Monroe Hires Hamilton Football Coach to Replace D’Alessandro

After five failed attempts, Hamilton High football Coach Dave Lertzman has landed a job in the San Fernando Valley.

Lertzman, 42, was hired Friday as the new Monroe coach after 17 years with the Hamilton program, including the past nine as head coach. The winningest coach in Hamilton history, Lertzman compiled a 44-43-3 record and led his teams to league titles in 1980 and 1982. Hamilton placed second five times under Lertzman.

Lertzman, who graduated from Hamilton in 1964, switched schools to be nearer his home in Northridge.

“This is not the first time I’ve applied for a job in the Valley,” he said. “There were five other interviews. This will save me an hour a day on the freeway, but I will not cease working very hard. If a coach is willing to put in time and be enthusiastic, kids will respond.”

Lertzman replaces Frank D’Alessandro, who retired in January after 30 years of coaching, including five at Monroe. D’Alessandro led the Vikings to the Mid-Valley League title last season with a 9-2 record.

Lertzman will join the Monroe staff next fall and will teach history and physical education.

As president of the Los Angeles Coaches Assn., he devised the City’s releaguing plan that took effect last fall.

“We were impressed with his coaching capabilities and think he’s going to be a tremendous assest,” Monroe Principal Joan Elam said.