Callaghan’s ninth year, last at CdM

The final week of Pat Callaghan’s nine-year career as the Corona del Mar High boys’ soccer coach ends where he wanted it to continue.

Callaghan longed to teach at his alma mater. Next week will be the student teacher’s goodbye.

With no opening for a physical education teacher at CdM in the near future, Callaghan said Tuesday he resigned as coach. There’s just no reason to be a walk-on coach for a 10th straight year for Callaghan.

Callaghan, 38, said he’s close to completing his teaching credential from National University.

“It’s been a good run. I really enjoyed it. I took a lot of pride in it,” said Callaghan, a 1989 graduate, who led the Sea Kings this season to an 8-8-4 overall record, 4-2-2 in the Pacific Coast League, good for a runner-up finish, and then the quarterfinals of the CIF Southern Section Division IV playoffs.

“I’ve been kind of hoping for [a job] to materialize [at CdM] and it hasn’t happened. It’s going to be a good fresh start for me. Sometimes you kind of outlive your welcome.”

Another person in his final year at CdM believes Callaghan is doing the best thing possible for his future.

Athletic Director Paul Orris is retiring after 39 years in various positions at the school. Orris has seen coaches come and go, been one as well.

When Callaghan played for CdM’s soccer team in the late 1980s, Orris was the boys’ varsity basketball coach, from 1986 to 2001.

The temptation to return for another year was there for Callaghan. The Sea Kings bring back a lot of talent, seven starters, including UCLA-bound striker Reed Williams, the Pacific Coast League Offensive MVP.

Callaghan thought about coming back. He said next year’s team has a legit shot to claim the program’s second league title since the 2003-04 season.

But Callaghan, who said he has his masters in exercise science, listened to his former math teacher.

“It’s always sad when a person who has affected the school for a long period of time moves on,” said Orris of Callaghan, who guided CdM to the Division II semifinals in 2003-04 season. “We talked [Tuesday] afternoon. I suggested if he doesn’t get a P.E. job, to go back and get a secondary, a supplemental credential, to make him more attractive.

“It’s a tough situation in terms of any employment right now. But in his case, getting a teaching position, it’s tough because of our economy, especially in P.E.”