Former Canyon Defensive Coordinator Takes Viewpoint Assistant Job

John DiLuigi, a former five-year football assistant coach at Canyon who played a part in winning two Southern Section championships and a CIF State Division I championship, has joined the football staff at Viewpoint High as an assistant under head coach Chris Adamson.

DiLuigi has not coached in four years – his son, J.J., is a running back for BYU – and he is happy to return to the sidelines.

“It’s great. It’s going to be nice to be out there with the kids again,” DiLuigi said. “I think it’s a good deal for me because the school is great.”

Viewpoint, an 11-man program, finished 2-6-1 last year, but the Patriots return standout running back Alex Markun. As a sophomore last season, Markun rushed for 1,009 yards, including three 200-yard performances, and he scored eight touchdowns, four in one game.

In 2005, DiLuigi was an assistant for Canyon’s Southern Section Northern Division championship team. In 2006, he was promoted to defensive coordinator, as Canyon repeated as Northern Division champions and defeated Concord De La Salle in the inaugural CIF State Bowl championships.

Having worked under legendary ex-Canyon coach Harry Welch, DiLuigi brings big-time football knowledge to a small school struggling to improve, as Viewpoint is 3-23-1 over the past three seasons.

CALABASAS BASEBALL COACH 'EXCITED' ABOUT FUTURE

Calabasas’ baseball team is focusing on improving this summer, as the Coyotes finished 9-18 last season and want to come back with a stronger group that can challenge in the Marmonte League.

So far, coach Ed Edsall is encouraged by what he has seen.

“We are really excited to get a chance to see what our young upcoming players can do,” he said. “We have a lot of positions open, and it is fun watching our players compete for those spots.”

CALABASAS FOOTBALL READY TO TAKE NEXT SUMMER STEP

Calabasas’ football team just finished its first week of summer practice under first-year coach Christian Pierce, and the Coyotes are ready to test themselves in seven-on-seven competitions beginning Saturday with a tournament at UCLA. Calabasas then participates in tournaments at Crespi High and L.A. Valley College.

“Our energy, so far during camp, is very high. We are progressing nicely,” Pierce said. “We are preparing for three seven-on[seven tournaments. We have a long way to go, but we are very confident about our ability to reach our goals.”