Upton Retires as Cypress Athletic Director

Marie Upton, the girls’ athletic director at Cypress High School, has retired after 17 years at the school.

Upton, 58, had taught physical education at Cypress since the school opened in 1973. She also coached the girls’ basketball team for 12 years, winning seven Empire League championships.

“I decided to retire a little early because I’m that age,” Upton said. “(The athletic director’s job) takes a lot out of you. I’ve been at the school 17 years and I decided to retire while I was still in good health. This is my 36th year of teaching. To me, 36 is long enough.”

Under Upton’s direction, the girls’ athletic programs at Cypress won 27 league championships, including Southern Section 4-A softball titles in 1983 and ’87.

“She was one of the pioneers in the Anaheim school district in bringing the girls’ programs from a GAA (Girls’ Athletic Assn.) activity to the highly competitive level it is at right now,” boys’ athletic director Rob Walker said.

“We are going to sorely miss her in the boys’ program, too, because she worked there, too, and we worked very well together.”

Kathie Maier will replace Upton as girls’ athletic director. Maier has coached badminton, tennis and volleyball at Rosemead High School in El Monte since 1987 and has taught aerobics and badminton at Cypress College since 1983, Walker said.

Maier will teach physical education and be an assistant coach for the volleyball team.