Men’s soccer: Claure let go from OCC soccer program

Tony Altobelli

COSTA MESA - Orange Coast College assistant coach Mauricio Claure

has been fired from the men’s soccer program, according to Athletic

Director Jane Hilgendorf.

“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do,” Hilgendorf said. “But,

it’s been our policy that if the head coach ever feels that it’s

necessary to make assistant coaching changes, that we would support those

changes.”

For Claure, his dismissal ends a 21-year relationship with the

Pirates, both as a player and as a coach.

While Claure has been listed as an “assistant coach,” his role over

the years has been one with head-coaching responsibilities in terms of

preparation and game situations.

“It caught me completely by surprise,” Claure said in a phone

conversation. “After 17 years of service as a coach to the college, I

feel that I didn’t deserve what happened to me and I thought this whole

thing could have been handled more professionally.”

Head coach Laird Hayes, who also works in the National Football League

as an official, was out of town and could not be reached for comment.

“We’re trying to turn the men’s soccer program around,” Hilgendorf

said. “Coach Hayes felt like a change had to be made to help turn this

program around.”

During Hayes’ and Claure’s tenure at OCC, the Pirates reached the

State playoffs eight consecutive seasons (1988-95), won four Orange

Empire Conference titles (1988-91) and two State championships (1989 and

‘91).

The current edition has won twice in 16 starts, posting a 2-11-3

overall record, 1-5-2 in the OEC. The Pirates will be back on the field

Tuesday with a match at Fullerton. With four games left on the schedule,

they do not close out this season until Nov. 5, at Golden West.

“Needless to say, I’m not happy with what has happened here,” Claure

said. “Honestly, I feel like I’ve been taken advantage of for the past 17

years.”