High school basketball: Judge promotes Dan Del Porto to head coach

SALT LAKE CITY — As expected, long-time Judge Memorial assistant boys basketball coach Dan Del Porto has been hired to replace the retiring Jim Yerkovich.

Del Porto, who graduated from Judge in 1985, has been an assistant to Yerkovich for 24 years.

"He's very dedicated to Judge Memorial," said Judge athletic director Dan Quinn. "When you look at a person who's worked under another for 24 years and has had opportunities to leave Judge but ultimately hasn't left, it's clear he's dedicated. I don't think there's a parent or someone else out there that doesn't think he's capable."

Quinn said Del Porto's promotion has been in the works for quite some time, and it's something Yerkovich and Del Porto discussed as far back as 10 years ago.

Citing health reasons and the desire to pass to torch to one of his loyal assistants, Yerkovich announced his retirement on Tuesday after 44 seasons as Judge's head coach.

"The proverbial big shoes to fill was probably never more appropriate," said Del Porto.

Del Porto said he's committed to keeping the program at a high level.

"I think the core philosophy that he has preached forever, the 'we' and the team above everything else, I think they're certainly going to be a part of my philosophy. I believe in them," said Del Porto. "I think the challenge is to take the best pieces and his philosophy, but the program has to have its own identity with me. That's going to be the challenge."

Del Porto joined Yerkovich's staff during the 1986-87 season in the freshman program. He served as Judge's athletic director for many years and last year became a counselor at the school.

He said he plans on retaining the same assistant coaches and insisted that Yerkovich's other long-time assistant coach, Marty Giovacchini, is "just as deserving and just as qualified" to be the head coach.

e-mail: jedward@desnews.com