Carpinteria High School Track & Field
The Head Coach: M. Van Latham
Events: Shot Put, Discus
Van has been a stalwart fixture of the CHS Math department for more years than he cares to recall yet few would suspect that this Stanford graduate in mechanical engineering has also been a revered figure in So Cal’s field and track community. This Carpinteria alum enters his 25th year of coaching, 20 of which are as head coach. Van has directed 11 varsity boys’ and 8 varsity girls’ teams to TVL titles. In 1999 and 2001, the Carpinteria boys won CIF track & field titles. Over half of all Warriors to qualify for the state championships have come during Latham’s coaching tenure. Van has coached 25 CIF medal winners, including 5 CIF champions and a State champion. Latham has been an instructor on numerous occasions for both the AAF Track and Field coaches’ clinic and the Know-It-All Clinic of the Central Coast. Van enjoys outdoor physical activities, concerts, parks, and independent pets.
Head Assistant Coach: W. Ben Hallock
Events: 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters, 400 and 1600 meters relay.
Ben ventures into his 15th year as a Warrior Field & Track coach. A long time coach in numerous sports, Ben adds his vast and grandfatherly like experience to the CHS staff. The UCSB graduate has previously been the head track coach at both Bishop Diego and Santa Barbara High Schools. Many athletes under his tutelage have reached state qualifying competition in both hurdle and jumping events. Ben is also found on campus most days teaching a variety of science classes. When he isn’t teaching or coaching, Hallock can be found doting on his granddaughter, Saraita.
Asst. to the Head, Head Asst Coaches and VP’s: J. Matthew Mac Mahon
Events: 100, 110, 300 meters hurdles, 400 meters relay, Long and Triple Jump
Jeremy, a CHS graduate, begins his 8th track season coaching the Warriors. Mac Mahon utilizes his ‘socially awkward tendencies’ (or geekiness) as the technical advisor of the staff. Luckily he has a redeeming sense of humor and uncanny charm which has allowed him to utilize other skills to coach CHS record holders in both the high and intermediate hurdle events. Jeremy was also proud to be the co-head coach of the Frontier League Champion cross country team last autumn. Mac Mahon was a TVL high hurdle champion. He is currently in his last quarter at UCSB (Finally!!!!) with the goal of earning a teaching credential in math by attending Cal Lutheran graduate school beginning in the summer.
Vice President of Recruiting and Public Relations: A. Rosendo Silva
Events: 800 meters, 1600 meters, 3200 meters
Coming off the resounding success of the Warrior cross country team’s league title, Angel enters his fourth year as the Carpinteria distance coach. A former Ventura College & USC cross country/track star and English major, Angel is prominent on record boards in the 5,000 and 10,000 meter events. Angel teaches classes for disadvantaged students in the Ventura School District. Dispelling rumors to the contrary, Silva is not working off community service hours by coaching and in fact looks forward to “working with the kids.” This very eligible bachelor is fond if karaoke and long strolls on the beach. He also barbeques delicious chicken. See Angel's 5,000 meter USC record here: click here
Vice President of Health and Wellness: J. Kalisek
Events: Pole Vault, Sprints
Jay is a Renaissance Man with a wide range of expertise. He provides the team with metaphysical wisdom. Jay is a Doctor of Chiropractic, a former surgical assistant, a sensei of Jujitsu and a beekeeper. After growing up in Illinois, he spent his formative years in the U.S. Air Force. He has been a Warrior assistant football coach for two years as well as the trainer for the athletic department. This is his first year coaching track & field at CHS. In his spare time Jay enjoys extreme backpacking adventures.
