FitzGerald Gives Up Post at Rio Mesa

Brian FitzGerald, the boys’ cross-country coach at Rio Mesa High for the past 10 years, has resigned, citing a desire to spend more time with his family.

FitzGerald, 36, will be replaced by Jeff Wrout, an assistant track coach for the past three seasons. FitzGerald will remain as Rio Mesa’s athletic director and co-coach in track with Rick Torres.

“My kids are getting to the age when I want to start spending more time with them on the weekends,” FitzGerald said. “And this move will allow me to do that.”

FitzGerald and his wife Korine have two sons--Michael, 9, and Patrick, 6.

Wrout, 29, was an All-Marmonte League basketball player as a Camarillo High senior in 1982 and played at Moorpark and Cal Lutheran before becoming interested in distance running as a college senior.

“This is going to be a totally new experience for me,” he said. “But I’ve learned a lot being around (FitzGerald and Torres) for the last few years. They’re both very knowledgeable.”