Track & Field/XC Head Coach Ron Kamaka (1963 - 2022)
March 07, 2022 - 02:48 PM
It is with deep regret and heavy hearts that the Mt. SAC Division of Kinesiology,
Athletics and Dance announced earlier today the passing of Professor and Men’s Cross
Country/Track & Field Head Coach Ron Kamaka. After a courageous two-month battle
from complications of COVID-19, Kamaka passed away on Sunday, March 6th.
“We will all truly miss Ron,” replied Mt. SAC Director of Athletics Joe Jennum. “He was an incredible professor, coach and friend who demonstrated how much we should cherish each day. Although he may have left us physically, his legacy and the lessons he has taught us will live on.”
Kamaka joined the Mt. SAC Family in 2008, after serving as an Assistant and Associate
Head Coach at Cal State Fullerton for 12 years. After taking over as head coach in
2013, he led the Mounties to three California Community College State Championships
in Men’s Track & Field (2015, 2016, 2018). During this time, he was named South Coast
Conference All-Sports Men’s Coach of the Year three separate times.
A former community college high jump state champion while at Santa Rosa Junior College, Kamaka went on to jump at Arizona State University.
After a bodysurfing accident in Hawaii left him a quadriplegic, he turned to teaching and coaching, where he flourished. A native Hawaiian, Kamaka used his wealth of knowledge, Hawaiian heritage, life stories and love of life to inspire his students. This video, produced by Mt. SAC Broadcast Services, documents Ron in a new chair that allowed him to stand up for the first time in many years.
With the help of his wonderful wife Lynda, Ron never let his disability stop him from living every day to its fullest.
Additional information will be shared on the Mountie Athletics website as it becomes available.
