Cunerty Still Passing On Knowledge

Bill Cunerty stopped coaching football at Saddleback two years ago but he has never stopped teaching the game.

Cunerty and Lyle Lansdell, the offensive coordinator at Corona del Mar High, have spent the last two years developing an impressive multimedia package called “The Complete Quarterback.”

It is made up of a manual, flashcards, CD-ROM and videotape designed to be used by coaches and quarterbacks of all ages and skill levels.

“This is what I love to do,” Cunerty said about teaching. “All I’m doing here is passing on what I’ve learned from other coaches.”

Cunerty is being a bit modest, considering he is one of the top offensive minds in Southern California.

Cunerty was the offensive coordinator and quarterback coach for two national championship teams at Saddleback, where he started in 1980. He was the Gauchos’ head coach for three seasons (1995-97) and had a 25-7 record, including an 11-0 record and a national championship in 1996. He stepped down on the advice of his doctor, who wanted him to slow down.

Cunerty’s quarterback in 1995 and 1996 at Saddleback was Justin Vedder, who later started for two seasons at California.

Vedder, a left-hander, and Michael Bergey, a right-hander who played at Corona del Mar, are used in the video portion to demonstrate basic techniques such as taking the snap, dropping back, rolling out and throwing many kinds of passes.

The 85-page book centers on the basics of the position and also deals with the qualities a quarterback needs to be a good leader. It also teaches how to read defenses and has worksheets and quizzes.

But Cunerty is aware that it isn’t all that thrilling to read the book.

“The manual has everything we want to say,” Cunerty said, “but it can be a little dry sometimes.”

That is where the CD-ROM, a more accessible teaching tool, comes into play. It illustrates points with slides and video clips taken from several Saddleback and local high school games.

The package is available for $89.95 and can be purchased from the Web site for the West Coast Passing School (https://www.wcps.net) or from Amazon.com.

“We took it to three or four people that told us it could cost around $130 of $140,” Cunerty said, “but we didn’t want to do that. I want the kid who can’t afford anything special like a personal trainer to be able to afford this.”

GAUCHO GOLF

Although Cunerty does not coach football anymore, he is still the golf coach at Saddleback and has one of his better teams. He returns six sophomores who played on last year’s state runner-up team.

The Gauchos (9-0) moved into sole possession of first place in the Orange Empire Conference with a convincing victory over Golden West on Wednesday.

Saddleback, led by medalist Lonnie Charleson, shot a 373 on its home course, Tijeras Creek.

Golden West (8-1) was second, 15 shots back.

MOVING ON

Kim Needham and Moe Ybarra, both members of Cypress’ state champion women’s soccer team, have signed with four-year colleges.

Midfielder Needham (El Modena High) is going to Cal State Bakersfield and goalkeeper Ybarra (Whittier La Serna) will play at Southern Missouri State.