Gourley unexpectedly resigns from Grace Brethren School
School administrator cites 'personal reasons'
By Stephen Dorman sdorman@theacorn.com

Terry Gourley has resigned from his position as athletic director and head football coach at Grace Brethren School.

Gourley, who was named the 2004 NFL High School Coach of the Year for Southern California after leading the Lancers to a CIFSouthern Section Division XII championship, has been replaced as head coach by Mark Hoefler, the team's defensive coordinator for the past six seasons.

According to Ray Blackwell, executive director for Grace Brethren Schools, Gourley decided to step down so he could spend more time focusing on his family.

"He's stepping aside for personal reasons," Blackwell said.

Grace Brethren has named Paul Sper as its new athletic director.

"Sper has been involved extensively in youth football in Ventura County, Camarillo," Blackwell said. "We felt that he's got a business background, a very entrepreneurial background, and thought that he was the kind of guy to run our athletic program."

Gourley also served as president of the Tri-Counties Athletic Association. On Wednesday, the TCAA named Oak Park High School athletic director Dick Billingsley as Gourley's replacement.

A school press release stated Gourley stepped down effective July 20.

Last week, however, during a phone interview with the Simi Valley Acorn, Gourley said he was thrilled with the team's offseason workouts and was looking forward to unleashing a highpowered offensive attack this year.

"It's hard to say how happy I am with where we are offensively," said Gourley during the interview. "It's really working. We've got guys who can contribute. . . .

"We really think we can go 3-2 in league this year; that's our goal. We've also got a shot at winning four, if not five, of our non-league games."

Gourley didn't return phone calls seeking comment.

Junior quarterback Kevin Ramay said the players were notified of Gourley's decision during a team meeting several weeks back.

"We were all real emotional because we love Coach (Gourley)," Ramay said. "But we've got a new coach now who's stepping in and controlling the offense. Everything should go the same as the last couple of years when Coach Gourley was running it."

In addition to his role as defensive coordinator, Hoefler has served as Grace Brethren's assistant head coach for the past two seasons.

Before coming to the private school six years ago, Hoefler spent 10 years coaching football at Royal High School. Prior to that, he was the head coach of the freshman team at Simi Valley High School.

Ty Twine will take over as the Lancers' offensive coordinator. Hoefler will continue to run the defense.

"We don't have time to get too emotional about everything. We're into it now," Hoefler said. "I'm real excited about this season. I think we will surprise some people and I believe we will put some good numbers on the board. I expect us to be extremely competitive."

In three seasons as head coach, Gourley posted a 2612 overall record. After winning the Division XII title in 2004, the Lancers were elevated to Division XI status the following season.

Despite playing against much larger programs, Grace Brethren advanced to the Division XI title game in 2005, where they lost to Oaks Christian School. Last year the Lancers were in a rebuilding mode and won only two of 10 games.

Grace Brethren held its first practice session on Thursday. The team, which has 21 players on the varsity roster- making it the smallest squad, numbers-wise, in the Tri-Valley League- will play its home games at Moorpark College.

The Lancers open the regular season Sept. 7 at home against Kilpatrick.