MOORPARK TO LOSE POPULAR GIRLS' COACH; SOFTBALL'S HUMPHREYS WILL RETIRE.

Byline: Anel Laj Daily News Staff Writer

He's more than just a coach. He's a teacher, a mentor, a friend and a father figure. Tom Humphreys' commitment to the Moorpark girls' softball team ends this season.

After 20 years of coaching, five of those years at Moorpark, he's decided to take the big step: retirement.

``Obviously, it will be a big loss for the program,'' said assistant softball coach Bill Finnerty. ``The one thing that's unique about him is that he treats everyone of the kids like they were his own. It's like a family affair.''

``He brings his softball expertise and knowledge of the game to the team.''

Under Humphreys' guidance, Moorpark (11-3, 8-1) has won four consecutive Frontier League titles and is on its way to win a possible fifth. The school that stands in the way is Calabasas, which has given the Musketeers their only loss in league play.

The Musketeers have also advanced twice to the CIF finals under Humphreys' command.

Humphreys' success as a leader extends itself to the soccer field as well. In his first year as head coach of the girls' team, he led them to an undefeated season and a Frontier League title in the 1996-1997 season. This year, the team finished second in the league season at 7-2-1.

Humphreys' ability to build on his team's strengths and compensate for its weaknesses makes him a great coach.

``You have to know when and where you should put the players,'' Humphreys said. ``My job as a coach is to let them know that I'm in their corner and that I'm behind them 150 percent.''

Although Humphreys ends his relationship with the softball and soccer programs, his dedication to and his friendships with the players will always remain intact. Humphreys is a man who knows no boundaries when it comes to caring. He goes that extra mile and devotes his time to anybody who needs it.

``He's always gone above and beyond what's expected of him, not because he's obligated but because he wants to,'' said Tom Humphreys Jr., also known as T.J. ``He has a strong ability to push the envelope and encourage people to rise to the best of their potential.''

Humphreys, a retired United States Naval Commander, and his wife Marty will be settling on their 20-acre ranch in Noxon, Mont., where he'll have plenty of time to go fly-fishing. In an attempt to stay active, Humphreys hopes to get his teaching credentials transferred and try substitute teaching at Noxon High, where, at the present time, the school finds itself without a softball team. With Humphreys' presence, maybe that will change.

Humphreys' success as a coach lies with his attitude toward his players. His unconditional support and dedication earned him the respect and admiration of all the athletes he's ever coached.

``I have a lot of respect for my husband and his ability. He gets as much out of (coaching) as he puts into it,'' said Marty. ``He's an advocate for the team and for his players, as individuals and as a team.''

Daughter Annie Humphreys believes that her father began coaching when T.J., his eldest son, took an interest in sports at age 5. She credits her father's inspiration of coaching to the love he had for his kids and the passionate interest he took in being involved in their lives.

Humphreys began coaching at the AYSO level and then progressed to other club organizations such as Conejo Valley United Soccer Club, Thousand Oaks Little League and Conejo Valley Girls' Softball Association (GSA). As T.J., Derek and Annie grew up, he moved on to different levels of coaching.

``Not only did he coach sports, but he coached us to be adults,'' said Stacy Zar, one of Humphreys' GSA players.

Aside from coaching at Moorpark, Humphreys also teaches mathematics and algebra. Before he shaped young minds at Moorpark, he taught three levels of French, geometry and pre-algebra at Oak Park High.

Humphreys, who served two tours in Vietnam, received his Bachelors of Science degree in Naval Sciences from the U.S. Naval Academy. He earned a double Masters of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering and Business Administration.