Kelly Steps Down as Coach of Thousand Oaks Football

Mike Kelly, a football coach known for his preparation and discipline, has resigned at Thousand Oaks High.

Kelly guided the Lancers to a 31-22-2 record and four playoff appearances in five seasons. Thousand Oaks had three second-place finishes in the competitive Marmonte League.

The Lancers were 6-5 overall and 4-2 in league last season, finishing third.

Kelly said the demands of coaching was the reason for his resignation.

“It consumed me mentally, emotionally,” Kelly said. “My wife finds I’m always uptight. She says I’ll savor a victory for an hour and then I’m back to grim mode. She’s right. I had to do what I thought was best for me.”

Athletic Director Lou Lichtl of Thousand Oaks said the school is accepting applications for a football coach who is also a teacher.

Kelly is the second football coach to leave a Marmonte team since December. Ron Veres of Simi Valley was fired last month.

BASEBALL

* Manny Flores, an All-City pitcher and outfielder who helped Poly High reach the City Championship game at Dodger Stadium last season, has checked out of school and plans to transfer to San Fernando.

He is the second Poly player in four months to transfer to San Fernando, following pitcher Abraham Gonzales. The Tigers also picked up infielder Jesse Alvarado, a transfer from North Hollywood.

The three players, along with pitcher Jose Montes of San Fernando, once played on the same traveling team.

Coach Chuck Schwal of Poly expressed dismay at Flores’ decision. Schwal said he has spoken with school administrators about investigating suspicions that San Fernando boosters are recruiting Poly players.

Coach Armando Gomez of San Fernando denied any involvement in the players’ decision to transfer.

* Cal State Northridge will hold a free youth clinic on Jan. 30 from 9-10 a.m. before the Matadors’ game against Nevada.

Northridge is starting a Junior Matador Baseball Club for boys and girls 7-13. Cost is $50 and includes a hat, T-shirt and discount to Northridge clinics and camps.

Information: (818) 677-3233.

SOCCER

* Julie Herrold of Crescenta Valley has committed to Brown.

Herrold, a Times’ all-region selection last year, has 10 goals and five assists this season.

VOLLEYBALL

* Tricia Bratford of Taft has committed to Florida A&M.;

SOFTBALL

* Cat Hugar, a 1999 graduate of Flintridge Sacred Heart, made the 19-player roster for Long Beach State as a utility player.

Hugar, who batted .342 with 13 runs batted in and 11 stolen bases last season for the Tologs, is one of five freshmen on the 49er roster.

* The San Fernando Valley Softball Officials Assn. has openings for umpires for the high school season. It will train new umpires.

Information: (818) 262-0970.

FYI

* The Valley All-Star competitive cheerleading team is conducting tryouts for children 10-18.

There will be a mandatory parents meeting Jan. 20. Tryouts are Feb. 6 at the Valley College community center, 5800 Fulton Ave., Valley Glen.

Information: Rozanne Gonzales 796-0599.