Former Winter Haven Baseball Coach David Saliba Interviews at Santa Fe

Tue. July 03, 2012 at 10:28 p.m. | By Solange Reyner

Winter Haven High School Head Coach David Saliba watches his team from third base against Lakeland High School during the fourth inning of the final of the Terry Donley Blue Devil Classic at Winter Haven High School Thursday night. (Photo by MICHAEL WILSON | THE LEDGER)

By SOLANGE REYNER

THE LEDGER

LAKELAND | David Saliba, the longtime baseball coach at Winter Haven who resigned in mid-April amid allegations that he mismanaged funds at the school, is in the running for the same position at Santa Fe Catholic High School, Jason Montgomery, the athletic director there, said Tuesday.

"We'll make our decision in the coming weeks," Montgomery said, "but Saliba is someone we have talked to."

Saliba, who was the baseball coach at Winter Haven for 29 years, has had teams play in the state tournament three times, finishing as runner-up twice (2004, 2005) and losing in the semifinals in 2006.

When reached Tuesday, he said his options were open and "we'll see what pops up." He said he was flattered that Santa Fe was considering him, though. Chris Nattania and Steve Beach coached Santa Fe last season to a 9-14 record.

An investigation into Saliba by the State Attorney's Office regarding the mismanagement of funds is still underway but should be wrapped up soon. Saliba said Tuesday that he should not be charged.