Bio

ART STONE graduated from Hilltop High School in 1966. He was a three-year varsity letterman in wrestling, earning 2nd in League competition, 1st in the semi-finals bouts and 3rd in CIF competition. In his final year in high school, he was named MVP of the Lancer’s senior class.

After high school, Art enrolled at Southwestern College where he competed on the wrestling team and worked with the very talented and successful Head Coach Dick Mason. A fierce competitor, he became one of the top wrestlers in the state of California. In his first year at Southwestern, he came in 2nd in the conference, 2nd at Southern California Regionals and 5th in the State. He was named MVP for the team. In his second year, Art was 1st in the conference in his weight class, 1st in Southern California Regionals and voted MVP for the team, the conference and at the Regionals.

Art attended San Jose State University on a full-ride scholarship. He was a two-year letterman— coming in 1st in the Pacific Coast Association Conference and qualifying for the NCAA Wrestling Tournament. Art graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. Soon after returning home to San Diego, Art received a Master’s Degree in Physical Education from Cal Western-U.S.I.U. Art joined the Southwestern College faculty in 1971 as an adjunct professor and assistant wrestling coach. In 1973, he was hired as a fulltime professor in physical education-exercise science and as the head wrestling coach.

Throughout his career, Art has been one of the hardest working and energetic teachers, beloved by his many students over many years. Always innovative, he developed a bicycle class that took class trips around the state as well as to Hawaii and the Orca Islands in Seattle. In addition, he developed SWC’s adaptive physical education curriculum, providing his students such experiences as playing wheelchair soccer, football and basketball as well as taking off-campus trips to Eastlake and back. He also coordinated the College Recreation Association Program (C.R.A.P.) in support of the college’s academic program in recreation. At one time there were over 100 students involved. In response to student demand and changing fitness trends, Art coordinated the development of the first fitness center at SWC as well as the one at the National City campus. In 1978, he became the first fitness director for the Southwestern College Police Academy. He continued doing the job for the next 26 years. During these years, Art also introduced new life skills classes in the physical education program—gymnastics, judo, self-defense, bowling, kayaking and boxing. When Art taught these classes, enrollments maxed out.

Art has many memories of his years at Southwestern College. But it is the students in his adaptive classes he remembers the most— “the ones with various disabilities as well as their volunteer aides. It was wonderful going to lunch together and just being involved with the program. I learned so much from them. These classes and all the people involved are my most treasured memories.” Art and his wife have two sons and four grandchildren. His son, Jason, is married and a 5th grade teacher in Chula Vista. His other son, Eric, is a Naval Aviator and test pilot currently serving in Afghanistan.

Congratulations Art Stone for your outstanding achievements as a student-athlete and faculty member. It is a distinct honor to induct you into the Southwestern College Athletic Hall of Fame, Class of 2019.