SHS, GHHS need fall coaches

Less than three weeks from the start of fall practices and Strathmore High School, as well as Granite Hills, are in search of head coaches for their varsity programs. The Spartans need coaches for their volleyball and girls golf teams, while the Grizzlies are still in search of a girls tennis coach according to the Porterville Unified School District’s job opening website.

Applications for the positions can be submitted online at edjoin.org while job postings are found online at portervilleschools.org under the “About PUSD” tab.

Strathmore is the twotime defending East Sequoia League volleyball champions and have reached the quarterfinals of the CIF Central Section Division IV Championship tournaments twice under twoyear head coach Aliya Bayless. Due to a family illness overseas, Bayless is unable to return in time to get the season started, according to an email from SHS athletic director Ryan Born.

Last season, Strathmore’s girls golf team was coached by Norm Campbell and finished second in the ESL with freshman Anushka Larson being the only local girls golfer to advance to Area. Campbell retired after 40 years in education but is hopeful that he can still coach the Spartans.

“What I was told is, they have to open it by contract now that I am a retired employee in order to give any other staff that would like the job a chance to apply for it,” Capmbell said in an email. “I also have to re-apply for the position. I have no clue at this point what the outcome will be but hope to be back coaching the team again this fall.”

Granite Hills girls tennis program was coached by Shelly Lozano last season and went 7-7 on the regular season with Kellyann Whited advancing to Area as well.