February 4, 2006

After 28 years as the only varsity baseball coach at Corona del Sol High School, Ron Davini’s retirement created both a huge loss as well as an opportunity for the Aztec baseball program.

Coach Dave Webb will take over the program after being an assistant coach of the Aztecs for the past10 years. David Himmelstein will retain his position as JV coach.

“We looked at several other people,” Assistant Principal Dan Nero said. “We were very pleased to pick Coach Webb. We knew in our hearts that he was the best pick for our scenario at Corona.”

Webb will be taking over a program that has struggled to reach its potential the past several years and has had difficulty getting top players to stay inside the school’s boundaries. Open enrollment at Mountain Pointe and Marcos de Niza high schools make them attractive options for prospective players.

Webb has a rich background in baseball, having played at Camelback High School in Phoenix for three years on the varsity squad. He then went on to play shortstop at Scottsdale Community College. He finished his degree at Grand Canyon University.

“I worked a camp with one of my friends who worked here, which is how I met Coach Davini,” Webb said. “He set me up to do my student teaching.”

In order to compete in the Central Region, Webb plans to implement his own style of play.

“I think we are going to run a very aggressive offense,” Webb said. “I will try and keep the game fun and positive.”

A key time for the Corona baseball players to get introduced to the new style of play is during the baseball camp that is now in full swing.

“Aztec baseball camp is basically a pre-season camp to try and get them acclimated to what we are doing,” Webb said.

Returning seniors Cameron Smith, Chris Centanni, Matt Ortiz, and Vito Dascoli will be counted on to produce for the Aztecs. Newcomers will include juniors Andrew Pollack and Joey Shumer and senior Tim Martin.

“Those will be guys that will definitely vie for playing time,” Webb said. “We have also got a very solid freshman class coming in.”

Webb’s popularity with the Aztec baseball players may help restore confidence in the program, and ensure top players attend Corona del Sol High School.

“I’ll take advantage of my youth while I can and try to appeal to the players,” Webb said.      Despite the changes that he may bring to the program, Webb will also try to be mindful of Davini’s legacy.