Fabricius tabbed as Hurley's successor
Longtime offensive coordinator now head football coach at NPHS
By Stephen Dorman sdorman@theacorn.com

Gary Fabricius has been hired as the fourth head coach in the 41year history of Newbury Park High football.

Fabricius, 49, has served on the Panther coaching staff since 1981, working primarily as the team's offensive coordinator. He's also taught social studies, government, economics and history at the school since '81.

Fabricius replaces George Hurley, who retired from coaching in January after 19 years at the helm of Panther varsity football.

"Gary has a lot of continuity with the program," said Josh Eby, Newbury Park's assistant principal of athletics.

"He understands the culture and community of Newbury Park and what our student athletes need to be successful. He's also shown himself to be an outstanding assistant coach and tactician. Gary was kind of the total package of what we were looking for."

Fabricius, one of five candidates who interviewed for the job, said he's honored to take over a program that has an extensive tradition of success in Ventura County.

"You couldn't ask for a better situation to get your feet wet," Fabricius said. "At my age, this is the final stop; I'm not using this to go anywhere. It's almost too good to be true."

Although the coach is uncertain if he'll retain his role as offensive coordinator, he said many key staff members will remain with the team, including last year's assistant head coach Doug Dagan and defensive coordinator Jack Willard.

"I'm really lucky to have been promoted from within and to have worked with all the guys at some level," Fabricius said.

"The pressure of being only the fourth coach in school history is made a little easier knowing the surroundings and the environment here. It really helps."

Fabricius said he won't hesitate to ask Hurley for on-field or off-field advice.

Hurley, who remains the school's athletic coordinator, won 130 games and one CIF-Southern Section championship as head coach at NPHS.

"I'm not going to pretend like I have all the answers," Fabricius said. "In just about anything, when you start thinking you have all the answers, that's when you're in trouble. . . .

"Being a good listener is a major part of being successful."