It is with great excitement that St.Vincent  de Paul High School announces the appointment of Stan Switala as Athletic Director.  After a lengthy and extensive search by a selection committee of faculty, staff, and  board members, the new Pastor, Fr. Bill Donahue has approved their consensus  nomination.

"Co-curricular activities, especially athletics, is such an important component of the

student experience at our school. Sports provide an environment beyond the  classroom by which our students can grow and develop in areas that are vital to their  overall success,"
Fr. Donahue declared. "We will foster important character traits such  as a work ethic, perseverance, preparation, commitment and the value of  competition.The educational experience of all participants are enhanced through  these endeavors as everyone strives to be their best as individuals, teammates,  students and members of our community."

As an alumnus of St. John the Baptist High School in West Islip, New York, Stan is the

beneficiary of a Catholic education. Named a "Player To Be Watched" by New York

Newsday, he was offered a full athletic scholarship to play Division I college baseball

from Northeastern University and St. John's University.

"Being a student-athlete at my Catholic high school was one of the most influential

experiences of my life, "Switala stated. "I received a great education, instruction on

the athletic fields and became a part of a very special community. My Catholic  education instilled self-discipline, provided a positive moral direction and  encouraged me to impact my community beyond high school."

Stan was the #1 Pitcher and starting shortstop for Farmingdale Junior College. "Stan

Switala was one of the most highly recruited players that I coached in my 35 years as

Head Baseball Coach of Farmingdale College," said Hall of Fame Coach Ken Rocco.

He ended his junior college career ranked #2 in the nation in strikeouts. Actively

recruited, Stan was offered over 25 baseball scholarships to Division I colleges and

universities. He accepted a full athletic scholarship to play Division I college baseball

for Eastern Michigan University, where he was a starting pitcher for two years.

After two stints in professional baseball, Switala's coaching career began at the

college level as the head assistant baseball coach of Farmingdale College. When

Stan moved to California, he was the assistant varsity baseball coach for Tamalpias

High School, in Mill Valley, California and the head baseball coach for San Rafael High

School.

"Working with aspiring student-athletes in their formative years is what I enjoy most,"

added Coach Switala. "It is extremely rewarding to see them develop and move onto

their next challenge, whether that is college or making a difference in other fields. It

is a special experience to watch them acquire the many skills it takes to be productive

and successful in their lives."

After serving for four years as a professional baseball scout for the New York Mets,

Stan established the "Top Speed Baseball" organization. Coach Switala is the head

coach of this collegiate summer team for Division I, Division II, NAIA and junior

college players. In every year since 2013, the team and program have been

nationally ranked. Coach Switala has had over 50 players come through is program

and move on to play professional baseball.

After 13 years with the Suisun City Police Department, Stan medically retired as a

police officer. During his tenure, he served as a Resource Officer for Crystal Middle

School and three additional elementary schools with a population of approximately

2,500 students. He worked closely with district and school administrators, students

and their parents who benefitted from his daily presence with after-school athletic

programs.

Demonstrating a renewed commitment to athletics, the high school will enhance its

program with a new Assistant Athletic Director, Robert Steen. Mr. Steen is a graduate

of Chico State University, has experience as a physical education teacher and was a

highly regarded football and baseball coach at Napa High School. "St. Vincent's has

an enduring legacy of almost 100 years," Robbie stated. "To be asked to play a part in

the positive changes at the school, and to work with Stan Switala, is a tremendous

opportunity."

Stan Switala will replace long-time Athletic Director Sue Keller. While Ms. Keller will

continue to teach and coach, she will transition out of her role as Athletic Director, a

position in which she has served the school for 18 years. "Sue Keller has set a high

standard for this role and our school in her successful efforts as Athletic Director," Mr.

Switala commented. "She is meticulous, consistent, and has earned a well-deserved

reputation for her commitment to the school and its students. It will be a great

learning experience to work with her this year."

"This is an exciting transition for the school and its athletic department," Sue Keller

commented. "I hope that Stan will enjoy the same wonderful experience that I have at

St. Vincent's. It was a great pleasure to work with our students, alumni, coaches,

faculty and staff over the years."

Stan Switala and his wife Jamie live in Petaluma, California with their two children,

Stan, Jr. (age 7) and Jessa (age 5). After thoughtful reflection, Stan added with a

natural smile, "The kids didn't know it, but we have always planned for them to attend

St. Vincent's High School."