Breaking News: Damien fires baseball coach Al Leyva prompting immediate speculation that former Bishop Amat coach Andy Nieto could take over

Thursday update: A day after Al Leyva was fired at Damien, Mt. SAC and former South Hills coach Kevin Smith added Leyva to his staff at Mt. SAC as an assistant ….. The speculation that former Bishop Amat coach Andy Nieto could take over at Damien just multiplied following today’s news that, Long Beach State Baseball Hall of Famer, Don Barbara, has been hired as the new head coach at St. John Bosco. Nieto was finalist for St. John Bosco, but who knows, maybe he pulled out of the running now that Damien position is available. Stay tuned.

alleyvaWednesday’s Breaking News: Damien athletic director Jeff Grant said the school has parted ways with baseball coach Al Leyva and that an immediate search for a new coach has started. Damien will accept applications through June 27.
Leyva was 107-61 in six seasons at Damien, but never won a league championship. His best year was his first in 2009 when Damien finished 21-9 and advanced to the CIF-SS Division 2 semifinals. Damien was 17-10 this past season, finished in a tie for third in the Sierra League and was ousted in the first round of the playoffs.
“There wasn’t a single incident or something that led to this,” Grant said. “It’s a combination of small things and at the end of the day we wanted to move in a different direction.”
andynieto1That different direction could be former Bishop Amat baseball coach Andy Nieto, who resigned at Bishop Amat last week after winning his fourth championship in eight years. Nieto has a close relationship with Damien principal Dr. Merritt Hemenway, who was previously the principal at Bishop Amat and who hired Nieto to take over the Amat baseball program.
Nieto has been rumored to be interested in St. John Bosco, but with Damien becoming available it could change things.
Grant admitted that Nieto and Hemenway are close, and Nieto always has said he has a lot of respect and admiration for his former principal.
“We’re opening the job for any and all applicants,” Grant said. “Obviously coach Nieto is no longer employed and he’s more than welcome to apply. But this is not a situation where the jobs already been promised to anyone.”

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Los Altos baseball coach Andrew Formano resigns

By Stephen Ramirez
steve.ramirez@langnews.com
@SteveRRamirez on Twitter

You can add Los Altos High School to list of area schools looking for a baseball coach.
Andrew Formano, the Conquerors coach since 2007, resigned Wednesday, citing burn out from the year-long grind of coaching.
He’s the third area coach to leave his position in the past few weeks. Andy Nieto resigned at Bishop Amat last week, and Damien’s Al Leyva was fired earlier this week.
“It’s a little of a burnout, so I felt it was time to take some time off from coaching,” Formano said. “I’d like to focus on my family and some other things. That’s the major reason why.”
Formano built Los Altos into an area top 10 team. He was 121-93-1 in his eight seasons at the Hacienda Heights school. The Conquerors made the CIF-Southern Section playoffs in six out of his eight seasons. They advanced to the quarterfinals in 2009 and 2012.
Los Altos was 13-15 this season.
During his tenure, several Los Altos players advanced to the next level. They include Joe Munoz, who is now playing Single-A for the Arizona Diamondbacks; James Mendez (Cal State Los Angeles); Steven Camberos (Hawaii Pacific); Ronnie Blagg (Valley City State, North Dakota) and Evelio Ahumada (William Penn, Iowa).
“I’m proud of what we accomplished,” Formano said. “We competed every year in our league, and unfortunately we had Bonita ahead of us. But most of those years we had some really good teams during my time.
“We always competed. That’s the legacy I wanted to leave behind. We made a couple of nice runs. We had kids make it to the next level. Munoz is doing well, so I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish.”

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Swimming All-Area: Walnut’s Derek Kao, Glendora’s Alexis Margett earn top awards

walnutswim
TRIBUNE SWIMMING ALL-AREA
SWIMMERS OF THE YEAR
BOYS
DEREK KAO, WALNUT, SR.

Walnut has had a strong swimming tradition and Kao added to it with a solid effort at the Division 2 championships in Riverside.
He had one of the divisions best-ever efforts, scoring the 100 breaststroke title with a meet-record time of 54.91 seconds. The senior also finished third in the 200 individual medley with a time of 1:52.65. He helped the Mustangs’ 200 medley relay team to a third-place finish with a time of 1:35.07.
“Going into the race, I thought, just rely on my training,” Kao said. “I had to focus on what I had to do and just go for it.”

GIRLS
ALEXIS MARGETT, GLENDORA, FRESHMAN

Margett had the top performance by area swimmer at the Division 2 championships in Riverside.
She was the lone area competitor to score a title, winning the 100 butterfly with a time of 54.52. The freshman also helped the Tartans to wins in the 200 medley (1:47.63) and 400 (3:32.12) freestyle relays, keying the Division 2 title. Margett also finished 10th in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:07.18.
“I feel really accomplished,” Margett said after winning her event. “I feel like I applied the right technique to get that time, so it’s great.”

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Breaking News: Walnut boys basketball coach Josh Cameron resigns to become assistant principal at Norco

cameron
By Fred J. Robledo
Walnut boys basketball coach Josh Cameron resigned on Wednesday to become the assistant principal at Norco High School.
Cameron coached eight years at Walnut and turned it into one of the premier programs in the San Gabriel Valley, earning area coach of the year honors this past season after leading the Mustangs to an undefeated Hacienda League title.
The Mustangs finished 22-6, setting a school record for victories in a season and also a school-record 14-game undefeated streak.
Cameron took over a team that had just won four games prior to his arrival in 2006 and turned it around, advancing to the playoffs for six straight years, reaching the CIF-SS divisional quarterfinals once and the second round four times.
Cameron finishes with an overall record of 128-90 at Walnut. He was 21-31 in his first two years, but finished 107-59 in his last six seasons.
“The opportunity at Norco came up and I went for it, it’s a great job,” Cameron said. “It’s a little bittersweet leaving Walnut because of the program we built up. It’s a great place to coach because of the players and administration.”
Cameron’s leaving the program on a high note and with a young team that’s built to continue what he started.
“That’s what’s great about it, the program is at one of the highest points it’s been in a long time,” Cameron said. “I’m certainly not leaving the cupboard empty. I wouldn’t of left Walnut for any other coaching position, but with a chance to become an assistant principal, it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

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Girls Softball All-Area 2014: San Dimas’ Janelle Wheaton powers her way to Player of the Year; Los Altos’ Nacho Hernandez coach of the year

janellwheaton
By Fred Robledo
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Janell Wheaton, San Dimas, Sr.
San Dimas coach Don Pollard remembers when Janell Wheaton was a freshman and wondering if all that talent would blossom.
“There are some players that come in as a freshman and you say to yourself, ‘she’s going to be great as a senior,’ and then they never really live up to the hype.”
That wasn’t Wheaton.
“Not only did she live up to everything, she exceeded it,” Pollard said. “I’m not just talking about her talent, but her softball IQ, how she plays under pressure and the work she does in the classroom. She’s the most complete package I’ve ever been around.”
Wheaton, who signed a national letter of intent to play at National champion Florida, has been selected the San Gabriel Valley Tribune player of the year.
“She’s everything she’s advertised to be,” said San Dimas coach Don Pollard. “She deserves all the accolades she’s getting.”

Wheaton did it all at San Dimas, winning four straight Valle Vista league titles and earning three straight league most valuable player of the year awards.
Wheaton was named to the all-area first-team a year ago, then set her sights even higher.
“The girl who was chosen for player of the year last year (Bishop Amat’s Lexi Gonzalez) went to Oregon State,” Wheaton said. “I said to myself, ‘that’s my goal, to have a good season, to win league again and get player of the year and go off on a good note.’ I’m pretty happy with my career at San Dimas.”
The catcher’s senior season numbers were off the charts. She led the area in average, RBIs and hits, batting .617 with 44 RBIs and 58 hits. She also had five home runs and likely would have finished with double-digit homers if San Dimas had a fence.
“That’s true, she would have had seven to ten more with a fence,” Pollard said. “Everyone played her back and she still hit bombs over their heads that would have been gone at any other park.
“She made adjustments at the plate and hit a lot of line drives. She finished with a lot of extra base hits (10 doubles and six triples).
Wheaton also led San Dimas to the CIF-Southern Section Division 5 quarterfinals, and for all her offensive prowess, she was an equal force defensively behind home plate.
“Nobody stole on her and anyone that tried found out quickly it wasn’t going to work.” Pollard said. “I can’t remember the last time she let a ball get past her that wasn’t a wild pitch, she has that kind of skillset.
“The other thing is, she calls her own game. She’s been calling her own game the last three years because she’s got that IQ and understands pitchers and hitters very well.”
Wheaton will either play first base or catcher at Florida.
“They have some established players ahead of her, but they’ll find a place for her,” Pollard said. “I have no doubt she’ll go on to do great things at Florida and whatever else she chooses to do in life.”

nachohernandezCOACH OF THE YEAR: Nacho Hernandez, Los Altos
No team improved more over the course of the season than Los Altos, a young group that was beaten soundly early in the year, losing three of their first five games, and getting hammered in two of them. But the Conquerors stayed the course under their fourth year coach, who needed wins over Bonita and West Covina in the second half of Hacienda League play to earn a co-league title with Bonita, giving Hernandez his second league championship.
The Conquerors finished league with a dramatic come-from-behind 4-3 victory over West Covina, then shocked South Hills 1-0 in the first round of the CIF-Southern Section Division 2 playoffs. The Conquerors won 10 of their final 12 games to finish 16-7, and for their efforts, Hernandez has been selected the Tribune 2014 softball coach of the year.

FIRST TEAM
natalielugoNATALIE LUGO, South Hills, Freshman, Pitcher
The only freshman on the all-area first-team was arguably the area’s best pitcher and is already verbally committed to NCAA champion Florida. She earned Sierra League first-team honors, finishing 16-6 with a 0.98 ERA with 197 strikeouts in 150 innings. She also helped the Huskies reach the Division 2 playoffs.

celestewoodCELESTE WOOD, Los Altos, Junior, Pitcher
She hit and pitched her way to the Hacienda League MVP after helping the Conquerors finish in a tie for the league title, then pitched a gem in a 1-0 victory over South Hills in the first-round of the Division 2 playoffs. Wood, who is committed to Michigan State, was 13-2 with a 2.38 ERA and just as dangerous at the plate, batting .536 with five home runs and 19 RBIs.

jennarodeloJENNA RODELO, Rowland, Sophomore, Catcher
Was the lone bright spot on a Raiders team that won one game all season. She earned Hacienda league first-team honors for her terrific season defensively and at the plate, where she was among the leaders in every offensive category. She batted .533 with 12 home runs and 35 RBIs. She was pitched around so many times, she did it all with only 60 at-bats.

madelainetickeyMADELAINE TICKEY, West Covina, Junior, Utility
Tickey quickly proved herself after transferring from Duarte, turning into one of the areas best all-around players in the circle and the plate. She earned Hacienda league first-team honors after helping the Bulldogs reach the playoffs. She batted .394 with seven home runs and 31 RBIs. In the circle she was 12-5 with a 2.33 ERA.

amandasanchezAMANDA SANCHEZ, Bishop Amat, Senior, Infielder
The Del Rey league first-team third baseman earns her second-straight all-area first-team selection. On her way to the University of Missouri, she helped the Lancers reach the second round of the Division 3 playoffs and was one of the areas most feared hitters. She batted .442 with six home runs, eight doubles and 24 RBIs in a tough league that produced divisional champion St. Paul.

ashleydiazASHLEY DIAZ, South El Monte, Junior, Infielder
She earned the Mission Valley most valuable player award for the second straight season after helping the Eagles to a co-league title with Arroyo and has verbally committed to the University of Arkansas. The shortstop produced sensation offensive numbers and was among the area leaders in the triple crown category, batting. 542 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs. She also had 11 doubles.

monetmanningMONET MANNING, Northview, sophomore, Infielder
The sophomore shortstop had a breakout season for the Vikings to earn Valle Vista league first-team honors. She hit for power and average, batting .509 with eight home runs, 29 RBIs and seven doubles. She belted two home runs in a game twice, and only struck out twice the entire season.

aliciabrownALICIA BROWN, Glendora, Senior, Infielder
The Tartans’ team struggled in the Baseline league, but Brown was one of the league’s best, earning first-team honors. She helped the Tartans to the San Dimas tournament title and batted .354 with eight home runs and 17 RBIs. The third baseman will continue her softball career at Loyola Marymount University.

chloemelansonCHLOE MELANSON, Bonita, Junior, Outfielder
The speedy right fielder earned Hacienda league first-team honors and is verbally committed to the University of Miami in Ohio. She helped the Bearcats share the Hacienda league title by hitting for average, power and was a threat on the bases. She batted. 522 with 12 home runs, six doubles and 20 RBIs.

alyssabarreraALYSSA BARRERA, Bishop Amat, Junior, Outfielder
The Del Rey league first-team selection led the Lancers in average and was tied for the team lead in runs scored. She batted an impressive .494 with a .553 on base percentage. She finished with 40 hits while also belting two home runs to go with three doubles, three triples, 12 RBIs and 21 runs scored.

brookeclemetsonBROOKE CLEMETSON, Charter Oak, Senior, Outfielder/Pitcher
The Sierra League first-team selection pitched, played outfield and is one of the areas best all-around players headed to Cal State Fullerton. She batted .423 with four doubles and nine RBIs but was most important to her team in the circle, finishing 12-3 with a 1.15 ERA with 73 strikeouts.

SECOND TEAM
Pitcher: Kaelyn McFadden, Bonita, Senior
Pitcher: Princess Nava, Covina, Junior
Pitcher: Kaile Chavez, Charter Oak, Junior
Catcher: Melysia Ortega, South Hills, Sophomore
Utility: Ana Mejia, Northview, Senior
Infielder: Evelyn Sandoval, El Monte, Sophomore
Infielder: Jennifer Aguinaga, San Dimas, Senior
Infielder: Isabella Sierra, Covina, Sophomore
Infielder: Anissa Sanchez, Bishop Amat, Senior
Outfielder: Jocelyn Marquez, Northview, Senior
Outfielder: Alexis Gonzalez, West Covina, Senior
Outfielder: Sierra Hensel, Charter Oak, Senior

FINAL TOP TEN
1. Charter Oak (19-8)
2. Bishop Amat (18-10)
3. San Dimas (22-8)
4. Los Altos (16-7)
5. South Hills (21-8)
6. Bonita (17-7)
7. West Covina (16-12)
8. Arroyo (19-5)
9. Covina (16-8-1)
10. Sierra Vista (17-5-2)

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Baseball All-Area 2014: Bishop Amat’s Scott Hurst finishes with championship and MVP; Amat’s Andy Nieto coach of the year

SGV TRIBUNE ALL-AREA PHOTO GALLERY
SCOTTHURST
By Stephen Ramirez
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Scott Hurst, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Bishop Amat High School features arguably the richest baseball tradition in the area.
It includes winning nine CIF-Southern Section divisional titles and a good list of former players who went on to play Major League Baseball, including recently retired Michael Young, of the Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies and the Dodgers, and pitcher Dan Haren, who is on the Dodgers’ starting staff this season.
But of the Lancers nine CIF-SS titles, this season’s road to championship glory was the most unexpected. It included a four-game losing streak to end the season and was capped by three come-from-behind wins, including a 4-3 victory over top-seeded Palm Desert in the Division 3 title game.
A key component for the Lancers’ run to the title was senior outfielder/pitcher Scott Hurst, who was one of the area’s better offensive players and arguably the top closer. But it was his role as a leader that turned the tide for Bishop Amat.

“The season was a roller coaster,” Hurst said. “A lot our guys got down on themselves and us five seniors just tried to keep the team motivated. It brought us all the way to Dodger Stadium and we wound up (winning). It was a heckuva season, one I’ll never forget.”
For his efforts, Hurst, who will play at traditional power Cal State Fullerton next season, is Tribune Baseball Player of the Year.
Bishop Amat, which opened the season with four losses, appeared dead in the water a little more than a month ago after losing back-to-back games to rival St. Paul. But the Lancers, helped by Hurst’s leadership, strung together 10 wins to close the season. They capped the run with three come-back victories, including a 4-3 win over top seed Palm Desert to win the Division 3 title.
It was Bishop Amat’s ninth division title, and its fourth since 2007.
Hurst keyed surge, ranking among area leaders with a .419 batting average, with 25 RBIs and 15 extra-base hits, including six triples. He finished off the final three victories with saves in the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals. In three innings, he retired nine of 10 batters, givng up just a walk while striking out five. He finished the season with 19 strikeouts in 11 innings.
“I was just trying to pound the zone all year,” Hurst said. “It was my first year closing. I was trying to get the hang of it all year. It wound up working out well for our team.”
Now Hurst begins the next state of his baseball career, signing with Cal State Fullerton.
“I feel real confident going to Fullerton, which is another great program,” Hust said. “I still have some things to work on, but I think I’ll fit right in.”

andynieto1COACH OF THE YEAR: Andy Nieto, Bishop Amat
Andy Nieto, in eight seasons, has arguably become the area’s top coach. He’s won four divisional titles while also scoring some marquee wins titles. But this might be his best effort. The Lancers lost their first four games and looked in danger of missing the playoffs after a lost week against rival St. Paul. But Nieto was able to keep the team motivated and eventually the Lancers caught fire and finished the season with a 10-game win streak, including ending the season with three come-back victories to win the school’s ninth division title.
For his efforts, Nieto is Tribune Coach of the Year.
“Our guys(were) extremely resilient,” Nieto said. “They never quit. We had a lot of doubters. But those doubters learned an important life lesson — never doubt the spirit of the team. I’m proud of our guys. They deserved everything they’ve received and they deserve to be (champions).”

FIRST TEAM
gavinvelasquezGAVIN VELASQUEZ, South Hills, Junior, Pitcher
Not a lot was expected from Velasquez to begin the season, but he turned out to be a hidden gem for South Hills. He was 10-1-1 with a school-record 0.67 ERA. He had five shutouts and gave up just one earned run during his first 29 innings. He also had 75 strikeouts in 83 innings. He was first team All-Sierra League.

alexgarciaALEX GARCIA, Bishop Amat, Senior, Pitcher
Garcia was the money pitcher for the Lancers, and a key factor in Amat rallying to win the school’s ninth CIF-SS title. He was 8-3 with a 2.72 ERA. The senior also had 105 strikeouts in 76 innings.

kalemortonKALE MORTON, Glendora, Senior, Pitcher
Morton finished his career on the same level of past Tartan pitchers, including Wes Roemer and Adam Plutko. His 11-0 record was the best in school history. He also had a 1.58 ERA, while striking out 76 in 71 innings. The senior also hit .383 with nine RBIs as a designated hitter. He was Baseline League MVP.

davidbanuelosDAVID BANUELOS, Damien, Senior, Catcher
Banuelos was an offensive machine for the Spartans. He hit .395 to rank among the area leaders. Ha also had 24 RBIs and had four home runs. The senior, who was first team All-Sierra League, was also solid defensively.

danielmilweeDANIEL MILLWEE, San Dimas, Senior, Utility
Millwee was a key contributor for the Saints, who advanced to the CIF-SS quarterfinals for the second consecutive season. The senior, who was San Dimas’ lead-off hitter, hit .330 and ranked among the area leaders with 30 runs scored. He also had 13 RBIs and had eight extra-base hits. He was first team All-Valle Vista League.

peterlambertPETER LAMBERT, San Dimas, Junior, Infielder
Lambert keyed San Dimas to its second consecutive CIF-SS quarterfinal appearance. He was Valle Vista League MVP, going 11-1 with a 0.55 ERA. He also had 95 strikeouts in 76 innings. On offense, he hit .351 with 23 RBIs. Lambert also tossed a 1-hitter, flirting with a perfect game, in the playoffs.

alexgonzalezALEX GONZALEZ, Bonita, Junior, Infielder
Gonzalez keyed the Bearcats to another Hacienda League title. He ranked among area leaders with a .389 batting average and 28 RBIs. The junior was also one of the top defensive second basemen’s in the area. He was first team All-Hacienda League.

granthockinGRANT HOCKIN, Damien, Senior, Infielder
Hockin, the grandson of Pro Baseball Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew, was Damien’s ace in the hole. He was one of the top pitchers in the area, going 9-3 with a 1.49 ERA. At the plate, he hit .379 with 15 RBIs and two home runs. The senior was co-Sierra League MVP. He was drafted in the second round by the Cleveland Indians. He signed with Cleveland, forgoing to play at UCLA.

ericgutierrezERIC GUTIERREZ, Sierra Vista, Senior, Infielder
Gutierrez played a major role in the Dons enjoying one of the better seasons in school history, which included their first appearance in the CIF-SS quarterfinals in 20 years. He was 9-1 with a 1.22 ERA. He also hit .466 with 18 RBIs. Gutierrez was Montview League MVP.

djpetersDJ PETERS, Glendora, Senior, Outfielder
Peters was Glendora’s offensive leader and a key factor in the Tartans winning the Baseline League title. He hit .359 with 20 RBIs. He also had four home runs and 11 doubles. Peters, who will play at traditional power Cal State Fullerton next season, was first team All-Baseline League.

alexlaborALEX LABOR, Northview, Senior, Outfielder
Labor played a major role in the Vikings advancing to the CIF-SS quarterfinals for the second consecutive season, including upsetting Division 4 top seed Kaiser in the second round. He ranked among area leaders, hitting .543. Labor was All-Valle Vista.

eliasoronaELIAS ORONA, San Dimas, Senior, Outfielder
Orona was one of the top center fielders in the area. He was solid on offense, ranking among area leaders with a .344 average. He also had 20 RBIs. The senior played a big role in San Dimas advancing to the CIF-SS quarterfinals for the second consecutive season. He was All-Valle Vista League.

SECOND TEAM
P: Nick Johnson, Bonita, So.
P: Isaac Archer, Bishop Amat, Jr.
P: Anthony Deeter, West Covina, Sr.
UT: Gerardo Ramirez, Diamond Bar, Jr.
C: Justin Cage, Glendora, Sr.
C: Kory Brown, Charter Oak, Sr.
INF: Michael Palos, Bishop Amat, Sr.
INF: Derek Martin, Arroyo, Sr.
INF: Jon Ayala, South Hills, Sr.
INF: Ryan Viramontes, West Covina, Sr.
OF: Jonathan Longtin, San Dimas, Jr.
OF: Justin Gomez, Bonita, Jr.
OF: Anthony Cuevas, Los Altos, Jr.

HONORABLE MENTION
Glendora: Eric Flores, Sr., Inf/P
Bishop Amat: Adryan Ramirez, So. INF; Christian Moya, So. OF
Bonita: Joe Quire, Sr., INF; Ethan Muro, Sr. INF
Diamond Bar: Josh Sanchez, Sr. C
Walnut: Brennan McKenzie, So. INF
Sierra Vista: Christian Novelo, Sr. C
Damien: Jordan Abernathy, Sr. OF
San Dimas: Michael Starns, Sr. OF/P

FINAL TOP 10
1. Bishop Amat (21-11)
2. Glendora (21-7)
3. South Hills (21-6-1)
4. San Dimas (23-7-1)
5. Bonita (23-8)
6. Northview (18-12)
7. Diamond Bar (19-11)
8. Sierra Vista (22-4)
9. Walnut (15-13-2)
10. Arroyo (14-8)

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What’s going on behind the scenes at Bishop Amat? Soph’s Anthony Walters and Christian Moya leave … Who will be its next baseball coach? El Rancho’s Gabe Lopez? How about John Romano

Conspiracy theorists will have a field day with what allegedly has gone on behind the scenes over the past few weeks in regards to Bishop Amat baseball and coach Andy Nieto. If you think Nieto resigning Thursday after winning his fourth championship at the school was a surprise, you haven’t been reading our blog. First, the big news. A day after Nieto resigned, sophomores Anthony Walters and Christian Moya, two huge pieces to their championship team, left the school according to sources. Moya is reportedly transferring to South Hills. Back to Nieto and Amat baseball. I don’t normally pay close attention to comment speculation and predictions, except in this case, what has been rumored for weeks came to fruition, and what’s been rumored to follow is curiously taking shape. On the same day Nieto resigned, Bishop Amat principal Richard Beck confirmed that El Rancho junior varsity coach Gabe Lopez was at the school droping off his resume and inquiring about the opening that just became vacant a few hours earlier. For the record, Beck said Thursday the position wouldn’t be floated until today, would close on June 20 with a decision hopefully by June 30. It’s also interesting that two days before Nieto resigned, a well-placed source in Whittier told me that Lopez already was set to take over once Nieto made it official. Beck said that isn’t true. “Anyone that applies will have just as good a shot as the next one. There are others who have applied already as well. There isn’t one person we have in mind.” Beck said. However, if Lopez gets the job, folks are going to wonder if this was a backroom deal all along, and if new applicants ever had a chance. Although Nieto understandably denied it, sources have been emailing and calling me the past month suggesting he was ready to leave Amat, and that he would wind up at St. John Bosco. Sources have confirmed Nieto already has had cursory conversations with Bosco about its opening. There are also rumors Nieto could wind up at Damien, but there is one problem with that, Al Leyva is still the coach there. Want more fun speculation, Nogales’ John Romano, who just retired after more than 30 years at the school and more than 600 victories, said he is absolutely interested in Amat’s opening and will also be leaving his resume. Also, for those wondering if Bishop Amat softball coach Kristen Dedmon was returning after her first year, the answer is yes, she’ll be back. In football news, Aram Tolegian posted this on his In the Huddle Blog...

Bishop Amat’s next quarterback also could be junior-to-be Ryder Ruiz, the brother of Amat Hall of Famer Rio Ruiz

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