Herrick Established Cleveland Tradition

While visiting friends in the San Fernando Valley recently, I followed the hiring of Marc Paez as the new basketball coach at Cleveland High with great interest. As an alumnus and a member of the 1981 City Section 3-A champion Cavalier basketball team, I find it interesting that your staff writers give Bob Braswell credit for “establishing one of the most highly regarded programs in the state.”

Bob did a fine job at Cleveland and should be given credit for his efforts. It was, however, Coach Greg Herrick who built and developed the Cleveland basketball program to its present status as a prep power. Coach Herrick was the guiding force behind the success of Bob Braswell, and Bob maintained the fine tradition that Coach Herrick left behind.

Coach Herrick taught me many things in the two years that I played for him and he has likewise positively influenced many other young men in his years at Cleveland--including Bob Braswell. Give “Braz” his due, but when you talk about the establishment of the Cleveland dynasty, all credit should be laid at the feet of my coach--Greg Herrick.

RON SIMMONS

Cleveland High

Class of 1981