Levitt Steps Down at Cleveland

Adam Levitt, who helped guide Cleveland High’s boys’ basketball team to consecutive West Valley League championships, resigned Thursday, saying he no longer had the support of the administration.

Andre Chevalier, a dean at the school and former Cleveland coach, was selected to replace Levitt. Chevalier was an assistant coach at Cal State Northridge the last two years until resigning to pursue a master’s degree.

“Right now, it’s for the rest of the season,” Chevalier said. “We’ll see about next year. I didn’t know this was going to happen.”

Cleveland, once considered the Valley’s top City Section program, has slumped to a 1-14 record this season. Levitt said he was receiving no support from Principal Al Weiner despite his successes the last two seasons.

Levitt was The Times’ co-coach of the year with James Morris in 1998-99 when the two directed Cleveland to a 21-5 record. He resigned after Weiner refused to make him head coach. Weiner fired Morris in December of 1999 and rehired Levitt, who directed the Cavaliers to an 18-7 record and share of the West Valley title.

Chevalier is a former point guard for the Cavaliers.

“It hurts we’re 1-14,” he said. “At this point, it’s a new season, but we’re going to fight.”

Chevalier’s first game is tonight at home against West Valley leader Taft.