LOCAL TRACK: OLYMPIAN GREENE TO COACH TAFT TRACK WORLD-RECORD HOLDER TO BE ASSISTANT.

Byline: Gerry Gittelson Staff Writer

Maurice Greene, the world-record holder in the 100-meter dash, is the new assistant track and field coach at Taft High of Woodland Hills.

``Maurice is a good friend of mine, and he called and said he wanted to help out,'' Taft track and field coach Quincy Watts said. ``When the world's fastest man says he wants to be a coach, you don't ask too many questions. I hope he can do some good.''

Watts (Taft and USC), like Greene, is an Olympic gold medalist. Watts said Greene ``has always been very supportive of Taft athletics'' and that Greene has made donations in the past.

It appears Watts, who replaced coach Troy Starr after this past season, already is having a major impact.

Steve Smith, one of Taft's top returning track athletes, was wide-eyed when he heard the news about Greene joining the staff.

``I couldn't believe it. That's so tight,'' Smith said.

Additional good news came this week when top sprinter Ian Bell transferred from Muir of Pasadena.