Capo Valley’s Elecciri Named San Clemente Coach

Dave Elecciri, defensive line and strength coach at Capistrano Valley High School for 10 years, has been named football coach at San Clemente High.

Elecciri, 36, replaces Allie Schaff, who resigned under pressure in January after 15 seasons.

Elecciri helped to build Capistrano Valley’s program when the school opened 10 years ago. The Cougars have traditionally fielded some of Orange County’s best teams and were 79-32-3 during Elecciri’s tenure.

He also organized and serves as meet director for the South Orange County Weightlifting Invitational, one of the Southern California’s top meets.

“My first priority will be to assemble a staff,” Elecciri said. “I’m going to meet with the coaches at San Clemente this week and find out who might be interested in assisting me. Next, I’m going to meet with the returning varsity players and evaluate the personnel.

“I’ve got a lot of nervous energy, and I’m really excited to get started.”

James Krembas, San Clemente principal, said he received more than 100 inquiries about the position and screened about 75 applications. The four finalists were Elecciri, former Miraleste Coach Gary Kimbrell, UC Santa Barbara assistant Jack Murryand University assistant Chris Conlin.

Elecciri joins the staff at San Clemente on Thursday and will teach physical education.