Crespi’s Guenther Opts for Taft

Gregg Guenther, a 6-foot-8 football and basketball standout at Crespi High, has decided to transfer to Taft under open enrollment.

Guenther, who will be a senior, is the most high-profiled athlete at the Encino campus. He is a defensive end and tight end being recruited by Washington and Notre Dame. He also was expected to start for a Celt basketball team considered co-favorite with Chaminade to win the Mission League next season.

Guenther wanted to experience attending a public school for his senior year, according to his mother, Cheri, who is an assistant principal at Taft. The family is moving into the El Camino Real district, but Guenther has been accepted to Taft under open enrollment.

Guenther’s transfer figures to provide a big boost for the Toreadors’ football and basketball programs. Taft, the defending City football champion, needs a tall receiving target for returning quarterback Brandon Hance.

In basketball, the Toreadors will have members off an 18-0 junior varsity team.

Guenther is the third two-sport athlete from Crespi to leave school. Juniors-to-be Jimmy Sharp and Michael Luderer, both of whom play football, are transferring to Notre Dame.