Have you ever wondered who has the only All-American flag proudly displayed in the big gym? It belongs to a teacher at this school, Victor Santamaria. Coach Santamaria has been the head coach of Willow Glen High School cross-country and long-distance track for the past 24 years. His total coaching career spans 34 years, consisting of his time as head coach, an additional 4 years as assistant coach, and a year as assistant coach at UCLA, his alma mater.
His lifelong love of running began here at WGHS during his freshman year where a fast PE time had the previous cross country coach, Orbin Jones, recruiting him to run a race at Half Moon Bay. He ran a fast time and the rest was history. He had caught the Ram Fire. Over the course of his next four years, he was part of a team that won CCS two times, won an individual CCS Championship, and earned the All-American banner that hangs in the gym.
His career continued at UCLA, under famed Olympic coach Bob Larson, where he was a part of two NCAA championships, All-Pac-10, Regional Honors, won two UCLA Most Valuable Runner Awards and later attempted to qualify for the Olympic Trials.
Coach Santamaria now shares his passion for running with the students of WGHS. Over the years he has been able to coach and mentor hundreds of students and his impact is felt community wide. His inspiration leaves a lasting impression on those who have had the honor of working with him. So when you see him in the hallway, please give him a thank you, for the care, the teachings, and the years.