San Diego Toreros Men's Basketball Head Coaches
The San Diego Toreros men's basketball team has a long and storied history, and that history has been shaped by the many coaches who have led the team over the years. From the early days of the program to the present day, San Diego has been fortunate to have a number of talented and dedicated coaches at the helm.
The Early Years
The San Diego Toreros men's basketball program got its start in 1949 under head coach Ed Haney. Haney led the team for just one season, but he laid the foundation for what would become a successful program. Haney was followed by Dick Acres, who coached the team for two seasons from 1950-1952.
The Jerry Tarkanian Era
In 1969, legendary head coach Jerry Tarkanian took over as head coach of the San Diego Toreros. Tarkanian was already a legendary figure in the world of college basketball, having led Long Beach State to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. He quickly transformed the Toreros into a competitive program, leading them to four consecutive winning seasons and two NCAA Tournament appearances during his tenure.
Tom Abatemarco
Tom Abatemarco took over as head coach of the San Diego Toreros in 1985, and he quickly made an impact. In his first season, he led the team to a 19-10 record and an appearance in the NIT. Abatemarco would go on to coach the team for five seasons, compiling a record of 89-57 and leading the team to one NCAA Tournament appearance.
Hank Egan
Hank Egan took over as head coach of the Toreros in 1994, and he would remain at the helm for nine seasons. Egan led the team to three NCAA Tournament appearances during his tenure, including the team's first-ever NCAA Tournament win in 2003.
Bill Grier
Bill Grier took over as head coach of the San Diego Toreros in 2007, and he coached the team for seven seasons. Grier led the team to one NCAA Tournament appearance during his tenure, and he compiled a record of 117-144.
Lamont Smith
Lamont Smith took over as head coach of the Toreros in 2015, and he coached the team for three seasons. Smith led the team to the CIT tournament in his first season, and he compiled a record of 43-52 before he was fired in the wake of an arrest for domestic violence.
Sam Scholl
Sam Scholl was named the interim head coach of the San Diego Toreros in 2018 following the firing of Lamont Smith. Scholl led the team to a 9-7 record over the remainder of the season, and he was named the full-time head coach prior to the start of the 2018-2019 season. Scholl has coached the team for three seasons, compiling a record of 35-47.
Conclusion
The San Diego Toreros men's basketball program has a rich history that has been shaped by a number of talented and dedicated coaches. From the early days of the program to the present day, these coaches have helped to build a program that is respected and admired throughout the world of college basketball. As the Toreros continue their quest for success, it is clear that the legacy of these great coaches will continue to play a vital role in the program's ongoing success.
