Pepperdine Goes With Walberg

Pepperdine has hired former Fresno City College coach Vance Walberg to become its next men’s basketball coach.

Walberg, 49, who will be formally introduced Thursday, replaces Paul Westphal, who left after last season when told by Athletic Director John Watson he would not be retained when his contract ended after next season.

“I appreciate Pepperdine giving me the opportunity because not many people would look at a junior college coach,” Walberg said Tuesday. “I realize it is a big step but something I’ve planned.

“Do I have the experience of others? No. But I do have a lot of passion and a lot of heart.”

Walberg guided Fresno City to a 133-11 record in four seasons, including 34-0 and a state championship in 2004-05. Fresno City won four consecutive Central Valley Conference titles, advanced to the semifinals of the state championships three times and was state runner-up in 2003.

Walberg coached 13 seasons at Clovis West High in Fresno. His teams won nine league titles, made 10 Central Section championship-game appearances, winning six titles, and made the Southern California Regional finals three times.

“After a thorough national search in which we interviewed several qualified candidates, I am happy to announce the hiring of Vance Walberg as Pepperdine’s new head men’s basketball coach,” Watson said Tuesday. “He has a proven track record of developing winning programs at both the high school and junior college levels and I am confident he can build upon the great tradition that Pepperdine men’s basketball has enjoyed throughout its history.”

Walberg is the 12th men’s basketball coach at Pepperdine.