Coach to Return to Academic Decathlon
Former Moorpark High School academic decathlon coach Larry Jones says he’s ready to do it again.
After weeks of uncertainty about the future of the nationally ranked team, Jones’ decision has given returning team members something to look forward to.
“This is an incredibly committed and wonderful group of kids that really wanted a team,” Jones said. “I didn’t want them to feel unwanted.”
Jones, a world history teacher at Moorpark High, coached the team for eight years before stepping down after it won the national championship in 1999.
“I’m definitely excited,” said Brittanny O’Hanlon, 16, who was a member of the 2000 team.
The 2000 team finished second at the state competition behind Simi Valley High School, whose team went on to the national competition.
When Jones saw there was a possibility that no one would coach next year, he decided to put aside his own negative feelings about the U.S. Academic Decathlon organization, which he believes has turned into a moneymaking business rather than an educational organization for students.
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