Football: Former Servite Coach George Dena dies
George Dena, who was the football coach at Anaheim Servite from 1961 to 1971 and created the school’s signature “Hut Drill,” died on Sunday. He was 75.
Servite begins and ends every game with the “Hut Drill,” which emphasizes discipline and precision. Dena was the co-head coach in 1961 before assuming the position by himself in 1963. In 1992, he returned for two seasons as offensive coordinator, when current head coach A.J. Gass was a student.
Dena also coached at Anaheim, Foothill and Brea Olinda as part of a 42-year career. He played at Anaheim and was quarterback in an all-star backfield that included Mickey Flynn and Joe Avitia.
He is survived by his wife, Eileen, three sons and two daughters. Funeral arrangements have not been finalized.
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