Meusborn to Replace Lofrano at Chatsworth

Tom Meusborn, a junior varsity coach at Grant High, will begin his career as a head coach ostensibly at the top when he takes over the Chatsworth High baseball program at the start of school next week.

Chatsworth Principal Donna Smith on Thursday selected Meusborn to replace Bob Lofrano, who resigned this summer after 11 seasons to join the Pierce College faculty and coaching staff. The hiring of Meusborn is contingent upon approval by the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Chatsworth won nine consecutive West Valley League titles, reached the semifinal round of the 4-A Division playoffs the past three years and posted a 188-59 record (.761) under Lofrano.

Meusborn joins one of the area’s top programs as a virtual unknown. The 28-year-old science and physical education teacher has coached the Grant junior varsity for three seasons under Tom Lucero and also worked with the Lancer football program as an assistant. He is a graduate of Gardena High and also attended El Camino College and Cal State Long Beach.

Chatsworth selected Meusborn because of his enthusiasm and youth, Athletic Director Donna Wyatt said. He is credentialed in two subjects and that also worked in his favor, she said.

“We were looking down the road for someone who would stay around here for 20 years and stay committed to the program,” Wyatt said. “Tom is energetic, enthusiastic and relates well to students. Bob Lofrano had a year-round commitment to the program and we see no drop-off in that commitment from Tom. He doesn’t just want to maintain our program. He wants to improve it.”

Meusborn praised Lofrano for his accomplishments and said that he was eager to begin his new job.

“Lofrano has left the program in excellent shape,” he said. “Chatsworth is an outstanding place to be and I’d like to be there for a long time. I’m sure there will be some pressure. A lot of people will be looking at the program, but I’m confident and excited about it. There’s a lot of talent there and I’m expecting a lot of good things.”