Fresno State Athletics
2005 San Joaquin Valley Coaches of the Year
3/30/2005 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field
March 30, 2005
- 2005 San Joaquin Valley Coaches of the Year
Danny Alberty
Edison High School
Danny Alberty has clearly elevated the boys and girls track and field programs to new heights during his tenure at Edison High School, which began in 1983. In 2004, the Edison boys' squad was crowned valley champions for the first time in eight years. In addition, both teams were large high school champions at the Fresno Relays and Lemoore Invitational. Under Alberty's guidance, the boys' team won the 4x100-meter relay title at the California Relays. Alberty, who is in his second season as head coach, has coached several athletes to collegiate and professional success. They include: Josh Norman (10th fastest time in the world in the 100-meters), D.J. Haynes (second in the valley in the discus and 10th in the valley in the shot put last year) and Dominic Farinelli (third in the valley last year in the 800-meters). Alberty was born and raised in Fresno, attended Edison High School and competed in track and soccer at Fresno City College.
On The Fresno Relays:
"The Fresno Relays provide a great sense of tradition and it is a pleasure to be a part of the event. I ran in the West Coast Relays at Ratcliffe Stadium so I have some great memories. I think the Fresno Relays provide good exposure for kids who don't normally get to compete in such a large event. I like that it is run on the university track and I like to see the professionals compete and make it a fun two-day event."
Dave Longsinger
Stockdale High School
Dave Longsinger is yet another coaching staple in the Bakersfield area, leading the boys and girls track and field squads at Stockdale High School. Since Longsinger was named head track and field coach in 1994, the Stockdale High School program has flourished- winning a total of 14 championships combined. While at the helm, the women's team has won three straight Central Section Championships and earned runner-up finishes in the two previous seasons. Longsinger, who has been named Coach of the Year by the Bakersfield Californian eight of the last 10 seasons, moved to Bakersfield in 1977 from New York and competed in track and field at Occidental College. Several of his athletes have showcased their talents at the collegiate level (Keisha Gaines- Stanford, Tiffany Brown- Long Beach State), while others are current standouts (Desarie Gonder- second last year in long jump at state meet, Romesha Anderson- valley leader in sprints, Garrett Anthony- top returning 400-meter runner).
On The Fresno Relays:
"We always enjoy competing at the Fresno Relays. That's track and field the way it should be. I think it's a great way to show recognition to our sport and the athlete, whether it be high school, college or professional. The competition makes kids delve further into their capabilities, bringing out top performances. There are a lot of things that go into making the Fresno Relays a very special meet for everyone involved."
Rich Parris
Madera High School
Rich Parris, who has spent five years at Madera High School and three as head coach, has made an impact on the boys and girls cross country programs. During his tenure, the boys' cross country squad has captured three Valley championships while the girls earned a runner-up finish in 2003. The boys team placed fourth at the state meet this year and was also ranked 22nd in the United States at one time. Parris, who also led El Capitan Middle School to league championships on the boys and girls side, graduated from Fresno Pacific and competed in track and field (5,000-meter, 10,000-meter and half-marathon). Athletes that have excelled under his tutelage include the following: Chris Britton (distance runner who now attends Auburn), Heather Hansen (ran an 11:05 in the 3200-meter run) and Michael Barrera (ran a 1:55.1 in the 800-meters). Hansen and Barrera both qualified for CIF Track and Field Championships.
On The Fresno Relays:
"I think the Fresno Relays are a great representation of just how much the community appreciates the sport of track and field. Since I've been here, it is remarkable how much the community rallies around the event. This is a positive experience for the kids, the coaches and everyone who buys a ticket. This is a very prestigious event, no question."
Marty Simpson
Buchannan High School
Marty Simpson is yet another example of a track and field coaching icon in the Central Valley. Simpson, who has been leading both the boys and girls cross country squads at Buchannan High School since the inception of the program, has received numerous coach of the year honors in his career. A humble competitor, however, Simpson deflects any praise in the direction of his athletes. Among the stellar individual performances under Simpson are: Lauren Saylor (14th in the nation at the National Foot Locker meet and seventh in the state in the 3200-meters), Kyle Alcorn (state champion in the 3200-meters and US representative at the Junior World Championships in Italy) and Fernando Cabada (recently broke 9:00 in the 3200-meters). Simpson was born in San Francisco and raised in Santa Barbara. While attending Fresno State, he was a shortstop on the baseball team.
On The Fresno Relays:
"This meet allows the top kids in the Valley to compete at a great venue and put it all on the line and let it go! We should all strive to provide our kids with the best possible competition and the Fresno Relays does that. I speak for many area coaches when I say that we are very appreciative. Last year, Lauren (Saylor) broke 11:00 in the 3200-meters at the Fresno Relays and that was a real big moment for us."
