Ed Teagle succumbs to cancer at age 59
by Jeff Savage, published March 6, 1986
San Diego Evening TribuneEd Teagle, the first president of the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC), co-founder of the Over-the-Line Tournament and long-time high school track coach, died yesterday morning of cancer. He was 59.
According to those who knew him, Teagle balanced a free-spirited nature with a responsible approach to sports and business and earned the respect of everyone with whom he came in contact.
“He was everyone’s hero,” said Mike Curren, who helped found the OTL tourney. “When we chose up sides for teams back in elementary school, everyone always wanted to be on Ed’s side. He was a very popular person and quite athletic.”
In 1949, OMBAC was formed and Teagle was elected president. A year later, OMBAC sponsored its first athletic tournament, the San Diego Open (two-man) Volleyball Tournament. Teagle and partner Danny Prall won the title. Last summer, in the same tournament, Teagle was the oldest player to compete.
In 1954, Teagle, Curren and Ron LaPolice organized the Over-The-Line Tournament that has become a San Diego tradition.
That same year, Teagle became the varsity track coach at San Dieguito High. His interest in the sport stemmed from his participation as a pole vaulter at La Jolla High and San Diego State.
In four years, Teagle compiled a 50-19 record.
In 1958 he became the track coach at Mar Vista High where he remained until 1972. During that 15-year span, Teagle compiled an overall record of 97-21. Teagle led the Mariners to the Metro Conference title in each of the last six years at Mar Vista. His record during that time was 51-3.
“Other coaches used to be jealous of him,” said Dallas Evans, Teagle’s assistant at Mar Vista for 13 years. “He wasn’t that hard of a worker. He was just very organized and was a great motivator. He was a great inspiration. The assistant coaches just wanted to get out there and work hard for him. He was such a leader in every way. A man for all seasons. He had hundreds of friends.”
Teagle became head track coach at Bonita Vista High in 1973 and transformed that program into a perennial power. In his five years at Bonita Vista, his squads finished undefeated in the Metro Conference four times.
When he retired as track coach in 1977, Teagle said, “I’ve always encouraged large numbers of kids to come out for track, even if they’ve never tried it before. You never know what kind of talent may be walking around in the halls.”
Tom Teagle, Ed’s son, says that approximately 180 students were trying out for the track teams at Bonita Vista while Teagle was coach.
Said Evans: “I never met a guy who enjoyed life more.”
Teagle will be cremated and his ashes buried in McCleary, Wash., where he grew up.
A beach memorial is planned for Sunday, March 16 at 9 a.m. at Crown Point.
“It will be in his style,” said his son, Tom. “Absolutely casual.”
Copyright 1986 Union Tribune Publishing Co.