Bio

Oswaldo Pina joined the Saddleback coaching staff in 2022.  Previously, he served as the recruiting coordinator and assistant coach for both track & field and cross country at Cerritos College.

A product of the community college ranks, Pina was a student-athlete at Mt. San Antonio College from 2001-03, where he garnered All-America honors in the 1500 meters and 5000 meters. Pina won the CCCAA state championship in the 1500 meters (3:53.50) and 5000 meters, while he was also the state champion during the cross country season in 2003. While with the Mounties, Pina also competed in the Track and Field Junior Olympics.

Pina then transferred to the University of California, Berkeley, where he competed in the 1500 meters (3:46) and 5000 meters (14:05).

Pina prepped at Long Beach Poly High, where he was a three-time CIF Champion and Moore League champion in cross country, while he also won the CIF title and league title in the 1600 meters during the track season as a senior and sophomore. During his sophomore campaign, Pina was ranked #2 in the nation in the 1600 meters and finished sixth at the state championships that season. During his competitive career, Pina also spent time competing on the Canadian Track circuit.

Pina has spent time coaching as an assistant from 2006-08 at VS Athletics, as well as Cal State Los Angeles (2008-11) and Paramount High (2012).

Pina earned his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from UC Berkeley in 2006 and his Master’s degree in Political Science from Cal State Los Angeles in 2008. He also earned a graduate degree in Latin American Studies from Cal State Los Angeles in 2008.  Pina is USATF Level 1 Certified.  

Accomplishments:

·         CalSouth Inner City League 2024 U14 semi-finalists  (coach)

·         USATF Southern California Masters Cross Country 6k 40-44 age group champion in 2024

·         Created the Saddleback Track Club, Private coach Saddleback alumni and other athletes.

·         2023, 2024 Saddleback Cross Country CCCAA men/women team qualifiers 2024 Womens CCCAA (OEC) League Champions

·         2023, 2024 Saddleback CCCAA State team qualifiers