Neal Andrade raised a couple of eyebrows when he accepted the
head baseball job at Gavilan College 10 days ago. Andrade did an
outstanding job of reinvigorating the San Benito High baseball
program the past three years, winning two co-titles in ’02 and
’03.
Andrade’s leaving shouldn’t come as much as a surprise, though.
He applied for the Rams job two years ago and didn’t get it, which
certainly was a break in the Balers’ favor. He’s still young and
apparently has set his sights at a higher level.
He’ll be missed.
Neal Andrade raised a couple of eyebrows when he accepted the head baseball job at Gavilan College 10 days ago. Andrade did an outstanding job of reinvigorating the San Benito High baseball program the past three years, winning two co-titles in ’02 and ’03.
Andrade’s leaving shouldn’t come as much as a surprise, though. He applied for the Rams job two years ago and didn’t get it, which certainly was a break in the Balers’ favor. He’s still young and apparently has set his sights at a higher level.
He’ll be missed.
“It was definitely a blow to the stomach when I heard about Neal leaving,” said new Baler Athletic Director Randy Logue. “He was widely liked by parents, coaches and parents. He will be tough to replace.”
Logue has put Assistant Athletic Director Rick Dukes in charge of the hiring process. Dukes was a former head baseball coach of the Balers several years ago.
“He’s much more aware of the qualifications of the job,” said Logue. “Plus it allows me to focus on other things right now.”
Dukes was waiting for word from the district personnel office on the status of the job. Often, full-time teachers have first crack.
“We don’t know if a full-time teacher has the inside track or not,” said Dukes.
Latest work from Logue is that applications and resumes will be accepted late this week or early next week.
“We’re going to take our time,” said Logue. “This is a big decision. We hope to have someone hired by the end of September.”
It certainly is a big decision. Interested candidates off the top of my head would be Baler varsity assistant Derek Barnes and head JV coach Chris Moore. Anzar High head baseball coach Leroy Dozal is an ex-Baler and has always eyed the head Baler position. One outside candidate has reportedly showed an interest – Mike Luna. Luna is the head coach and Leigh (San Jose) and lives in Morgan Hill. He runs camps in Hollister for the Hollister Baseball Academy. Luna is one of the most highly-respected baseball coaches in the Central Coast Section and has coached some outstanding players at Leigh.
Logue is also on the lookout for girls and boys head junior varsity soccer coaches for the winter season. Logue can be reached at (831) 637-5831X350…..
Good news for the Baler girls volleyball and girls basketball programs. Senior Mallorie Wilson has been given the o.k. by the CCS to participate in athletics this year. Wilson, at 6-feet, will undoubtedly start in both volleyball and hoop and will give the Balers much-needed height.
“She’ll be our middle attacker,” said Baler head volleyball coach Chuck Schallhorn.
The Balers scrimmaged Live Oak and Gilroy in a jamboree last Wednesday at the Acorns’ auxilary gym. The scrimmage was moved from its original site at Gilroy due to a fire.
“Gilroy was scrappy,” said Schallhorn. “Live Oak had one of its top outside hitters at right side, which was surprising. And the other top hitter didn’t play much. I think they were trying to keep her a secret.”
Schallhorn was happy with his club’s play.
“The kids were able to diagnose what went wrong and made corrections,” he said. “Volleyball is the ultimate team sport. One player doesn’t do her job and it costs you.”
Schallhorn was most surprised by the play of junior Dani Andrewson, who played right side.
“She’s so athletic and can jump high,” said Schallhorn of Andrewson. “She made some blocks for us.”
The Balers have their first official match tonight at Scotts Valley at 6 p.m. Then it’s a trip to the Reno Invitational this weekend. Pool play games on Friday are as follows: Carson (Reno) 3 p.m.; Homestead (Cupertino) 5 p.m.; Moapa Valley 8 p.m.
Have to wait to see the Balers at home – Sep. 17 vs. Mt. Pleasant, which might not be so pleasant for the Cardinals….
Live Oak visited Andy Hardin Stadium Friday night for a football scrimmage. It was a varsity and JV deal that consisted of skeleton and inside running drills. Then each team got 15 plays to drive to the goalline.
One of the highlights for the Baler varsity was an approximate 40-yard gallop for a score by hard-running back Francisco Aviles.
“Our offensive line did a great job getting physical,” said Dukes, the team’s offensive coordinator. “They got off the line real well.”
“We did all right,” echoed head football coach Chris Cameron. “We did some good things and made some mistakes. We’ll get better.”
The scrimmage earmarked the first time starting quarterback Karson Klauer faced a real opponent. Klauer didn’t take any snaps during the Balers’ summer camps due to a back injury.
“Karson had to get used to the speed,” said Dukes. “He started slowly, but he adjusted quickly. He’ll be better before the first game and he’ll adjust within the game to get better. He just lacks experience.”
There were many highlights for the Baler JV’s, who played extremely well. Freshman quarterback Kevin Medeiros made a nice long run down the sideline for a TD.
Line coach Andy Parra praised Ryan Stephens, John Frusetta and Brett Leonard for solid play in the interior.
Both varsity and JV contingents will be in tough this Friday night when Valley Christian comes calling. The Warriors are the defending Central Coast Section Division I champs and are loaded again this year. Defensive end Jeff Schweiger (6-4, 235) is being recruited by all of the major football powers.
Varsity kickoff is 7 p.m., while JV’s are off at 5 p.m…..
Baler boys polo hosts Gilroy Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. Girls polo is at the Mustangs pool, same time, same date.
Hasta pasta!
