Zeno Quits as La Quinta Football Coach

La Quinta High School football Coach Joe Zeno, who led the Aztecs to the Central Conference championship game and an 11-3 record last fall, resigned his position Tuesday after seven years as La Quinta’s coach. The Aztecs had won the past three Garden Grove League championships under Zeno, who coached for seven years at Paso Robles High before coming to La Quinta.

Zeno, a 46-year-old physical education teacher, said he resigned because he won’t be able to devote enough time to the football program this year. Zeno is working on a conditioning program with his two sons--Eric, who played tight end and linebacker for La Quinta, and Lance, who played offensive tackle for Fountain Valley--to prepare them for college.

Lance is being recruited by UCLA, Notre Dame, USC and Nebraska; Eric is being recruited by USC, California and UCLA. “It was a matter of dividing my time, and I didn’t want to do that,” Zeno said. “I’ve made some commitments this summer that will keep me from the team’s weight program.

“Rather than giving half an effort to the team, I felt it was best to get out now. I want to spend more time with Lance and Eric. This is the last time I’ll have the opportunity to work with them.”