Kris Klamberg reflects on 14-year run as Irvine High’s varsity boys basketball coach

Kris Klamberg was Irvine’s head boys basketball coach for 14 years. (Photo courtesy Keith Peters, For OC Sports Zone)

Former Irvine High boys basketball coach Kris Klamberg said Thursday he will be spending more time with his family in the months ahead.

“At this point I am focusing on the present and enjoying spending time with my family,” said Klamberg, who will continue as a health and physical education teacher at Irvine. “My next coaching job will begin in the fall when I coach my 5-year-old daughter’s soccer team.”

Klamberg coached the boys basketball team at Irvine for 14 seasons starting in the 2005-2006 season and said he had many fond memories.

“The biggest highlight is having the opportunity to coach a wonderful group of young men over the past 14 years, and to see all of their accomplishments beyond high school,” he said.

“Some of them are still involved in basketball, some have gone on to successful careers, and some have started families of their own.  I enjoy hearing what they are up to, and having a chance to visit with them when they return.”

During his tenure, Irvine had six post season appearances and finished in a tie for second in the Pacific Coast League in 2008-09, advancing to the second round of the CIF playoffs.

Klamberg said one of the highlights was leading the Vaqueros to the title at the Katella Classic in 2012-13 and traveling with the team to the KSA Holiday Tournament in Orlando in 2016-17.

Shacolby Randell was named this week to replace Klamberg.

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com