Harry Welch, who coached Canyon High School to a state football championship in 2006, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Welch, who was to begin his first season as coach of the Santa Margarita High School football team in Orange County, informed his players of his condition on Monday. Santa Margarita’s first game is Sept. 3 against Diamond Ranch of Pomona.
He told his players and staff that he requires surgery to battle the cancer during the football season. He told the Orange County Register that he would continue coaching the team, within reason, while he awaits a timetable for his cancer treatments.
Welch coached Canyon to five CIF Southern Section championships. The football field at Canyon High School is named after him.
He coached at St. Margaret’s from 2007 to 2009 and won three straight CIF Southern Section championships in that span. He won a state championship at St. Margaret’s in 2008.
He is the only high school football coach to win two state championships with different teams.