Hancock Coach Cary Nerelli To Be Inducted Into C.I.F. Southern Section Hall of Fame
Before taking over the Allan Hancock College women's basketball program in 2013, Cary Nerelli established himself as one of the most legendary high school coaches on the Central Coast. On Thursday, October 23, Nerelli will be rewarded for his decades of dedication when he is inducted into the California Interscholastic Federation (C.I.F.) Southern Section's Hall of Fame.
"I am a little overwhelmed," said Nerelli. "I realize how big of an honor this is. But I have to share it with all of my assistant coaches, as well as my wife, Kathie, and two daughters."
Nerelli is one of 10 people who will inducted into the Southern Section's Hall of Fame during the awards luncheon in Long Beach.
"The recognition validates the thousands of hours we put into preparing our athletes not only to succeed in sports, but also in life. Sports is the way I have chosen to help people mature and make a difference in the world." said Nerelli.
Kim Ensing, the athletic director at Hancock, said the honor speaks volumes of the man she hired to take over the women's basketball program. During the 2013-14 season, Nerelli's first year at Hancock, the Bulldogs enjoyed their most successful season in 11 years.
"What makes coach Nerelli so successful is that he doesn't coach with his ego, he coaches with his heart," said Ensing. "This is a great testament to recognize someone who has been mentoring young athletes for his entire life. We are lucky to have him at Hancock."
Nerelli spent more than 40 years as a cross country, track and girl's basketball head coach at Morro Bay High School. He ranks 23rd all-time in girl's basketball state history with 456 career wins. He led the Pirates basketball team to five league titles, three C.I.F. championships and four runner-up finishes in C.I.F. He also guided the boy's and girl's cross country teams to nearly 30 league titles and seven C.I.F. championships combined.
Nerelli's coaching philosophy is centered on the "Four Cs" of character, competitiveness, chemistry and commitment.
"The thing I am most proud of about my time at Morro Bay is the consistency of how competitive we were each year. Other teams and coaches respected us for always being prepared and tough as nails. The Morro Bay athletes, coaches and parents were instrumental in that success," he recalled.
He added that winning the school's first C.I.F. cross country title in 1982 and first girl's basketball championship in 1991 were two of the most memorable moments of his coaching career at Morro Bay High School.
"I will always treasure the relationships I developed with my athletes. Many have become my assistant coaches, others invited me to their weddings or their childrens' birthday parties," he added.
Nearly 30 of Nerelli's athletes have moved on to play at four-year universities. Two of his players from last year's squad at Hancock, Emma Weinreich and Justine Roland, signed with four-year universities. Weinreich signed with Southern Utah to become the program's first Division I scholarship recipient.
"Every coach has a shred of doubt that he or she is not doing enough," Nerelli said. "This award tells me I am doing things the right way. We must be doing enough. It is very humbling and gratifying feeling."
The Hancock women's basketball team opens the season Saturday, November 8, against West Hills-Lemoore at 5 p.m. The team's home opener is Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 6 p.m. against Taft College.