Menlo School loses football coach Menlo School loses football coach (February 13, 2004)

Noriega steps down after successful three-year stint, frosh-soph coach Newton takes over Knights
Menlo School football coach Jimmy Noriega resigned Thursday after a successful three-year stint. Noriega cited personal reasons for his departure.

Noriega, a Menlo School alumni and member of the school's Hall of Fame, last season guided the Knights to an 8-3 record and into the Central Coast Section playoffs for the third time in school history. Noriega leaves Menlo with a 13-18 record in his three years.

Menlo School Athletic Director Craig Schoof named Mark Newton as Noriega's replacement.

"Jimmy turned the football program around with style and class and his departure leaves a tremendous void," said athletic director Craig Schoof. "But we believe Mark can continue along the successful path paved by Jimmy. Mark has proven he has the qualities keep the program on the right track."

Newton has been the frosh-soph football coach for the past three years, compiling a 26-4 record. The Knights last season won their first-ever frosh-soph title with a 10-0 record in the Peninsula Athletic League Ocean Division. Newton, a graduate of Menlo School ('87), also is a member of the Hall of Fame. He played collegiate football at UC Davis.

"It is an honor to continue to be a part of Menlo School's tradition of excellence in academics and athletics. We will continue to build upon the positive foundation Coach Noriega worked so hard to establish. I look forward to a cohesive and focused effort from staff, players, parents, alumni and administration in continuing the success of the Menlo football program, " said Newton.

E-mail a friend a link to this story.

[an error occurred while processing this directive]