Joe Etzel (b. Jun 20, 1938) began his athletic career as a little league pitcher, moving on to Columbia Prep, and Central Catholic High Schools, before entering the University of Portland where he starred in baseball, and holds the school pitching win percentage record. The Pilots made the NCAA regionals in 1957 and 1958, and Etzel finished with a 20-7 record and ERA of 2.45.

After graduation, Joe was head baseball coach at Central Catholic for five years. He was hired as the Pilot’s head baseball coach in 1965. In 21 seasons he won 378 games. 34 of his players went on to play professionally, including four reaching the major leagues (Ken Dayley, Bill Krueger, Tom Lampkin, Steve Wilson).

In 1970, in addition to his baseball coaching duties, Etzel took on those of athletic director, finally giving up coaching in 1986. He eventually served as AD for 34 years, retiring in May, 2004.

During his tenure as athletic director, Joe oversaw the construction of the Chiles Center, the Louisiana-Pacific Tennis Center, Pilot Stadium, and Merlo Field. One of his proudest achievements was his involvement with the NCAA women’s soccer championship.