Westlake to Name Crespi’s Benkert as New Football Coach

Jim Benkert, the offensive coordinator at Crespi High for four years, will be named Westlake High’s football coach at a press conference today, according to a source at Westlake.

Benkert joined the Crespi staff in 1982 and coached the sophomore team for two seasons before joining the varsity staff. He was hired at Crespi by Bill Redell, who resigned as coach after last season.

“I think it’s outstanding,” Redell said. “I think Jim’s an outstanding coach and will be a great head coach. He really ran our offense. He’ll do a great job and Westlake is very fortunate to get a man of his caliber.”

Paul Muff, Crespi’s athletic director, said that Benkert met with Crespi players Thursday to tell them of his decision to take the Westlake job.

“He didn’t want the kids to read it in the papers,” said Muff, who indicated that Benkert would remain as a teacher and track coach at Crespi while coaching football at Westlake.

“We’re really happy, that’s a great opportunity for him,” Muff said. “He was invaluable to Coach Redell.”

Westlake Athletic Director Bob Fisher declined comment on the hiring and Westlake Principal Paris Earls and Benkert did not respond to repeated messages left at their homes.