Columnist Spencer Patterson’s: Lawmakers to rule on California schools

Thursday, April 8, 1999 | 11:04 a.m.

Spencer Patterson's prep sports column appears Thursday. Reach him at 259-4085 or spencer@lasvegassun.com

The fate of the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association's five California schools is now in the hands of seven state senators, who are expected to make a ruling by Friday.

In a hearing before the Senate's Human Resources and Facilities Committee last Friday, Moapa Valley football coach Jeff Knutson argued in favor of a bill that would oust NIAA members South Tahoe, Tahoe-Truckee, North Tahoe, Needles and Coleville.

Knutson's proposal would allow the five schools to continue playing regular season games in Nevada, but would force them to return to California competition in the playoffs. Such a plan, he argued, would prevent Nevada state titles from going to out-of-state teams.

The five California schools also presented their case, namely that travel distances would prohibit them from being competitive in the California Interscholastic Federation.

NIAA Executive Director Jerry Hughes also spoke to the committee, outlining the history of the five schools' involvement in Nevada athletics and pointing out that Knutson's attempt to oust the five schools failed to gain the necessary votes among NIAA members last month.

The committee has until Friday to review the information and decide whether or not to recommend the bill be moved to the full Senate assembly. If the committee does not do so, the bill will be dead.

* COACHING CAROUSEL: Although it has been barely a month since the boys basketball season ended, no fewer than five local schools have made coaching changes. Throw in the three schools slated to open this fall, and at least eight teams will feature new coaches next year.

Several moves, like former Western coach Greg Bohls' decision to take the post at just-opening Centennial High, came as little surprise. But one came as a shock to most everyone in town -- Valley's ouster of longtime coach Paul Aznarez.

Aznarez, who had taught and coached at the school for 22 years (the last 13 as the Vikings head coach), is just two years removed from his 4A state championship season. He said he was given no reason for his dismissal by new principal Ron Montoya, who came on board this semester.

"He called me in a few weeks ago and told me he thought it was time for a change," Aznarez said. "I asked him for a reason and he just said it was 'time for a change.' "

Aznarez, who said he is not planning to remain at Valley as a teacher, leaves the school with a 241-105 head coaching record, highlighted by the 1998 title win over Las Vegas High. He said he plans to take a one-year sabbatical from coaching while teaching at another Clark County school.

Valley is interviewing candidates for its vacant position.

In other coaching moves, former Aznarez assistant Pat Welby (who also coached the Las Vegas Heat all-star club last summer) takes over at Mojave, while former Palo Verde assistant Kevin Soares assumes head coaching duties at Foothill.

Former Las Vegas High prep star Freddie Thompson has been named head coach at Desert Pines, Durango athletic director Jim Allen takes over at Green Valley and Las Vegas High athletic director Bob Beskow will replace retired coach Tom Farnsworth at the Wildcats' helm.

Lastly, Western replaced Bohls with former Rancho head man Tony Hopkins, who coached the Rams from 1991-97.

* TIDBITS: Local softball players April Arata (Silverado) and Jody Lupo (Bishop Gorman) signed letters of intent with Wichita State on Wednesday. ... Durango rightfielder James Burgess is considering signing with Tulane later this month. ... Cimarron handed Durango's baseball team its first loss of the season on Wednesday, winning 6-4 on a two-run homer in the eighth inning by David Seccombe. The teams started the contest back on March 23, before darkness forced its suspension with the score knotted at four after seven innings. ... Cox Cable Channel 48 will broadcast today's Green Valley at Chaparral baseball game next Thursday at 7 p.m.