On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, Loara High School came together to honor the memory and enduring legacy of a remarkable educator, coach, and mentor, Ed Prange. In a heartfelt ceremony, the newly named Ed Prange Gymnasium was dedicated in recognition of his impact on our school community.
The event was a testament to the love and respect that Ed inspired during his time at Loara High School. Friends, family, colleagues, and students filled the gymnasium to pay tribute to a man whose dedication and kindness left an indelible mark. Ed’s brother, father, and wife were present, their pride and emotion showed as they witnessed the outpouring of support from those who knew and loved him.
The Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD) Board voted unanimously in August of 2024 to rename the gymnasium in Ed’s honor. The proposal for the renaming was written by Paul Chylinski, Activities Director at Loara High School, and Cork Snider, Ed’s lifelong friend, soon after Ed’s passing in 2023. Their heartfelt initiative underscored the deep respect and admiration they had for Ed and his contributions to the Loara community.
The ceremony featured moving speeches from several individuals who shared personal stories and reflections about Ed. Cork Snider highlighted Ed’s compassion and dedication to each of his teams, emphasizing the profound care he brought to coaching. Mohammad Abuhadwan, Ed’s assistant coach and former player and now the head coach, spoke about Ed’s influence on his life and career. Marci Prange, Ed’s wife, delivered a heartfelt tribute that left many in the audience visibly moved. Principal Gary Brown and Athletics Director Todd Rolph also shared inspiring words about Ed’s impact on Loara High School.
Maggie Moreno, Senior Policy Aide to Carlos Leon, Anaheim City Council Member District 2 and AUHSD graduate, presented Marci and Loara High School with a Proclamation of Dedication for the newly named gymnasium. With Mr. Brown’s lead, the community and school came together to raise funds for the new graphics and plaque now displayed in the gym, symbolizing Ed’s legacy.
During his 33-year tenure, Ed taught US History, Government, and Physical Education. He served as the department chair for PE and stepped up to support the cheerleaders when no one else would. By hiring the right walk-on coach, Sarah Granillo, Ed helped the cheerleaders regain their success, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to all students.
On October 16, 2024, the CIF Southern Section honored Coach Prange with the Distinguished Service Award for contributing to high school athletics and Loara High School. Mr. Prange’s wife, Marci, and his friend Cork Snider accepted the award on his behalf, with Rick Burns (Teacher & Friend), Mr. Chylinski (Activities Director & Friend), and Mr. Abuhadwan (Assistant Basketball Coach & Former Player under Coach Prange) also in attendance.
Ed’s coaching career was marked by remarkable achievements. He led multiple successful basketball seasons, earning CIF Southern Section Honors for his exceptional leadership. Among the many talented players he coached was Tes Whitlock, who set an Orange County record by scoring 68 points in a single game against Saddleback High School on December 22, 1990. These accomplishments stand as a testament to Ed’s ability to inspire and nurture talent on and off the court.
AUHSD Board members Ron Hoshi, Jessica Guerrero, and Annmarie Randall Trejo were in attendance, further highlighting the importance of the event and Ed’s contributions to the district.
Cindy Gomez, a former student at Loara High School, beautifully captured Ed’s essence in her article published on November 29, 2023, in The Gladiator Times. She wrote: “He had a way of making everyone feel seen, valued, and cared for. His humor, compassion, and unwavering dedication to his students and athletes were unmatched.” Her words resonated deeply during the ceremony, reminding us all of the reasons we gathered to honor his memory.
Ed Prange was more than a coach or teacher—he was a guiding light for countless students and athletes. He taught with passion, coached with integrity, and led with a heart full of kindness. His influence extended far beyond the classroom and court, shaping lives and inspiring dreams.
The newly named Ed Prange Gymnasium stands as a lasting tribute to his extraordinary contributions. It will serve as a place where future generations of students can strive for excellence, embodying the values that Ed exemplified: hard work, compassion, and unwavering commitment to others.
As we celebrated Ed’s life and legacy, we were reminded of the profound impact one person can have on a community. The dedication ceremony was not only a moment of remembrance but also a call to carry forward Ed’s spirit of service and kindness.
The Ed Prange Gymnasium will forever echo the lessons and love of the man who inspired so many. Thank you, Ed, for everything. You will always be a part of the Loara Saxon family.
