2008
March 13
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On a beautiful day Jim Moblad (left) and I (right) drove to Santa Rosa to rekindle our friendship with one of San Carlos High School's great swimmers, Dick Poe (center). There was a 45 year hiatus since the last meeting between the former teammates and myself. Dick is currently living in Ukiah, CA and is an active leader in the University of California under water diving program. Dick does a lot of traveling and keeps in shape with frequent visits to Ukiah Masters swimming workouts. |
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2007
December 19
What a pleasant surprise to open
my email and see a message from Dennis Landes ('64 Water
Polo). One never knows where the Bulldog web pages reach, and this time
it landed in Tennessee. Dennis lives in Chattanooga with his wife and
two step-daughters. He is practicing Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
December 2
What a great bonus I got when attending the NCAA Water Polo Championships at Stanford today. In spite of a packed house the following group of former Bulldogs convened and we all sat together: Jeff Citron, Larry Fabbro, Steve Jones, Tim Madden and Dan Zabel. They all gathered on Friday and Saturday for renewed comraderie as a result of the summer's Bulldog Reunion. Jerry Breen and Chuck Dimick made there way through the masses to say hello. Dave Gray was also with us while honing his refereeing skills. Between games we were in telephone contact with Marc Pecar who is living in Phoenix. What a wonderful opportunity for me to share my Bulldog acquaintances with my son-in-law and grandson.
October 16
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The final touch on the Bulldog Reunion took place today as Dick Thomas, Jim Moblad and I met for lunch. I was presented with the truly magnificent momento representing Dick Thomas's artistic talent. This token of appreciation already hangsproudly on our family room wall. |
June 23
The Bulldog Reunion was held at Harry's Hofbrau in San Jose. Seventy former Bulldog Swimmers, Divers and Water Polo Players or managers attended this heartwarming event.
April 1
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Jim Moblad, Alex Arcady. stalwarts of the College of San Mateo's first water polo team in 1963 and I met for lunch at the Hofbrau in San Jose. After reminiscing about what has gone on in our lives over the past 43 years we strolled back to the banquet room to see a preview of our June 23rd reunion headquarters. In accordance with the phrase that leopards don't change their spots, neither do great guys. |
After over 30 years John Butler and I had a chance to share memories and catch up on what is going on in each other's lives. John resides in San Mateo with his wife and two children. He currently works as a management consultant for large companies. The dude looks great and is still playing competitive squash.
2006...
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December 12 After a 26 year hiatus, Jeff Johanson and I met to reminisce and GET updated on each oher's lives. Jeff lives in Beijing, China with his wife and two sons. He is the Athletics and Activities Director for the International School of Beijing. Now an avid golfer and occasional swimmer. Jeff is serving students while enjoying the role of husband and parent. It was truly unfortunate that our meeting came about because of Jeff's presence in the area as he spent the final days with his mom before she passed away. Jeff plans to return to the Bay Area and is looking forward to the Bulldog Reunion in June of 2007. |
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October
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Bulldog Reunion
Steering Commitee |
L to R: Rich Donner, Kent Johnson, Bob Quist,
Denis Spanek, Jim Moblad, Dave Breen |
| August 6-12
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During the FINA World Championships held at Stanford
University the following Bulldog related activity took place: Water Polo: Steve Hamann
and Dennis Belli (top left photo) started on the
55+ gold medal team and Jerry Breen played in the 50+ division. |
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June 14 |
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 Bob and Pete in case you forgot |
May
20 |
The new year brought the terribly sad news that David Abramson ("Kong") passed away in his sleep on December 22, 2005. Dave was predeceased by his wife, Cathleen, in 2003, and is survived by his children Kyra and Joshua.
March 31...
Mazel Tov! ... Tom Ehrhorn sent a dual announcement of the birth of their first grandchild ''My son Christian and his wife Joy have blessed Judy and me with our first grandchild. Truman Thomas Ehrhorn was born on Saturday, March 25 at 4:15 am", and the marriage of his other son David. We can only hope that the "senior" Ehrhorns will be able to share in the love and joy that our two grandchildren have brought to Emilie and me.
It was not surprising to see that his son inherited his father's appreciation for beautiful women as he and Abbie were married this past summer.
January 10 ...
John Gradwohl can be seen at the Peninsula Jewish Community Center in Foster City where he is the Fitness Director. John also helps coach football at Hillsdale High School.
2005... September 24
Tim Madden was at Lynbrook High School watching his son participate in a tennis tournament at the same time I was refereeing a water polo game. I had enough time to chat and find out that Tim, wife and two sons live in a recently remodeled home near Placerville. Tim and the family look great.
September 2
The Hamann brothers, Steve and Les, spent an evening together with their family and friends along with 350 others as Steve was inducted into the San Jose State Hall of Fame. Both are doing well and live in the Sacramento area of Northern California.
August 18
Denis Spanek sent an email just to say hello and let me know that he and his family are doing well. He just became a grandfather....yikes we must be getting old. Denis is involved in a lot of business ventures not the least of which is being part of a television cooking show with Dom Deloise. He will be making a debut on the Martha Stewart Show in the Fall.
May 13
Ed Toatley was seen at the CCS Swimming Championships with his stopwatch and clipboard. Ed is the head coach at the new swimming pool in Morgan Hill. In two years the age group swimming program has grown from a membership of 30 to a summer membership of 300. Keep up the good work Ed.
May 14
Jim Malley, a member of the College of San Mateo's first water polo and swimming teams was also seen at the CCS Championships. Jim is a elementary school teacher in the San Jose School District and the head coach of the Lynbrook Aquatic Club. Jim, his wife and two children, reside in San Jose. Although a lot of time has passed, the memories of our association at CSM remain vivid.
April 28
Steve Sampson checked in to let me know that he and his daughter Mallory are still living in Texas and all is well. Well except that Steve has to put his master's water polo activity on hold as he had shoulder surgery...bummer.
February 3
Craig Wood a diver from our first swimming team was seen at the Sports and Boat Show in San Mateo. Craig, a retired San Mateo police officer, is now enjoying a life that includes sport fishing. You can pay him a visit at CwWildwood@aol.com
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January 29 Chuck Dimick and Jamey Wright renewed acquaintances after many years at the San Jose State Swim Center. Jamey was in the area with his nationally ranked U.C. Davis womens' water polo team. Chuck took some time from his busy schedule to join me, once again, at a water polo game. As loud as he cheered, Chuck could not help get the ladies from Davis a victory as they lost by a goal in overtime to Lou Tully's Spartans. It is really a special treat for me to witness former teammates and long time friends rekindle their relationships and chat about their own families and life experiences. |
2004...
| December
7 |
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November 28 Bob Quist graciously hosted the "ole" coach on the golf course on a beautiful Fall morning. Both of us fed the bushes and creeks with balls as we battled to the last hole before declaring a winner. In the interest of the game of golf, no score will be posted on this site. No matter what the occasion Bob's company is always pleasant as we never seem to have trouble recalling fond memories of the past. |
October 22
Jeff Jarvis was seen watching his nephew play in a high school water polo tournament. He lives 20 miles south of Seattle with his lovely wife of 15 years. Jeff is the man we count on when we visit the great northwest as he is a flight controller at the SeaTac airport. Life must be treating him well because he still has that Bulldog "class" and looks great to boot.
September 20
Bill Purcell has been living in the East Bay since graduating from Cal. He has been married for 27 years. He has been active in San Francisco Olympic Club and the Diablo Water Polo programs. Tells that brother Jim is a middle school teacher and coaching girl's water polo
September 21
Jamey Wright lives in Davis with his family. He is the head women's water polo coach at UC Davis and has recently been named to the chairmanship of the NCAA rules committee.
September 21
Dave Breen lives in Redwood City with his wife and three children. Dave has been instrumental in helping Woodside High School activate Water Polo for boys and girls. Dave's son, Jim is a senior stalwart on the Woodside varsity and his thirteen year old daughter a starter on the Stanford 14 and under club team.
September 17
Jim Moblad and his lovely friend Shirley were seen at one of the functions held commemorating the 40th reunion of San Carlos High School graduation. Jim's daughter Courtney, now a medical school graduate is residing in Florida. A new city, a new house, a new husband and a new residency...oh---and a series of hurricanes to deal with. Jim's youngest daughter Cambrian has announced her engagement and will be married in May of 2005.
September 17
Wayne Lear and his wife still live in Colorad. Wayne was seen at one of the San Carlos HS parties. He is retired from teaching but has a variety of other interests all involved with enhancing his net worth.
August 30
Dan Giannini lives in San Carlos and is currently working for Farmer's Insurance Company. Dan is seen on the Sequoia pool deck occasionally helping the water polo teams. He is also renewing his hand at high school refereeing.
July 20
Denis Spanek lives in Saratoga with his wife Shirley. Denis is involved with several entrepenurial ventures but most of all he enjoys spending time with his three adult children. Dennis is now a proud grandpa. I am pleased to hear that he maintains close contact with former teammate Bryan Pughe.
July 20
Kent Johnson lives in San Carlos with his wife and two children, ages 3 and 7. He is kept busy with the Redwood City Insurance business established by his Dad. Kent looks very good for an older guy.
June 11
Bob Madrigal is living in Eugene with his and his wife and two children. He is teaching in the College of Business. Bob married a sister of one of our former players, John Olson. Bob reports that life is very busy with the kids' sports and work. It was not surprising to hear that"mad dog" is still swimming.
May 31
We were saddened to learn of the passing of Larry Moblad. For many years Larry has struggled with poor health resulting from his serving our country in the Viet Nam conflict. The courage of this handsome, charismatic member of our Bulldog Family shall not be forgotten.
May 26
Howard Delano called to let me know that he lives in San Jose and spends a lot of time watching his two children who are involved in sports. He is in the home mortgage business.
May 17
Charlie Branthaver, lives in Forest Ranch, CA, just outside of Chico with his wife Dawn and their three children, Blaine, Denali and Sierra.They have been married for 7 years .Charlie is a licensed Tile Contractor and will be celebrating his 50th birthday this December. His wife reports that "he's crazy, funny, wild and still swims dock to dock every year at Lake Almanor"...so some things never change.
| January 2004 A fabulous way to start the new year was having the pleasure of Steve Sampson's company over dinner. Steve was attending a legal seminar in the city. He lives in San Antonio, Texas with his soon-to-be 15 year old daughter Mallory, and is a prominent attorney in a Texas law firm. After his number one commitment to the raising of his daughter followed by dedication to his law practice, he finds time to stay in great year round physical condition and plays an active part on a master's water polo team from San Antonio. |
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2003...
December 22, 2003
Dave Gray and I had lunch after having crossed paths
for the first time in many years while getting blood work done at the
lab at Sequoia Hospital. Dave is a supervisor for the San Mateo Dept.
of Recreation. He has returned to competitive master's swimming being
one of the highest ranked swimmers in the world in his age group. Dave
occupies some of his spare time with the remodeling of his home and a
newly acquired activity of golf. We will be seen on the course together
soon...look in the bushes and trees.October 30,
2003
Met Ed Toatley on the pool deck of Los Altos High School.
Ed is currently the head swim coach of the fast growing age group swim
team in Morgan Hill.
September 24, 2003
Had a nice visit with Dave Breen. Dave is coaching the
boys water polo teams at Woodside High School. Anxiously awaiting the
opening of the new Woodside High pool he and brother Jerry
hold practices at Sequoia High. It is nice to see the next generation
of Breens, Jim (Dave's), Sean (Jerry's) carrying on thetradition of their
fathers.
September 23, 2003
Jim Engel, the happy hand shaker from San Mateo High
School, sent a message that he was pleased to have finally logged on to
this site. Jim, an area manager for Tyco Adhesives, resides locally and
is in contact with Howard Delano and John Butler along with other Bulldog
alums.
August, 2003
Wayne Lear, looking great, stopped by the house to share
updates on his family and of course "old time Wayne lives in Colorado
with his wife Dee. He retired from teaching last June and now is "A
Car Guy"(www.acarguyusa.com). He does find time to hunt, fish, golf,
and much more..
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July 29, 2003 When does and old bulldog not look old? When he looks like Gene(Zhenya) Kirueshkin. I had the pleasure of having lunch with a member of our infamous "boys at Bakersfield" swimmers from 1967. Since leaving CSM and going to the Naval Academy, Gene has led a very interesting and eventful life. He currently lives in San Jose and wears the crown of entrepeneur par excellance. Look for Gene around in a car, plane or on a polo pony. |
June 17, 2003
It was nice hearing from Steve Sampson who had just returned
from a Master's Water Polo Tournament where he met up with a couple of
old "dogs" Dennis Belli and Steve Hamann. Steve currnently resides
with his lovely daughter Mallory in Texas where he has his law practice.
April 17, 2003
It is with regret that I pass on the news of the tragic passing of Dave
Abramson's lovely wife Cathleen. Our thoughts and prayers for
strength are with "Kong" and his family.
February 27, 2003
Don Galine and Dick Ennis were seen
on their way to a bachelor party in Las Vegas to celebrate the upcoming
marriage of Dick's youngest son. It would take a lot more space than here
to tell you all that went on. Both Don and Dick were on the first College
of San Mateo Swimming and Water Polo Teams and have been friends since
grammar school. Good things happen to good people.
February 12, 2003
One never knows what E-mail will bring. I was pleasantly
surprised to hear from Gordon Stagner who is living and
working in Pleasanton. Gordy is working as a computer Technical Analyst
for a computer company and progressing toward a title of Microsoft Certified
Systems Engineer. At 47+, the left hander is still tearing them up in
various softball leagues. Gordy shared fond memories from both the 1972
and 1976 Water Polo Teams.
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