Garden Grove Fires Rawls; Shane Resigns at Rancho Alamitos

Jim Rawls, whose teams were 11-25-1 in his four years as coach at Garden Grove High School, has been removed from the post, Principal James DeLong said.

“It was a decision on my part to make a change,” DeLong said. “I felt we needed a new direction--one that would create a more positive atmosphere.”

Rawls will continue coaching varsity baseball and teaching at the school.

DeLong announced the decision Tuesday but said it had been reached in discussions during the Christmas break. The Argonauts were 2-7 last season.

“I have mixed feelings,” Rawls said. “I feel like the principal is doing what he sees fit. The team has been losing and (the administration) is looking for a reason. In my opinion, they’re looking in the wrong place.”

Rancho Alamitos High School Coach Paul Shane resigned Tuesday after an 8-29-2 record in four seasons.

Before that, he had been an assistant at the school for four years and played high school football there. The Vaqueros were 0-9-1 last season.

“Paul Shane by mutual consent gave me reasons he thought he ought to step down and we mutually decided that was what he wanted to do,” said Bob Mesa, Rancho Alamitos principal.

“I didn’t want him to go, and with regret I lose a good coach.”

Said Shane: “It’s a very positive thing. I think I have a chance to do some more positive things and to spend more time with my family.”

Shane will continue teaching at the school.