Welch Worked Media the Way He Did His Team

Harry Welch’s mixed legacy as Canyon High football coach included everything from three Southern Section championships to a two-year legal battle against the Southern Section.

Like him or not, Welch, who resigned Monday after 12 years, was impossible to ignore.

Welch also will be remembered because he was a master at dealing with the media. No coach in the region had more written about him, good or bad.

Three stories about his career appeared in The Times in the days after his resignation. (Actually, four, including this one.)

Some college and professional coaches do not have that many stories written about them in their careers , let alone one week. He was big news in this region and was treated accordingly.

More than anything he accomplished, or the problems he encountered, Welch knew what reporters wanted and how to have it appear in print--the way he wanted for the most part.

Welch is an engaging, erudite individual who often motivated reporters to put his “spin” on stories much in the manner he motivated his players to battle opponents.

He dealt with reporters on a personal level, something the majority of his colleagues would never attempt. Welch returned phone calls promptly, was quick to offer good quotes and made himself and his team available.

Moreover, he did not run for cover when “negative” stories appeared. Welch understood you have to take the good with the bad, something else many of his colleagues should learn.

Some reporters believe Welch is a sycophant who simply craved media attention. Not true.

Welch liked the attention he and his team received, and he used his personality to win over the media. Reporters in the region used Welch to get the stories they wanted for their newspapers.

Who got the better of whom? That is open to debate.

This much is certain: Working on a story concerning Welch was never dull.

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Bumps and bruises: Jason Hartman, Thousand Oaks standout senior forward, probably will miss the Lancers’ Marmonte League home game against Channel Islands on Monday night after suffering a hyper-extended neck against Westlake on Friday night.

“If I had to guess right now, I probably won’t play (Monday night),” Hartman said.

Hartman, who has committed to Washington, suffered the injury with 18 seconds remaining in the Lancers’ 57-52 loss at Westlake. Hartman dove to the floor in pursuit of a loose ball and a Westlake player fell on him, forcing his head to the floor.

He lay motionless on the court for a few minutes before walking off under his own power and applying an ice pack to the back of his neck. As a precautionary measure, Hartman was transported on a stretcher to an ambulance and taken to Los Robles Regional Medical Center in Thousand Oaks.

Hartman was released from the hospital at 12:30 a.m. after X-rays revealed no broken bones. He is wearing a neck brace and undergoing physical therapy.

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Late-night practice: Hartman wasn’t the only Lancer who had a late night.

Thousand Oaks Coach Ed Chevalier was so disappointed with his team’s play in the fourth quarter against Westlake that he conducted a practice after the game. The Lancers hit the gym to shoot free throws as soon as they stepped off the team bus.

“I had them shoot because we just didn’t do a good job late in the game,” said Chevalier, whose team made one of six free throws in the fourth quarter and blew a lead for the second game in a row.

The loss dropped the three-time defending league champion Lancers to 9-5, 0-2 in league play.

“There is definitely a sense of some urgency now,” Chevalier said. “Our players need to step up in the fourth quarter.”

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Unity when it counts: Reseda basketball Coach Jeff Halpern stopped practice for 30 minutes Thursday to diffuse arguments.

It seems that some players have been taking more shots in games than teammates believe are necessary.

“The ego thing has been my biggest concern this season,” Halpern said. “I sat the kids down and tried to clear the air. I just hoped that would work.”

Sure did: Reseda (13-0) defeated Chatsworth, 72-63.

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No more No. 35: Buena football Coach Rick Scott has retired jersey No. 35, the number worn by senior running back George Keiaho.

“It’s never been done before at Buena as far as I know,” Scott said. “We put it in a frame and gave it to his mom. She was really surprised.”

Keiaho, a four-year starter, is the state’s second all-time leading rusher with 6,585 yards. He scored 80 touchdowns.

Although George is leaving, another Keiaho will arrive at Buena next year: Roger, George’s younger brother.

Roger, 14, will be a freshman at Buena. He is 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds--and a football player.