LJ track

Paul Byrne, new LJHS

head track coach

(Photo by Ed Piper)

Paul Byrne, new head track coach at La Jolla High, is a breath of fresh air. A veteran teacher at Muirlands Middle School, Byrne has been engaging, smiling, and friendly in my couple of contacts with him as I take photos and interview athletes on his girls and boys teams.

Track at La Jolla High has a long tradition of excellence and success, including the girls program, which is known for its outstanding runners.

Byrne, as he commented in his first mini-interview with me to begin the present track season, said his goal is to establish an ongoing program. Right on.

What he is referring to is the need for continuity after turnover of multiple coaches over the past couple of years. He embodies that continuity, because he says he does plan to return next year and continue as head coach.

In a conversation about the new track that will be installed in Edwards Stadium from June 2015 to Fall 2016, he did indicate he won't be the head track coach forever. There are limits. But at least for the present time he will provide the needed continuity by staying in his new position for a few years.

Paul Byrne is the same way with his student athletes as he is with reporters. I have observed him in unguarded moments chatting with students, smiling, though filling his role as leader and the adult in the room (or rather, on the track). He is conversational, easy to talk to, approachable, and did I say smiling?

Good luck this season to the boys and girls track athletes. They know Coach Byrne, because he has been coach for the pole vaulters. Now they will enjoy his leadership in the program overall.


Copyright 2015 Ed Piper