Posted on: Tuesday, June 24, 2003
Los Banos promoted to A.D. by Saint Louis
By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer
Longtime wrestling coach Todd Los Baņos was promoted to athletic director at Saint Louis School yesterday.
Los Baņos will take over July 1 for Cal Lee, who accepted an assistant coaching job with the University of Hawai'i football program on Thursday. Los Baņos has been a physical education teacher at Saint Louis since 1997 and was principal of The Children's House, a preschool/elementary school in Pacific Palisades, from 1993-97.
Los Baņos, 39, is best known for rebuilding Saint Louis into a state wrestling power. He was an assistant coach at Iolani for 14 years, helping the Raiders win eight state titles and also guiding them to the 1990 state crown as the interim head coach before taking over Saint Louis' program in 1996.
Los Baņos led the Crusaders to their first state championship in 18 years in 2001, then guided them to a repeat title in 2002. Saint Louis finished second in the state this past season, after which he stepped down to spend more time with his wife and two children.
"Although being the athletic director is a great commitment and it means working many hours, I'm really looking forward to the new challenges," Los Baņos said in a statement released by the school. "I know (it) will still give me the time with my family I desire. There's more flexibility and my schedule will be more stable."
Iolani athletic director Carl Schroers, who coached with Los Baņos for those 14 years at Iolani, said Saint Louis "is very lucky to have him" as its new AD.
"He's completely honest, with integrity, energy and a love for kids," Schroers said. "He's organized and competent. I'm happy for him and for Saint Louis."
