(Walnut, CA) After an extensive search and hiring process, the Mt. SAC Athletics Department found what they were looking for in their history books, hiring former Mountie pole vaulting star, Giovanni Lanaro, as a full-time Professor of Kinesiology and Assistant Track and Field/Cross Country Coach.  Lanaro, is one of the most decorated student-athletes in Mt. SAC Athletics History.  He is a two-time Pole Vault Olympian for Mexico and still holds the Mt. SAC, Hilmer Lodge Stadium, Mt. SAC Relays, Cal State Fullerton and Mexican Records.

"Giovanni has distinguished himself as an excellent coach, however, it was the same excellence he carries into the classroom that made him our top candidate," states Head Coach, Ron Kamaka. 

For the past ten years, Lanaro has been teaching Kinesiology and coaching Track and Field at Mt. SAC where he has arguably developed the nation's best community college vaulting program.  He has guided 5 pole vaulters to California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) state titles including Reed Scale, Tissiana Ruiz (Mt. SAC Record Holder), Cameron Van Dieren, Eric Adolphus and Jordan Savidge.   Along with Mt. SAC assignments, Lanaro has been a full time, middle school Physical Education Instructor at Giano Middle School in West Covina (CA) for the past two years. 

As a Mt. SAC Freshman, Lanaro became the talk of the track and field world when he transformed himself from an 11'06"pole vaulter, into a 16'07" State Champion and a fourth place finisher at the USA Track and Field Junior National Championships (under 19 years of age).  During his sophomore season, Lanaro continued his rapid ascent by capturing the USA Community College National Title by jumping 17'06" (5.35M) which also broke the 35 year old Mt. SAC Record of 17'01" (5.21M)which was held by Bill Halverson (1978) and Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist, Bob Seagren (1965). 

After being recruited by nearly every top NCAA Division 1 Track and Field Program, Lanaro continued his education and career down the road at Cal State Fullerton (CSUF).  Under the watchful eye of current Mt. SAC Head Coach, Ron Kamaka, he earned three NCAA Division 1 All-American Titles, two Big West Conference Championships and jumped 18'04"1/2. 

After Cal State Fullerton, Lanaro returned back to Mt. SAC to coach, teach and train.  During his illustrious career, Lanaro jumped a personal best of 19 feet, 1 inch (5.82M).  On the world stage, he was ranked in the top ten for a number of years and qualified/competed in two Olympics and numerous IAAF World Indoor and Outdoor Championships.  He captured a number of competition titles and championships throughout the world, including six Mexican National Championships. 

Lanaro received his Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology from Cal State Fullerton, his Master's Degree and teaching credential in Physical Education from Azusa Pacific University.

In his spare time, Lanaro enjoys, spending time with family, surfing, off-road motorcycle riding and outdoor activities.  He and his wife, former Mt. SAC Heptathlon State Champion, Mireya Beltran, reside in San Dimas (CA) with their lovely 1 year old daughter Giuliana.