Bob Leetch Voted 'Greatest Coach'

In our quest to discover Redondo Beach's greatest coach, Redondo Beach Patch received six nominations, a dozen comments and 209 poll votes.

Ultimately, Cross Country/Track Coach Bob Leetch edged out President Bill Springman for the No. 1 spot in our Readers' Choice competition.

According to his biography on the Run RUHS website, Leetch graduated from Redondo Union in 1980. He was inducted into the El Camino College Athletics Hall of Fame in May 2005.

Commenters sung Leetch's praises.

Laurie Baker described Leetch as "a coach who takes interest in the athletes not only (as) an athlete but as a person; a coach who influences athletes to strive for more, to expect more out of themselves, to strive for excellence and never just settle."

Redondo alumnus Ryan Boswell expressed similar sentiments.

"He has created one of the most unique athletic programs ever," Boswell wrote in the comments. "Not only are the athletes consistently ranked among the best in not just the state, but the nation, but the team is widely known as one of the greatest success stories. Coach Bob took the team from a backwater program where dual meets weren't scored to save embarrassment to a team that took (fourth) in State for the boys and (sixth) for the girls in just four years."

Even his co-coaches sung his praises.

"Although I may not have graduated as one of his athletes, Bob has encouraged me to strive for higher expectations," wrote Rebecca Caracoza. "He made me realize that my own expectations were limited and not allowing me to (reach) my potential. Now, being able to coach alongside this inspirational individual at his Alma Mater has given me the opportunity to see his drive, passion, and love for not just the sport but ... each athlete."

Patch congratulates Leetch and all of Redondo's other great coaches!

Previously: