Robinson Waited Nine Years, Now He Leads St. Monica

By Mitch Chortkoff

Patience.

That's what Randy Robinson needed and that's what he had. He worked nine years at St. Monica, some as a varsity assistant and some as head Junior Varsity coach.

That's a long time for a young coach to stay in one place without being in charge of the varsity. Typically, assistants will go from job to job to build a resume and learn different styles from different head coaches.

But Robinson didn't do that and ultimately was in the right place at the right time when Norm Lacy left St. Monica prior to last season to become head football coach at Santa Monica.

The move presented opportunities for both men. Lacy was ready for a greater challenge and moved back to his alma mater. Robinson was ready to be a head coach.

``Randy Robinson was the logical choice to replace Norm Lacy as head coach at St. Monica,'' said Scott McDowell, then a Vice-Principal and head basketball coach.

Robinson earned the promotion. His initial St. Monica team went 4-7 and made the CIF playoffs. His second Mariner team opened the current season with a 28-14 victory over University High before its scheduled game Saturday against Paraclete was cancelled due to the week's terrorist activity in New York and Washington.

Some high school games in Southern California were played. Others, including Santa Monica High's game against Serra, were cancelled.

This Friday St. Monica will play at Northwood and Santa Monica will be home (at Santa Monica College) against Venice.

In St. Monica's victory over University quarterback Ben Agatep completed nine of 15 passes for 181 yards. Included was a 70-year touchdown pass to George San Martin and a 10-yard touchdown to Michael Dunn.

Phil Minter was the primary ball carrier, gaining 82 yards on 12 carries. Freshman Lorenzo Fuller, a likely star of the not-too-distant future, carried five times for 26 yards.

The problem for a private school with only 500 students, such as St. Monica, is usually lack of depth. But Robinson says he has a little more than usual, and there's no doubt about the quality of several starters.

Last season 6-foot-6 Marcus Shelby impressed college scouts as a tight end. Now he's at Oregon.