December 4, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

University football team looking for a new coach after Scott Meyer takes the Lakewood High job

Scott Meyer is leaving University to become the new coach at Lakewood High.

University High is looking for a football coach after Scott Meyer announced Tuesday night that he is taking the head coaching job at Lakewood after just one season as the Trojans’ head coach.

Meyer told the University players of his decision Tuesday afternoon.

Meyer replaced long-time Coach Mark Cunningham, who retired after 32 years, this past year and led the Trojans to a 3-7 overall record and 2-3 record in the Pacific Coast League.

“In my brief time at Uni, I was lucky enough to be welcomed with so much hospitality,” Meyer told OC Sports Zone late Tuesday night. “The administration made my transition really smooth and the social science department gave me great support while I settled back into the classroom.

“My staff this season put in so much effort. I couldn’t be happier with their commitment. And of course, it’s always bittersweet to leave a team, especially when there is so much potential and excitement ahead for these guys. I’m really thankful for my time here and I am ready to bring it back home to the Moore League.”

Before becoming University’s coach, Meyer coached at Servite for three years and at Corona del Mar from 2011 to 2014, leading the Sea Kings to three CIF crowns and a state title. 

Meyer said when he came back from Utah as a graduate assistant coach, his first high job as an assistant was at Lakewood. He was an assistant coach in the Moore League for 13 years before becoming the head coach at Jordan in 2004.

Meyer still lives in Long Beach, not far from the Lakewood campus. Meyer takes over a Lakewood program that was 3-7 overall and 3-3 in the Moore League last season.

“Yes, family was a big reason and Lakewood is booming with talent and potential,” Meyer said. “I’m fired up to get a great staff going and getting involved with the community in which I have been a part of in the past.”

University Athletic Director Tom Shrake could not be reached Tuesday night.

Meyer said that no interim coach has been named, “but I know Dr. Astor (principal) and athletic director Tom Shrake are going to get the process going ASAP to get a new coach. (There is) a good group of kids returning.”

FORMER UNI COACH SHOCKED AT MEYER’S DECISION