Halpern to Replace Nakano at Reseda

Jeff Halpern, who coached Birmingham High to the City Section 3-A Division basketball final in 1987 before taking a position as an assistant at College of the Canyons last year, has been hired as the varsity coach at Reseda High.

Halpern, 45, is the third coach in four seasons at Reseda. He replaces Tim Nakano, who last month resigned for personal reasons after a 2-17 season. Nakano replaced Bill Hughes, who resigned in 1985. Halpern, who has been associated with the L. A. City School District for 22 years, also coached at Van Nuys in 1984-85.

Reseda, which competed in the 4-A Division Valley League, failed to make the playoffs in Nakano’s two seasons and finished last in 1987-88. However, Reseda will compete in the 3-A Division next season.

“I’m excited about it,” Halpern said. “To tell you the truth, teaching isn’t enough of a reward for me any more. I got the coaching bug a long time ago, and I look forward to getting back at it.”

Halpern, who remained as a teacher at Birmingham while coaching at Canyons, will transfer to Reseda and teach physical education classes.