Breakers debut at Irvine

The Laguna Beach High baseball team makes its 2008 season’s debut today in the Newport Elks Tournament.

The Breakers will play at 3 p.m. at Irvine High against the host Vaqueros.

The game also marks the debut of Jeff Sears who begins his first year as head coach at Laguna.

Sears spent the last three years the hitting coach at Chapman University in Orange. During that span, the Panthers played in the Division III College World Series and earned a third- and two fifth-place finishes.

Prior to his time at Chapman, Sears was the associate head coach at University High in Irvine for four years, an assistant coach at L.A. Narbonne High and the top baseball assistant for seven years at Cal State Dominguez Hills.

Rounding out the Laguna coaching staff are Scott Zine (Chapman University), Michael Bear (Vanguard University and teacher at Thurston Middle School), Brian Brubaker (Chapman University) and Randy Beckman (Long Beach State).

“My staff is all made up of former players that competed at a high level of baseball,” Sears said.

Sears replaces Dave Dopf, who took over the Laguna baseball program in 2004.

Last year, Dopf’s final season, the Breakers went 15-13.

The 15 wins are a school single-season record.

Following today’s game at Irvine, Laguna continues play in the Newport Elks Tournament Saturday and Monday.

The Breakers will host Valley Christian in a 2 p.m. start Saturday and also host Magnolia at 3 p.m. Monday.

Below is a capsule look at the 2008 Breakers baseball team.

Laguna Beach Breakers

League: Orange Coast

Head coach: Jeff Sears (first year)

Coaching staff: Scott Zine; Michael Bear; Brian Brubaker; Randy Beckman.

2007 overall record: 15-13

League finish: 6-6 (tied for second)

Returners: Gabe Stansbury (catcher, Jr.); Alex Gillette (1B, Sr.); Robert Cortright (2B, Sr.); Dalton Sype (SS, Sr.); Dillon Pierce (CF, Jr.); Julian Deline (P, Sr.); Zach Nuno (P, Sr.).

Rest of the Breakers: Brennan Mulvaney (C, Jr.); Jake Sganga (IF, Jr.); Casey Miller (3B, Soph.); Chris Paul (3B, Fr.); Michael Maxsenti (OF, Soph.); Bret Barrett (OF, Jr.); Andrew Paddon (OF, Jr.); Will Burk (P, Jr.).

Coach’s outlook: “Our season will hinge on are ability to play catch, throw strikes and do the little things on offense,” Sears said. “We have some very good athletes that are learning the game at a different pace. Once they learn our approach they will have a chance to compete with anyone. We believe in one another, and there are many heroes waiting to be made. With no superstars, we expect everyone to contribute.”