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Veteran softball coach Steve Harrington, who guided El Modena and Chaminade to CIF-SS titles and led La Habra for two years, died last week at age 53, family and friends said.
The Eastvale resident was traveling to coach the Firecrackers16-and-under travel team on Nov. 19 when he experienced chest pains. He died at a medical center in Ontario, family members said.
“Steve was highly-regarded in the coaching fraternity as one of the best teachers in the game,” said Mater Dei softball coach Sean Brashear, whose Firecrackers staff included Harrington.
Harrington led Chaminade to the CIF Division 4 title in 1999 before taking the reins at El Modena. He guided the Vanguards to the CIF Division 2 crown in 2008 to highlight a nearly 15-year run at the school.
He was the Register’s coach of the year at El Modena in 2011.
“Steve was one of the best coaches in our sport…