McCune to Stay On as Ventura Coach

Phil McCune, who served as interim football coach throughout most of a tumultuous season last fall at Ventura High, has been named the program’s head coach.

McCune took control four games into last season after Coach Harvey Kochel was arrested for having sex with a 16-year-old female Ventura High student. Kochel subsequently pleaded guilty to six felony counts and is awaiting sentencing later this month. Kochel compiled a 77-35-5 record in more than 11 years and led the Cougars to six Channel League championships.

McCune, 51, served as Ventura’s head coach from 1974 to 1980. He rejoined the team as an assistant to Kochel in 1982. McCune currently serves as boys’ sophomore basketball coach and also has coached track at the school.

Ventura Principal Jerry E. Barshay said he hoped McCune would return as coach. McCune said he had mixed feelings throughout the season.

“I like this job,” McCune said. “What I don’t like is how I got it.”