Greg Magni couldn't pass up the opportunity.

Magni stepped down as head coach of Central Valley's varsity baseball program to become the Hawks' new athletic director.

He'll replace Michelle Parrish, who will remain at the school as learning director, in 2013-14.

"For me, it's a dream position," Greg said. "I'm very passionate about all sports. I love it here at Central Valley. But it's hard to walk away from something you love. It's a mix of emotions. I'm not leaving. I'm not going to be far away."

Central Valley enjoyed a breakthrough year under Magni's guidance in 2013.

The Hawks qualified for the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs for the first time, posted a 19-9 overall record and finished third in the Western Athletic Conference standings (6-6).

Central Valley had a 1-1 mark versus seven-time WAC champion Central Catholic.

The Hawks beat the crosstown Bulldogs 9-5 on their way to a first-place finish at Art McRae Tournament on April 4.
Central Valley topped Division-I postseason participant Pitman 12-0 on March 1.

"We've worked hard for so many years," said Magni, Central Valley's first and only baseball coach since the school opened in 2005-06. "We know what it's like to be so close. We felt like it was our time this season. We had a phenomenal year. This team has broken virtually every school record."

Derrick Goblirsch, an assistant coach on Magni's staff for the past two seasons, was promoted to head coach.
"I can't ask for a better person to take over the program," Magni said. "He played for me at Ceres High. He's someone I trust. Central Valley's got a bright future."

Central Valley secured its first-ever playoff berth with a 4-1 win over Los Banos on May 6 in Ceres on Senior Day.
"It's a day I'll never forget," Greg said.

Ruben Casas, a four-year varsity standout who plans to continue his baseball career at Cuesta College, played a major role.

Casas pitched a complete-game, three-hitter.

Ruben gave up one run, fanned three and walked four over seven innings.

He tripled, doubled, knocked in one run and scored once on offense.

"It's great to get him (Magni) to the playoffs for the first time," Casas said. "We wanted to make sure he ended his coaching career on a good note. He's helped me develop into what I am now. He's one of the greatest coaches I've ever had."

Central Valley won 19 games this year, five more than its program-best total set last year.

The Hawks fell one win shy of advancing to the playoffs in 2012.

"It's a massive task," Ceres High head coach John Bussard said while talking about the difficulties of starting a new baseball program from scratch. "The kids have to buy into what is taught and believe in themselves. We were rooting for Central Valley. There's no animosity. I'm very proud of him (Magni). We have a great relationship. He's a quality human being."

"It was a challenge," Magni said. "It's something I'm very proud of. We knew it would take time. Hard work does pay off."