From The Sports Desk: Time for Danny to be in spotlight
One of my favorite memories about Dan Glenn took place December, 2009.
Moments after the Newport Harbor High girls’ volleyball team won the CIF State Division I title, the coach stressed to me that the victory wasn’t about him. I mean it was genuine. He really didn’t want me to focus on him.
He actually seemed a bit bothered that I was asking more questions about him. That’s Danny, always wanting the spotlight to be on his players, or his “kids,” as he usually calls them.
But for at least one night, all of the attention will be on Danny. That’s because a special party is being thrown for him on April 2. Starting at 6 p.m. all of the coach’s close friends and former players will celebrate Danny’s 25 years of coaching and 50 seasons.
Yes, for the past 25 years Danny has been coaching the boys’ and girls’ volleyball teams at Newport Harbor. He has coached girls’ teams to seven CIF section titles and five CIF state championships, as well as boys’ teams to two CIF section titles.
Elite players like Misty May-Treanor and April Ross played under the direction of Danny, but the upbeat coach also takes great pride in the players who didn’t play after high school and went on to become doctors, teachers or devoted parents.
A lot of them will be there on April 2 at Anne Yardley-Caldwell’s house. The party planners are admitting those 21 and older. They are also charging $40 per person or $60 per couple, and a lower price for former Newport-Mesa staff and past players.
All proceeds will benefit the John Wayne Cancer Foundation and Newport Harbor volleyball.
More information can be found at danglenntribute.com.
Danny is quite familiar with cancer. In 2009, he was diagnosed with iris melanoma, a rare form of cancer in his right eye.
He never really wanted to talk about that in 2009, but he was OK with it because he wanted to help others. During that season he also proved to be an inspiration to his players. He continues to be that, as well as a valuable mentor.
Congratulations Danny.
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I caught up a bit with John Ireland Tuesday morning via Twitter. Ireland, the Corona del Mar High alum who reports on the Lakers and has his own radio show, was recently featured in the Los Angeles Times in a column by T.J. Simers.
I tweeted to Ireland: “Damn, @LAIreland, you just got ‘Simered!’ That’s ok, keep ya head up.”
Ireland said he would quit his job and walk back home from Cleveland if the two-time NBA defending champion Lakers lost to the lowly Cavaliers. The Lakers lost to the Cavs, but Ireland didn’t do what he said. Yet, Ireland did a great thing, instead choosing to participate in the Autism Speaks walk at the Rose Bowl on April 23. He also donated $1,000.
Of course, Simers jumped on Ireland and ribbed him for not living up to his words.
However, Simers also helped Ireland. Turns out the article has helped Ireland triple the amount he started with raising for the special event, Ireland told me in a direct message.
Ireland, who usually emcees the Lowsman Trophy banquet for the annual Irrelevant Week in Newport Beach, has set up a page for raising funds for the cause. You can go to walknowforautismspeaks.org and type in “John Ireland” in the support-a-walker search to donate.
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Our annual Toshiba Classic special section comes out today. The 17th annual tournament week begins Monday, with three-round play starting March 11 at Newport Beach Country Club.
I didn’t reveal my pick for the Toshiba Classic in the section.
There has never been a repeat winner for the Classic.
I think this year Fred Couples becomes the first one to win back-to-back Classic titles.