Van Nuys’ Asman Resigns From Posts

VAN NUYS — Frank Asman, longtime track and cross-country coach at Van Nuys High, has resigned and will retire from coaching.

Asman, the track and field coach since 1963 and cross-country coach since 1967, informed school administrators of his decision Thursday. He will continue as chairman of the physical education department before making a decision about his teaching future at the end of the school year.

“The time just seemed right for a change,” he said. “I’m kind of feeling that it’s time to let someone younger than me come in and take over. I’ve also got other interests that I want to pursue.”

Asman, 64, said that working with distance runner Gerardo Canchola and hurdler-jumper Kelley Peacock were two of his most fond memories.

Canchola was runner-up in the 1973 City Section cross-country championships and won the two-mile race in the 1974 City track championships.

Peacock won five individual City titles, including the girls’ 100- and 300-meter low hurdles, and long jump in 1986 to lead Van Nuys to a second-place finish.