Loara’s Halpin Leaves Coaching

Jerry Halpin, the boys’ basketball coach at Loara High School, announced his resignation Tuesday to take an administrative job at Los Alamitos High School.

Last season, his first as head coach, Halpin led Loara to a 15-7 record. At one point,the Griffins were 11-0, but they missed the playoffs because of the since-modified Southern Section qualification standards.

Halpin, who also was the activities director at Loara, said the change is a career move.

“There would be no reason for me to leave this school if it were another coaching position or another activities job,” Halpin said. “It’s a professional advancement.”

Before Halpin took over as head coach last season, he coached Loara’s lower level boys’ teams for four years.

Because Halpin’s position at Los Alamitos--assistant principal overseeing activities and athletics--is administrative, he will not be able to coach.

Loara is seeking a replacement for Halpin and has a teaching position open. Those interested can call Principal Barry Escoe at 999-3698.