Vista Murrieta's Coach Candaele Inducted Into Carpinteria HS Athletic Hall of Fame

Vista Murrieta High School’s Head Football and Track Coach, Coley Candaele was inducted recently into his high school alma mater’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

Candaele was one of five 2013 inductees to Carpinteria High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame, joining 39 other alumni dating back to the 1930s. An induction banquet held Saturday, Nov. 9, was the first since 2010.

According to a news release, Candaele, a 1990 graduate of the high school, led the Carpinteria Warriors to four CIF football championships, three as a quarterback and one as a head coach. Also as Warrior, he won the state track and field title in the 1600 meters.

"My experience academically, athletically, and socially at Carpinteria High School set me up for success through out my life," Candaele said. "I am honored to call myself a Carpinteria graduate."

Vista Murrieta Athletic Director Ray Moore said he was “fortunate to represent Vista Murrieta High School and attend Coach Candaele’s Hall of Fame induction last weekend,” and added these remarks:

“Coley’s work ethic, team spirit and intense competitive nature made him an outstanding athlete at Carpinteria High School. These same qualities have helped him to become one of the best coaches in our state and beyond.

“Not only has Coach Candaele led teams to CIF, State and National Titles, he and his outstanding staff of coaches have helped young men and women to become great young adults. We are very fortunate to have him as a member of our Bronco Family.”

The following is biographical information about Candaele, shared by the Carpinteria High School Athletic Hall of Fame Committee:

A standout athlete for Carpinteria High School, Coley Candaele excelled in both football and track, earning seven varsity letters – three in Football and four in Track & Field. He was named the CIF Athlete of the Year in 1990 and has the unique experience of leading the Warrior Football team to four CIF Championships and two undefeated seasons, both as a player and a coach.

On the gridiron, Candaele started on offense and defense for the Warriors, but put his name in the record books as the quarterback with most points scored (222) and most career passing yards (4,620). He led the Warriors to three consecutive Tri-Valley League and CIF Championships in 1987, 1988 and 1989, including an undefeated 14-0 season in 1987. Candaele earned All Tri-Valley League honors in 1987, 1988 and 1989, and was named the league MVP in both 1988 and 1989. He was also named CIF Player of the Year in 1988 and was part of the All-CIF teams in both 1988 and 1989.

Candaele excelled even further on the track, setting multiple school, league and CIF records throughout his career and leading the Warrior Track & Field team to Tri-Valley League titles in 1988, 1989 and 1990. Candaele was the Santa Barbara County Champion in both the 800M and 1600M in 1998 and 1989. He compiled six individual CIF Championship titles, winning both the 800M and 1600M in 1988, 1989 and 1990, and was the anchor on the Warriors CIF Champion 4x400 relay team in 1990. He established school records in the 400M, 800M and 1600M, as well as the CIF Division IV records in the 800M and 1600M. Candaele placed third at the State Championships in the 1600M in 1988, second in 1989 and finally became the State Champion in 1990 with a national leading time of 4:06.26.

Candaele earned a full Track & Field/Cross-Country scholarship to the University of Oregon, competing there for two seasons. He finished his collegiate career at Cal-Poly San Louis Obispo running track and cross-country and earning All-American honors twice in the 1500M.

After graduating from Cal Poly, Candaele spent four seasons at Covina High School before returning to Carpinteria High as Head Football Coach and assistant Track & Field Coach in 1997. Under his leadership, the Warrior Football team compiled a record of 51-24-2, finishing as CIF runner-up in 1998 and culminating in another perfect 14-0 season and CIF Championship in 2002.

Candaele left CHS at the end of the 2003 school year to become the Head Football and Head Track & Field Coach at the then new Vista Murrieta High School. His Football and Track & Field teams have achieved great success under his leadership. With Candaele at the helm, Vista Murrieta has been to the CIF Inland Conference Football Championship game the last four years, winning the championship in 2011 and finishing as runner-up in 2009, 2010 and 2012. The Track & Field teams have won the Division 1 CIF crown for four consecutive years (2010-2013). The Boys Track Club was also the Nike National Boys Track & Field Champions in 2010 and finished second in 2011.

Candaele and his wife Karen live in Murrieta with their two daughters, Peyton and Devyn.

Note: Other 2013 Carpinteria High School Athletic Hall of Fame inductees include Kevin Purcell and Peter Ruiz, an inseparable pair of All-CIF basketball players from the 1970s (CHS class of 1974); DeeAndra Pilkington McGuff, a three-year starting pitcher for the Warriors softball team who went on to earn All-American honors at California Lutheran University (CHS class of 1986); and Micheline Sheaffer White, a CIF Champion and record holder in the discus and former UCSB discus record holder (CHS class of 1988). For more information, visit Warriorcountry.com.