Dorian Manza knows what he is getting into.
A three-year assistant football coach at Lynnwood, Manza has been named the Royals’ new head coach.
Manza replaces baseball coach Reggie Corns, who stepped in at the last moment last season when John Morris resigned four days before Lynnwood was to play its first game of the 2006 season. Corns became the Royals’ fifth coach since 2001.
“I feel the athletes deserve a coach and a coaching staff who will stick it out for the long haul,” Manza said. “I want to put them in a position to win football games.”
Lynnwood was 0-9 in the Wesco South and 0-10 overall last year and had the same record in 2005 under Morris, who cited a lack of administrative support as his reason for leaving. The Royals won two games in 2004.
“The whole program needs re-vamping,” Manza said, “and I’m motivated to do that.”
Manza said he has known many of Lynnwood’s returning players since they were in middle school. He is currently in his third year teaching physical education at Alderwood Middle School.
“Dorian is a proven leader who has a clear understanding of the challenges this program has faced,” Edmonds District athletic director Terri McMahan said. “He has the vision to look ahead and the ability to build a foundation that improves program standards, player fundamentals, player strength and player accountability. Dorian has the character, leadership and most of all the patience to improve this program. He will lead by example and I have no doubt that he and those who play for him and coach with him will succeed.”
Manza is a 1999 graduate of Sunnyside High School and a 2003 graduate of Washington State. He student-taught under highly successful Prosser coach Tom Moore.
“I understand what it’ll take to turn this program around,” Manza said.
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