Annual Southern California single-school power La Jolla has a new coaching staff. 

Longtime Head Coach Bill Leversee is stepping down, and the former Eagle has enjoyed a long period of success. He will be replaced by Ethan Willis and Ian Denham, two teammates from the OMBAC rugby club who were previously coaching at St. Augustine.

'I am thrilled to announce that Ethan Willis and Ian Denham will be stepping in to be the new Head Coaches of La Jolla High School Rugby," said Leversee. "After eight years at Torrey Pines High School and three years at La Jolla High School, I am stepping away from the day-to-day coaching responsibilities. I could not have asked for a finer pair of coaching resources and I'm confident Ethan and Ian will take La Jolla High School to even higher levels of success. I will stay on board in the role of Director of Rugby to ensure a smooth & successful transition. Go Vikings!"

Under Leversee, La Jolla won Southern California's Varsity White championship in 2018 and 2019.

La Jolla Wins SoCal Varsity White

Willis and Denham have led the Saints to plenty of success in the last few years. Since 2016 the Saints have gone 42-8, with two undefeated seasons. They appeared in three successive SCIRF finals, and won the championship outright in 2020.

Saint Augustine Caps Undefeated Run With SCIRF Win

"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity at Saints," said Willis. "It was incredibly fulfilling to see Saints players have their moment and achieve their goals. That's what drives you as a coach. I wish Saints the best of luck in the future. La Jolla has an outstanding program that Bill Leversee built from the ground up. Bill played at the highest level and as a coach he's developed a professional culture and  talented young players like Aiden Trudeau and Max Smith. The program is a perfect fit. We can't wait to get started."

Denham added his own thoughts:

"I am very excited for the new challenge with La Jolla High. My experience with their players and staff in the past has always been positive. I am confident we can work together to achieve something great."

This will be a competition shift for Willis and Denham, going from the SCIRF, which runs its competition basically independently of Southern California Youth Rugby, to a SCYR competition with La Jolla.