Ed Carrera returns as Crean Lutheran water polo coach, aquatics program director

Ed Carrera led Crean Lutheran to its first CIF title in 2021. (Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran High School).

Crean Lutheran High School officials announced this week that Ed Carrera is returning to the school as aquatics program director and head coach of the water polo and swimming and diving programs.

Carrera previously served at Crean Lutheran for three seasons before resigning in July 2024 to devote more time to the North Irvine Water Polo Club.

Carrera led Crean Lutheran’s boys water polo team to its first CIF title in 2021 when the Saints defeated Ocean View 10-6 to capture the Division 6 title.

He also led the girls water polo team to a third-place league finish and the team’s first CIF playoff appearance.

Carrera replaces Jeffrey Runyon who resigned last week for personal reasons, according to Crean Lutheran Athletic Director Eric Olson.

“We wish he and his family well,” Olson said.

Olson said he was excited to welcome back Carrera, who began coaching the boys water polo team last weekend in Santa Barbara. The Saints are 8-4 so far.

“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Carrera back to Crean Lutheran High School,” Olson said in a statement. “He has decades of experience in water polo and swimming. As a successful business owner and operator, he possesses the skillset to direct the aquatics program. Coach Carrera will bring experience, leadership, and organizational expertise to the aquatics program.

“His Christian faith, coaching acumen, and unwavering commitment to academic and athletic excellence align with Crean Lutheran’s mission of Proclaiming Jesus Christ through Excellence in Education. We are confident he will elevate our aquatics programs and serve our student-athletes well.

“Coach Carrera is a visionary leader known for his compassionate approach and exceptional coaching pedigree. His passion for the sport, tactical insight, and dedication to nurturing student-athlete growth, both in competition and in Christian character, make him the ideal leader for the Saints aquatics program.

Carrera also issued a statement:

“It’s a blessing to return to Crean Lutheran in this role. I look forward to working with our athletes and families to continue building a Christ-centered aquatics program rooted in teamwork, discipline and joy.”

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com