A Homecoming for the Jackrabbits
Davis Towne, a 2007 graduate of Long Beach Polytechnic High School, has been named the new head baseball coach for the Jackrabbits. His appointment marks a return to the school where he once swung a bat as a varsity player from 2005 to 2007.
Towne’s coaching journey began at Lakewood High, where he spent nine years building programs and mentoring athletes. During that time he helped launch the career of former Lancer right‑hander Anthony Eyanson and worked under the legendary Spud O’Neil, a coach with more than 950 wins in California.
Balancing Classroom and Dugout
Beyond the diamond, Towne will continue his work as a special education teacher at Lakewood High. This dual role reflects his commitment to both education and athletics, a combination he believes enriches the experience of his players.
The Poly campus is currently undergoing renovations, and the baseball team will practice at nearby Cabrillo High while the upgrades are completed. Towne sees the temporary arrangement as an opportunity to foster team cohesion and adaptability.
A Vision Built on Discipline and Integrity
Towne’s philosophy centers on discipline, integrity, and reconnecting with the alumni network that has long supported Poly baseball. He hopes to instill a culture where hard work and respect are as valued as athletic achievement.
To that end, he has added former teammate Nick Irving to the varsity coaching staff, bringing a familiar voice that can bridge past and present. The move is part of a broader effort to rebuild continuity after a period of rapid coaching turnover, which has seen four different head coaches in the last five years.
Wendell “WoWo” Moe, Jr., Tyson Ruffins, Brent Lavoie, Curtis Thompson, Martin Rodriguez, Solomon Williams, Michael Crowder‑Jones, and Fausto Gaxiola, Jr. are among the alumni and former players who have expressed enthusiasm for Towne’s leadership. Their support underscores a community eager to see the program return to its former prominence.