Volleyball:

The First Annual Battle of the Bay boys’ volleyball alumni matches on March 6 were extremely successful with spirited play, renewed camaraderie, and a special evening for local volleyball players both present and past.

It was obvious to Dan Glenn’s Newport Harbor High team and Steve Conti’s Corona del Mar squad, that volleyball has been played at a high level in this area for a long time.

The 70s and 80s match was the best attended as both teams had a number of players. CdM’s Brian Lewis, who is in his 40s, showed that there is a reason that his number is retired in the Errion gymnasium at CdM. He showed that he could still play at a very high level. Another Sea King who was very impressive was Dick Monroe, who played for Corona in 1974. In his 50s, Dick played middle for the CdM 70/80s alumni team and returned to hit outside against CdM’s varsity team in the last match of the night.

Newport’s contingency was also very representative with Bill Yardley, Steve Friedman, Mike Curci, and Greg Hart hitting the sets from Drew and Sean Sheward with Gary Crane’s passing initiating the play. The most colorful plays came from Peter Helfrich, who, after being taunted by Lewis, screamed on each kill and yelled under the net at Tom Mitchell. Lewis kept saying something about “set HER the ball again.”

While the setting of Todd Miller (MVP of the ’78 CdM team) directed the Sea King attack, Mitchell, Jim Sargeant, Jon Schisler, Don Bassler and Mike McKibben were impressive hitters. There was some controversy with the CdM team. It seems that two of its players did not play at CdM but claimed to have coached there. I am sure that this will be addressed before next year’s Battle of the Bay.

With the game barely started, Newport’s Mike Flinn suffered a game-ending injury. As he backed outside to hit, he felt a pop in his calf and could not continue. That did not keep him from attending the post-ame festivities at the Newport Beach Tennis Club.

The 90s game seemed to move a little faster. Newport’s Russ Gan showed why many feel that he is the best setter ever in our area by distributing the ball with ease to Dan Thomassen (coaching and teaching at Sage Hill School), Al Lemon, Eric Perrine (coaching at UC San Diego) and Dr. Amin Mirhadi. CdM’s setting was handled by Derek Newcomer and Evan Burden, with Dennis Alshuler and Greg Coon in the middle and Rob Alshuler and Alec Hansen hitting outside. Newport’s Ryan Tomalas and CdM’s Tom Welch both played with the 90s teams.

The 2000s match was very good. Tom Welch and Sam Stafford led CdM, while Blake Tippett, Adam Schlesinger, Loyd Wright and Eric Perrine were all good for Newport. Another highlight of the evening were the matches between the alumni and the varsity teams from CdM and Newport. Run simultaneously in both gyms, it was possible to get an idea of what each team will look like this season. While the alumni teams beat the varsity teams, it was a very valuable lesson for Newport and CdM.

The postgame party and auction were a success. The Newport Beach Tennis Club was close and quite a number of the players attended and danced to the music of the fabulous Ho Daddies. Newport’s Matt McLaren served as the master of ceremonies for the auction and was extremely successful at raising money for both programs.

A special thank you to Anne Yardley and Mary Ann Haly who were so instrumental in the organization. Dave Nielsen was outstanding in organizing the alumni teams and assisting Brent Ogden who did his usual outstanding job as the “Voice of the Sea Kings.”

I would like to thank Newport assistant coach, Taylor Govaars, who created the idea for this event.

Oh, who won? Everybody that attended was treated to a memorable night (even Mike Flinn). The e-mails have already started in preparation for next year’s event which should prove to be even more exciting. Special thanks to all who donated to the cause.