Being a winner on the field isn't the No. 1 goal for Steve Ruedaflores.

Turning football players into winners in the classroom has become the highest priority for the first-year Hueneme High football coach.

Convincing parents and prospective football players that Hueneme can succeed off and on the field is a clear and defined objective.

Ruedaflores is the school's fourth head football coach in the last eight years.

He inherits a program that was 4-26 over the last three seasons. From 1998 through 2003, Hueneme won outright or shared three Pacific View League titles. Among its graduates are Carolina Panthers wide receiver Keary Colbert and current USC defensive back Josh Pinkard.

On the flip side were constant rumors of academic problems for Hueneme football players.

It was cause for parents living within the Hueneme enrollment boundaries to look elsewhere other public or private schools to send their student-athletes.

Ruedaflores heard that gossip when interviewing for the football position last January.

"There are a lot of bad perceptions of Hueneme," said Ruedaflores.

From Jan. 31, the first day he stepped on campus, Ruedaflores has made academics his prime concern.

Meeting with principal John Saunders and Dean of Accountability Larry Miller, a former Hueneme football coach, Ruedaflores established a tutoring program for the school's football players.

Hueneme teachers are collaborating with Ruedaflores to establish an academic support system. Student-athletes with GPAs of under 2.5 are required to attend sessions from 7 to 8 a.m. and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the library.

"If you set high standards, they will reach for them," said Ruedaflores. "We've set high expectations and given them the opportunity to do well. I care where these kids will be in 10 years."

On a field trip to the USC campus this spring, Ruedaflores sent a message to his football team by escorting the players straight to the university's library. After that tour, the team had a chance to see a collegiate football practice.

"I think the kids are understanding the importance of academics first," said Ruedaflores.

To build a bridge between the school and parents, Ruedaflores has revived the football program's booster club, which had been dormant for seven years.

"We signed up 150 parents," said Ruedaflores.

Breakthrough: For the first time in school history, Ventura County Christian has won a baseball league championship.

Led by Michael Garcia's .567 batting average, VCC swept Newbury Park Adventist and Sierra Canyon to claim the Omega League title. Over a critical five-game stretch late in the season, Garcia was 13 for 17 with 10 doubles and three home runs.

Cross-country tour: New Moorpark girls' basketball coach Dave Murphy and wife Janet have important dates on the East and West Coasts in a three-day span this month.

On May 24, daughter Leah, a sophomore at UC San Diego, will be competing in the women's long jump at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Charlotte, N.C.

Two days later, older daughter Joelle will be receiving her diploma at commencement ceremonies at Sonoma State, located an hour north of San Francisco.

Both daughters played basketball for Simi Valley High teams coached by their father. Younger sister Keely will have that experience next year at Moorpark.

Derry Eads' e-mail address is deads@VenturaCountyStar.com.