John Paul II names Aaron Mau as new softball coach

Like many of the players he’ll work with, John Paul II’s new softball coach is stepping up from one of its feeder schools.

Aaron Mau, athletic director at St. Gregory the Great Catholic School, was named Tuesday to take the Golden Warriors into their first varsity season next spring. JP2 has played the past two seasons with only a junior varsity.

Deacon John Crapanzano retired in May after laying the groundwork for the program.

“We’re excited,” athletics director Matt Dakolios said, noting that Mau will remain at St. Gregory to coach volleyball in the fall and basketball in the winter.

“He didn’t have a spring sport, so it turns out to be a nice fit with us. He’s coached baseball and softball for 15 years, and baseball is what he played in college. And it doesn’t hurt that he’ll be coming from one of our feeder schools.”

Mau, who played college baseball at Concordia University, also teaches math and science to fourth- through sixth-graders at St. Gregory.

Meanwhile, John Paul II athletes now have use of the school’s new gym, though locker rooms, the weight room and storage area remain under construction. Dakolios said the school should have full occupancy of the building by the time classes begin Aug. 17.

This story was originally published July 26, 2016 at 8:23 PM with the headline "John Paul II names Aaron Mau as new softball coach."