On September 26, 2014, the San Mateo Union High School District unanimously voted to name the Aragon High School track after long-time track and field and cross country coach, Bill Daskarolis. Atop of the forty-plus years that he has invested into Aragon, Daskarolis has also dedicated a number of years as a board member on the Central Coast Sections (CCS) Cross Country Team.
In addition to serving as the director of the Crystal Springs Center and CCS Championship meet at Crystal Springs Cross Country Course, he has also worked as a coach and teacher since graduating from Aragon in the class of 1964.
Inducted into the Aragon Hall of Fame in 2008 and awarded the Dan Fukushima Lifetime Achievement Award, Daskarolis remains a vocal leader in the Aragon community.
Athletic Director Steve Sell says Daskarolis has always had an important role in the Aragon community. According to Sell, Daskarolis has helped integrate the Aragon culture by stressing the importance of athletics and being connected to the school.
“He is passionate about his sport, and is able to find the humor that’s needed in every teenager’s life,” says Sell. “He deserves it.”
Daskarolis comments, “It’s very meaningful to me, because this is the first time the district has recognized a building or facility for someone who’s still alive.”
Furthermore, Sell elaborates that even back in high school, Daskarolis was able to impact the lives of his classmates by maintaining a positive and hardworking spirit.
“At that time, you don’t realize the impact you have on people, and you feel really good about it. It’s a wonderful feeling to help people,” says Daskarolis.
Additionally, student-athletes and colleagues alike recognize Daskarolis’s outgoing personality and appreciate his enlightening and dynamic personality. Senior Oma Skyrus comments, “Dasko is an incredibly approachable and friendly man. If you walk up to him and ask him a quick question, your conversation will expand beyond that question as you listen to him tell you countless stories about his past experiences — both with running and his everyday life. When you talk to him, you don’t always feel like you’re talking to an authority figure. It’s more like talking to an old friend.”
Meanwhile, Daskarolis attributes his running passion, which dates back to his high school years, to be a prodigious reason behind his desire to coach. “I ran track in high school and college, and was fortunate enough to be hired here at Aragon,” says Daskarolis.
As a coach, a teacher, and an instructor, Daskarolis frequently devises plans for each of his athletes to achieve their goals and aspirations. “It’s a continuous learning process. I’ve worked with amazing coaches and faculty, and I’ve learned that this school draws exceptional administrators who’ve always been supportive,” says Daskarolis.
