RIP Coach Ron Kamaka (1963-2022)

“The Mt. SAC community lost a special man, coach and friend.”

From Mt. SAC Athletics

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, age 59, passed away on Sunday, March 6.

“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.”

“Ron was also an integral member of the Mt. SAC Relays team, and the Mt. SAC community lost a special man, coach and friend,” said Doug Todd, Director of Mt. SAC Athletic Special Events.

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 (2015-16, 2018). During this time, he was named South Coast Conference All-Sports Men’s Coach of the Year three times.

A former community college high jump state champion while at Santa Rosa Junior College, Kamaka went on to jump at Arizona State University, with a personal record of 7’3½”.

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. Ron is survived by his wife, three children and seven grandchildren.