Following a tsunami of support to celebrate Bill Sumner, the new track at Corona del Mar High School, where he has coached for nearly five decades, will be named after him.
The Newport-Mesa Unified School District Board of Education unanimously voted Tuesday evening to name the facility after the legendary coach, prompting applause from those who had gathered to honor Sumner.
Sumner, who is in his 39th season coaching the school’s cross-country and track & field departments, was surrounded by around a dozen fans, including former runners from several generations.
“Coach Sumner’s ability to make all of his athletes feel significant may be life-changing for teenagers, as it was for mine.” Ruth KobayashiAfter the vote, the famed coach rose to his feet, as is customary for someone who frequently competes in community running events with his Cal Coast Track Club. He then went outside and stopped to take selfies with the folks that had attended the conference in the hopes of seeing the track named after him.
He’s been crucial to so many families,” Board Trustee Karen Yelsey stated. “I’ve known him for almost 25 years, but only after my kid began running. Over time, he has become a close family friend.
“Aside from my husband and myself, no one has had a greater impact on my son’s life, and he is now 40 years old.” I know.
Many folks in this neighborhood may say the same thing.
Board Clerk Carol Crane, who had a daughter run for Sumner, stated that Sumner’s humility stood out to her.
