Saul Pacheco: A Journey from Skydiving to 49 Years as a Track Starter
Veteran Skydiver and Educator Saul Pacheco Reflects on a Lifetime of Achievement
At 88 years old, Saul Pacheco has earned the respect and admiration of those in his community, particularly for his remarkable record of 36 parachute jumps. As he relaxes in a lawn chair at the Arcadia Invitational, surrounded by friends and fellow track starters in their signature red suits, Pacheco reminisces about his time in the military with the 82nd Airborne Division during the 1960s, shortly after his graduation from Wilmington Banning High School and UCLA.
“I was a jump master who became in charge of the parachute troopers,” he shared, detailing his military tenure and its influence on his life.
After leaving the Army, Pacheco pursued a career in education, initially seeking a position at his alma mater, Banning High School. With no openings available, he found a home at rival Carson High School, where he served as the offensive line coach under Hall of Fame coach Gene Vollnogle for over 20 years. Vollnogle led the football program from 1963 to 1990, securing eight City titles.
In 1977, Pacheco transitioned to become a track starter, utilizing his experience with firearms to excel in his new role. The learning curve involved mastering the intricate rules of track and field, but it was a challenge he embraced. Pacheco has since dedicated 49 years to the sport, planning to retire this spring. For a quarter-century, he served as a starter at the Arcadia Invitational before taking on the role of meet referee, addressing any disputes that arose during events. His reputation is cemented by the respect he has gained from fellow starters, many of whom he has mentored throughout his career.
This fall, Pacheco will be honored with an induction into the Carson Hall of Fame, recognizing his substantial contributions as both a coach and an athletic director.
Pacheco’s journey began as one of 13 siblings in his family. Describing his upbringing, he noted, “Everybody came in to eat at different times. My mother did a great job having stuff ready.” Despite the challenges of growing up in a bustling household, Pacheco recalls fond memories of family gatherings, particularly during holidays.
Five of his brothers are still living, including a 90-year-old, and all three sisters are alive. One of his younger brothers, Henry, previously coached football at San Pedro for 12 years before his untimely death due to health issues related to his service in Vietnam. Two other brothers served with the LAPD, and two became firefighters. Pacheco’s commitment to public service continues with a grandson currently serving as a deputy sheriff in Riverside.
Throughout his career, Pacheco has officiated at five state track championships and numerous City Section championships, often only drawing attention when a false start occurs. “If there’s a false start, someone complains,” he remarked, highlighting the behind-the-scenes challenges of his role.
Reflecting on his long tenure as a track starter, Pacheco expressed, “The fun part is watching all the athletes compete and being around all the other officials. The officials are tremendous and dedicated, trying to do a good job.”
As conversations naturally flow among the starters at the event, Pacheco’s passion for athletics and community shines through. Notably, he arrived at the Invitational prepared to don a red suit like his colleagues, explaining with a smile, “I brought it just in case. I was an alternate.”
Whether in the air or on the field, Saul Pacheco’s story is one of preparation, dedication, and lasting impact. For these reasons and many more, he truly deserves a salute.
