Maranatha High School: Introducing the Physical Department

Maranatha High School (MHS) continue its series to help you become better acquainted with each department at Maranatha. After many months of being stuck at home during COVID, Maranatha’s PE Department is trying to help students become more active by being outside as much as possible, playing sports and games together, and getting back to competing with one another. These challenges offer students a chance to reset their personal goals, while encouraging them to adopt different activities and step outside of their comfort areas.

The goals of the PE faculty are to help students become physically stronger, more fit, and build confidence through exercise and weight training. In addition, MHS’ hope is for them to value the opportunity to work in community with each other, while seeking to honor the Lord through physical challenge and training.

The department is led by Mike Mancini who has been with Maranatha for 6 years. In his free time, he loves to fish and enjoys reading history books. Matt Shupper joined Maranatha 11 years ago and is also the head Baseball coach. Coach Shupe, as he is known by his players, loves spending his free time taking naps, playing golf, being at the beach, and watching his kids play sports. Though he also loves video games, he admits he rarely has time to play. Aaron Holbert, who has been at the school for 2 years now, also assists in the Admissions Department. He loves the water, particularly the ocean. He says his passion is fishing – mostly salt water, but he will spend time in fresh water as well. He enjoys most any water sport, from boating to jet skis and wave runners. Rand Holdren joined the department this year and also serves as the head Football coach. He enjoys writing youth sports-related content for The Team Room on Substack.com, and in his spare time, you can find him at the beach with his family.

These dedicated men serve MHS in multiple ways. All either currently or previously have coached Maranatha’s athletes: Coach Shupper and Coach Holbert with Baseball, Coach Holdren with Football, and Mr. Mancini with Basketball.

Maranatha High School, 169 S. St. John Avenue, Pasadena, (626) 817-4000 or visit www.maranathahighschool.org.