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Celebrating a Legacy of Athletic Excellence: Ray Robitaille Enters the Hall of Fame
In the realm of high school athletics, some individuals leave a lasting legacy that extends far beyond their time as students. Such is the case with longtime Laguna PE Teacher and Coach Ray Robitaille, an exceptional figure in the world of sports, who recently received the honor of being inducted into his high school's Athletic Hall of Fame. With a career spanning decades, this recognition from John F Kennedy High School comes as a testament to his extraordinary contributions to both his alma mater and the broader athletic community.
A Star of His Era
Ray Robitaille, a member of the Class of 1975 at his high school, was a true triple-threat athlete,
excelling in football, basketball, and lacrosse. He was part of the 1973 South Shore Undefeated Team Champions, an achievement that still reverberates through the annals of high school sports. In 1974, Ray's talents on the football field was acknowledged when he received the All-County and Gridiron 44 Team distinctions. Not only did he exhibit remarkable skill, but he was also a source of inspiration to his teammates, earning the title of Team MVP. His athletic accomplishments extended beyond the football field, as he was the recipient of the Jacob Gunther Outstanding Male Athlete Award.
A Journey Through Collegiate Athletics
After graduating from high school, Ray continued his athletic journey at Central Connecticut University, where he participated in both football and lacrosse. His commitment to sports and his remarkable talent allowed him to transition seamlessly into the collegiate realm. This experience served as the foundation for his future endeavors in the world of physical education and athletic administration.
A Career Devoted to Sports Education
Ray's love for sports transcended the confines of the playing field. Following his passion, he pursued a teaching credential in Physical Education at Central Connecticut State University in 1979. Later, in 1993, he furthered his education with a Master's Degree in Athletic Administration from Azusa Pacific University. These qualifications prepared him for a career that would be marked by significant contributions to sports education.
In 1980, Ray began coaching numerous sports for boys and girls at Laguna Blanca School. His
commitment and leadership did not go unnoticed, and in 1983, he assumed the role of Athletic Director, a position he held until 1993. Under his guidance, the first Laguna Blanca School Invitational Relays were organized, an event that continues to attract hundreds of potential families to the Laguna campus. Ray's dedication also led to the establishment of the first lacrosse team for boys at Laguna in 1985 and the first football team in 1999.
Ray's influence expanded beyond the school grounds. In 1981, he played a pivotal role in establishing the UCSB Summer Day Camp for children at UC Santa Barbara, fostering the love of sports and physical fitness in the community.
A Legacy of Honors
Ray Robitaille's career has been marked by numerous accolades. In 1997, the flag pole in front of Merovick Gymnasium at Laguna Blanca School was named in his honor, a testament to the indelible mark he left on the institution. In 2004, Ray was inducted into the Laguna Blanca Walk of Fame, one of the school’s highest honors.
A Star of His Era
Ray Robitaille, a member of the Class of 1975 at his high school, was a true triple-threat athlete,
excelling in football, basketball, and lacrosse. He was part of the 1973 South Shore Undefeated Team Champions, an achievement that still reverberates through the annals of high school sports. In 1974, Ray's talents on the football field was acknowledged when he received the All-County and Gridiron 44 Team distinctions. Not only did he exhibit remarkable skill, but he was also a source of inspiration to his teammates, earning the title of Team MVP. His athletic accomplishments extended beyond the football field, as he was the recipient of the Jacob Gunther Outstanding Male Athlete Award.
A Journey Through Collegiate Athletics
After graduating from high school, Ray continued his athletic journey at Central Connecticut University, where he participated in both football and lacrosse. His commitment to sports and his remarkable talent allowed him to transition seamlessly into the collegiate realm. This experience served as the foundation for his future endeavors in the world of physical education and athletic administration.
A Career Devoted to Sports Education
Ray's love for sports transcended the confines of the playing field. Following his passion, he pursued a teaching credential in Physical Education at Central Connecticut State University in 1979. Later, in 1993, he furthered his education with a Master's Degree in Athletic Administration from Azusa Pacific University. These qualifications prepared him for a career that would be marked by significant contributions to sports education.
In 1980, Ray began coaching numerous sports for boys and girls at Laguna Blanca School. His
commitment and leadership did not go unnoticed, and in 1983, he assumed the role of Athletic Director, a position he held until 1993. Under his guidance, the first Laguna Blanca School Invitational Relays were organized, an event that continues to attract hundreds of potential families to the Laguna campus. Ray's dedication also led to the establishment of the first lacrosse team for boys at Laguna in 1985 and the first football team in 1999.
Ray's influence expanded beyond the school grounds. In 1981, he played a pivotal role in establishing the UCSB Summer Day Camp for children at UC Santa Barbara, fostering the love of sports and physical fitness in the community.
A Legacy of Honors
Ray Robitaille's career has been marked by numerous accolades. In 1997, the flag pole in front of Merovick Gymnasium at Laguna Blanca School was named in his honor, a testament to the indelible mark he left on the institution. In 2004, Ray was inducted into the Laguna Blanca Walk of Fame, one of the school’s highest honors.
Ray was recognized with the Coach of the Year award in 2005 from the Coast Valley League, coinciding with an exceptional season in which the Owls became league champs with an impressive 11-2 record and reached the semi-finals in the CIF 8-man football playoffs.
Beyond his work at Laguna Blanca, Ray is also the founder of the Santa Barbara Lacrosse Club Inc., which has since evolved into the Santa Barbara Lacrosse Association, with Ray remaining one of the original board members.
As Ray Robitaille takes his place in the Athletic Hall of Fame at his alma mater, it is not only a testament to his own athletic achievements but also a celebration of the enduring impact he has made on the lives of countless students and athletes. Congratulations, Ray, on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for your 44-years of unwavering commitment to Laguna Blanca School and the world of athletics.
Coach Robitaille, Circa 1984
Beyond his work at Laguna Blanca, Ray is also the founder of the Santa Barbara Lacrosse Club Inc., which has since evolved into the Santa Barbara Lacrosse Association, with Ray remaining one of the original board members.
As Ray Robitaille takes his place in the Athletic Hall of Fame at his alma mater, it is not only a testament to his own athletic achievements but also a celebration of the enduring impact he has made on the lives of countless students and athletes. Congratulations, Ray, on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for your 44-years of unwavering commitment to Laguna Blanca School and the world of athletics.
Coach Robitaille, Circa 1984
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Laguna Blanca is Santa Barbara’s premier private, co-educational, college preparatory day school for students in Early Kindergarten through Grade 12.