Devaney Is Coach of the Year

FULLERTON —  Sunny Hills football Coach Tim Devaney points to a staff of assistants who have been together since 1980 when asked the key to the Lancers’ success for the past 13 years.

“I wear the hat, but that doesn’t mean I do all the work,” Devaney said. “I have one of the best staffs around.”

In his 13th season, Sunny Hills won its eighth Freeway League title and qualified for it 10th Southern Section playoff berth. Devaney, 47, is The Times’ 1992 Orange County Coach of the Year.

“I would characterize this team as a group of blue-collar workers,” he said while preparing for Friday’s Division VII final against Rancho Alamitos. “I knew the defense would carry us early, but there were questions offensively.”

Devaney has a career record of 117-35-1 at the school. Three of his assistants--Ralph Trigsted (line), Mike Paris (defensive coordinator) and Ron Newton (special teams)--joined Devaney the first season, 1980.

Added later were Dan Duncanson (running backs), Doug Elliott (linebacker/receiver), Rick Hagedorn (defensive back) and Danford Inn (defensive line).

The coaches have made trips to Arizona, Illinois and Hawaii in the past, joining major college staffs each spring to learn the latest innovations in the game.

“My biggest supporters are my family,” Devaney said. “I couldn’t do it without the stability of my wife (Gail) at home.”