Legendary Baldwin Park football coach Tony Zane, who led the Braves to two CIF championships in 1980 and ’91, and 16 league championships, passed away Friday.
Zane, who coach controversial Lawrence Phillips in the early 90s and last coached at Baldwin Park in 2002, was at Baldwin Park for 31 years.
Zane, known for his offensive mind, coached Michael Johnson (1984) and Marc Ruiz (1991) to division player of the year honors.
Zane returned a few years back to be an assistant at Bassett, and during that time former South Hills and Maranatha coach Steve Bogan explained what an offensive genius he was.
“Tony would always find your toad (weakest player in the defense) and exploit it.”
We’ll have more on Zane tomorrow.
Great man, coach, mentor and friend! We can all only hope to touch as many lives as he!!!! Once a BRAVE always a BRAVE!! https://t.co/07vaWM1LW9
— BPHS Cheer (@CheerBphs) January 28, 2017
One of the true coaching icons of the San Gabriel Valley. A great coach – but an even greater man! Thanks for everything coach! #RIP https://t.co/YLUCR39fiC
— James Escarcega (@James_Escarcega) January 28, 2017
@SGVNSports he was always accommodating and receptive when @CalHiSports covered Lawrence Phillips. Sorry to hear that. #RIP #HSFB
— Ronnie Flores (@RonMFlores) January 28, 2017
Pleasure to have met the man. SGV football lost a giant today in Tony Zane. May he RIP. https://t.co/ghZ30u09h6
— Stephen Morales (@grecomeco23) January 28, 2017
