Coach Challenges Health Ban

Longtime Baldwin Park football Coach Tony Zane is fighting the Baldwin Park Unified School District’s decision to ban him from coaching because of an irregular heartbeat.

Zane had to watch from the stands as the Braves played Covina Gladstone Friday, after school district officials learned of his condition earlier in the week. Assistant Larry Davis coached Baldwin Park (0-2-1) during the 7-7 tie.

Zane, who is taking medication for his condition, said he planned to meet with his doctor and an attorney this week. The 61-year-old said he has suffered no ill effects while coaching since being diagnosed with the condition four years ago.

Carolyn Wertz, the school district’s assistant superintendent, said officials would be willing to consider new evidence regarding Zane’s condition.

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Terrance Flournoy, the standout freshman running back from Los Angeles Cathedral, is out for the season after suffering a broken collarbone Saturday during the Phantoms’ 45-6 victory over Norwalk Glenn. Flournoy rushed for 315 yards, averaging 18.5 yards a carry, during Cathedral’s first three games.

Ben Bolch

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Westchester’s defending state champion boys’ basketball team, already facing scrutiny over the eligibility of transfer student Gabriel Pruitt from Compton Centennial, is involved in another controversy surrounding the transfer of Ray Reese from Carson.

Carson officials are alleging that a Westchester assistant coach engaged in “undue influence” in helping the 6-foot-4 Reese transfer two weeks ago, according to Carson Assistant Principal Rosie Martinez.

Martinez said she has not filed an official complaint and is waiting for Westchester’s response after informing the school and City Section of her concerns.

Reese started as a freshman last season at Carson. He played during the summer for a travel team coached by a Westchester assistant coach.

Westchester was previously directed by the City Section to investigate the eligibility of Pruitt. He lives in the Manual Arts district but received an opportunity transfer to Westchester.

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Sean Marshal, a 6-5 guard from Rialto Eisenhower, has committed to Boston College.

Eric Sondheimer

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The Rolling Hills Estates Peninsula girls’ tennis team today will play a match on campus for the first time this season after one court was reconstructed and all six were resurfaced.

“They’re finally in better shape,” Peninsula Coach Tom Cox said. “It’s needed to be done for years.”

The Panthers (3-0), ranked No. 7 by The Times, will break in the new courts with a nonleague match against top-ranked Corona del Mar (4-1). Play begins at 2 p.m.

Lauren Peterson

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