Jeffrey Runyan named Director of Aquatics and water polo coach at Crean Lutheran

Jeffrey Runyan, new Crean Lutheran Director of Aquatics and water polo coach. (Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran High School).

Crean Lutheran High School officials announced that Jeffrey Runyan, a former Concordia University Irvine water polo standout, has been named Director of Aquatics and head boys and girls water polo coach.

“We are very excited for Coach Runyan and our entire aquatics program,” said Crean Lutheran Athletic Director Eric Olson in a statement. “Jeffrey’s extensive experience in the water, organizational skills, strategic vision and commitment to both athletic and academic excellence align perfectly with our mission of Proclaiming Jesus Christ through Excellence in Education. We are confident that Jeffrey will serve our student-athletes well and lead our aquatics programs to new heights.”

Runyan brings a wealth of valuable experience both as a player and a coach to Crean Lutheran.

“I feel unbelievably blessed to be joining such an incredible institution that carries the mission of Proclaiming Jesus Christ through Excellence in Education,” he said. “I am incredibly excited to join the aquatics program at Crean Lutheran and to help the boys and girls develop into young men and women who are deeply passionate about their relationship with Christ. I am driven to elevate this already outstanding program into an extraordinary, winning team that is firmly rooted in Christ-centered values.

“With a strong emphasis on discipline, regiment, growth and encouragement, I am dedicated to inspiring our athletes to reach new heights of excellence, not just in the pool, but in the classroom and in their spiritual journeys.”

Runyan’s coaching career included a stint at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he was an assistant coach for the women’s water polo team in 2018.

“We finished with a 23-2 record, finishing second in the nation,” he said. “From 2018 to 2020, I volunteered working with the club team local to Merced training young athletes in personal skill development, specific to shooting and post-up work.”

Since November 2023, Runyan has been the head coach for the 18 and under boys water polo team for Costa Mesa Aquatics Club. The team is 24-4 heading into the Junior Olympics in August.
In high school, he was a four-year varsity player and in college, he played at Cal Poly SLO scoring 25 goals his freshman year helping his team to a third place national finish.

Runyan then played for two years at Merced College, a community college, where he was second on the school record board in career goals and was named first team all-conference, first team All-Nor Cal and first team All-American. He was voted team captain and received the coach’s award.

Runyan wrapped up his college playing career at Concordia University Irvine where he transferred in 2020. In two seasons, he scored 145 goals and broke the school record of 131 that was previously set by a player in four seasons.

In 2021, he was named Western Water Polo Association honorable mention and first team ACWPC All-American. He also received the Eagle Award at the Senior Athlete Banquet.

In 2022, Runyan was named first team All-American and ACWPC NCAA Division 2 player of the year, a first for the program.

Runyan replaces Ed Carrera, who resigned after three seasons.