Trainer Ben Howe leaving

Ben Howe, athletic trainer for LJHS, third from left, at

Vikings' quarterfinal football game against Santa Fe

Christian Nov. 14. From left, Assistant Principal Will

Hawthorne, Dr. Steve Hayden, Howe, Carter

Simington (in wheelchair), and student trainer

Annamarie Allen. (Photo by Ed Piper)



Ben Howe, who has been the athletic trainer at La Jolla High for the past four years, has resigned to focus on his career as a personal trainer and a caterer of hot meals. His employment will end upon the conclusion of the final sport of the spring--baseball.

"I've seen one class of athletes all the way through their four years of high school," said the likeable medical professional, a certified trainer with a degree from San Diego State University. He named Anthony Stanley (football), James Penner (soccer), Max Scott (football and lacrosse), and other students whom he has worked with who will graduate June 15.

Howe transformed his position caring for Viking student athletes, bringing a medical kit not only stocked with expertise in diagnosing young athletes' bumps and bruises, but also interpersonal skills that have made him a friend and favorite of many members of the La Jolla High family.

His easy, outgoing manner often places him in conversation with students and coaches during games. He is a magnet for the young people whom he has treated, who often are observed chatting with him on the sidelines of games of sports they are not involved in.

He said he has two locations he works out of as a personal trainer, both in San Diego County. He will remain in the area. His long-term career goals have included medical school and possibly oncology. He has shadowed a physician at the Veterans Administration in La Jolla.

In his catering business, he prepares meals that he delivers hot, including some steak dishes. He is known for riding his motorcycle through rush-hour San Diego traffic to destinations, though the catered meals are transported in his passenger car.

Howe said he formally submitted his resignation to Athletic Director Paula Conway "two or three weeks ago." He recommended an individual as his replacement.


Copyright 2015 Ed Piper