Avalon High School athletics have grown and improved greatly over the past two decades. Contributing to that growth have been two stalwarts within the department, who are shifting their roles with the school this year.
Basketball coach and Activities Director, Stephen Hall is retiring from his work at the school, but has indicated he will continue to coach as a walk-on coach. Patti Engel, the school’s Athletic Director is also retiring after 23 years of service to the school and it’s student-athletes.
As the schools athletics have grown, so too has it’s needs for more games, more players and more road trips. Hall noted that the youth of Avalon have benefitted greatly from these programs as they provided healthy activities in a safe environment, and said Engel has been a leader in that growth.
“She has guided us, taught us and even sometimes scolded us into doing the right thing,” Hall said. “She has a strong sense of fairness and has always been an advocate for the kids and what is best for them.”
While Engel is retiring from her AD role, she will continue to work with the school in other roles, Hall said. For her efforts, coaches at Avalon High are presenting her with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication and hard work as Athletic Director.
Hall has also announced his retirement from full-time work at the school, but will also continue to assist in other ways. He issued a statement about his future:
Dear Avalon Community,
After 32 years of teaching and one year of serving as Activities Director at Avalon Schools, I have made the big decision to retire from the Long Beach Unified School District. It has been a wonderful 33 years of hard work and fond memories. I thank the entire Avalon Community for the love and support I have received over the years and I know I couldn’t have done it without you. Catalina Island is a special place with special people. I will continue to coach basketball and golf and will find new ways to serve the school and the community. I am not quite finished yet and I am so grateful for having had the opportunity to teach and coach on the island for so many years. It has been a match made in heaven. Thank you!
Steve Hall
Activities Director/Boys Varsity Basketball Coach
Avalon High School
