All your favorite teams and sources in one place

Build your feed

Your Teams.
All Sources.

Build your feed

© 2024 BVM Sports. Best Version Media, LLC.

No results found.
St. Augustine basketball coach Michael Haupt a leader on and off the court
Since taking over the St. Augustine Saints boys basketball team in 1995, Mike Haupt has turned the program into one of the best in the nation. (Photo: St. Augustine Athletics/Mike Cianciolo)

St. Augustine basketball coach Michael Haupt a leader on and off the court

SAN DIEGO — For any sport at whatever level, the longevity of coaches is always something that is admired by fans, players and organizations. Before he recently announced his plans to retire following next season, Duke University men’s basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski has led his basketball team to five national titles over his 41-year career, among other accomplishments, earning him much respect not only around campus but in the world of basketball. Jay Wright, Villanova University’s head men’s basketball coach since 2001, has had a successful career securing similar respect. Like many other well-known coaches, their actions on and off the court demonstrate the dedication and loyalty they have for their programs, benefitting their schools and the sports world as a whole. On a more intimate and local level, St. Augustine High School head boy’s basketball coach Michael Haupt is admired by his players and fans for being a friendly face around San Diego, while he continuously adds to his already impressive coaching resumé.

Haupt grew up playing basketball with his three older brothers and began his career playing for Mira Mesa High School in San Diego. After performing well on the varsity team and reaching 6-foot-5 in 1984, Haupt decided to attend San Diego State University where he played as a point guard for the Aztecs. Haupt played the 1984 and 1985 seasons at SDSU before transferring to the University of San Diego (USD) and becoming a Torero. There, he redshirted his sophomore year and continued to play there until 1989. 

Haupt and the Toreros made the 1987 NCAA tournament and played a well-fought game against the Auburn Tigers in the Round of 64. However, they ultimately lost at the last second to a final score of 62-61. It was a thrilling game for the 45,000 people in attendance and the players involved.

“It was so loud,” Haupt said. “No one could hear the referee’s whistle at the end of the game.” 

After graduating, Haupt returned to his alma mater and spent four years as an assistant coach at USD. A few years later in 1995, St. Augustine High School offered him the head coaching job. He took the position but had a rough first season, winning only seven games out of 28. Though it was not ideal, it is still one of his favorite teams he has coached because of the camaraderie among the players and what he learned about his coaching techniques. 

After a few more seasons, Haupt had perfected his approach to the game and eventually won the 2013 Division III California State Championship, defeating Sacred Heart Cathedral 59-52 in overtime. Since then, Haupt’s team has been an intimidating opponent for many, winning tournaments and gaining national recognition. In recent years, they have been honored as a Nike Elite program. With over 40,000 high school basketball programs, Nike has designated only 200 as elite.

Haupt continues to keep his team a part of these selected schools, even through the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, the pandemic has taken a toll on all high school sports and their schedules, but Haupt has managed to maintain a winning team by taking a different approach at the current season. 

“We didn’t think we would have a season,” Haupt said. 

Due to this assumption, he and his team decided to have fun and use this season as a building year, as most of the players on the varsity team are underclassmen who still have time for regular seasons. Still, the St. Augustine Saints are having a fantastic year and are currently looking for another title as they make their way through the playoffs.

Coach Haupt has loved coaching at St. Augustine High School. He has coached outstanding players, including two of his sons, and looks forward to getting back to a sense of normalcy with a regular schedule and a more extended season. Because of his amiable attitude and loyalty to the school, Haupt has become admired by many people. He is excited to finish the ongoing season strong and hopes to see his favorite childhood team, the Los Angeles Clippers, win it all in the NBA Finals this year.