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McEnroe is new football coach at CLU 

Ben McEnroe is leaving the as Chaminade of West Hills' football coach to take over at Cal Lutheran. McEnroe is succeeding Scott Squires, who coached the Kingsmen for 11 seasons.

Squires announced his resignation in January to accept a position as a special teams coach for the Canadian Football League's Edmonton Eskimos.

Cal Lutheran went 20-7 the past two seasons, including an 11-game win streak.

McEnroe is no stranger to Cal Lutheran football. He played center for the Kingsmen and was a first-team All-SCIAC selection in 1992. He was also an assistant coach for the school for six seasons under Squires in the 1990s.

"I believe (McEnroe) has had lofty goals for the program since he was a player and then as an assistant coach," Dan Kuntz, CLU's athletic director, said in a statement. "Now he can fulfill those goals as he leads the Kingsmen for many successful seasons."

McEnroe, 36, was 32-16 in four seasons at Chaminade. Under McEnroe, the Eagles reached the CIF playoffs in four consecutive seasons, and last season Chaminade won the Mission League title advanced to the Western Division semifinals. Before heading to Chaminade, McEnroe was an offensive line coach and for Div. II Humboldt State for four seasons.

"The majority of my coaching experience has been at the collegiate level, and I understand the coaching profession," McEnroe said in a statement. "I told the kids it is open season and there are 22 jobs to be earned. I want to turn them loose to get after each other and take the necessary steps to get the program to the next level."

Clay Richardson will remain as CLU's offensive coordinator while McEnroe will also serve as the Kingsmen's defensive coordinator.

Cal Lutheran began spring practice Wednesday, and McEnroe made an impression on his new players, such as returning starting quarterback Danny Jones.

"We all think he is the perfect guy for the job," Jones said. "He understands where the program is at and that we don't need to rebuild. All our guys are locked and loaded and ready to hit the ground running."

-- Ivan Orozco

Agoura's Johnson to toss against the best

After tossing the discus a meet- and personal-best 192feet, 6 inches at the Arcadia Invitational track and field meet last week, Agoura's Derek Johnson is taking on national competition.

The standout discus thrower is scheduled to compete at 3p.m. today in the Antelope Valley Throw Fest at Antelope Valley College. The competition is expected to feature top international discus, shot put and javelin throwers.

Johnson is favorite to clinch a Southern Section title and place amongst the top three in his event at the state championships this year. He finished in sixth place at state last season.

The Antelope Valley Throw Fest not only serves as preparation for the Mt. San Antonio College relays Saturday in Walnut, but is also a test for Johnson. The senior has entered the Throw Fest unattached, meaning he is not competing as a high school athlete representing his team but as an individual.

"It's his spring break, so this fest creates a chance for him to work on getting a higher arc," said John Amneus, Agoura's throws coach. "It's a good workout and a confidence-booster to see where he stands among some of the best throwers around."

Johnson is the only area discus thrower scheduled to compete in the invitational leg at Mt.SAC Saturday at 4 p.m.

-- Ivan Orozco

Thacher's streak is still alive

Harvard-Westlake of Studio City junior boys' tennis standout Ryan Thacher extended his winning streak to 42 consecutive matches in USTA tournaments with Wednesday's 6-4, 6-0 victory over third-seeded Daniil Arsinov in the second round of the boys' 18-under singles draw at the USTA International Spring Championships at Home Depot Center in Carson.

The unseeded Thacher, who has won singles titles at six straight USTA events, faces No.15 Ty Trombetta of Hallandale, Fla., in today's round of 16.

-- Erik Boal