Westlake Football Coach Benkert to Keep Teaching Job

Westlake High football Coach Jim Benkert said Friday that he has signed a contract with the Conejo Valley Unified School District that will ensure his return to the school in the fall.

Benkert, a popular figure among the staff and student body at Westlake, had been given notice three weeks ago that his temporary position as teacher at the school might be among projected budget cuts. But Benkert said Friday that he and Westlake basketball Coach Gary Grayson signed contracts Thursday with the district for next school year.

“It comes as a relief to me and my family,” said Benkert, who is married and has a 5-year-old daughter. “I don’t have to uproot my family. We’ve been so happy at Westlake, the last thing I wanted to do was leave. It is a very good situation for us.”

Benkert, 33, has led the Warriors to a 13-8-2 record and two Southern Section Division II playoff berths in his two seasons. Benkert currently is a physical education teacher, but he said he does not know what he will teach in the fall.

The prospect that Benkert would not be retained infuriated students and players, who threatened to walk out of classes.

One player, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed several players said they would not play next season unless Benkert was the school’s coach.

When Benkert first informed his team that he might not return, he broke into tears.

“That was one of the toughest things I’ve ever had to do,” he said.

Westlake players showed their support at board meetings by wearing their game jerseys. Benkert, meanwhile, said he shied away from the controversy.

“We went on as if it were business as usual,” he said.

Southern Section schools will begin spring football practice Monday.