Redondo reunions set for Saturday
Flocks of Sea Hawks will converge on the Redondo Union High School campus Saturday when current and former student-athletes take part in two separate events — the Striff/Seifert Memorial Track Meet and the 7th Annual Alumni Baseball Game.
After winning the home run derby, Daniel Sanchez (class of '91) helped the Alumni win the 2009 game with a walk-off, bases-loaded double. Photo by Leah Shoemaker
Also dubbed “The Race of the Century,” the track meet honors former coaches Russ Striff and Mel Seifert for their contributions to Redondo athletics. The brainchild of Jim Vetrovec (Class of 1962), the event is attracting alumni from six decades including Dr. Russell Striff (’57), Mel’s oldest son, who is bringing his family from Pennsylvania.
Also honored will be Redondo’s 1946 State Champion track team.
Festivities begin with a pancake breakfast from 9-11 a.m. After registration and a group warm-up, the opening ceremony begins at noon featuring international opera star Carol Neblett (’64) singing the National Anthem.
Competition begins at 12:15 p.m. with the cross country run/walk where former students can view the many changes made to the campus they once roamed as teenagers.
After the men’s and women’s 100 and 400 meter races, there will be an introduction of Redondo’s 1961-62 track team who will compete against each other in a 400 meter event.
Open races for all alumni (400 and 1,500) bring the event to halftime where the Senior Pep Squad and the Most Likely Band will perform. Cheering in the Pep Squad will be the event’s oldest female participant, Gretchen Deffebach Huebner, class of ’50, of Fresno.
Races continue at 2:30 p.m. concluding with 4×100 relays (40s – 60s and Open). The closing ceremony will feature Hermosa Beach resident Jim Gierlich, Class of 1943.
An After Party will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the King Harbor Yacht Club. For more information, contact Terry Brady Martinez, 310-372-8587.
Sea Hawk sluggers
Rained out in February, the 7th Annual Alumni Baseball Game begins with the popular Home Run Derby from 9-11 a.m. at the RUHS Memorial Baseball Field.
The only pay-to-play event of the day, players get five swings for $10 or 10 swings for $20 with re-buys allowed is time permits.
The top two hitters battle for the title at 11 a.m., followed at 11:30 by the Alumni vs. Varsity Game. Daniel Sanchez (class of ’91) won last year’s Home Run Derby competition.
The Sea Hawks finished the 2010 season with a 10-18 record behind the offense of Dylan Hatch (.342, 24 RBIs, 3 home runs), Jake Jiminez (.333, 10 doubles), Chris Jump (.375, 24 RBIs, 2 home runs), Daniel Marquez (.329, 13 steals) and Nick Ridio (.333, 5 doubles, 3 triples).
The varsity team will face an Alumni team that includes three current RUHS coaches (Bob Martin ’71, Mike Witcher ’03 and Cole Butler), 1994 Ocean League MVP Scott Albin, Casey Contreras ’80 and Randy Rife ’85.
RUHS has a long tradition on the diamond, fielding its first baseball team in 1915. To honor the players and coaches who helped build the tradition of the program, for the second year Diamond Yards Engraved Bricks are being sold for the Seahawk Baseball Wall of Fame.
Each brick can be engraved with up to three lines and will be used to re-brick the face of the first base dugout (now the home dugout). Bricks may be purchased online or at the brick table next to the snack stand throughout the day of the game.
Admission to the Home Run Derby and Alumni Game is free to all students, $5 donation for adults. All proceeds support Redondo Union Baseball.
For more information, visit www.leaguelineup.com/redondounionbaseball or e-mail Ron Maroko, rm2001@earthlink.net. ER