The 48th annual Seawright beach volleyball tournament brought back fond memories for many of its participants, but probably none more than those shared by the Schneider family.
The Schneiders were seeking their first title at the event since their father Bob won the second tournament in 1969. The family erupted in celebration after the team defeated a strong team led by Chase Burlinger to claim the championship of the event held July 16 in Hermosa Beach.
The champions – Â Lee LeGrande, Nick Schneider, Timmy Schneider, and Steve Mics – were also playing in memory of Doug Schneider who died in a dirt bike accident in 2014.
Proceeds of the tourney benefited Live Like Doug, a charity named in honor of Doug Schneider.
Competition included 32 four-player teams along with 12 teams of five playing in the kid’s division.
Annie Seawright-Newton’s grandparents founded the tournament and ran the event until 1998 when Annie took over.
“The level of play was our best ever,” Seawright-Newton said. “We put together the teams as fairly as possible with an A, B, C, and D player. To add to the drama, it was our latest finish ever going to 8:40 p.m. It was close match and pitch dark. The crowd was holding up cell phones to try and help the players see – definitely a Seawright first.
