Alim Will Return to Lead Sweetwater

Gene Alim, the former Sweetwater High football coach who led the Red Devils to back-to-back San Diego Section championships, will return to Sweetwater to make a coaching comeback next fall. Sweetwater Athletic Director David Ibarra appointed Alim, who had previously coached for eight years at the school, Friday to replace Andy Sanchez.

Sanchez resigned as coach last week, saying he wanted spend more time with his family and pursue a career in administration. He had replaced Alim, who stepped down in 1987 for similar reasons. In three years, Sanchez was 17-15, including 7-4 in a 1990 season when the Red Devils finished third behind Chula Vista and Southwest in the Metro Conference then lost to Rancho Buena Vista in the round of the Division 3-A playoffs.

“I’ve known Gene for a long time as a friend and a colleague,” Ibarra said. “I think he’s an outstanding coach and teacher and role model. He’s one of the most popular teachers on campus (Alim teaches Spanish) with the students, and, obviously, he’s been successful (as a football coach).”

Alim’s record at Sweetwater was 87-10 when he resigned in 1987. He also led the Red Devils to section championships in 1983 and 1984. During those years, the team also set a section record for most consecutive victory with 25.

Ibarra said re-appointing Alim, who could not be reached for comment Friday, was no difficult decision.

“You open the position up to your staff first in this (Sweetwater Union) district,” Ibarra said. “(Alim) was on site. I think he had the qualifications and he showed an interest in coming back to coach. I would think the feedback (in the community) will be positive.

“He was very successful when he stepped down.”