While both schools have a long history since the early 70s, the excitement of the Battle of the Bay did not really emerge until the late 80s when Dan Glenn started coaching the Newport boys and I was coaching at CdM. He stressed the importance of this crosstown battle, which has grown into the most competitive intracity boys’ volleyball rivalry in the United States. The success of the sport in our area coupled with the natural draw of the Battle of the Bay has created a yearly event which is legendary.
John Weyrauch, who taught Advanced Placement mathematics at Corona for years, was the driving force behind CdM boys’ volleyball in the 70s. His early teams had some great players like Pete Ashley, John Klug and Rich Jeffs.
Newport’s team was getting support from coaches Neal Cline, Jeff Pierose and Ron Coon. Greg Kelly, Mike Blanchard and Mark Slevcove were the stars of the early years as well as an emerging player named Steve Timmons, who went on to play in three Olympics (I hope that Steve will attend the game).
How great would it be to see these guys?
As you talk to players over the years, they all brag that their team was the best. The squads include: Peter Helfrich’s 1980 Newport CIF champs, Chris Allard and Dave Johnson at CdM, Jon Schisler and Brian Lewis’ CIF champs in 1985, as well as Glenn’s 1987 CIF champs at Newport featuring Hugh Foster, Drew Sheward, Mike Curci, and John Alstrom.
It will be a great experience to see all of these former players attempt to revive it on the court. I know that Corona’s 1989 CIF champs led by Ty Price, Jason Perkins and Matt Herrington, feel that their year was very good.
The format on March 6 will start at 4 p.m. with the 70s and 80s alumni match. Those who do not want to play are encouraged to attend.
At 4:45, the 90s CdM vs. Newport alumni will play.
