Mt. San Antonio Coach Ron Kamaka (1963 - 2022)

WALNUT - It is with deep regret and heavy hearts that the Mt. SAC Division of Kinesiology, Athletics and Dance announces 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 3-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.    He lived every day to its fullest and with the help of his wonderful wife Lynda, never let his disability stop him in any way.  

Additional information will be shared on this site as it becomes available. 

(Mt. San Antonio College Athletics)