Hazelton would even be considered -- let alone hired -- as a head
coach anywhere. But I guess the good folks at Carpinteria saw past
all of the coach's problems to allow him to head the program.
When Hazelton left the Burbank job in the wake of the recruiting
and sex scandals, there were those who said he would never get a
coaching job again. However, I told more than a few people that we
haven't heard the last of the crafty coach.
After losing track of Hazelton for a few years, I first discovered
he was back in the football game a few years ago, serving as an
assistant for a high school in Santa Barbara.
He moved on to Carpinteria, where he served as an assistant coach.
Last season, the team won a CIF Southern Section Division XI
championship.
I wish the players and all involved with the Carpinteria program
the best of luck. I would just make darned sure every move that
Hazelton makes is scrutinized and looked over with a fine-tooth comb.
For their sake, maybe Hazelton has changed his ways and has set a
course for the straight and narrow. Maybe he has seen the evil of his
ways and now plays by the book
On the other hand, what is the old saying about a leopard ... ?
JEFF TULLY is the sports editor of the Burbank Leader. He can be
reached at 843-8700, or by e-mail at jeff.tully@latimes.com
