THE PREPS : Servite Removes Walker After 18 Years as Coach : Assistant Richard Smith Promoted

Larry Walker, Servite High School basketball coach for 18 seasons, was replaced Thursday by three-year assistant coach Richard Smith, according to a statement released by Father Patrick Donovan, the school’s principal.

Walker, 45, became Servite’s coach in 1970 and led Servite to five Angelus League titles and 14 Southern Section playoff berths. He had a 307-160 record and was named the league’s coach of the year six times.

“Father Donovan called me into his office this morning and told me that it was time for a change,” Walker said. “I guess that after 20 years at the same school, I can understand, but I was surprised.

“Right now, I’m in limbo. I plan to continue teaching (physical education and history) at Servite, but I don’t think anyone will be beating down my door with a coaching job.”

The statement released by the school gave no reason for the coaching change.

Smith, 28, was hired three years ago as a sophomore coach and served the past two seasons as a varsity assistant. He played soccer at the University of Santa Clara and has no previous experience as a head varsity coach.

Walker relinquished his position after the 1987-88 season to co-coaches John Walker and Thomas Hamilton for health reasons. He entered St. Jude Hospital in Fullerton in July of 1987, where it was discovered that he was bleeding internally.

Walker returned to Servite this past season and led the Friars to a 12-11 record, finishing fourth in the Angelus League and advancing to the Southern Section’s 4-A division playoffs. Servite was eliminated in the first round.

Servite’s best season under Walker was 1972-73, when the Friars finished 25-4 behind the play of forward Mark Campanaro and guard Dennis Smith.

Through the years, Walker coached some of the top athletes in Orange County history, including Turk Schonert, Mike Witt, Steve Buechele and Steve Beuerlein. Among the college basketball players that Walker coached were John Seymour, Scott and Jeff Sinek, Steve Krallman and Brian Kenney.

Walker also orchestrated one of the biggest upsets in Southern Section playoff history when Servite defeated top-seeded Edison, 58-54, in the quarterfinals of the 4-A division playoffs in 1982.

“I’m proud of my accomplishments . . . our record of making the playoffs, the wins and the friends I’ve made in basketball,” Walker said. “The program has been down the past three or four years, but it’s ready to explode.”

Servite’s freshman team finished with a 19-1 record last season, including two convincing victories over rival Mater Dei.

Walker’s dismissal completed a one-year house cleaning at the county’s only all-boys’ Catholic high school. Principal Father Charles Motsko, Athletic Director Tom Borowiecz, football Coach Leo Hand and now Walker have all relinquished their positions since last summer.