A Double Distinction in California Baseball
The 2026 season has produced two standout leaders who have been named State Coach of the Year, each guiding their programs to remarkable championship runs that will be remembered for years to come.
Jerry Lewallen, who also serves as athletic director at Glendora High School, earned the medium‑school honor after a career that spans both baseball and football. Under his guidance the Glendora Tartans captured the CIFSS Division 4 title and added a regional championship, the latter secured in a nail‑biting 13‑12 victory that stretched into the 13th inning.
Jesse Darrah, a former minor‑league player turned coach at Minarets High School, received the small‑school award after steering his squad to a CIF NorCal Division 5 championship with a 21‑20 win that underscored his strategic acumen and resilience.
Both coaches share a commitment to developing student‑athletes beyond the diamond, emphasizing discipline, teamwork, and academic excellence. Their recognitions highlight the growing depth of talent across California’s diverse high‑school baseball landscape.