literally, inches away from me.

And another thing, high school fans know how to make an entrance. They'll either chat for most of the game, leave between innings or actually watch the game. They are an electic mix of fans under the age of 18. But what they do share in common is their sense in fashion.

Huge diamond studs were in a few of the guys' ears. Girls came out wearing tight shirts and perfect hairdos - in case their crush happened to be present.

Lastly, the profanity when cheering! I mean, if the kids were for the home team, they would shout bad words to the away players - out loud.

Keep in mind, these scenarios didn't happen in all the games I covered. But besides these negatives, high school teams should be happy about something. When they make it to CIF playoffs, their fellow students will bring their glamorous selves to the game and cheer.

Posted by at 3:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

The East's secondary is X-Rated





West Covina defensive back Xavier Tucker has a knack for intercepting the deliveries of opposing QBs.

IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING, ANYTHING TO SAY ABOUT THIS GAME AS WE BUILD TOWARD THE MID-SUMMER CLASSIC, THIS IS THE THREAD TO DO IT IN. I EXPECT TO SEE ALL OF YOU THERE.

Date: July 7
Site: Mountain View HS
Kickoff: 7 p.m.

It took a while for the organizers to get the rosters completed and mailed out, but here they are. The East has dominated the series recently, but I get the vibe that could change this year.
This is a great game for local football fans.
It's played a little on the dirty side, which gets some people sour, but I kind of like it. There was a bench clearing brawl in the 2003 game and some ejections in the 2004 game. There is also a good rivalry going between the two territories, with the East feeling as though it's jocks don't stink and the West sporting an inferiority complex. The truth is probably somewhere in between and the games are always exciting.

COMMENTS ABOUT THE ROSTER AND THE RIVALRIES WANTED.

Aram's comments:
1. The biggest question I have is where's Dominic Salmon (Arroyo QB) on the West roster? I don't see how he wasn't selected to play in the game.

2. Take a look at the East's running backs ... Combest, Winbush, Jackson and Hunter - WOW!

3. Can an all-star defense realistically expect to stop Muir QB Forrest Elder? This guy is worth the price of admission by himself. He's going to make life hell on the East defense.

4. South Hills DE Tobi Umodu was selected to play, but is out of all-star games to participate in. CIF allows only two and Umodu will conclude his career in the Shrine.





Muir's Forrest Elder

EAST
COACH: Eric Podley (Bonita)

John Alejandro (Chaffey, RB, DB); Mike Anderson (Los Osos, QB); Robert Aquino (Garey, Ol, DL) ; Matt Austin (Charter Oak, WR, S); Mike Bentz (Bonita, WR, SS); Brandon Bryan (Glendora, WR, S); Chris Carmona (Gladstone, OL, DL); Steven Carrillo (Charter Oak, WR, S); Paul Clark (Covina, WR, DB); Art Combest (Covina, RB, DB); Victor Diaz (La Puente, OL, DL); Pablo Garay (Bonita, RB, LB); Eric Gardley (Santa Fe, WR, DB); Fred Glaster (South Hills, RB, DB); Curtis Gold (Bonita, QB); Brian Hunter (Charter Oak, RB, SS); Aaron Jackson (Santa Fe, RB, DE); Damian James (Northview, RB, DB); Brandon Johnson (Pomona, WR, DB); Domingo Lopez (Azusa, RB, LB); Louis Magallon (Los Altos, OL, DL); Brian Mason (W. Covina, DL); Andrew Mclean (Cal High, OL, DL); Dan Miller (Damien, DL); Cody Neely (Bishop Amat, LB); Cory Nolan (Diamond Ranch, RB, DB); Tony Palumbo (Bladwin Park, OL, DL); Kyle Petersen (South Hills, Kicker); Phil Ramirez (San Dimas, OL, DL); Jason Scott (Ayala, LB); Tyler Setlich (Don Lugo, WR, LB); Gorb Sevi (Rowland, OL, DL); Regan Sevi (Rowland, OL, LB); Darren Smith (Chino Hills, DL); Monti Sutton (Covina, WR, DB); Mike Trabbie (Ont. Christian, WR, LB); Xavier Tucker (W. Covina, WR, DB); Mike Vallejo (Nogales, FB, LB); Kent Vargas (South Hills, OL); Tyrone Walker (Ganesha, OL, DL); Marquies Winbush (South Hills, RB, DB), Daniel Robles (Bishop Amat, QB).

WEST
COACH: Ken Howard (Muir)

Joe Aquilos (Cantwell, RB, LB); Fernando Arellano (Salesian, OL, DE); Audarrius Bailey (Arcadia, TB, CB); Kenneth Bragg (Salesian, DT); Gunnar Bundesman (Arcadia, FB, LB); Jose Camarena (Rosemead, K); Jason Campos (Alhambra, FB, ILB); Josh Casey (Rosemead, RT, DE); Jonathan Dudding (South Pasadena, GRD, DE); Michael Edwards (Mark Keppel, RB, SS); Forrest Elder (Muir, QB, FS); Jesse Fisher (South Pasadena, TE, DE); Corey Fluker (Duarte, WR, DB); Ryan Fox (Duarte, OL, DL); Richard Garner (Muir, TE, DE); Travis Gowan (Arcadia, QB); Darren Hightower (Verdugo Hills, RB, LB); Ian Hoffman (La Salle, OL, DE); Sergio Leon (Arroyo, WR, DB); Robert "Anthony" Lopez (St. Francis, RB, LB); Ray McDonough (St. Francis, WR, FS); Orlando Medina (El Monte, WR, LB); Manuel Molina (Temple City, FB, LB); Richard Montelongo (Montebello, LG, TKL); Marco Mora (San Gabriel, TKL, Nose); Paymi Pitts (Kilpatrick, WR, FS); Isreal Quintanilla (Cantwell, OG, DT); Ali Rassamdana (Pasadena, K, PNT); Will Reid (Blair, WR, FS); Enrique Rivera (Lincoln High, TE, LB); Marquis Ross (Muir, WR, FS); Jay Sanchez (Mountain View, RB, SS); Raul Sanchez (Garfield, OG, DT); Alvaro Santiesteban (Franklin High, RB, FS); Marc Scholvinck (Temple City, TE, DE); Shay Slims (Marshal, GRD, LB); Scott Stephens (St. Francis, WR, DB); Deon Sumler (Rosemead, RB, DB); David Tejeda (Verdugo Hills, OL, DL); Michael Terry (Bell Gardens, FB, LB); Augstine Toscano (El Rancho, QB, OLB); Shun Hsin Tsia (Temple City, RB, DB); Alfred Varela (San Gabriel, WR); Armando Villa (South El Monte, OL, DT); Zack Williams (Pasadena, C, DT); Sean Wohihuter (Monrovia, GRD, DT).

Special thanks goes to Tribune and insidesocal.com/aram intern Elizabeth Botello for inputting the rosters. Elizabeth will be blogging from time to time on this site, so be looking for her stuff. It will be good. Some of you might even convince her to attend the game.

We dragged Ms. Botello in from watching the surf on sea cliffs so that she could type the rosters (she was actually happy to do it).

Posted by at 2:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (74)

Just know that Week 0 this year is on September 1.

Here are the games:

August 25
Bassett at Kealakehe, Hawaii (I wonder if the Trib will send me?)

Aug. 31
La Puente at Ontario

Sept. 1
Los Altos at South Hills
Bishop Amat at St. Paul
Diamond Ranch at Edison
Pioneer at Gabrielino
Workman at Mountain View
Beckman at Azusa
Schurr at Rowland
Walnut at San Gabriel
Chino Hills at Mission Viejo
Riverside Poly at Damien
Diamond Bar at Temescal Canyon
Gladstone at San Dimas (that's right, Gladstone is playing twice)
Does anyone know if G-Stone is playing The Dimas or Ganesha?

Sept. 2
Western Christian at Villanova

Posted by at 7:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Sorry to use this photo again, but you won't see this game anymore ... it's noticably missing from Damien's schedule

I must say that Damien games are a pretty exciting event. There's usually an overflow crowd and "The Pit" provides a student cheering section that's second to none. Just don't tell any of them that they have more of a soccer crowd vibe than football. Whatever, it's still the best student cheering section in the area.
Just thinking about Damien football harkens memories of a jarring experience for yours truly last season. As media, we sportswriters like some form of red carpet treatment. Is it deserved? Probably not. But we still like it. Anyway, I arrived at the Damien-Los Altos game last year and pulled up to a few gentlemen working the "reserved/preferred" parking area directly behind the home stands. I told them who I was, showed my press credential and boom, I was soon parked conveniently close to the stadium.
Fast forward, oh I don't know, to a few days later for the Bishop Amat game. I do the same maneuver, only this time when I get there, I am told I can't park there. I know what you're saying, "You need the walk, Aram" ... it's true, I do, but just prior to a Friday night lights session is not the time for me to aerobic walking.

Now, keep in mind that I do a TV show that extensively discusses Damien football as one of its core teams and I also happen to write for a newspaper that gives Damien coverage. Needless to say, I didn't appreciate the lack of hospitality. I didn't appreciate being told "You can park there, but your car will be towed." Just curious sir, but why wasn't my car towed the week before? Of course, parking on the street at Damien can actually be a good thing since you can't get out of the parking lot after games because Spartans students are catching their first glimpse of female co-eds and it causes some major delays. I digress.

About Damien football:
Two years ago the team was 2-8. Last year, 6-5. Both records are considered disappointing by Damien standards, but everything feels a little bit better heading into this season knowing that the Spartans were in the Sierra League race (barely) last season and made the playoffs.
Damien had two good wins last year - Charter Oak and Los Altos. Unfortunately, they both came in the first three weeks of the season and didn't count for squat in league.
The Spartans didn't win a meaningul game after that, losing to Bishop Amat, Chino, Chino Hills and most importantly to Glendora.
Offensively, Damien was a force in 2005. QB Mark Mendrun was a pleasant surprise and the running game came back to life a little.
Defense, on the other hand, was a problem. You can look at Damien allowing 24 points per game last season and say "it's not so bad." But take out the games against Charter Oak and Claremont, in which Damien allowed three points in eight quarters, and the Spartans' points allowed number skyrockets. And you also have to remember those performances came in the first two weeks of the season against teams with new personnel in almost every offensive position.
Here's the prob - Los Altos put up 35, Amat had 31, Chino scored 44, Chino Hills had 28, Glendora scored 36 and Canyon had 49. I don't care how good Mendrun is, no team can expect to trade points every week and win.
So, is it good news or bad that Damien loses many of the key contributors from last year's defense? LBs Chris Lucero and Dan Miller were good players. DB Ryan Farrar will be playing collegiately next season. Are there better players than those waiting in the wings?
The offense is going to be good again. Mendrun is back, as is his favorite target Travis Eschardies, who is one of the top receivers in the area.
The offensive line has some horses to replace, though. Every running back who saw meaningful carries last season also graduated.

Here's the sked:

Week 0 riverside poly (win)
Week 1 charter oak (loss)
Week 2 claremont (toss-up)
Week 3 los altos (toss-up)
Week 4 st jon bosco (loss)
~~~~~bye~~~~
Week 6 glendora (win)
Week 7 ayala (win)
Week 8 diamond bar (win)
Week9 chino (toss-up)
Week 10 chino hills (loss)

Projected record: 6-4 or 5-5
Sierra League: 2nd or 3rd place
Playoffs: Yes; out first or second round

If you're a local prep football fanatic, or Catholic, or both, the first thing you'll notice is that Amat isn't on the schedule anymore. I am bummed out by this, just like everyone else. I have no clue why the series ended, so please share if you know.
I like that both Charter Oak and Los Altos are on the schedule. It's pretty brave to schedule two of the area's top powers in addition to a tough nonleague.
The Sierra League schedule is going to be tough as usual. Chino Hills is the consensus favorite, with some people thinking they'll be stronger than last year while some thinking they'll take a step back.
Chino is a major question mark. The Cowboys lost a lot to graduation and a legend on the sidelines. Don't expect the talent to dip too far, but the dominance will wane.
Damien probably fits right in between or just below.

As bleak as the above analysis reads, it should be remembered that Damien has a top-shelf coaching staff, a good quality of student and the key ingredient to a strong season - a good, veteran quarterback. An optimist would say those three factors mean Damien could have any type of season. A pessimist says that Damien has neither the overall returning starters needed for success nor the defense to hang with the current Sierra League elite, let alone a still difficult Division II (or whatever it's called now).
The realist, and that's me, says Damien will probably produce similar results to last season. Nothing more, nothing less. Like most area teams, the Spartans will be interesting to monitor over the summer.

2006 WILSON WILDCATS SCHEDULE + ANALYSIS COMING SOON (AKA "the other team in Hacienda Heights" as it was so eloquently put).

Posted by at 5:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (24)

Thank you for posting, Reg!

Reg Miller, for those who don't know, is the local TV magnate when it comes to prep sports coverage in the SGV. He produces, anchors, hosts, and whatever else you can imagine, a bunch of Adelphia sports productions in the area, that include prep games of the week and "A Local Sports Show" which I am lucky enough to make appearances on.
Thank you for joining this blog, Reg. I hope you contribute often and lets us know what you think about all that you see.

Posted by at 1:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Nogales' Danny Garcia (8th round to Florida Marlins)

Chino Hills' Chris Parmelee (20th overall to Minnesota Twins)

Also San Dimas' Mikal Garbarino to Toronto Blue Jays.

Congrats to these two guys and everybody else from the area who had their wishes granted!

Posted by at 4:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

When was the last time Glendora had a player in the Shrine Game?

Congrats to Glendora's Brandon Bryan for making it. In a roundabout way, this puts Glendora football on the map. Brandon is a great kid and was also a very solid basketball player for the Tartans' marquee sports team.
This kid just doesn't lose jump ball situations on the football field. He goes up and gets everything, as evidenced by this picture. It doesn't make sense why college recruiters haven't figured that out.

The game is June 24 at Citrus College. Kickoff is 7 p.m.

Private:

Ryan Farrar (Damien)
Tristan Turner (Damien) Tribune All-Area offensive line

Public:

Tobi Umodu (South Hills) Tribune All-Area defensive line
Marquies Winbush (South Hills) Tribune All-Area running back
Sean Sheller (Walnut) Tribune All-Area offensive line
Adam Prohoroff (Wilson)
Brandon Bryan (Glendora) Tribune All-Area wide receiver
Chapelle Brown (Los Altos) Tribune All-Area defensive back
Alfred Varela (San Gabriel) Star-News All-Area wide receiver

As sour as I am about the attempts of the Shrine Game organizers to revitalize their game, SGVN sports editor Doug Spoon reminded me that it's a big deal to have local kids playing in it. Because I can see that point and it's a major accomplishment for the guys above, I will give the game it's due coverage.

Also, I expect to see a large local contingent of football fans out there. The game is at Citrus, which is in all of our backyards. You all should be jonesing for some grid action right now, and this will help you get your fix.

Also also, I got word that rosters for the Hall of Fame Game have been finalized. That one is at Arroyo HS on July 14. There's never a worry about crowd size for that game. And there's never a lack of excitement either.

Posted by at 4:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

The more I let this Fryer column marinate, the more ticked off I get.

1. Why are Shrine Game organizers enlisting the help of a sportswriter to field rosters for THEIR game?

2. What is Fryer doing accepting the offer anyway? We sportswriters report the news, we don't make it. Why do you think AP doesn't want to be considered anymore in the BCS selecion process>
Side note: Yes, I have some say in the Tribune/Star-News All-Star Classic, but that's MY COMPANY'S GAME. This isn't the OC Register Shrine Game ... at least not yet.

3. Where's the game played? The SGV, not flippin' Orange County.

4. Was Fryer chosen to be the Orange County liaison to the selection committee or was he going to help select all of the players, as in from ALL THE OTHER SCHOOLS IN SOCAL he doesn't cover?

5. How much advance consideration does the OC Register give to the game? The Tribune's coverage of this game FAR EXCEEDS that of any other newspaper in SoCal. Last year, I wrote two features leading up to game day and a preview of the game on game day. That's right, I'll take credit for a percentage of the seats that were filled by local fans (again, the game is played in the SGV). And I will then shift that credit to my editor Doug Spoon, who probably doesn't understand why I push for blowout coverage of this game. That's about to stop, so it's a non-issue for future games.
Meanwhile, the Shrine Game is lucky to even have a 6-inch advance of their event in the Times or Register. So why enlist the help of the Register's main prep guy?
Oh, I get it. Because if Fryer has involvement, then that means the Register might supply more coverage and lead-up which could then lead to an OC contingent of fans making their way to the SGV for the game.

The answer is right in Fryer's colum ...

"I was invited to be part of the Shrine Game player selection meeting Jan.23. Organizers said they really wanted to improve the quality of the game, and that I could help. It's a game with a great history, and it's played for charity, so I complied."

Is that what Shrine Game organizers think will save their floundering game - A HUGE OC INFLUENCE? It must be because they got Fryer to help save the day.
How ridiculous is that? Why even play the game in the SGV? Why not move it to Santa Ana College? Let the players practice at Mater Dei.

I respect Steve Fryer. I enjoy reading his columns and I know he takes a lot of heat from an often hostile OC readership. I really enjoy the OC Register's coverage of prep sports, too.
I think Fryer showed a lot of courage even writing his latest column. I can imagine certain people weren't happy about it. But he has some blame in this, too. Merely showing up to the selection meeting opened a can of worms that never should've been opened.

Posted by at 2:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I know exactly what Fryer is talking about in relation to the Shrine Game selection process. I have seen players selected to this game that make you go "What?"
Anyway, the game is coming up later this month. Two years ago it was televised by Fox Sports Net and last year it was televised by some desert TV station. Like Channel 22 or something. All I remember is that they had the most beautiful sideline reporter you'd ever want to see and when she came up to the big man at practice and asked him about some of the players, I just about passed out! Of course, seconds into the conversation, she dropped the "I'm engaged to a pharmaceuticals salesman" line on me. Here's the deal - if you're engaged or married or have dude, please don't talk to me.
Anyway, the point is that Fox Sports doesn't want to televise the game anymore. No TV is signed on to do it this year, but I see Adelphia is a sponsor. The game format is boring now that it's dwindled down to SoCal Public vs. Private. And, to make things worse, some of the kids playing in it aren't legit all-stars.

But, having said all of that, it's still football. The Shrine Game could gets its players from retirement homes and I would still watch because it's football in the dead of summer. Also, the game is being played at Citrus College and was played before at MSAC and the Rose Bowl, so it's very local for me and Tribune.
Practices are at Cal Poly Pomona.

Here's Steve Fryer's column:

Two all-star football games are not shining so brightly today.

The Shrine Game added two players who are not Shrine Game material solely because of their fathers' influence.

The Orange County North-South All-Star Game has Scott McKnight on the South roster. McKnight was suspended from the Tesoro football team and from school in 2005 for describing in a class journal the methods he would use to murder a teacher.

First, the Shrine Game.

I was invited to be part of the Shrine Game player selection meeting Jan.23. Organizers said they really wanted to improve the quality of the game, and that I could help. It's a game with a great history, and it's played for charity, so I complied.

The player-selection process began with an announcement by game coordinator Steve Wurtzel that a player from an Anaheim high school was already in the game because the player was the son of a Wurtzel business client. At that moment I stood, began gathering my materials and announced that I would not be part of a selection process in which undeserving players would be placed on rosters because of friendships, business deals or favors owed.

The Shrine people understood, and from then on, players were selected solely because of their worthiness as football players. In this year's game, June24 at Citrus College in Glendora, a team of CIF-Southern Section public school players will play against a team of CIF-SS private/parochial and CIF Los Angeles City Section players. The players selected were at least first-team all-league players, and a majority of them also were All-CIF or all-area players.

However, last week, two players from Servite were added to the private/L.A. team. Neither was even second-team all-league.

Linebacker Eddie Ramirez did not start for Servite in 2005. Lineman Nick Mostero played in half of the Friars' games before a shoulder injury shelved him for the duration of the season.

The appointments of Ramirez and Mostero surprised the private/L.A. team coach. That coach is Troy Thomas - also Servite's football coach.

"The Shriners send me a ton of e-mails," Thomas said, "and I saw one that said a new player was added to the private team. I clicked on it and saw 'Eddie Ramirez,' and I go 'Eddie Ramirez from Servite? How did he get on the team?'

"They told me his dad volunteered to be the team doctor, so they put him on the team."

And Mostero?

"From what I was told by Wurtzel," Thomas said, "his dad made a financial donation to get him into the game."

Thomas then told Wurtzel and the Shrine group that if Ramirez and Mostero were on the roster, then Thomas would not coach the game because of what would happen to the reputation of himself and Servite High School.

"I want to coach the game," Thomas said. "I really believe in the cause. But I don't feel this is something I can put my name on."

Thomas said he then called Ramirez's father, Eddie, and Mostero's father, Frank, to set up meetings with them and their sons for discussion. Thomas said Frank Mostero declined to meet, but a meeting with Ramirez's father did occur.

"I told him Eddie was no longer on the team," Thomas said. "Mr.Ramirez told me he still would be the team doctor and his son would be on the team as well."

Thomas said the meeting then took an uncomfortable turn.

"He said he had talked to a lawyer before he came to our meeting," Thomas said. "He brought up a couple of legal issues, and that I would be learning a big lesson from this, that I'm a young guy who didn't really know my place."

Wurtzel said Mostero and Ramirez have been removed from the Shrine game roster, but he would not comment further until cleared to do so by the Shriners' attorney.

Ramirez said he was not at liberty to discuss the matter, as he was in consultation with a legal advisor.

Mostero also declined to comment, but confirmed that he, too, had consulted with a lawyer.

"There are too many families involved," Mostero said, "and too many people involved. I'd rather just shake hands with everybody when this is over."

The Shrine Game has changed formats frequently, lately going from a North-South game to a California vs. Texas game to a public schools vs. private schools game and on to this year's mixed-rosters experiment. While this meandering has damaged the great game's credibility, it is nothing compared with placing roster spots up for bid.

As for McKnight, there is no argument that he was one of south county's most talented football players in 2005 as a receiver and defensive back. But he missed eight of his team's 14 games because of a character issue.

South coach Bruce Ingalls of Laguna Hills said he and the South coaching staff had to find a cornerback after two players at that position dropped out of the game. Ingalls said he talked with Tesoro coach Jim O'Connell, who had nominated McKnight for the game during the original selection process, Tesoro assistant coaches and McKnight. He contacted Daily Pilot sports writer Barry Faulkner, who annually helps coordinate the South roster and select the South coach.

Ingalls said he spoke with McKnight and the McKnight family, too. All parties agreed McKnight would be a good addition, so he was added to the team.

"Scott does deserve a second opportunity," Ingalls said. "And, as a coach, I want to get the best players on the field."

The Brea Lions Club organizes and manages the county all-star football game for charity. The Lions' Phil Anton, the game coordinator, said he did not know McKnight was added to the South roster until the roster was announced at a South coaches-players meeting May11.

"I would have discouraged it," Anton said had he been consulted before the selection of McKnight.

Good kids do bad things. A young person who makes a mistake should not be tossed into the trash.

But to avoid the guaranteed negative publicity that could damage the integrity of the county all-star game McKnight should not be on the South roster. A few phone calls here and there probably could have revealed a better candidate who can play cornerback, like Westminster's Mitchell Nhep, who was the Golden West League player of the year in '05.

The notion that character counts seems to have been lost there.

As for the Shrine Game, young men have been shown that you do not have to earn your way into the circle of honor. All you need are the right connections.

Posted by at 11:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Usually the only attorneys around the San Marino High basketball program are the ones watching their kids play.

San Marino coach quits amid police probe
By Marshall Allen Staff Writer

SAN MARINO - Coach Patrick Gillan has resigned in the midst of a police investigation into his relationship with a 17-year-old girl.

Though both Gillan and the girl maintain he has done nothing wrong, the 40-year-old quit Wednesday after seven years coaching the San Marino High School girls basketball team.

His attorney said the resignation was the culmination of ongoing questions about Gillan over the past five years - since San Marino police publicized his arrest for an alleged sexual assault of a player.

"The problem is, ever since the San Marino Police Department held this news conference and published these scurrilous accusations about him, everyone looks at him differently," said attorney John Burton.

One of Gillan's former players accused him of sexual assault in December 2001, which led the San Marino Police Department to arrest him and publicize the allegations in search of possible victims. The District Attorney's Office never charged Gillan. He was suspended from school for two months and then reinstated.

The situation led to a lawsuit against the Police Department and, in January 2005, a jury awarded Gillan $4.4 million.

Gillan, who Burton said is single, is now being investigated by the Glendale Police Department after he was found alone in his car with a female San Marino High School student in Crescenta Valley Park on Sunday night. Agent John Balian, spokesman for Glendale police, said officers contacted Gillan but did not arrest him. He said he could comment further in the coming week, but did not want to say anything that might jeopardize the investigation.

"We're not hiding anything," Balian said. "At this point, we just can't confirm or deny anything."

Burton said Gillan was with a 17-year-old San Marino High School senior who played on the team during the past season and was now helping him coach spring practices.

At the park, the two were playing Scrabble and "having conversations about whatever was going on in their respective lives," Burton said.

Gillan's car was in a well-lit, well-traveled area of the park, he said. The two had gotten into the vehicle to leave, and Gillan was in the driver's seat, with the girl in the passenger seat. Both were fully clothed and there was no inappropriate contact, Burton said. Just after 10 p.m. they were approached by an officer, he said.

According to the girl, who asked to remain unnamed for her own privacy, nothing inappropriate occurred while the two were at the park for a few hours. They were talking and police arrived after they hugged, she said. The police "thought something was going on," she said, adding that the whole incident was a "huge misconception, taken out of proportion."

The 17-year-old said she has never had a physical relationship with Gillan. The police interviewed her for about 90 minutes Sunday night, she said, and may want to interview her again in the coming days. She said her parents are "fully aware" of the situation, and "it was just like a bad decision on both our parts to go alone to the park."

After the long weekend, Gillan immediately reported the incident to the San Marino Unified School District, Burton said. Wednesday, during an appointment to discuss the incident, the coach realized that with the previous allegations of misconduct, the current situation was going to "take on a dimension" that he, the district and the teenager did not need, Burton said. So he resigned, and will look for positions coaching boys basketball, Burton said.

"Anything he does will be judged from the stink that was caused by these false charges \ and that press conference," Burton said. "That's why he just said, `It's time for me to move on."'

Burton conceded that Sunday's incident showed bad judgment by Gillan.

A local girls basketball coach, who asked to remain anonymous, agreed Gillan exercised poor judgment. He said he doesn't ever give girls rides or put himself in any situation where he's alone with a player.

"It could be totally innocent, you could be talking about a game," the coach said. "But it's what other people see. Unfortunately, perception is reality."

marshall.allen@sgvn.com

(626) 578-6300, Ext. 4461

Posted by at 1:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)