Dusty Giles, Estancia High's athletic coordinator and football coach, applied for and was among six candidates to be the new head football coach at Los Lunas High, according to the Jan. 30 issue of the Valencia County News-Bulletin, one of the Telegraph's sister newspapers.

The five other applicants — they were interviewed by a committee for the Tigers' position on Jan. 20 — included Chad Abcox, Manzano's offensive coordinator; Jeremy Newton, Belen defensive coordinator; Bruce Binkley, offensive coordinator at Volcano Vista; and Caleb Hull, Las Cruces High assistant coach, the News-Bulletin reported.

Giles, however, said in an interview on Wednesday morning that he withdrew his name from consideration on Monday. He said he had not applied for any other position.

The EHS gridiron leader said Wilson Holland, Los Lunas Schools athletic director, had previously called him to tell him about the opening and asked him to apply.

"I'm happy here (in Estancia)," Giles emphasized.

Denvis Manns, who guided the Tigers to an 11-19 overall record in three seasons at the helm, resigned in November. While under Giles' leadership the past two seasons, the Bears were 16-8 overall, and they advanced to the state Class 2A quarterfinals both years.

EM Little League Signups Ongoing

East Mountain Little League's baseball and softball final preseason formal registration session for the 2010 season is set for Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Vista Grande Community Center in Sandia Park.

Boys and girls, who will be 5 years old by June 30, 2010, are eligible for T-ball. The machine-pitch rookies division is for boy and girls, age 6 through 8, and softball is available for girls, 9 and older.

The registration cost is $50 per player. Any participant who has never played in EMLL before or has not played in a few years must present a birth certificate.

All parents must show proof of residency. East Mountain Little League's geographical area includes all of the East Mountains and Estancia Valley regions, essentially everything east of Albuquerque, including Carnuel.

Additional information is available at the league's Web site at eastmountainlittleleague.com.