(Pacific Grove, CA) Mounties Men's Track & Field Head Coach Giovanni Lanaro, was named the 2023 Men's Track & Field State Coach of the Year. The award, presented by the California Community College Cross Country and Track Coaches Association (5CTCA), recognizes Coach Lanaro's exceptional leadership and achievements during the 2023 season.

In his sixth season at the program's helm, Lanaro masterfully guided the men's team to a record 14th state title. At this year's state championship, the men's team secured the second-highest points total (175.5) in state championship history, behind last year's Mt. SAC Championship Team (224.5). This marks Lanaro's fourth Track and Field State Championship (2 men's and 2 women's) and second State Coach of the Year honor.

Individually, Lanaro guided an incredible six pole vaulters to the state championships including Men's Pole Vault State Champion, Ethan Amata.  Overall, his men's vaulters scored 26.5 points and the win by Amata was Lanaro's eighth state champion in the past 11 years.

"I am very thankful to receive this award. Our success would not be possible without the support of our administration, support staff, assistant coaches, and our unbelievable student-athletes that believe in our process," said Lanaro.

"I want to thank Joe (Jennum) (Mt. SAC Director of Athletics/Dean) and Tammy (Knott-Silva)(Mt. SAC Associate Director of Athletics/Associate Deana) for supporting us every step of the way. I want to congratulate the entire coaching staff for doing an unbelievable job of mentoring and coaching our student-athletes this season. Lastly, I want to thank our student-athletes for believing in the Mt. SAC way and representing our college with great pride."

As a testament to his legacy, Coach Lanaro is set to be inducted into the esteemed Mt. SAC Athletics Hall of Fame in February ('24). A two-time Olympian, his name is etched in the Mt. SAC History Books, where he currently holds the Mt. SAC Men's Pole Vault Record at 17'06" 1/2.  His mark surpassed the previous record of 17'01" which was concurrently held by Bill Halverson and legendary Mountie Hall of Famer and Olympic Gold Medalist, Bob Seagren.  In 2021, Lanaro became the first male track & field athlete to be inducted into the Cal State Fullerton Athletics Hall of Fame.  

For more information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office.