Interim coach named

Steve Astor has been named the interim boys’ volleyball coach at Laguna Beach High, Athletic Director Mike Churchill said Tuesday.

Astor, 25, has been an assistant to Coach Lance Stewart for four years.

Churchill, Astor and Laguna Beach High Principal Don Austin would not comment on the permanent status of Stewart, who has been coaching the Breakers since 2004 after an earlier stint from 1988-90.

“I’m handicapped as far as what I can say,” Churchill said. “My official comment is, ‘No comment.’ “

When reached Wednesday by phone, Stewart said his lawyer has advised him not to comment on the situation.

Stewart, a walk-on coach, meaning he is not on the school faculty, also coaches the Laguna girls’ volleyball team, as well as running his own club volleyball program, 900 sq. ft.

“I feel totally fine about the situation,” Astor said. “It’s not like I’m a first-year coach at the school. It’s a strong group of guys and we’ll keep going like nothing happened.”

Astor, a 2003 Foothill High graduate, played with the Balboa Bay Volleyball Club. He coaches with Balboa Bay, as well, assisting on the 18-and-under team for which UC Irvine Coach John Speraw is the head coach. Laguna Beach High senior volleyball players Travis Woloson, Scottie Chapel and Reed Thompson, along with junior Robbie McKnight, all play for Balboa Bay. Woloson, Thompson and McKnight helped lead the 17s Quiksilver team to the national title at the Junior Olympics in July. It was the second straight year that team had won a national title.