Football: Loyola is already preparing for 2011

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The season is over for Los Angeles Loyola and first-year Coach Mike Christensen. The Cubs finished 3-7, but they own wins over likely playoff teams Manhattan Beach Mira Costa, Upland and Valencia. That shows promise for the futurre.

‘It’s a place to start,’ Christensen said on Monday. ‘We don’t necessarily consider the year a failure.’

Loyola was down to its fourth-string quarterback because of injuries. Starter Jerry Neuheisel never returned after suffering a concussion on Sept. 24 against Bellflower St. John Bosco.

Christensen believes the Cubs made progress toward learning what is needed to succeed, such as how to practice, discipline and commitment. Among individual players, he singled out sophomore defensive back Cameron Walker and senior running back Jared Baker.

Christensen also has wasted little title in preparing for 2011. Although the Cubs’ season ended last Friday, they were back at work on Monday.

‘It’s 289 days to kickoff against Mira Costa,’ he said.

-- Eric Sondheimer