Miami (Ohio) Lures Fenwick From Valley : Assistant Says Move Will Further Career

Jim Fenwick, an assistant football coach at Valley College last season and former coach at Pierce and Cal State Northridge, has accepted a position as an assistant at the University of Miami (Ohio).

Fenwick, 35, will coach running backs and will be responsible for recruiting in the Midwest and California. Miami, a Division I school that competes in the Mid-American Conference, was 5-6 last year.

“I think it’s a good opportunity career-wise,” said Fenwick, who leaves for Ohio on Friday. “I interviewed for the head coaching position at Northridge a few years ago and I didn’t have the solid four-year experience that provides credibility. I think this is a move in that direction.”

Fenwick played tailback at Pierce in 1970-71 and taught and coached at the school for 12 years, seven as an assistant. As head coach, Fenwick’s teams won three consecutive Southern California Conference championships from 1983-85.

Two years ago, he was transferred to Valley in the wake of budget cuts in the Los Angeles Community College District and the disbandment of the Pierce football program. In 1986, he taught physical education at Valley and was a part-time assistant at Northridge.

Miami Coach Tim Rose initially met with Fenwick during the spring when he came to California to review tapes of Valley College players--including quarterback Barry Hanks, who signed a letter of intent with Miami.

“He’s been a head a coach and that’s a plus to have that experience and knowledge,” said Rose, who will begin his sixth season at Miami in the fall. “I told him what I perceived as the realities of our profession. If you have any hopes or aspirations to become a head coach, this is a move you have to make.”

Fenwick, who lives in Woodland Hills, is taking a one-year leave of absence from his teaching duties at Valley.

“As far as salary, it’s a decrease from what you get as a teacher,” Fenwick said. “But it’s a Division I conference. At that level, when its full-time coaching of football, everyone on the staff has an opportunity to contribute.”

Valley Coach Chuck Ferrero said he is pleased that Fenwick is taking advantage of the opportunity at Miami.

“It was an opportunity in a quality place where he could do what he’s always wanted to do and see if it’s right for him,” Ferrero said. “He’s got to test the waters himself and see if that’s what he wants to do. Jim has wanted to make the move to the four-year level for a long time, and if you have that desire and don’t get it out of your system you’ll be haunted.”