South out, Klinger in at Lucerne Valley

After eight years as the head football coach at Lucerne Valley High School, Doug South’s resignation was officially accepted by the school board on Wednesday.

Chris Klinger, a former defensive coordinator for South, was named the new head coach.
“I decided to look into other coaching positions and administrative positions,” said South, who went through a one-win season last year. “After last season, I was disappointed. I didn’t know what I wanted to continue doing, so I decided to step down.”

South also stepped down as the athletic director at the school.
In his 20 years as a head coach, South accumulated an overall record of 96-104-1 with 10 playoff appearances. He took Lucerne Valley to the playoffs six times in eight seasons.

“I’ve had some tremendous kids (at Lucerne Valley),” South said. “They are the greatest kids to be around. It just time for a change. I think Chris Klinger is a good person to continue what we’ve established.”

South also coached Silver Valley for several seasons and is the program's winningest coach. South helped guide the Yermo school to several playoff appearances.

When South told the school about leaving the job, he recommended Klinger as a new coach. Klinger had worked with South for the past six years.

“I was aware that he was recommending me,” Klinger said. “It was a little bit bittersweet for me. The fact that he was leaving was bitter.”
But Klinger, a science teacher at Lucerne Valley, is ready to take on the role and said he will focus on maintaining a positive attitude among his

players.
“This will be my first head coaching position,” Klinger said. “I’m much more excited about the opportunity than the worries.

“We had commitment and dedication issues (last season). I’m going to motivate players and keep their attitude positive.”

The Mustangs went 0-4 in the Desert Mountain League and finished 1-9 overall in 2007.