Football: Jim Benkert to become associate head coach at Oaks Christian
Oaks Christian’s acting head of school, Scott Lisea, has sent out an email to school employees informing them that Westlake Coach Jim Benkert will be joining the school as associate head football coach. An official announcement is scheduled for Thursday.
According to the email, “Normally, we would not make a special announcement for an associate coach position, but because of Jim’s prominence in Westlake Village, and the community-wide interest that football creates, I thought it important to let you know. I have had several conversations with Jim, and am excited for this step in his walk with Christ and in his career. He told me, ‘I feel like this is the right move for me in my life. I want to do more than just influence football players. I want to help develop them eternally.’”
Benkert has been Westlake’s head coach since 1989. Current Oaks Christian Coach Bill Redell will remain head coach, but Benkert is in position to become his successor. It will be a reunion for Redell and Benkert. Benkert was his offensive coordinator at Crespi in the 1980s.
Later Wednesday, Benkert said he would be co-head coach with Redell. He said he “loved Westlake football,” but it was time to try a new challenge.
“There’s so many neat things I’m looking forward to,” he said.
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