Santa Margarita Head Football Coach Harry Welch Won't Be Charged

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Charges will not be filed against Santa Margarita Catholic High School football coach Harry Welch following an investigation by the Orange County Sheriff's Department into an allegation that Welch pushed or shoved a player in December.

The announcement that charges would be filed was made on Thursday, however, Welch remains on administrative leave while school officials conduct their own investigation.

Last season, Welch led Santa Margarita to the Division 1 state title with a 42-37 win over Bellarmine.  It was Welch's third state title, all with different schools.

In 2006, Welch, who's been a high school coach for over 40 years, led Canyon Country Canyon to the Division I title.  In 2008, Welch did it again, leading San Juan Capistrano St. Margaret's to the Small Schools championship.

I two years, Welch has resurrected the Santa Margarita program with 22 wins in 27 games.  Prior to his arrival, Welch had only won six games in two years.

Many expect Santa Margarita to make noise on the national stage in 2012 because of the return of nine starters on offense, including senior-to-be quarterback Johnny Stanton.