BEACH CREW Alumni Association July 2014 alumni.beachcrew.org A Project of the CSULB Foundation

Beach Hosts Naples Island President’s Report each Crew ended the 2014 season on a good note Collegiate Rowing Challenge Bmaking their best showing in a decade at the West- ern Intercollegiate Rowing Association (WIRA) Champi- onships this year in Sacramento. The team put six boats in the finals with two boats winning medals. The team has shown progress this year with coach- es and rowers demonstrating a winning spirit. The BCA had a good year as well. Our efforts to gain greater support from the University has resulted in the granting of preferred registration for all rowers beginning in the Fall. This will have a significant impact on the team, allowing all the team members to structure their schedules to allow for full attendance at all prac- tices. It will also eliminate the need for some students to drop crew because of conflicts with class schedules and will improve their chances of being able to graduate in four years. This should be a big help in recruiting and retaining athletes. The team has also been granted access to the Ath- letic Training facility and trainers located in the Pyramid. This should greatly enhance the teams readiness for a Next Fall the BCA will host a greatly expanded Fall Regatta. The Regatta has been re- strong competitive season. The BCA owes special thanks named the “Naples Island Collegiate Challenge” . Scheduled for November 1- 2, this event will feature the Novice and Alumni “Pancake Regatta” on Saturday morning, followed by a to Athletic Director, Victor Cegles, for helping to make 4500m head race on Sunday morning. Collegiate teams from across the west coast and these things happen. Arizona are expected to attend. The BCA added a new student scholarship this year, By Ariana Gastelum are expected to attend. The Emmet Smith Sports Journalism Scholarship. This he BCA will host a greatly ex- The race will begin in the low year’s first award, with stipend, went to Ariana Gastelum. Tpanded Fall Regatta called “Na- Second Street bridge, continue Ariana, a journalism major and member of the women’s ples Island Collegiate Rowing Chal- counterclockwise around Naples team, improved community awareness of Beach Crew lenge.” Island and finishing into Marine Sta- through her insightful reporting of Beach Crew’s races. Scheduled for November 1-2, dium. The course covers 4,000 me- Browse the Beach Crew web site to read her articles. this event will feature the Novice ters. In an effort to enhance the university experience for and Alumni “Pancake Regatta” on The goals for the event are to the rowers, we invite BCA members to serve as tutors Saturday morning, followed by a create a revenue-generating event or to provide company internship opportunities. Since 4500m head race on Sunday morn- for the LBS Rowing Team that will nearly 90% of CSULB students work part time to pay for ing. sustain the program for future years college and internships are increasing required to gain The Pancake Regatta is an as well as provide a quality competi- employment after graduation, your support would be in- event for novice crews to race over tive rowing event that will grow and valuable. Contact me, Ken Glenn, if you are interested. an 850-meter course in Marine Sta- attract elite teams, according to a Other members have been busy this year support- dium. presentation by Kenneth Glenn. ing Beach Crew. BCA Director of Outreach, Brandin The Naples Island Collegiate To volunteer, contact event Grams, has led the way this year in providing live video Challenge will exclusively be a col- chairman, BCA Boatmaster John coverage of rowing events. Look for his video coverage legiate racing event. Teams from O’Donnell, for details at http:// on the Beach Crew Wed site. across the west coast and Arizona www.beachcrew.org/contact . Continued on Page 5 1 1974 Men’s LW Crew with Coach Peter Mallory BCA Board of Directors Comprised of CSULB Alumni Oarsmen with extensive and diverse professional backgrounds, the Board of Directors enthusiastically accepts the challenge to promote and enhance the sport of crew at Long Beach State.

Kenneth friendships and a lot of great memories. Northrop Grumman, I am now happily re- Glenn - The work ethic, discipline and teamwork tired in sunny Solana Beach and living with developed in Crew served me well in my my wife and college sweetheart, Donna, the President 35 year career in the Aerospace Industry. 1970 Western Sprints Queen. We have two had the great privi- I worked in Project Management on great daughters, one a Managing Partner lege of rowing for I many of our nation’s premier projects in- for Cabo Corporate Events in Los Cabos, Beach Crew for four cluding the B2 Bomber and more recently, Mexico, and the other a journalist and clas- years, three in the the Global Hawk. While on the B2 Pro- sical singer living in Carlsbad, Calif. Varsity boat, under gram, I served as the President of the 2000 My past volunteer efforts has included Coach Bill Lockyer member Management Club. leadership positions in Junior Achievement (1967-1971). Most memorably, I rowed the In addition to graduating with a BA and Habitat for Humanity. Proud to serve seven spot in the record setting 1968 row from CSULB, I received an MBA from Pep- on the BCA Board of Directors as your to Catalina Island. perdine University, and was a graduate of President, I look forward to helping Beach I graduated from the Beach Crew pro- the Boeing Leadership Center in St. Lou- Crew continue and enhance its great repu- gram with Lifetime Athletic Honors, lifelong is. After retiring from Boeing, then from tation as a leader in collegiate rowing.”

Victor Grgas - Development (CALED). Director of Development Planning for the Secretary Currently he serves as the Property Los Angeles County Community Develop- ur BCA Sec- Services Bureau Manager for the City of ment Commission, as well as the Director Oretary, Victor Long Beach, California. of Economic Development for the cities of Grgas, is no stranger Prior to joining the City of Long Beach, Redondo Beach and of Santa Ana, Califor- to leadership hav- Grgas was President of VSG & Associates, a nia. ing served in senior land use consulting company and real es- Grgas holds both a Master of Public leadership positions tate brokerage based in Seal Beach. Administration and a Bachelor of Business in government, indus- Before forming his company, Grgas Administration degree from the California try, and his commu- worked for over 12 years for one of the State University of Long Beach, and is a li- nity. Victor served as City Councilman and nation’s largest private development com- censed California Real Estate Broker. Grgas Mayor in his home town of Seal Beach. He panies, Forest City Development, and was rowed for Beach Crew from 1970 to 1974 also served as the President of the Na- the Director of Planning and Government under coach Bill Lockyer. tional Council for Urban Economic Devel- Relations for the company’s West Coast Sadly, Grgas’s wife, CSULB Alumna opment, now the International Economic operations. Nancy, recently passed away. She and Gr- Development Council (IEDC) and the Grgas served as Assistant City Man- gas had two sons together. Grgas currently California Association for Local Economic ager for Montebello, California, and as the lives in Seal Beach.

Neil Swaigler - ised to follow them down to the old boat- and coached the Long Beach Men’s Light Treasurer house on the corner of Colorado and Ni- Weight Varsity 8, winners of the Western pon leaving Peter- eto. Thus, began my affiliation with Long Sprint Championships. Uson Science Hall Beach State Crew. In the 1968 Olympic Trials held on 150 in September of Four wonderful years as a coxswain our race course, I coxed the Long Beach 1964, I was stopped at flew by. Friendships were made by the men’s eight and met, and eventually mar- the double door exit score, and rewards, both real and emo- ried, the mother of my wonderful daugh- by three or four large tional, were achieved that will last forever. ter and son. Long Beach State Crew may guys who wouldn’t let I encouraged the women in Shell have only been my life for five years, but it me out until I prom- and Oar to take up rowing, inaugurated set me up for a lifetime.” the new Long Beach Crew Boathouse, 2 Men’s Novice Eight at San Diego Crew Classic

David Chaffee - One of life’s lesson I gained from crew we share two sons, both of whom rowed Member at-large is that whether on the rowing course or in the NAC juniors program. rowed Long Beach State in the courtroom, success comes through Drew, now a major in the U.S. Army, I Crew four years, 1965 - preparation, dedication, and just plain hard rowed varsity crew at USMA (West Point), 1969 with Coach Bill Lock- work. class of ‘05. yer; the first two years out I received my BA from Long Beach My younger son, Evan, UCSD class of of the old 1932 Long Beach State 1969, and a JD from Loyola Law 2011, currently serves as campaign man- Olympic boathouse, and School in 1973. Admitted to State Bar of ager for Dana Point Mayor Lisa Bartlett, the last two helping to open what is now California December, 1973, I served as a candidate for the OC Board of Supervi- called the Pete Archer Rowing Center. Deputy Attorney General, California De- sors, and as a planning commissioner for Three unique experiences from my partment of Justice, 1974-1978. the City of San Juan Capistrano. time with LB crew come to mind: Rowing From 1978 to 1994, I served as an Outside of work I serve on the Board in the 1966 Pepsi Generation commercial; attorney for the County of Orange. Ap- of Directors of the Beach Crew Alumni; act participating as the stroke for the famous pointed Judge of the Orange County Har- as a member of the Board of Trustees of 1968 row to Catalina, and racing in the first bor Municipal Court in 1994, I was subse- Devil Pups, Inc.(a USMC allied youth citi- Long Beach boat, a coxed four (Kelly, Arne- quently appointed Judge of the Superior zenship program); and as President of the son, Gissel, Chaffee, Hughes), to be invited Court of the State of California, County of William P. Gray Legion Lex Inn of Court. At to the IRA’s (then at Syracuse, N.Y.). Orange in 1997, where I continue to serve. home I continue the ongoing/never-ending Married to Delaine Sanders Chaffee, home remodel project.” Sherri Kline - That year, 1993, we established the Ten years later, with a renewed spirit Member at-large first women’s team for Orange Coast Col- for perfecting my stoke, LBRA member, Ra- he moment that lege. chel Stortvedt, and I won the Senior Lt. 2x Tchanged my life for- The following year at CSULB, at 0- at the 2010 Canadian Henley and came in ever is when I spotted a dark hundred sitting on the floor for first 6th at 2012 Olympic Trials. sign pinned up on a bill- day of practice, I meet my best friend to I live in Belmont Shore my wonder- board, ‘Women’s Tryouts this day. We had an amazing year winning ful husband and have worked as a master for Crew.’ the ‘ Cal Cup’ at crew classic. dental ceramist in Irvine for 9 years. I only had a faint idea of what rowing Three years later I won the lightweight I have played a role as mentor of the would be like, but I imagined being on the U.S. Single Trials and placed 8th at 1998 Elite Rowing Group at LBRA, and am cur- water every day, and I was yearning for a World Championships. In 1999, I won the rently on the fundraising committee for team sport. gold in the Lt. 4x. ‘ERG.’” Wolf Thiele - rowing for Cal State Long Beach in 1994 men’s team as a coach and later helped Member at-large and 1995, was a welcome change. Long Beach Junior Crew. A career change n active rower from I found the level of support and dedi- to Corporate Trust Specialist in Struc- A1983 to 1997, I started cation to the team very motivating. The tured Credit, has not allowed any further as a coxswain. punctuality and efficiency of the team engagement. After trying to make na- made me feel right at home. I am happy to be involved in crew tional teams in Germany, In 2001, I started assisting the CSULB again, even if only through the BCA.” Dave Straley - Straley served as a Peace Corps Volun- in land reform, infrastructure, HIV/AIDS Member at-large teer in Nicaragua between 1974 and 1976, prevention, small business development, ave is the principal of working on post earthquake reconstruc- community based natural resource devel- DThird Creek Invest- tion of Managua as an urban planner. opment (game parks), and democracy and ments, a registered invest- He worked at the United States Agen- governance. ment advisory firm with cy for International Development (USAID) Straley rowed the 1968-1969 and $75 million under man- as a Foreign Service officer between 1977 1969-1970 seasons under Bill Lockyer. He agement; a certified pub- and 1983, and as a part-time consultant be- was the recipient of the 1970 William R. lic accountant; a principal of Third Creek tween 1983 and 2000. Lockyer Crewman of the Year Award. Ventures, an angel-investment firm; and a While at USAID he served as what he Straley graduated from California board member of the Arthur B. Schultz calls “a social investment banker” (project State University at Long Beach, with a B.A. Foundation and 3rd Creek Foundation. development officer) developing projects (1970) and M.A. in Economics (1974). 3 Men’s Novice Eight at Gruenberg Cup Ex-Officio Members of the Board Brandin Grams - four. Charles Reed under the Technology In- Director of Outreach In 2009, his boat made it to the Amer- frastructure Services group (TIS), which randin Grams serves the ican Collegiate Rowing Championships serves all of the CSU’s 23 campuses. He BBCA in the ex-officio posi- in Oak Ridge, TN. After rowing, he joined also previously worked at Rogerson Air- tion of Communications Chair- campus staff as the General Manager of craft Corporation as a testing engineer man. As a CSULB undergradu- Rowing until June 2011. of their In-Flight Entertainment division, ate, Grams served on the advisory group Recently, he led an effort of recent working heavily with GPS mapping systems which formed the BCA in 2008. Beach Crew grads to fund the purchase for aircrafts. He is a recent CSULB graduate in of an Empacher 8+ for the Men’s Novice Today, Grams is the Lead Develop- Management Systems and Applied Com- rowers, scheduled to hit the water Spring ment Engineer of RockLive Inc. in New- puter Sciences. 2013. On an annual basis, Brandin is invited port Beach, Calif., coordinating transac- Grams’s rowing career started back in to speak at one of CSULB’s speaker se- tions with major technology companies 2006 while attending Orange Coast Col- ries sponsored by the College of Business such as Apple, Google, Facebook, and Twit- lege. He transferred to CSULB in Spring (CBA). ter. His company is a technology provider 2008, straight into the Men’s Lightweight He previously worked as a student for many public figures, such as Mike Tyson, intern at the CSU Office of Chancellor Fox Sport’s Erin Andrews, and Justin Bieber. John O’Donnell - He is the longest serving member on past. Boatmaster the staff having started with Beach Crew O’Donnell was a rower at CSULB in ohn O’Donnell serves as the in 2004. Coach Peter Mallory’s lightweight crew. He JBeach Crew Boatmaster and “Coach John,” as his rowers call him, is a certified referee for US Rowing. is the man who keeps all the is a mentor to all of his athletes. They love O’Donnell has worked as a Supply crew boats, oars, and support- his passion to introduce the sport to many Chain Manager for the Southern California ing equipment up and running. walk-on athletes as well as those continu- Gas Company for over 30 years. ing in the sport who have rowed in the Rita Hayes - Director of demic camp for over 400 hundred students High School in Santa Ana, and has three Club Sports & from kindergarten through the eighth daughters ages 26, 23, and 20. They live in Recreation, CSULB grade to provide academic enrichment and Seal Beach. ita Hayes serves as the Di- exposure to the college environment. Hayes noted that Long Beach State is Rrector of the largest Club Hayes has been working at CSULB in larger than the cities that most students Sport program in the CSU system direct- administration for 27 years after complet- come from and she sees club sports as a ing the activities of 38 sports programs ing her undergraduate degree in Physical valuable tool in retaining students by help- in addition to managing a fitness program Education and her graduate degree in Rec- ing them feel connected to the campus. serving Faculty, Students, and community reation Administration at CSULB. Rita has been a great supporter of the members. She is married to Rick Hayes, the rowing program and her help has been in- During the summer, she runs an aca- women’s basketball coach at Segerstrom strumental in its continued success. Steve Buchan - ‘William Lockyer Awards’ for outstanding ministration from Pepperdine University. Associate Director, contributions. Buchan also led the Marketing and Sport Graduate Program in He later returned to CSULB in 1980 Partnership efforts for Carl Karcher Enter- Sports Management to serve as the Assistant Women’s Volley- prises as Senior Vice President of Market- teve Buchan received his ball Coach. ing and Product development for the Carl’s SBachelor of Arts Degree Four years later he joined the ARCO Jr. restaurant franchise. He later joined LA and Secondary Teaching Credential from Products Company and spent 15 years Fitness, a national fitness club chain, as the CSULB in 1974. in the world of petroleum products and Vice President of Marketing. He began his teaching career in Spe- convenience stores, culminating in leading Most recently, he directed the retail cial Education in the Los Angeles Unified the Marketing Department for the nation- operations for The Pepsi Bottling Group’s School District. ally recognized ampm Convenience Store Inland Empire Market Unit, receiving the He was a member and captain of the Franchise, setting new standards for the ‘Presidents Circle of Excellence Award’ Long Beach State Rowing Team from 1969 industry. and ‘Chairman’s Award’ for outstanding to 1973, receiving the ‘49er of the Year’ and He earned his MBA in Business Ad- contributions to the business. 4 Men’s Varsity Eight at Head of the American President’s Report Class of 2014’s Memorable Athletes Continued she was doing her master’s program,” he Grey Mouser Board Member, Dave Straley, cham- said. “She rowed for two years during that By Ariana Gastelum pioned our video history program and over in England. So, I already knew what s an athlete for completed two outstanding interviews crew was, and after talking to Stephanie, I Aover 17 years, this year with Olympians John and Joan figured I’d give it a shot.” Grey Mouser is no Van Blom and Olympian Karen McK- Throughout the next few years, Mous- stranger to dedication. losky-Keen. You can see these interviews er took on officer positions treasurer, vice This year, he finished in their entirety on the Beach Crew Web president and president. He claims that his third year on the Site. taking on these responsibilities helped him Long Beach State Row- Associate Director of Sports Man- become a sharper and well-rounded indi- ing Team as team cap- agement at CSULB, Steve Buchan, hosted vidual. tain, graduated California State University the first ever Student-Alumni Social Mix- “I think Beach Crew was the first time of Long Beach with a Bachelor of Science in er at the Pyramid this year. It was a huge where I actually wanted to take the leader- Electrical Engineering, and plans to join the success. All BCA members are invited, so ship role,” he said. “After seeing this year United States Navy. look for the notice next year. Our Alum- and how things have moved and the degree Mouser joined the team because he ni Saturday Rowing program continues of improvements, I think this year is a big said he missed partaking in competition. to be popular. We meet the first Saturday leap forward, and it is definitely set up for “Doing wrestling and football and of the month to row and socialize. If you success in the next couple of years.” pretty much every sport in between grow- are interested contact Steve. Although Mouser has left the team, he ing up, I was always competitive,” he said. The board has also actively worked has not left the sport. “It’s just kind of hard to give up.” the administrative issues such as equip- “Once you’ve rowed, you have friends Mouser noted that he originally want- ment acquisition, inventory control, risk all over the world,” he said. “So, I can walk ed to join the jiu-jitsu club at Long Beach management and financial reporting that into a boathouse and just start rowing, but had difficulty reaching them. are vital to building a strong alumni or- which is awesome. It gives you connections Soon after, he spoke to former cox- ganization and rowing program. Special anywhere you go. So, I think if the oppor- swain Stephanie Baesa and was convinced thanks to Rita Hays, Director of Club tunity arises, I’d walk in and start rowing to try rowing. Sports and Recreation, for all of her sup- again.” “My aunt rowed at Cambridge when port. Bryan Pulling lenge to get better at anything I do. I’m glad The focus of the Board for the 2014- By Ariana Gastelum I didn’t quit because I wouldn’t have met 2015 season is to provide the financial ff the water, the the people I have otherwise.” and moral support required to help the Oteam recognized Pulling rowed for three years and rowers become highly competitive col- Bryan Pulling for his coxed for two. Throughout the years, he legiate athletes, targeting our funds di- sense of humor. As a watched the team grow in quantity and rectly to the student rowers to provide coxswain, he was just quality. expanded training, competition in more the opposite. “The last year was really the best be- races, and better access to university Pulling finished his fifth cause of how well we did, the growth of the services. The team members and coach- year on the Long Beach program was big, and the group of people es are enthusiastic about next year. State Rowing Team. He were the best and probably closer than any With a large number of returning has graduated California University State of other year,” he said. rowers, and plans for a strong recruiting Long Beach with a Bachelor of Science in Pulling noted that the values of crew effort this fall, the team looks well posi- Biology with an emphasis in Physiology. also taught him to improve as a student and tioned for a strong showing next season. Like most, Pulling had no prior knowl- an individual. It motivated him to work hard Thank you to all of our BCA members edge or experience with the sport. He in school to remain eligible as a competitor. for your moral and financial support to joined crew because he wanted to be a “I can go back to the qualities that I Beach Crew! It is making a big difference part of a team at the school. used in crew in the real world,” he said. in helping to build a strong rowing pro- “I was put in the boat on the first day “Managing my time, being on time, always gram at CSULB. Go Beach! and caught so many crabs but somehow showing up, always giving it my all, no ex- made it back to the dock alive,” he said. cuses – that will help me in getting a job Sincerely, “I didn’t quit because I knew things would and succeeding in the real world.” Kenneth Glenn get better, and I am always up for the chal- Beach Crew 1967 -1971 5 Women’s Varsity Eight at Head of the American Coaches Robert Edwards - Men’s Head gattas including the Dowling Cup, All-SUNY Regatta, Metropolitan Coach Championships, and Knecht Cup. Years with Beach Crew: 5 After graduating Maritime with a BE in Naval Architecture, Alma Mater: State University of New York Mari- Edwards was commissioned into the United States Navy and was time (SUNY-M) assigned the Office of Naval Reactors, in Washington, DC. While in DC Rob began rowing with the DC Strokes Rowing obert “Rob” Edwards joined Beach Crew Club Men’s Masters team. Shortly after joining he began coaching Rin 2009. the morning competitive team and in 2006 took on the Men’s and Since his Fourth Class year at the State Uni- Women’s Masters Novice teams while still competing with the versity of New York, Maritime College (SUNY-Maritime) Rob has master’s team. Rob was able to accumulate more medals from been a member of a competitive rowing team. While at Maritime, such events as the Occoquan Chase, the Head of the Ohio, Capi- Edwards won several medals as the bow-man in the Men’s Novice tal Sprints, Charm City Sprints, Stonewall Regatta, and a gold and and Varsity fours, including gold medals at the New England Fours bronze at the World Out Games in Copenhagen, Denmark. and Mid-Atlantic Championships as well as at several smaller re- In August, 2009, Rob transferred to the Individual Ready Re- serves and began living a civilian life in Long Beach, Calif. Jonathan Flietstra - Novice Men’s Coach Years with Beach Crew: 5 Alma Mater: CSULB, Fuller Theological Semi- nary he Beach Crew Selection Panel of CSULB TClub Sports & Recreation Department welcomed Jonathan Flietstra back for the first time since his graduation in 2010. Having rowed under Head Coach Scott Strong, Jenna Larson, and Sam Proctor, Flietstra started as a novice athlete in 2005, serving as Team Captain for two years in 2008 and 2009, and tak- ing home the Gold medal in the Men’s Collegiate Pair 2+ at the 2007 Western Intercollegiate Rowing Championships (WIRA) with alum Kent Redell (’09). Novice Coach Jonathan Flietstra is known for saying “Go after it,” and Flietstra is a graduate of CSULB, with a degree in Kinesiol- “Pound it out!” during his motivational discussions with the team. ogy and an emphasis in Sports Psychology and Coaching.

Ian Simpson - Women’s Head he held until he returned in 2010 to revive elite sculling in Long Coach Beach. Years with Beach Crew: 1 In 2012 Simpson was a team manager and coach of the US Alma Mater: Durham University rowing team at the Olympic/Paralympic Games in London, Eng- n 1994 Simpson started the Elite Rowing land. In 2013 Simpson formed the Southern California Scullers IGroup (ERG) in Long Beach which was re- Club in nearby Huntington Harbour. Under Simpson’s guidance, sponsible for the development of several ath- SoCal Scullers athletes represented the United States at the world letes, many of whom went on to row for the championships in S. Korea and at World Cup races in France. They United States. were runners-up in U-23 national team trials, in junior national After the 1997 world championships, Simpson left Long team trials and won multiple national championships and Cana- Beach to become the assistant coach of the US women’s national dian Henley medals. team until the 2000 Olympic Games. In 2010, together with former Long Beach State rower Elena After the Sydney Olympics, he became the Head Coach and Delgado, Simpson established a high performance land training Program Director of the Long Beach Junior Crew program until center (CORE) for boys and girls and young adults. A workout 2006, when he moved to the San Francisco Bay Area to head the destination for college and national team rowers, CORE is based powerhouse. Oakland Strokes women’s varsity team, a position on the CSULB campus. 6 Women’s Novice Eight at SoCal Opening Day

Coach’s Thoughts for Next Season By Ian Simpson For the rowers: hope everyone on the team is motivated to return. I hope that I the varsity group is large enough and experienced enough, to start where we have just left off; with a good attitude and a deter- mination to have a successful year. I would like to have as many people as possible start up at least one week before school starts, so we can get a jump on the conditioning and the skills training that will be needed to give the new novices a powerful positive first impression of the team. To some extent the injuries we experienced late in the sea- son were caused by “weekend warrior” syndrome; the athletes were very motivated to push themselves to their limits, but were not really in the top physical condition required to work safely at that level. Next year we will be in so much better shape that when the spring racing season comes everyone will be physically ready to give their best effort. In connection with this, time management is very important. I was aware that many on the team were not getting enough sleep. We have to figure out how to get at least seven hours each day – otherwise you run the risk of injury and ill health. I want to see a large novice group mentored by the varsity. I want to see a team that values its time spent together as one of the highlights of every member’s college career. I want the boathouse to be everyone’s home away from home, the place where they can pursue their dreams and goals; a haven for getting away from the stresses of everyday life. With a strong team we can set our sights on performing well at the San Diego Crew Classic; having a varsity eight and a novice in their respective grand finals and/or a four challenging for the The varsity eight who competed in the Berg Cup included (front to back) top spot. With a strong team we can focus on top performances coxswain Sheila Robles, Kelsey Davis, Penelope Gallardo, Maria Guardiola, Sam at WIRA. McFeely, Ariana Gastelum, Cecilia Guerrero, Renae Jackson and Sydney Abad. Continued on Page 8 Beach Welcomes New Women’s Assistant Coach By Ariana Gastelum Berkeley in 2003. egan “Smitty” Smith will be taking over Smith liked the team’s intense drive and team effort. She Mthe assistant coach position on the noted one of her most memorable sporting achievement was women’s team, replacing Tamar Schaap. winning gold in the finals of the World Rowing Under-23 Cham- Schaap will be studying abroad in Hol- pionships of 2006 in an eight. land for her master’s degree at Radboud Uni- That year, she also finished second in the varsity eight and versity. won the team championship at the 2006 NCAA Championships. “I now feel really guilty for leaving after She also took bronze in the eight at the 2007 World Rowing Un- the year since finding coaches was an issue at der 23 Championships, and won silver in the pair at the 2011 Pan first,” Schaap said. “I saw that I wanted to go American Games. to school again and coaching – especially the novices – made me Smith’s personal hero is her father. She often finds herself think about training for myself again.” repeating his sayings, “Life is not fair,” and “It’s just pain.” Smith was born in Kansas City, MO and grew up in Temple- Smith moved to Long Beach in 2012 and lives here with her ton, Calif. She began rowing in 2003 at University of California boyfriend and dog Maggie. 7 Men’s Lightweight Four at WIRA Coach’s Thoughts for Next Season Continued ll the returning rowers will stay in wards restoring Beach Crew Pride. a donation. Any money raised will go to- Ashape during the off-season, some Working with Rita Hayes and the wards boats, oars and other equipment, have been training regularly at SoCal Scull- Career Development Center, the BCA is coaching, and scholarships. A new racing ers and a few will compete at USRowing currently arranging for the team to have eight costs over $40,000; just one pair of Club Nationals in the summer. access to study hall and tutoring, and time replacement rowing shoes is $100; a new For the Alumni: management training in the fall. We look cox box and speaker system for one eight Once a Forty-Niner, always a Forty- forward to collaborating closely with the is over $500, and the list goes on. Niner. The importance of past students BCA on recruitment, fundraising and ca- The women’s team’s two primary rac- to the rowing team cannot be overstated. reer development initiatives. ing eights are both over 12 years old. Op- With their continued support, the rowing There are opportunities for the alum- portunities exist for the BCA to partner club will continue to grow and to thrive. ni to further assist the team at races by with the team as it does its ergathon fun- We are grateful for all the work be- renting team tents, providing hospitality, draisers- providing planning and logistical ing done by the BCA. Their initiatives in hotel-to-venue transportation, chaperone assistance as well as helping the students securing priority registration, access to services, and helping the officers with trav- raise money. the NCAA strength training facility, the el logistics. We appreciate any help you can give hospitality tent at Crew Classic and regu- The team needs money, a lot of money. to support future generations of great lar news updates have gone a long way to- Please support your old team by making rowers at CSULB.

LBS Rowing Team 2013-2014 Bottom row (left to right): Penelope Gallardo, Sheila Robles, Sarah Dresser, Matthew Maliglig, Brittni Finley, Cecilia Guerrero and Tamar Schaap Second row: Steven DesBiens, Maria Guardiola, Sydney Abad, Reid Atkins, Sam McFeely, Trevor Brand, Orlando Alfaro, Bryan Pulling, Ariana Gastelum, Reggie Harris, Christopher Booth, Rikki Oden, Kelsey Davis and Ian Simpson Back row: Monica Wasynczuk. Tyler Miguel, Eric Oates. Taylor Berukoff, Mark Saavedra, Caleb Marchio, Chris Hamptom, Jayne Goodwin, Grey Mouser, Jonathan Flietstra, Jake Skoll, Alexandra Savage, Brad McCormick, Patrick Tilley, Robert Edwards, Evan Wright, Trevor Peach, Greg Yotsov, Stefano Balbusso, Ryan Woolner and Jacob Bledsoe

Photo credits in this publication: Kaitlyn Gold, Stefano Balbusso, BEACH CREW ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Brandin Grams, Kristie French (CSULB Archives Office) CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH 335 Shoemaker Lane Solana Beach, CA 92075