Servite Coach’s Work Ethic Eases Awkward Transition

Troy Thomas, the first-year football coach at Anaheim Servite, ought to send John Barnes, the first choice of the Friars, a thank-you note for turning down the position, because there are strong signs that point to Thomas’ having a long, prosperous stay.

A public relations nightmare took place in February, when Barnes accepted the Servite job, greeted his new players, then backed out the same day.

Now, everyone has been forgiven.

With spring practice underway, Barnes seems happy he stayed at Los Alamitos and Servite players have begun to appreciate the leadership qualities of 36-year-old Thomas, who guided Encino Crespi to the Southern Section Division X championship last season.

Thomas didn’t mind being a second choice. His confidence, organizational skills and work ethic are already turning skeptics into supporters.

Thomas wasted little time after his hiring. He sent out a message about what life is going to be like playing for the Friars. It starts with what takes place in the weight room.

“We gauge how hard we’re working by if we can steam the mirrors,” he said. “They’ve been steamed. The biggest thing has been the different way we work out and how intense it is.

“When they leave the weight room, the floor is wet. It is a sight to see.”

Thomas, who coached at Hawaii and Fresno State, learned from one of the best, Bill Redell, who was his coach at Crespi. One of Redell’s strengths is choosing competent assistant coaches, and Thomas has brought in former Santa Margarita defensive coordinator Matt Rink and former Corona Centennial offensive coordinator Frank Kalil.

“Everything’s been positive,” Thomas said. “I’m excited. I feel good about our opportunities.”

Servite’s president, Pete Bowen, a former Marine Harrier pilot, understands that initial plans sometimes have to be revised.

“I’ve learned in life through dozens of experiences that you put together a game plan and execute it to the best of your ability,” he said. “A lot of times, something better drops into your place that you wouldn’t have known was available. We’re extremely happy. I consider [Thomas] the first choice.”

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It’s going to be an intriguing spring and summer for three high-profile Catholic schools that have changed football coaches. Besides Servite, Los Angeles Loyola is getting used to the absence of Steve Grady, the Cubs’ coach since 1976.

His retirement opened the way for Jeff Kearin, a former Cal State Northridge coach and Loyola alumnus, to return from Arizona, where he was coaching high school football. And Crespi filled its opening by promoting offensive coordinator Jeremiah Ross.

Servite, Loyola and Crespi have all won Southern Section Division I championships and have vocal alumni who expect their alma maters to perform well.

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Mission Viejo loses the No. 1 quarterback in America, Mark Sanchez, but Coach Bob Johnson doesn’t seem too concerned. Sanchez’s backup, 6-foot-1, 198-pound R.J. Toman, led the freshman and sophomore teams to unbeaten seasons before playing a reserve role on varsity as a junior.

“He’s got the whole package,” Johnson said. “We’re excited for him.”

Johnson has brought in former Lake Forest El Toro Coach Brett Paton to serve as defensive coordinator.

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Mission Viejo and Westlake Village Oaks Christian have agreed to travel to Ohio in September 2006 to participate in a football extravaganza that includes teams from Florida, Oklahoma and Texas.

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After Newhall Hart’s eight-time Southern Section champion football team struggled to a 7-5 record last season, Coach Mike Herrington decided changes had to be made.

The Indians have increased their number of workouts in the weight room and placed greater emphasis on speed and agility.

“We needed to create better athletes,” said Herrington, who is pleased with the results so far. “We are working harder than ever.”

The Indians are grooming 6-foot-3, 220-pound sophomore linebacker Patrick Larimore to be a defensive standout.

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All-City tailback Stafon Johnson of Los Angeles Dorsey could play some at quarterback this summer as the Dons search for a leader for their offense.

Don’t worry about the defense. Linebacker Mark Johnson, a 6-4, 220-pound transfer from Culver City, will be Dorsey’s next standout.

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Dave Levy, who was a longtime assistant coach with the Detroit Lions, San Diego Chargers and USC, will serve as an assistant at North Hollywood Harvard-Westlake.

Eric Sondheimer can be reached at eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.