Administrators, Coaches, Supporters
Jim Arnaiz / Class of 2016
Following a Hall of Fame playing career at Cal Poly Pomona, where he played tight end on the football team, Jim Arnaiz embarked on a coaching career that is impressive, to say the least; and it was at Bishop Montgomery where his decorated career began. In the fall of 1962, Coach Arnaiz arrived on campus, where he started coaching multiple sports and teaching such classes as history, business, and algebra. From 1962-1968, he served on the football staff under hall of fame coach George Swade and alongside fellow hall of famer Marv Wood. He played a major role in guiding the program to a 43-24 record during those years. In 1964, he took over the track program at BMHS and led the Knights to league championships in 1967 and 1968. The 1967 league championship team was undefeated and is the first league championship team in program history. That year, Coach Arnaiz’ team handed Crespi its first ever Camino Real League dual meet loss. After his stint at BMHS, he found his way south where he landed at Helix High School in La Mesa. In 27 years as the head football coach, he led Helix to a 212-77-11 record and is the winningest football coach in conference history. In all, he led Helix to 10 league championships, four CIF-San Diego Section titles (1978, 1980, 1982, and 1998), and two runner-up finishes (1981 and 1985). He retired from Helix in 1999 having coached many players who went on to play in college and several who played in the NFL. From 1994-95, he served as the State Athletic Director’s President. The list of awards and accomplishments he has received is about as lengthy as his coaching career. He was twice named Los Angeles Times Coach of the Year; San Diego County Citizen of the Year in 1981, 1983, and 1999; member of the San Diego County High School Legends; member of the Imperial Valley Coaches Hall of Fame, the Southern California Coaches Hall of Fame, and the Cal Poly Pomona Athletic Hall of Fame. We are honored to add Bishop Montgomery Athletic Hall of Fame inductee to the list.
Following a Hall of Fame playing career at Cal Poly Pomona, where he played tight end on the football team, Jim Arnaiz embarked on a coaching career that is impressive, to say the least; and it was at Bishop Montgomery where his decorated career began. In the fall of 1962, Coach Arnaiz arrived on campus, where he started coaching multiple sports and teaching such classes as history, business, and algebra. From 1962-1968, he served on the football staff under hall of fame coach George Swade and alongside fellow hall of famer Marv Wood. He played a major role in guiding the program to a 43-24 record during those years. In 1964, he took over the track program at BMHS and led the Knights to league championships in 1967 and 1968. The 1967 league championship team was undefeated and is the first league championship team in program history. That year, Coach Arnaiz’ team handed Crespi its first ever Camino Real League dual meet loss. After his stint at BMHS, he found his way south where he landed at Helix High School in La Mesa. In 27 years as the head football coach, he led Helix to a 212-77-11 record and is the winningest football coach in conference history. In all, he led Helix to 10 league championships, four CIF-San Diego Section titles (1978, 1980, 1982, and 1998), and two runner-up finishes (1981 and 1985). He retired from Helix in 1999 having coached many players who went on to play in college and several who played in the NFL. From 1994-95, he served as the State Athletic Director’s President. The list of awards and accomplishments he has received is about as lengthy as his coaching career. He was twice named Los Angeles Times Coach of the Year; San Diego County Citizen of the Year in 1981, 1983, and 1999; member of the San Diego County High School Legends; member of the Imperial Valley Coaches Hall of Fame, the Southern California Coaches Hall of Fame, and the Cal Poly Pomona Athletic Hall of Fame. We are honored to add Bishop Montgomery Athletic Hall of Fame inductee to the list.
Bob Blackburn, Al Egnatuk, George Graham, Ganus Ramstead / Class of 2022
Bob Blackburn, Al Egnatuk, George Graham and Ganus Ramstead are truly pioneers in Bishop Montgomery Athletics. Between the four of them, they had eleven children graduate from BMHS and they are credited with the formation of the Athletic Booster Club, an organization that remains strong today. The four dads also served as the original chain crew and statisticians for the football team. Blackburn is the father of Tom Blackburn ‘61, hall of fame inductee Denny Blackburn ‘64, and Bob Blackburn ‘67. He served as the very first president of the booster club. Egnatuk is the father of Jim Egantuk ‘66, Vicki Egnatuk ‘68, Susan Egnatuk ‘69, and Mary Egantuk ‘74 and grandfather of Erica Egnatuk '99. Graham is the father of hall of fame inductee Dan Graham ‘67 and the grandfather of Shelley Graham ‘89, Natalie Graham ‘93 and hall of fame inductee Danielle Graham ‘97. Ramstead is the father of Dianne Ramstead ‘61, Kim Ramstead ‘64 and Kathie Ramstead ‘67. Former baseball coach, and hall of famer Marv Wood recalls that in 1967, the football, basketball, baseball, track and tennis teams were all undefeated in league thanks in part to the support the coaches received from the four dads. “Kudos for the selection of the dads who started the booster club in BMHS’ early years,” wrote Wood. We are honored to inducted them, posthumously, into the Bishop Montgomery Athletic Hall of Fame as a group, per their children’s wishes.
Carlos Cooper / Class of 2022
Carlos Cooper served as a teacher, administrator and coach at Bishop Montgomery for over a decade. From 1981-1990, he taught Spanish and served as the boys’ dean. He is also the father of three alumni, Charles ‘02, Cristina ‘03 and Brianna '10. Cooper led the boys’ soccer program for 12 seasons in two stints, 1981-82-1988-89 and 1990-91-1993-94. In his 12 seasons as head coach, he led the Knights to six league titles and 10 CIF-SS playoff appearances. In 1982-83, Cooper coached the Knights to the program’s only CIF-SS title and only unbeaten season. After rolling through the season, the Knights ran through the Division 2A playoffs before tying La Quinta 1-1 in the finals to earn a co-championship. After the season, Cooper was named CIF-SS Division 2A Coach of the Year. From 1983-1985, Cooper’s teams won 26 consecutive league games, which today still stands as the third longest streak in CIF-SS history. Cooper also coached 18 players who went on to play collegiately.
Sharon King / Class of 2011
King is truly a pioneer in BMHS athletics, helping to establish many girls' sports at Bishop Montgomery. She coached softball, girls' basketball and girls' tennis at BMHS from 1962-1977. She also led the basketball team to one league title and the softball team to an amazing 10 consecutive league championships. King also moderated the drill team, served as Girls' Athletic Director, and taught Algebra, Geometry, PE and Driver’s Education.
King is truly a pioneer in BMHS athletics, helping to establish many girls' sports at Bishop Montgomery. She coached softball, girls' basketball and girls' tennis at BMHS from 1962-1977. She also led the basketball team to one league title and the softball team to an amazing 10 consecutive league championships. King also moderated the drill team, served as Girls' Athletic Director, and taught Algebra, Geometry, PE and Driver’s Education.
Ernie Martinez / Class of 2016
For 15 years from 1970-1985, Ernie Martinez served Bishop Montgomery in many capacities. He taught physical education and drafting, served as P.E. department chairman, and was the school’s athletic director from 1980-1985. In addition to his duties as a teacher and an administrator, Coach Martinez made an impact on the field as one of the greatest coaches in school history. For many years, he served as an assistant coach in the football program, but he made his most lasting impression as the Knights’ baseball coach for 13 years from 1972-1984. During his tenure in the dugout, Coach Martinez led the Knights to five league championships, seven CIF playoffs appearances, and the 1975 CIF title. He is the winningest coach in program history and his former players still adore him to this day. “Coach Martinez is a very humble, soft-spoken, and caring person,” says former BMHS standout Mike Fay ’83. His 1975 team is not only the greatest baseball team, statistically, in school history, but it is one of the finest teams in California state history. CalHiSports named the team the 24th greatest high school baseball team in state history. The 1975 team holds school records for wins in a season (27), highest winning percentage (.900), and fewest runs allowed (60). Coach Martinez led the Knights to a 27-3 record, including a perfect 8-0 mark to capture the Camino Real League title. In the CIF title game, BMHS beat Lynwood 1-0 at Dodger Stadium on an RBI single by Jim Carmody ’75 who drove in Joe Rowell ‘75. It is, without a doubt, one of the most memorable moments in the history of Bishop Montgomery athletics. Following the season, Coach Martinez was named Daily Breeze Coach of the Year. In 2014, the team was inducted into the BMHS Athletic Hall of Fame. In all, Coach Martinez coached 2 major leaguers, 1 All-American, 1 Olympian, 10 All-CIF players, 11 players who were drafted, and many players who competed in college. Prior to coming to BMHS, Coach Martinez worked at Fermin Lasuen High School in San Pedro and was an assistant football coach on the 1962 CIF-SS 2A champions. After retiring from BMHS, Martinez served as an assistant football coach at San Pedro High School and was a member of the staff that led the Pirates to the 1996 City 4A title.
For 15 years from 1970-1985, Ernie Martinez served Bishop Montgomery in many capacities. He taught physical education and drafting, served as P.E. department chairman, and was the school’s athletic director from 1980-1985. In addition to his duties as a teacher and an administrator, Coach Martinez made an impact on the field as one of the greatest coaches in school history. For many years, he served as an assistant coach in the football program, but he made his most lasting impression as the Knights’ baseball coach for 13 years from 1972-1984. During his tenure in the dugout, Coach Martinez led the Knights to five league championships, seven CIF playoffs appearances, and the 1975 CIF title. He is the winningest coach in program history and his former players still adore him to this day. “Coach Martinez is a very humble, soft-spoken, and caring person,” says former BMHS standout Mike Fay ’83. His 1975 team is not only the greatest baseball team, statistically, in school history, but it is one of the finest teams in California state history. CalHiSports named the team the 24th greatest high school baseball team in state history. The 1975 team holds school records for wins in a season (27), highest winning percentage (.900), and fewest runs allowed (60). Coach Martinez led the Knights to a 27-3 record, including a perfect 8-0 mark to capture the Camino Real League title. In the CIF title game, BMHS beat Lynwood 1-0 at Dodger Stadium on an RBI single by Jim Carmody ’75 who drove in Joe Rowell ‘75. It is, without a doubt, one of the most memorable moments in the history of Bishop Montgomery athletics. Following the season, Coach Martinez was named Daily Breeze Coach of the Year. In 2014, the team was inducted into the BMHS Athletic Hall of Fame. In all, Coach Martinez coached 2 major leaguers, 1 All-American, 1 Olympian, 10 All-CIF players, 11 players who were drafted, and many players who competed in college. Prior to coming to BMHS, Coach Martinez worked at Fermin Lasuen High School in San Pedro and was an assistant football coach on the 1962 CIF-SS 2A champions. After retiring from BMHS, Martinez served as an assistant football coach at San Pedro High School and was a member of the staff that led the Pirates to the 1996 City 4A title.
Coach Doug Mitchell / Class of 2015
In the 31 seasons of BMHS boys’ basketball from 1958-59 – 1988-89, the program certainly had its share of success. The boys’ basketball team won 4 league titles in that span, made the CIF playoffs 9 times and, in 1967-68, the first CIF boys’ basketball title was won. When Doug Mitchell was hired to take over the program in 1989, a new era of BMHS basketball success was about to be unleashed - an era that continues today. Since Mitchell took over the boys’ basketball program, the Knights have not only been a southern California powerhouse, they have been one of the best programs in the state and have made their way into the national rankings as well; they have done so by combining an up-tempo style with suffocating defense. Along the way, Mitchell has solidified his place as one of the best, and most highly respected, coaches in the state. He has an overall career record of 787-245 in 36 years, which includes 2 years as head coach at his alma mater, South Torrance, prior to coming to Bishop. In his 34 years at BMHS, Mitchell has led the Knights to 24 seasons of 20-plus wins, 22 league titles, 6 CIF-SS titles, and 4 state titles. In all, he has taken the Knights to a total of 9 CIF finals and 5 state finals and in a 7-year stretch from 1995 – 2002, the boys’ basketball team reached the CIF finals 6 times. The list of players he has coached at BMHS is impressive. Mitchell has coached 9 CIF Players of the Year, 4 State Players of the Year, 12 Daily Breeze Players of the Year, 6 John R. Wooden High School Players of the Year, and 6 All-Americans. Not one to think of personal accolades, Mitchell has been named CIF Coach of the Year 6 times, Daily Breeze Coach of the Year 6 times and State Coach of the Year three times.
Tom Roach (posthumously) / Class of 2011
Mr. Roach, who passed away in September 2010, will forever be known as "The Voice of the Knights." He served as the football and basketball announcer from 1962-1982 while his 10 children attended BMHS. He served as president and booster club member for 25 years and helped organize many fundraising events, dinners and fiestas. Seven sons played football at BMHS (two received Division I scholarships), one son was a co-captain on the 1967-68 CIF championship basketball team, and one daughter was a member of the 1977 CIF championship tennis team. After his youngest son Robert died, Mr. Roach and his wife, Doris, established a scholarship endowment at BMHS for tuition assistance. He and Doris were inducted into the Bishop Montgomery Hall of Fame.
Dr. Rodney Stetson (posthumously) / Class of 2013
“Doc” Stetson served as the team physician for Bishop Montgomery athletic teams from 1959-1976, but he is known in the school community for more than just what he did to help athletes. In his service to BMHS, Dr. Stetson provided medical care for the Franciscan Friars, nuns, and athletes alike, and was a fixture at many athletic events. He often donated medical supplies, provided therapy equipment, personally transported injured athletes when necessary, and was known to make house calls free of charge in support of Bishop Montgomery. Dr. Stetson graduated from St. Mary’s College in 1937, first in his class in pre-med. He married his wife, Claire, in 1940, and in 1946, he graduated from USC’s Keck School of Medicine. His legacy in the South Bay, and most notably Torrance, will forever be felt. He served as chief of staff at Torrance Memorial Hospital and was one of the founding physicians at Little Company of Mary Hospital. On October 15, 1999, Bishop Montgomery dedicated its weight room to Dr. Stetson as a tribute to his generosity, dedication, and loyalty to the school. The plaque presented to his family that night permanently hangs outside the “Doc Stetson Memorial Weight Room.” Dr. Stetson passed away on April 11, 1996 at the age of 82. He is the father of five sons (Mike ’62, Dan ’71, Jim ’72, Ed ’76, and Bill) and three daughters (Patty ’63, Barbara, and Kathryn ’69).
Coach George Swade / Class of 2011
Swade is one of the winningest football coaches in school history. He served as head football coach from 1962-1968 and compiled a record of 44-23. He led the Knights to two Camino Real League titles in 1966 and 1968 (1966 was first football league title at BMHS) and two CIF playoff appearances (1966 and 1968). He served as Athletic Director at BMHS from 1964-1969 and taught PE, Driver’s Education and served as PE Department Chair. The football team award presented to the Coaches Award recipient each year is named after him. He has coached for many years at the professional and collegiate level, most recently as Head Football Coach at Los Angeles Harbor College. He is also the founder of the Annual Lions' Football Game held in the South Bay. Coach Swade passed away in November 2022.
Swade is one of the winningest football coaches in school history. He served as head football coach from 1962-1968 and compiled a record of 44-23. He led the Knights to two Camino Real League titles in 1966 and 1968 (1966 was first football league title at BMHS) and two CIF playoff appearances (1966 and 1968). He served as Athletic Director at BMHS from 1964-1969 and taught PE, Driver’s Education and served as PE Department Chair. The football team award presented to the Coaches Award recipient each year is named after him. He has coached for many years at the professional and collegiate level, most recently as Head Football Coach at Los Angeles Harbor College. He is also the founder of the Annual Lions' Football Game held in the South Bay. Coach Swade passed away in November 2022.
Coach Marv Wood / Class of 2015
In his five years at Bishop Montgomery, Coach Marv Wood made quite an impact. From 1962 – 1968, Coach Wood taught anatomy & physiology, biology, and health. He also served as an assistant football coach under George Swade, and he was the Head Baseball Coach. As an assistant football coach, Wood played a vital role in the success of the Knights’ football program during that era. In those five seasons, the Knights were 43-15 and won several league titles. It was on the baseball diamond, however, where Wood made his greatest impact. In 1967, he led the baseball team to a perfect 15-0 league record and a 21-3 overall record, which was capped off with the school’s first CIF title in any sport. At one point, his 1967 squad won 19 straight games, which still stands as a school record for consecutive victories. He was named the 1967 State Coach of the Year by CalHiSports. His 1964 team shares the school record for fewest runs allowed in a season with 60. He had an overall league record of 57-19-1 in five years, including three league titles. His BMHS baseball teams won double-digit games each year he was at the helm and he coached 5 All-CIF players and 4 players who were taken in the Major League Baseball draft. Following his stint at BMHS, Wood became the head coach at Loyola University in Los Angeles (now known as Loyola Marymount University) from 1970-1984, where he won over 370 games. A native of Holtville, CA, Wood returned to his alma mater, Holtville High School, in 1989, serving as an assistant football coach, head baseball coach, athletic director and interim vice principal until his retirement in 1998. While at Holtville, Wood coached the baseball team to CIF-San Diego titles in 1991, 1993, and 1995. Wood is a member of the Holtville High School Green and Gold Hall of Fame, the Imperial Valley Football Coaches & Players Hall of Fame, and the San Diego Hall of Champions, where he was recognized as a High School Coaching Legend.