Spring – Summer 2006

UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS – MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Big C is planning a series of social/reception gatherings focused on bringing alumni Big C'ers together in the communities where they live. These are now in the planning stages - watch your mail and keep checking the Big C web site (www.bigcsociety.org) for details as they become available.

• San Francisco Bay Area – Monday, September 11
• San Diego – Tuesday, September 19
• Laguna Beach – Wednesday, September 20
• Los Angeles/Desert Area - Thursday, September 21
• Carmel/Monterey Bay Area – Postponed until October
• Central Valley Area – Wednesday, September 27
• Sacramento Area – Thursday, September 28
• Athletic Hall of Fame Induction – Friday, November 3

YOUR TEAM MATES WANT TO HEAR ABOUT YOU

As a varsity athlete you were important to your team mates. As an alum, you're still important . . . your team mates, other letter-winners from your sport, and friends from other Cal teams would like to keep up with where you are and what you're doing . . . both at the office and at home.

Thanks to Dan Lufkin's (Baseball, Basketball, 64) super- capable, super-generous efforts as Big C's web site manager, news from and about alumni Big C members can be posted and updated on line every couple of weeks instead of annually.

So . . . getting married? Let us hear from you! Got an anniversary coming up?  Let us hear from you! Had a new addition to your family? Let us hear from you! Promotion at work? . . . Job change or professional honor? . . . Moved to a new city? . . . New grandchild? . . . Outstanding activities and/or honors for the absolutely best kids and/or grandkids in the entire world? Let us hear from you!

Send an e-mail with any news about you and/or your family to mail@bigcsociety.org. Tell us your news in the e-mail (not in a separate file . . . viruses have burned us too many times) and we'll see that it appears as a Team Mates update within two weeks or less after we receive it.

Big C wants to hear from you, so stay in touch. Often!

CAN YOU NAME THESE DUDES OF YESTERYEAR?

(see below under Board listings)

NEWS ABOUT TEAM MATES

Don Allin (Gymnastics, '58) and wife Mudge ('54) celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August, 2005. The event took the form of a 10-day tour and cruise to/through Norway - 2 days each in Oslo and Bergen, 6 days on a cruise ship docking at several ports along the Western Norwegian Coast from Kirbines to Bergen. Their son, Garrett, was the US NPL (Bodybuilding) Champion in 2004, and runner-up in the event in 2005 (although most of the competitors felt that Garret was a victim of questionable judging during the event and actually deserved to retain his title. Don's older son, Tim, works as a district manager for the Hospira Company (a spin-off from Abbott Laboratories). He still runs an occasional triathalon, is coaching his son's Little League baseball team and somehow also finds time to watch his daughter compete in gymnastics. (Incidentally . . . actually not so incidentally . . . Don was voted into the National Gymnastics Judges Hall of Fame in 2005 – the single recipient to receive this honor that year!

Edin Anderson (Golf, '00) married Ted Hulsy (Cal, '95) on June 11 last year. The couple lives in San Francisco. Congratulations, Eden (on your marriage . . . not for living in San Francisco. Although that's nice, too).

Bob Bahme (Rugby 73) now lives in Houston, TX. While Bob was winning his Big C at Cal, wife Ann played golf at Furman University. Little Anna (10 years old) excels at soccer and softball. Griff & Jamie Adams are Anna's Godparents (Griff was Bob's Phi Delt fraternity brother at Cal). Bob's professional life has focused on building medical and other type structures in the Houston–Austin area. He follows Cal sports activities through father Dick (Track, 40) and mother Anna an Honorary Big C winner and Cal Women's Physical Education Staff member from 1946 –49

Memory Lane - 1968

Memory Lane - 1981

MORE NEWS ABOUT TEAM MATES

Kent Brewer (Track, 64) continues to practice law in Walnut Creek (geez . . . after practicing this long you'd think he'd be ready to do it for real). Actually, he's been threatening to retire for 33 years . . . only to find another interesting case which he feels compelled to resolve. He continues to be very involved with Cal, serving as a member of the Track & Field steering committee as well as the Big C Board of Directors. Wife Nancy (Cal, '65) is admissions counselor for the graduate program in Liberal Studies at Saint Mary's College in Moraga. She's also a past member of the UC School of Design Alumni Board of Directors. Kent reports that all is well in the hills of Orinda, where he raises Koi (no confirmation that the Koi share Kent's opinion on this). The Brewers' two grown sons – successful in their own right even though not attending Cal – are understanding about their parents' fanaticism, and promise to hold off calling the men in white coats. For a little while longer, at least.

Alice Cantwell Brock-Utne (Swimming, '94) and husband Arne welcomed their new son, Tobias John Brock-Utne, on March 4, 2006. Now that Mom is a little distracted starting her pediatric career in the East Bay, Tobias' older brother Brian (born 4/1/04) is showing Tobias how to get exactly what he wants whenever he wants.

Richard Dawson (Swimming, Water Polo, 62) sends greetings to his Team Mates and many Cal alumni friends from his home in Oklahoma City, where he's still practicing medicine (again with the practicing). He also stays in shape by walking 3 miles/day, 5 days a week. Says he misses the pool and swims when he can, but walking isn't as hard (I'm guessing that means walking is preferable in the winter when the pool temperature in Oklahoma City may or may not register on the positive side of freezing . . . or maybe by walking he means ice skating). His hobbies also include collecting articles/small objects from the (Mining West) circa 1848­­–1915 – including, but not limited to, ingots, stocks, paper and all sorts of other (stuff) (to use super-technical terminology). Richard invites anyone who might have mining west objects to sell, and/or just to say hello, to write to him at 2137 Crossgate Drive, Oklahoma City, OK, 73170.  

Heather Diers (Volleyball, 04), after graduating with a degree in History, played professional volleyball in Europe from August 2004 – January 2006 – first in Eastern Germany, then in The Netherlands. Found time to do some traveling throughout Europe with boyfriend David Janiak (Cal Crew alum) after the 2005 season. While in Paris, Heather says, David proposed in a romantic setting under the Eiffel Tower as the sun set through the trees. The wedding is planned for June, 2007. (Geez, David! Do you realize how high you've set the (romanticism bar)?  I'm afraid to ask what you've got planned for Anniversaries and Valentine's Days!!) Heather and David have now returned to the States and live in San Diego where she's enrolled in grad school working toward her teaching credentials and a Master's in Education. Also says she has readjusted to American life and is happy to hear so much English being spoken again.

Aaron Gordnier (Baseball, 98) lives in Ladera Ranch (CA). He's been with Sprint Nextel  for 5 years – most recently working as a Sales Manager. (Fairly) eventful 2005: in February he trekked to Africa for a Safari and to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, then in July daughter Alexandra Paige was born. 2006? Aaron and Olivia celebrate their 6th anniversary on October 21st; before that, the family celebrates Alex's 1st birthday on July 16th, and son Drew's 4th birthday on August 1st.

Steve Grealish (Football, Rugby, 73) doesn't want to sound like a broken record, but wants his many Cal friends to remember that he's still running Shanghai Kelly's Saloon (at Polk & Broadway) and The North Star Cafe (at Green & Powell) – both in San Francisco. He invites all Cal fans to drop by either (or both) of these fine establishments for pre-game, post-game and/or in-between game gatherings (in–between) meaning days or evenings when there isn't a Cal game of some sort or other scheduled at Cal . . . as opposed to trying to drop in at halftime and make it back to Berkeley for the second half).

Karen Hagen (Field Hockey, 98) married Travis Webster back in May of 2003 and became Karen Hagen Webster. In 2004 she received her Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and in October of last year was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament. She now serves as an Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Meadville, PA. Congratulations, Karen!

 George Hernandez, Jr. (Soccer, 73) became the new Presiding Judge of the Alameda County (California) Superior Court on January 1 of this year. He will serve a two-year term leading the court's 85 judicial officers, oversee the operations of 15 court facilities and a budget of $90 million. George previously served as Supervising Judge of the Gale-Schenone Hall of Justice in Pleasanton, as well as Presiding Judge of the former Fremont-Newark-Union City Municipal Court and as a member of the California Judicial Council Advisory Committee on Records Management and as chair of the court's Civil Committee. Doesn't say what he does in his spare time (wonder why!!).

Brian Horwitz (Baseball, 04) now lives in Phoenix. He and Krysti Whalen (Cal Women's Soccer, 03) are engaged, and have set a December 2006 wedding date.

Joe Kaiser (Water Polo, 01) now lives in Marina Del Ray, CA.

Dan La Conte (Trainer, 76) served 10 years as a Golden Bears athletic trainer. He attended Chiropractic School, graduating in 1985, and for the 20 years since graduation, has been self employed as a chiropractor. He recently moved his practice to his hometown of Lafayette. Got a chiropractic problem? (925) 284–9000!

Thomas LemMon (Rugby, 80) has recently opened his own law practice, with an office is in Pt. Richmond (CA). Invites your call at (510) 231–0777.

 Andrea McDermott (Crew, 03) is finishing up her Master's Degree in Special Education (high incidence disabilities) at Vanderbilt University. She continues her fund-raising efforts in support of children with Down Syndrome . . . specifically having raised over $31,000 in reading scholarship monies for children with Downs at The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Reading Clinic (http://www.geocities.com/teamwilliam1.  Keep it up, Andrea.

 John Merchant (Track, 58) has just finished his first year of retirement after having practiced orthodontics for 44 years. Says he's not as efficient as he was when he was working (who wants to be efficient when you're retired, anyway? – editor's observation, not John's). His time is spent (apparently inefficiently – again, editor's observation) with travel, golf and a few (very vague) projects he describes as "interesting" (hmmmmm . . . could it be that his "interesting projects" are those which involve extricating himself from water hazards and sand traps??). John and his wife usually spend a couple of months in the summer on an island off the coast of Maine; he continues to be involved in Cal athletics (he's a member of the Track & Field Steering Committee) and also works on projects at Berkeley High School.

Memory Lane – 1954

MORE NEWS ABOUT TEAM MATES

 Craig Miyamoto (Golf, 91) and wife, Stephanie, proudly announce the birth of their son Matthew Stephen Sumio Miyamoto. The Miyamotos live in Sacramento, where their daughter attends Sutter Middle School. Craig has been with Edward Jones Investments since 2000, and hopes to play lots more golf now that he has a caddie.

Julia Nichols (Crew, 00) is living and training in Philadelphia where she's still pursuing her athletic goals in rowing. A member of the USA Team for the past three years, she won a Bronze Medal at the 2004 World Championships in Banyoles, Spain . . . and a Silver Medal in the 2005 World Championships in Gifu, Japan (Lightweight Women's Double Sculls).

Gus Panagotacos (Baseball, 01) graduated from USF Law School in May of this year with a JD/MBA. He subsequently passed the California Bar Exam and has begun working at Gordon & Rees.

John Pappa (Football, 52) and his wife, Meredith, are still putting up with the rigors of life in McCloud (CA) where they've lived for the past 14 years. McCloud is located at the Southeast part of Mt. Shasta, and their mountain lifestyle forces John to endure recurring episodes of trout fishing in McCloud Lake, deer hunting and, when the weather permits, golfing and taking rides in the country. He sort of "glosses over" the part about digging out from the 5 to 6 feet of snow they look forward to each winter. He doesn't gloss over the fun they have taking care of their many grandchildren who visit often. He looks forward eagerly to attending "Pappy's Boys" reunions each year and doesn't hesitate to reminisce about "the good old days."

John Ricksen (Basketball, Tennis, 53) recently underwent cataract surgery. Rumor has it that he experienced a severe bout of depression when he got a clear look at brother Rupe and realized he was his twin. Hey, ever get a good look at Rupe . . . wouldn't you be depressed if you realized that's what you looked like?

Jerry Scatini (Football, 62) was inducted into the San Mateo Sports Hall of Fame in June, 2005, joining other Cal alums Ray DeJong, Bob Milano and John Caselli who had been previously honored for their impact on community sports. Jerry lives in San Francisco and works as a mortgage broker. He and wife Diane are awaiting the birth of their eleventh grandchild.

Marielle (Schlueter) Ritchie (Track, 03) is married to ex-Stanford, now-Philadelphia Eagles fullback, John Ritchie, and living in the Philadelphia area. They welcomed son Joseph Wallace Ritchie (a future Cal Bear, says Marielle) on January 21, 2005. She sends her congratulations to the Cal Track team (especially the distance runners) for doing so well.

 Erin (Jesfjeld) Schlehr (Swimming, 99) and her husband, Patrick Schlehr, are living in Walnut Creek (CA). Erin cur rently works as a swim coach/pool manager and college admissions advisor in the East Bay.

Shane Singh (Basketball Manager, 96) attended Pacific/McGeorge Law School after graduating from Cal. He has been practicing civil litigation as an attorney in his hometown of Sacramento since 1999. In 2005 he was on the ballot as a congressional candidate in the special election held to replace the late Robert Matsui.

Rod Stensen (Gymnastics, 71), a member of the 1968 Cal NCAA Championship Gymnastics Team, now lives in Fairfield and works as an Exclusive Financial Specialist for Allstate in Northern California. He and his wife have four grown children. Says he looks back on his years at Cal with great fondness.

Andy Tamayo (Rugby, 00) and Nicole Omphroy (Swimming, 00) were married last August (the 20th) in Sonoma County (CA). Andy played on 3 of Cal's National Championship teams, Nicole was team captain of the 4th nationally ranked swim teams and a multiple-time All-American as well as an Academic All-American. They still compete for the San Francisco Olympic Club in their respective sports, and live in Oakland.

David Tong (Swimming, 00) checks in from Long Beach to report that, on November 15, 2005, he officially entered the "rat race." On that date he passed the California Bar exam after having graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School. And, as he puts it, until his partners wise up, he's working as an Associate at Keesal, Young & Logan. He invites e-mails from team mates and friends at david.tong@kyl.com.

Miguel Torrente (Track) lives in Stockton (CA) with wife Bahar and their three children – Michael, Bianca and Arianna. Miguel teaches high school at Weston Ranch High School in Stockton and is also the Head Track & Field coach there. His professional duties also include service as a Captain in the US Army National Guard as a helicopter pilot/commander. He's an avid golfer (although his message strategically (??) omitted reference to a handicap or PGA tour record). You can reach him at mtorrente@sjcoe.net.

Monte Upshaw (Track, 58) recently celebrated his 70th birthday at Pink Beach in Bermuda. Nice.

David L. Wood (Swimming/Diving, 54) has retired from his private practice of plastic and reconstructive surgery. He continues to teach his specialty to plastic surgery residents from UC Irvine and at the US Veterans Administration Hospital in Long Beach.

Memory Lane – 1968

Alums, Coaches Honor Senior Student-Athletes at 2006 Banquet

 On April 26, Big C alums, coaches, families and fans attended the Big C Spring Banquet, held each year to honor undergraduate student-athletes from all sports who have finished their NCAA eligibility at Cal. In case any of the alumni dudes shown below have changed since you last saw them, here's a guide to who they are. Order in all photos is left to right. Rap sheets are being withheld due to lack of space.

Top Row, left: Anna Bahme, Cece Werson, Jim Werson (Swimming, 38) and Dick Bahme (Track, 40); right: Board Members Dan Lufkin (Basketball, Baseball, 64) and Jack Vohs (Honorary); Second Row,  left: Dennis Gates (Basketball 02 & current Ass't Men's Basketball Coach); middle: Keynote Speaker Bill Ausfahl and wife, Trudi; right: Banquet Chair Chris Carpenter (Basketball, 64) applauds as Bill Ausfahl shows off his newly awarded Honorary Big C Certificate; Third Row: left: Kirk Everist (Swimming, Water Polo, 90 & current Head Water Polo Coach); right, two of the many Zebras who roamed the dining room that evening searching for food; Bottom Picture: Nancy Brewer, wife of Board Member Kent Brewer, flashes a "How many times have I've heard this one before" look, while Board members Don Bowden (left, Track, 58) and Nancy's husband Kent (Track, 64) listen to Board Member Rob Olson (Basketball, 66) explain how that beer bottle in front of him really isn't his.

Meet Some Of The Big C Society�s 2006 Board of Directors

(The others were too fast, too shy or too smart to get caught by our amateur candid camera operator)

Here are the ID's for this eclectic group. We'd change the names to protect the innocent, but there are no innocent to protect! All row designations are from the top, and all listing ID's are left to right. Top Row: Bill Bailey (Honorary, 50), Don Bowden (Track, 58), Kent Brewer (Track, 64), Sean Bullard (Football, 96), Chris Carpenter (Basketball, 64);  Second Row: Ken Cusick (Crew, 51), Conor Famulener (Basketball, 04), Mike Gridley (Football, Track, Rugby, 66), Storrie Johnson (Crew, 80), Linn Lippstreu (Volleyball, 81): Third Row: Dan Lufkin (Basketball, Baseball, 64), Clif Mayne, Jr. (Tennis, 90), Joe McCarthy (Swimming, 91), John Merchant (Track, 58), Bob Milano (Baseball, 62); Fourth Row: Mohamed Muqtar (Athletic Department Liaison), Noel Murphy (Water Polo, 85), John Ricksen (Basketball, Tennis, 53), Rupe Ricksen (Basketball, Tennis, 53), Graham Smith (Swimming, 79); Fifth Row: Darryl Stallworth (Football, 87), Verne Thornburg (Track, 54), Gregg Thornton (current Big C Society President – Track, 83), Rich Thornton (Swimming, 80), Monte Upshaw (Track, 58); Sixth Row: Jack Vohs (Honorary, 50) Linn Watson (Swimming, Water Polo, 52), Jim Werson (Swimming, 38).

ID's for Page 1 Yesteryear Dudes

(Studly to Fudly)

1. Dan Lufkin  2. Don Bowden  3. Verne Thornburg

4. Monte Upshaw  5. Kent Brewer  6. Chris Carpenter

Memory Lane - 1981

Memory Lane - 1997

You Make The Call:

2006 Big C President Gregg Thornton

Crossing the finish line at a 1981 meet . . .or late for his BART train last week?

The 1981 Cal Tennis Team . . .or the cast of HAIR?

In Memoriam:

The Big C Society has recently learned, with sorrow, of the passing of the following members:

Kaya Apaydin (Soccer, 50), Lee Artoe (Football, 42), Emil Bergh (Crew, 40), Jud Callaghan (Football, 38), Tom Elmendorf (Rugby, 41), George Gillespie (Football, 59), Ned Griffith (Basketball Manager, 65), Oscar C. Harper, Jr. (Tennis, 46), E. Dixon Heise (Tennis, 39), Bert Horn, (Football/Wrestling, 44), Ted Hubert (Football, 40), Dale Kellogg (Crew, 35), Maynard Munger (Manager, 54), Jerry Patmont (Honorary, 50), J. Perke Stone (Football, 39), Raymond Talcott (Crew, 48), Richard Vielle (Basketball, 42). Franklin Walker (Football, 34), Leonard Warren (Tennis, 50).