Sidelines: Seely still “trucking along”

Don Cantrell

Rear Adm. Jim Seely, (USN, ret.) and his lovely wife, Gail, were

pleased to be visiting Albuquerque, New Mexico, in early May for a

reunion with one of Seely’s former Navy fighter pilot squadrons. He spent

34 1/2 years in the Navy before returning to a retirement pass.

Seely, Class of 1950 at Newport Harbor High, and one of Al Irwin’s ’50

swimmers, also had golf in mind with his former mates, but was amused at

his first day on the University of New Mexico course. With a smile, he

indicated the ball wasn’t traveling precisely to all areas he had in

mind.

A resident of Alexandria, Va., Seely is a longtime Washington Redskins

grid fan and is optimistic about upcoming fortunes since he has a high

regard for new coach Steve Spurrier, former coach at the University of

Florida.

A UCLA grad, Seely earned numerous military honors as a jet fighter

pilot during Vietnam days and once commanded more than 8,000 personnel at

Whidbey Island Naval Air Base in the state of Washington.

He was pleased to learn about the recent Newport Beach Lifeguard

get-together since his former coach, Al Irwin, and his cousin, Rick

Othmer, were guest speakers before a packed house.

“Gail and I are trucking along taking our meds, exercising, walking

and trying to watch what we eat,” Seely said. “All in all, we feel very

fortunate. However, I’d sure like to be able to fly jets again,

especially now, but them days are over. I think I’m over it, but my

favorite program is, “Jag.” Does that indicate something?”

It was interesting to note over dinner one night to learn one of his

war college program mates in years past was Colin Powell, now U.S.

Secretary of State. He was impressed with his talent.

Seely voiced his opinion regarding the world scene today.

“On the bright side, we have seen the youth of America come through

for us,” Seely said. “It seems that in every generation we worry if we’ve

raised our young people right. We had every reason to worry in the ‘60s,

but I saw firsthand how our young folks performed. They are doing just as

well (some would say better more now as ever.”

He was cheered to hear this corner relaying happy greetings to him

from numerous Harbor High grads, including Don Dickey, Class of ‘48; Ted

Trompeter, Class of ‘50; and Bob Berry, ’49 all-league fullback.

Seely still laughs over the time in volleyball at Big Corona when the

ball was struck back his way by George Yardley, later to become an NBA

Hall of Famer, and found his nose turning red from the action.

Dickey, a member of the ’48 Tar basketball team, had interesting news

the other day. He indicated Don “Muk” McCallum, student body president in

1948, has retired and plans to stay in Tahiti. He and Jay Carlisle, Class

of ‘52, have sold the seaside resort.

With a smile, Dickey says McCallum is now entertaining people in his

tavern by playing the ukulele.

McCallum, who ran track and played football at Newport in 1946-48, had

previously considered setting up an operation in Baja California, but

apparently changed his mind. Carlisle will also remain on Tahiti.

One sad note from early May indicated that former Tar Bill Smalley had

died and would be buried at a military cemetery in Riverside.

His young brother, Mel, a Pilot Sports Hall of Famer from the 1949-50

season of Tar football, was reportedly heading south from Lodi to attend

the funeral on May 4 or May 5. Mel Smalley was the Sunset League scoring

ace in ’49 with 104 points.

He and his brother had worked together at times in the past up North.

Dickey also said Jim Ashen, a top tailback for the 1946 and ’47 Harbor

gridders, is currently relaxing at his second home in Puerto Vallerta,

Mexico. He spends a period of time down south, but later returns for a

stay in Sacramento, where he once conducted a highly successful dental

business.