UCI Terminates Contract of Golf Coach

UC Irvine Athletic Director Dan Guerrero on Wednesday terminated the contract of longtime men’s golf Coach Steve Ainslie, the university announced.

Ainslie’s contract was terminated for “violation of the terms of the contract,” the release stated. Ainslie, the team’s head coach for 16 seasons, will be replaced by Tim Tift on an interim basis. Ainslie declined comment.

Tift has served in numerous athletic posts during his 28 years with the Anteaters. A search for a permanent replacement will begin immediately.

*

The Mighty Ducks will open practice to the public during training camp from Monday through Friday at the new Disney ICE facility, 300 W. Lincoln Ave. in Anaheim.

Practice will run approximately 9 to 11:45 a.m., with additional afternoon sessions between noon and 2 p.m. Official practice times will be listed daily at the facility.

Also, the team announced six free agents have been invited to training camp, which begins Sunday. Those receiving invitations are goaltenders Chad Lang and Mark Richards, left wingers Robert Melanson and George Zajankala, center Aaron Nagy and defenseman Jan Mikel.

*

Jeff Chilcott has been named cross-country coach at Ocean View High, Athletic Director Tim Mennealy announced.

Chilcott, who had been assistant coach, takes over the program for his wife, Beth Chilcott, who resigned.

At Magnolia, girls’ Athletic Director Debbi Burlison handed the boys’ cross-country coaching duties to Marc Ware, who was an assistant last season. The girls’ program will be run by Bill Chavez, a teacher at the school who formerly coached cross-country and track.