By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

RESERVE – Chuck Dorvin has stepped down from his position as Riverside girls basketball coach, but the Rebels wasted no time in finding his replacement — or making a splash, for that matter.

The school introduced Mary Ann Marino to its players and parents on Monday as the team’s new coach, succeeding Dorvin, who coached Marino when she played at Ridgewood.

It is the second time in her head coaching career that Marino has succeeded Dorvin, after Marino inherited his head coaching position at Ridgewood after his resignation.

“It’s exciting to have the opportunity to build something,” said Marino. “Riverside’s always had a strong softball program, a strong volleyball program. The basketball success hasn’t been there … the challenge is to get this program to achieve at that same level. Undertaking that is appealing to me, for sure.”

Marino coached at Bonnabel last season, and at Mount Carmel for the nine years prior. She built a sterling reputation, posting a record of 223-109 from 2001-2009 at MCA. She guided the Cubs to two state semifinal berths in her tenure. Before Mount Carmel, she coached Ridgewood to a state championship in 2000. Dorvin assisted her that season.

While playing at Ridgewood, Marino counted Riverside’s Kristy Hebert among her teammates. Hebert, the school’s softball and volleyball coach who has been officially elevated to the position of girls’ Athletic Director this summer, found that replacing Dorvin would be the first order of business in her new position.

She knew her target.

“I tried to get her last year,” said Hebert. “Her name was first in my mind. I just think she’ll be a great fit with our program. I couldn’t ask for anyone better. I think we’ll work well together.”

Marino will also serve as assistant volleyball coach next season.

“Kristy deserves the credit,” says Riverside Athletic Director Timmy Byrd. “She went after her and laid out the qualities and the situation we have over here at Riverside.”

Marino concurred.

“She’s a big reason for this decision,” said Marino. “I heard all she had to say, and I trust her. I’m excited, because I really think we can do some good things here.”

As players under Dorvin at Ridgewood, the two would be part of a perfect 42-0 championship season.

Dorvin, who won six state championships as Ridgewood coach, came out of retirement last season and led Riverside to a 19-14 record and a trip to the Class 2A playoffs.

He cited a lack of energy as reason for his departure.

“That ride every morning (from Metairie to Reserve) was tough on the body” said Dorvin. “I wanted to help Mary Ann get there. She’ll have more energy to give. She’s a good person and a good fit.

“The Riverside people are good people, and I leave with good feelings. No hard feelings in any way, shape or form.”

Marino credited Dorvin and Hebert with getting the ball rolling in the Rebel girls basketball program.

“Kristy got things started in the right direction two years ago, then Chuck raised the bar again last year,” said Marino. “He’s already got our players to understand what is expected, that there’s a right and a wrong way to do things. Now, we hope to take it to the next level.”