El Camino College honra al entrenador y olímpico George Stanich con ceremonia de nombramiento de gimnasio ● UPDATING

El Camino College in Torrance officially renamed its gymnasium the George Stanich Gymnasium on Thursday, June 18, 2026, honoring the 97-year-old former Olympian and longtime coach. The ceremony drew dozens of family members, friends, faculty, and alumni who gathered to celebrate Stanich’s extraordinary life and legacy.

Stanich’s athletic journey began at UCLA under the legendary coach John Wooden. He excelled in basketball, baseball, and track and field.

In 1948, he qualified for the London Olympic Games in the high jump. Despite financial hardship—he had to leave his construction job—Stanich’s coach Wilbur “Ducky” Drake urged him to go, saying, “You can’t afford not to go.”

Traveling by boat from New York to London with the U.S. Olympic team, Stanich and his teammates stayed in Royal Air Force barracks as England still rationed food after World War II.

During the high jump competition, rain created muddy conditions that affected many athletes. Stanich tied for second place and earned the bronze medal.

He is now the oldest living U.S. Olympian.

After the Olympics, Stanich became a basketball coach and physical education teacher at El Camino College, where he worked for 37 years until his retirement in 1992. His impact extended far beyond the court.

“Coach Stanich’s influence extended far beyond basketball,” the college said in a press release. “He taught young people how to succeed in life, become good citizens and lead with character.”

Former student and Los Angeles Lakers player Keith Erickson spoke at the ceremony, saying, “George Stanich is made from the same cloth as John Wooden, and is right up there with him as one of the finest men I have ever known.” Another alumnus, John Sweeney, called Stanich one of the most important mentors in his life.

College President Brenda Thames praised Stanich’s lifelong dedication. “Coach George Stanich represents the very best of El Camino College,” she said.

“His lifelong commitment to education, mentorship, athletic excellence and student success has inspired generations of Warriors.”

During the ceremony, Stanich’s son, John Stanich, recalled his father’s meticulous preparation of lesson plans and his commitment to making every student feel respected and encouraged. The El Camino College Foundation also established the Valerie and George Stanich Endowed Scholarship for Athletes, funded by family, friends, and alumni, to provide ongoing scholarships for student-athletes.