Veeder Leaves La Quinta for Capistrano Valley

Capistrano Valley High hired a football coach this winter, but he resigned after three days.

On Monday, Athletic Director Tom White announced the hiring of Jeff Veeder, who figures to be around a lot longer. Veeder has spent the last three seasons compiling a 10-21 record at La Quinta High.

Veeder, 40, replaces Jeff Williams, who was hired Jan. 21, but then decided to remain at Palmdale. Williams had been hired to replace Dave Brown, who resigned after the 1998 season with a 22-20-2 record in four years.

Last season, Veeder was named The Times Orange County and Garden Grove League coach of the year after guiding La Quinta to an 8-3 record and its first playoff appearance in eight years. The Aztecs had finished 0-10 in 1997.

“It’s really hard to leave La Quinta,” Veeder said. “I can’t imagine a better guy to work for than [Athletic Director] Jim Perry. But this is a great opportunity. I’m looking forward to the outstanding competition in the South Coast League. I don’t know who anyone who would not want to coach in that league.”

Perry praised Veeder for rebuilding La Quinta’s program. “He came in and restored the pride and enthusiasm. He did it by example, hard work, dedication and incredible attention to detail.”

Before taking over at La Quinta, Veeder was defensive coordinator for two years at Santa Fe Springs St. Paul, two at Long Beach Millikan and four at Santa Ana.