Prep column: Orris passes CdM torch

Barry Faulkner

In the ephemeral world of high school sports, longevity is an

achievement unto itself. As a parade of walk-ons annually render prep

coaching directories obsolete and, as we’ve seen in recent years,

coaching jobs can change hands more than once within days, the grizzled

sideline veterans are valued links to tradition.

Within Newport-Mesa circles, few athletic programs can boast a more

proud history than Corona del Mar High boys basketball. And, no surprise,

much of this is due to the stability fostered by having just three head

coaches since the winter of 1969.

Tandy Gillis began the run with a seven-season stint that carried

through 1976. The late Jack Errion took over for the next 10 seasons,

before anointing Paul Orris, who’d spent the previous 16 seasons coaching

the freshman team, his handpicked successor.

Orris, who resigned Feb. 26 after 15 seasons as the Newport-Mesa

District’s career leader in victories (229), officially let go of the

torch Sunday night, at the conclusion of the team’s awards banquet.

Corona del Mar High Principal Gary Norton and Athletic Director Jerry

Jelnick are now charged with ensuring that torch falls into capable and

committed hands.

Jelnick said he met with Norton recently and, while retaining an

on-campus teacher as coach is a “strong priority,” uncertainty exists

about whether a teaching position will be offered to the new coach.

Three words: Eliminate this uncertainty!

If the CdM boys basketball job goes to a walk on, CdM administrators

should be charged with the ultimate turnover.

In the immortal words of former NFL coach Lou Saban: “You can get it

done. You can get it done. What’s more, you gotta get it done.”

Jelnick said he has received about 10 phone calls from those

interested in the job, including one from Arizona and one from Colorado.

Closer to home, the pool of candidates could include CdM girls coach

Elbert Davis (though his walk-on status should hurt him) and, perhaps,

former Laguna Beach Coach Bret Fleming.

But Fleming, widely respected as a top-notch coach, whose style is not

dissimilar to that of Orris, taught physical education at Laguna and

Jelnick said there are no P.E. teaching openings expected at CdM.

Before the new coach arrives, however, more Orris appreciation is in

order.

The glowing testimonials that followed his resignation were about as

easy to collect as oxygen. And I have a few memories of my own that stand

out.

First off, anyone who asks questions for a living, can appreciate

Orris’ willingness to provide thoughtful and thorough responses, even in

the most trying circumstances.

While most reporters cringe when faced with a post-loss confab, Orris’

professionalism transcended even the most difficult defeat.

Further, a reporter could often initiate an Orris interview with a

single question or observation. He’d usually take it from there, often

providing more information and insight than any game story could ever

encompass.

But, beyond his dignity, passion, perspective, personality and poise,

I’ll remember him as an uncompromising competitor.

I learned to direct my focus toward Orris after the buzzer sounded,

following a big Sea King victory. Nearly without fail, he’d unleash his

shot put-sized right fist along his waist in an emphatic pump that

celebrated his kids’ effort more than the final score.

I remember him providing stern council during the postgame handshake

line to a high-profile opposing standout from South Orange County, whose

on-court showmanship was, Orris believed, beneath his stature as a

player. I bet the player remembers it, too.

I remember Orris’ best Godzilla impression a few years ago, when he

smashed a remote-control car that, after buzzing around the Newport

Harbor High court, came to rest at his feet.

The tragic events at Santana High in Santee last week evoked a

singular memory for me and, no doubt, members of the 1993-94 Newport

Harbor High girls basketball team.

Those Sailors, coached by Shannon Jakosky, defeated the host Sultans,

63-51, in a Southern California Regional semifinal game, March 10, 1994.