Briefs: Sea Kings’ Dean now playing in Russia
Evan Dean is spending most of his August days in Russia.
The Corona del Mar High incoming senior is one of 20 beach volleyball players, whom are part of an exchange program in Russia Friday through Aug. 21.
Dean, an All-Pacific Coast League first-team middle blocker, is part of the group that will be hosted by the Russian Volleyball Federation. The group, made up of 10 boys and 10 girls between the ages of 14-18, will visit both Moscow and Anapa.
Dean won’t be the only local athlete in Russian this month.
Misty May-Treanor, a former Newport Harbor High standout and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, will also travel to Russia as a sports envoy and will guide the American and Russian players through beach volleyball clinics Monday and Tuesday.
May-Treanor will also meet with exchange program alumni at the American Center and attend a dinner hosted by the Russian Volleyball Federation and the Russian Ministry of Sport, Tourism and Youth Policy.
— From staff reports
Costa Mesa fundraiser for Vazquez today
The Costa Mesa High football team is conducting a special event today to help raise funds for Carlos Vazquez, an incoming senior standout who was diagnosed with leukemia in June.
The footbal team will be conducting its annual Lift-A-Thon and BBQ at Costa Mesa with a meaningful morning event: “Locks For Los.”
In an effort to support Vazquez, the players are planning to shave their hair. The team will also have a few volunteer hair stylists to help with the cuts in the morning, that is open for the community. The haircuts, of mostly any style not just the buzz look, will be $20 each. The cost includes a breakfast burrito. The burritos will be sold for $5 each without the haircut. The money raised from “Hair Cutting For Carlos,” will help cover the cost of his hospital bills.
The event begins at 8 a.m.
Following the Lift-A-Thon, a pot-luck style barbeque feast will take place.
— From staff reports
UC Irvine to Host Sub-Regional
Coach Russell Turner’s UC Irvine men’s basketball team will host a sub-regional in the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer Nov. 19-21 at the Bren Events Center, announced by the Gazelle Group.
Joining UCI in the field are Louisiana Tech, Navy and Seattle University.
In sub-regional action on Nov. 19, Seattle will face Louisiana Tech at 5 p.m. followed by UCI against Navy at 7:30.
Matchups for Nov. 20, are Louisiana Tech versus Navy at 5 p.m. with UCI meeting Seattle at 7:30.
The schedule for Nov. 21, features Navy against Seattle at 3 p.m. and the ‘Eaters versus Louisiana Tech at 5:30.
The tournament will mark the first meetings for the Anteaters with the Bulldogs from Ruston La., and the Midshipmen from Annapolis, Md.
Louisiana Tech finished 24-11 last season and Navy was 13-17. The Redhawks of Seattle were 17-14 and are coached by former UCI assistant Cameron Dollar.
As announced earlier, UCI (14-18 in 2009-10) begins the regular season against Illinois Nov. 8 at Assembly Hall in Champaign in a regional matchup of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer. The Fighting Illini, 21-15 last season, reached the quarterfinals of the 2010 NIT.
— From staff reports
Mai joins UCI staff
Former UC Irvine guard Annie Mai has joined the women’s basketball program at her alma mater as the Director of Basketball Operations head coach Molly Goodenbour announced.
“We are very excited to bring Annie Mai back to UCI,” Goodenbour said. “Her energy, work ethic, and enthusiasm for the program will be tremendously valuable. She has already made a positive impact with her presence in camps and we expect many good things from her in the future.”
Mai played for the Anteaters from 2004-2008 and ranks sixth all-time in UCI career assists (280) and fifth in free-throw percentage (.748). Over her four-year career, the guard averaged 5.7 points and 2.0 rebounds, while shooting 31% percent (73-234) from three-point range. She graduated with a degree in sociology and a minor in education.
Mai served as an assistant girls’ varsity basketball coach for her alma mater Santa Margarita High last year. While at Santa Margarita, Mai helped the Eagles to a 26-7 overall record and a CIF Southern Section Division III-A championship. Mai coached three Santa Margarita players that will play NCAA Division I basketball this season.
— From staff reports
FC Mesa in semis
FC Mesa, an AYSO Region 120 boys’ under-12 soccer team, is doing its best to make the most of its trip to England.
The team has reached the semifinals of the Arsenal tournament in England, according to Coach Brett Clement’s Facebook status.
“So our team tied their final game in pool play, which put us in the semifinal,” he posted. FC Mesa is set to play against a team from Russia.
“We’re taking the American Flag with us to the game to show our pride. Go Mesa!!! I love these kids,” he posted.
FC Mesa is made up of 15 players from Costa Mesa.
— From staff reports
Solid finish for OC team
The OC Lightning, which featured Sage Hill School players Robbe Simon and Andrew Kurzweil, as well as Newport Harbor High’s Tracy Beblie, reached the semifinals of the World Team Tennis Junior Nationals at the George E. Barnes Family Tennis Center in San Diego Thursday.
OC Lightning, coached by Sage Hill boys’ and girls’ tennis coach A.G. Longoria, met TNT Texas in a battle of undefeated teams in the semifinals.
TNT Texas dominated OC Lightning, 46-26, dropping just one set in its win.
The Southern Smashers, representing the United States Tennis Assn. Southern Section, won the Junior Nationals title Friday.
OC Lightning represented the Orange County Tennis Assn. and was one of 16 teams competing in the event.
— From staff reports