Breaking News: Cross Out at CHS, Duffy Promoted

Don Cross Resigns

After five seasons Cabrillo football coach DON CROSS (pictured here with Nevada running back Vai Taua) has resigned.

The likeable head coach who shocked Lompoc in 2003 by transferring from rival Lompoc High to take the CHS job after assisting coach Robin Luken, at LHS for seven years, submitted his resignation last week.

Sources have long told LLR of disagreements between a number of coaches at Cabrillo and the administration of Principal Betty McCallum. Athletic Director Bob Boyer, among the longest tenured teachers in the district, has submitted his retirement papers, though he may stay on as AD.

Cross however denied any dissension. "It's not a negative," he told Hunt. "I've had a great time here and made some life-long connections. I feel Cabrillo's football program, right on down to the youth teams, is in good shape. We have a lot of good coaches at all levels."

Cross could not be reached for immediate comment, but he told reporter Al Hunt that he plans to remain in Lompoc and hopes to remain with the Lompoc Unified School District where he is an English and PE instructor.

"I hope to have some kind of coaching spot," Cross told Hunt. "Next year will be my 20th as a coach."

Two football possibilities for Cross are the undermanned Lompoc High staff still headed by Luken, who is nearing retirement, and Allan Hancock College. One source, who asked anonymity pointed to the AHC program. "They've been talking," he said.

A new coach at Cabrillo is expected to be named by the end of the school year.

Cross' record at CHS was 24-30. The Conquistadores went 2-8 the last two seasons after winning the Los Padres League title in 2005 and reaching the CIF semifinals.

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DUFFY TO MIDWEST LEAGUE

DANNY DUFFY is travelling today to Burlington, Iowa to the Burlington Bees of the Midwest League. The Kansas City Royals made the decision yesterday to promote their star lefthander from extended spring training. This report from Danny's Dad:

"After throwing yesterday in extended spring training, Danny received news that he was being promoted to Burlington, Iowa immediately. He is flying out today from Phoenix and will join the team when they return from a road trip. He should be in uniform for the start of this weekend's homestand vs. Quad Cities. He is tentatively slated to start on Monday vs. the Kane County Cougars an Oakland A's affiliate."