Ex-Pro Lutz to Coach at San Clemente

Bob Lutz, a five-time Grand Slam doubles champion with Stan Smith, has been hired to coach the boys’ tennis team at San Clemente High. Lutz, who might be the most overqualified tennis coach in the county, said he is hoping to bring San Clemente’s program “out of the doldrums.” The Tritons haven’t reached the playoffs since 1992.

“I’ve been watching the tennis program for a couple of years and they need some help,” said Lutz, who has two daughters at San Clemente. “I don’t think they’ve had much of a chance with the coaching they’ve had.”

Lutz, a part-owner of Rancho San Clemente Racquet and Fitness Club, said he is hoping to create a better tennis environment.

“The courts in this area are in great shape, but they never seem to be in use,” he said. “I know our club hasn’t been turning out very many kids who play well. I don’t know if I can do anything in one season, but I’m going to try.”

Lutz said he was approached a few times by a San Clemente booster about the boys’ tennis job. He interviewed with Jon Hamro, boys’ athletic director at San Clemente, on Wednesday and was hired Thursday morning. Lutz replaces Jeff Diament, who left after one season.

“This was all timing,” Hamro said. “We’re fortunate that he’s at a stage in his life where he has time to do this. We had some other candidates, but it’s tough to match up with someone of this caliber. Hopefully, it’ll be a shot in the arm for this program.”

Lutz, 52, retired from the men’s professional tour in 1983 after winning nine ATP singles events, four U.S. Open doubles titles and one Australian Open doubles title. He also was a member of five winning Davis Cup teams.

In the 1980 U.S. Open final, Lutz and Smith defeated John McEnroe and Peter Fleming. Lutz and Smith also were three-time Wimbledon finalists and U.S. Open and French Open finalists once. Lutz said he is planning to hold fund-raising exhibitions with some of his old friends on tour before the season begins.