Football

Don Morel, La Verne's Head Coach Steps Down

While he plans to stay close to the athletic program at the University of La Verne, Don Morel will do it without his whistle.  Morel, only the third head football coach La Verne has had since 1948, has announced that he is stepping down.

"This was my 20th season of college football. I've always believed the only guys who should coach football are the ones who cannot live without it. I'm now at a point where I can live without football," said Morel, who indicated that he would like to stay involved with La Verne athletics, perhaps in fundraising.  "I'm humbled to be a part of the University of La Verne for the past 16 years. To be a head college football coach is special, to get to be the head coach at your alma mater is an honor. It's been my privilege to work for a president who has provided this institution with a clear and consistent message about football and made my job easy."

"This was my 20^th season of college football. I've always believed the only guys who should coach football are the ones who cannot live without it. I'm now at a point where I can live without football," said Morel, who indicated that he would like to stay involved with La Verne athletics, perhaps in fundraising. "I'm humbled to be a part of the University of La Verne for the past 16 years. To be a head college football coach is special, to get to be the head coach at your alma mater is an honor. It's been my privilege to work for a president who has provided this institution with a clear and consistent message about football and made my job easy."

Morel, who attended the University of La Verne and played for the Leopards from 1983-86, went on to become a coach with the program for 16 years, the last 12 as head coach. He succeeded Rex Huigens in 1995 and promptly led the Leopards to a 9-0 season and their third consecutive title in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC). His record as head coach at La Verne is 48-59, including a .500 mark in league play each of the past three seasons.

During his 12-year tenure he has coached two All-Americans in running back Anthony Jones and offensive lineman Andy Moran, each earning distinction during the 1995 season.  He also coached four SCIAC Defensive Players of the Year along with two SCIAC Offensive Players of the Year.  Two of his former players - Anthony Rice (2005) and Ryan Campuzano (2007) - have earned selection into the ULV Athletic Hall of Fame.

University of La Verne athletic director Christopher Ragsdale said Morel will be missed and that the search for a successor will begin immediately.

"Don Morel is a Leopard through and through and his loyalty to his alma mater and his dedication to the football program is something that cannot be measured," said Ragsdale. "We will miss him at the helm and we wish him well in whatever endeavors he chooses to pursue. At the same time, we will move on and find the best coach for the student-athletes, in our football program."

Morel played his college football for legendary La Verne coach Roland Ortmayer, who was head of the football program from 1948-1990. He was an assistant coach on Huigens' staff in 1994, when La Verne made its only NCAA Division III playoff appearance.

"My two predecessors set the foundation for a unique and special football program," Morel said. "The legacies of Roland Ortmayer and Rex Huigens are felt on our field every day."