A Royal returns to coach varsity baseball at San Marcos High.
Wesley Ghan-Gibson, a multi-sport athlete at San Marcos and a 2014 graduate, was named the baseball coach at his alma mater on Monday. He replaces Jacob Pepper, who stepped down in August after seven years running the program.
“My reaction is pure joy to be apart of this program and the great kids, coaches and parents involved,” he said of taking the position. “I feel so lucky to continue to strive to be the best program in the state.”
San Marcos Athletic Director Abe Jahadhmy is excited to bring in an alum, somebody who has been around the athletic program for most of his life.
“Wes is a Royal through and through,” he said. “He started coming to San Marcos when he was in 3rd grade. He was also a ball boy on the football team. He is a natural leader, with tremendous knowledge for baseball.”
Ghan-Gibson, 24, played football, basketball and baseball at San Marcos before moving on to SBCC to play baseball and continue his education. As the shortstop, he helped theVaqueros win the Western State Conference championship in 2017 and earned all-conference first-team honors. He accepted an offer from Cal State Northridge, where he played two years and earned his college degree. In his senior season, he hit a team co-best seven homers, drove in 22 runs, scored 20, had five doubles and a slugging percentage of .460.
He’s been assisting with the football and baseball programs at San Marcos and has been involved in youth baseball in the community. His father, Brian, has served as a long-time assistant coach with the varsity football team.
“I think he’s going to do a fantastic job,” said SBCC baseball coach Jeff Walker of Ghan-Gibson. “I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for Wes and a good get by San Marcos for getting an alum.”
Anthony Linebaugh, Ghan-Gibson’s varsity football coach at San Marcos, was excited about the news that his former quarterback was returning to San Marcos to coach.
“Fantastic news about Wes!,” he said in an email to Noozhawk. “He will lead by example as a young man of character who cares about kids.
So proud of him!”
Ghan-Gibson admitted that being hired for a varsity job happened quicker than he expected. “Yet I feel ready and excited to go to work with these boys every day,” he said. “I have a great support system for us to be successful.”
Walker said his former shortstop has all the right qualities to be a successful coach.
“He’s just a fantastic person, a hard worker and knowledgable. He was the JV coach last year. In only his second year coaching and he’s already established himself a good buzz in town. He’s going to do a fantastic job. I’m excited for him and I’m excited for San Marcos and the local baseball community.”
Ghan-Gibson inherits a talented team that includes a pair of Division 1 commits: senior Henry Manfredonia (UCSB) and junior Chase Hoover (Texas Christian University).
“I couldn’t be more excited to work with Hoover and Manfredonia,” he said. “We have been working all summer with out scout team, the Coastal Cubs, working hard, trying to get better. These kids have great opportunities in front of them. Their work ethic sets them apart and is a huge reason why they are who they are.”
Ghan-Gibson has put together an experienced staff that includes alum and longtime assistant Morgan Moore and Steve Hardesty (coached at Ventura College, SBCC and Westmont College). Former UCSB pitching coach and Chicago Cubs area scouting supervisor Tom Myers will also be part of the staff as an advisor.
The 2021 high school baseball is scheduled to begin on March 19. Last season was stopped on March 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
— Noozhawk sports editor Barry Punzal can be reached at bpunzal@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk Sports on Twitter: @NoozhawkSports. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.