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SoCalHoops High School & Prep News

A.B. Miller Coach Gary West Resigns--(June 6, 1998)

More Inland Empire Stuff: A.B. Miller High School boys basketball coach Gary West, who guided the Rebels to the CIF Division 1AA finals in 1997, has announced his resignation. "It's basically a family move," West said. "I want the proper atmosphere to raise my family." West informed the administration last month of the decision. West apparently determined to move his family to Montevideo, Minn., where he will take over the Montevideo High School program, a school with an enrollment of 500 in a town of 6,000, that went 0-23 last year.

"I've thought about it for a couple of years," West said. "My whole outlook has changed (since going to the CIF finals). I know the caliber of basketball is not like what it is here. This is not about basketball." Apparently West is leaving not because of basketball, but because of the crime rate in Fontana. His wife, Leah, was the victim of a carjacking in their own driveway and his family has been victimized by several burglaries. The Wests have three young sons, 11, 9 and 3, and they want to raise them in a more secure environment.

West compiled an 82-72 record in seven seasons at Miller, and a 166-151 record overall, including seven years at West Covina
South Hills. AB Miller went 8-14 this year. West also told the Inland Bulletin, that he wanted to get away from the coaching pressures in Southern California where "if you're not cheating, you're not trying." He also said "It's not that dog-eat-dog (in Minnesota). This is the first year they've allowed coaches to coach in the summer. That's a refreshing change, " referring to the new CIF rule allowing high school coaches to work with teams during the summer month.

Miller assistant John Romagnoli, a former Fontana High School player, will apply for the vacant position.