Servite Coach Hamilton Is Fired

Servite boys’ basketball Coach Scott Hamilton has been fired.

Hamilton, who teaches mathematics, said Wednesday the decision caught him by surprise. The school also decided not to renew his teaching contract.

In eight seasons as coach, Hamilton had a record of 110-71, including 15-13 this season.

“I’m upset about it,” Hamilton said. “I like the school and I like the kids. But the school felt it needed to make a change for basketball.”

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Arrowhead Pond General Manager Tim Ryan announced that it has signed a three-year deal with an Irvine investment group that rescued the Bullfrogs from bankruptcy, paving the way for the in-line hockey team to open its seventh season June 5.

Under the terms of the deal, which Ryan calls a “partnership,” the Pond will provide marketing, promotions and ticket sales support to Pacific Sports Hockey Group, which will operate the team with headquarters in Covina and practice facilities in Tustin.

Ryan refused to say how much the Pond has agreed to spend, or what the cost of rent will be.

Jim Thomson, who ended his NHL career with the Ducks, was introduced as the Bullfrogs’ coach. At last month’s Roller Hockey International draft, he protected 10 veterans but said Wednesday only goalie Rob Laurie has indicated a likelihood of returning.

The 10-team RHI schedule calls for the Bullfrogs to play 26 games, 13 at the Pond, starting June 5 in Anaheim against San Jose.