Kleckner has more than one reason to smile

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

I’m figuring Etiwanda Coach Dave Kleckner is in a pretty good mood these days. The Eagles are undefeated and Illinois is headed to the Rose Bowl.

Kleckner’s brother, Bill, played for the Fighting Illini in the early 1970s, and his nephew, Kyle, played defensive back during the dark years from 2001-05.

When I last spoke to Kleckner toward the end of last season, he was so frustrated with his young basketball team, he was ready to throw in the towel on his coaching career.

That would’ve been a bummer because few high school coaches can turn water into wine like he can. Remember, he took a couple neighborhood kids, Darren Collison and Jeff Pendergraph, and helped make them Pac-10 stars.

Now, the youngsters he ran ragged last season have matured into one of the most talented junior classes around. Throw in Alta Loma senior transfer Tre Brewer and the Eagles have re-formed into one of the top 10 teams in Southern California, and likely one of the most balanced.

Etiwanda (14-0) will put its unbeaten streak on the line tonight in the championship game of the Modesto Christian tournament. The Eagles will face tournament host Modesto Christian at 8:15 p.m.

The Crusaders are led by 6-foot-7 junior Reeves Nelson, ranked as one of the nation’s top 10 power forwards in his class, and 6-4 shooting guard D.J. Seeley, who signed with California. (Does he look 35 years old or what?)

Reeves scored 33 points Friday night and Seeley had 24 in a 90-84 semifinal victory over San Francisco Sacred Heart.

Even if the Eagles lose tonight, I have a feeling Kleckner will still be smiling.

-- Dan Arritt