TERRANCE PHILLIPS -- The Harbor Column

Several locals have done quite well down under in Sydney, Australia --

especially in events associated with sand, boats or water.

However, it’s not the medal that makes you a winner, it’s the effort

and dedication it took to get you to the land of wallabies and ‘roos.

The footprints of Misty May are all over our beaches, as well as her

countless droplets of sweat and tears that have fallen to the gymnasium

floor at Newport Harbor High School. Her training in beach volleyball

began on the hallowed hardwood of a school known for it’s outstanding

athletic programs. Additional training and development occurred as a

student at Cal State Long Beach and on the sand courts from The Wedge to

the Santa Ana River jetty.

Our town seems to do quite well in athletics associated with water,

boats or sand, and the city has contributed to the effort. Sand

volleyball courts can be found up and down our coastline, and it is rare

to see one not in use. Our courts have served both recreational jungle

ball addicts and Olympians. Although May’s heroic effort (playing with

injury) did not produce a medal (this time), May is an Olympian. May is a

winner. Congratulations.

On calm days in the ocean, surfers could always ride the wake produced

by 17-year-old Newport Harbor High junior Aaron Peirsol. Peirsol’s

silver-medal performance in the 200-meter backstroke was certainly the

result of spending countless hours in Newport Harbor High’s chlorine. His

event is tantamount to running the 100-meter dash -- backward. You can’t

see where you’re going. With any luck, Peirsol’s performance in Sydney

was only a tuneup for a gold four years from now in Greece. Peirsol is

easily recognized at school -- he’s the one who arrives every morning

with wet hair.

Dave Ullman of Ullman Sails has had his fair share of international

recognition when it comes to racing boats powered by puffs. His sail loft

has produced countless winning sails for boats raced all over the world.

Jay Glazer works for Ullman Sails here in Newport and is a former

silver medalist in the Tornado class. Glazer’s wife, Pease, always stood

aside when the media approached Jay for interviews. Stand aside Jay, as

you now live with Pease Glazer, silver medalist in the 470 class in

Sydney. The Glazers are now a two-medal family. Thank goodness the medals

are made of the same metal, as one can only imagine what would take place

in this competitive household. Congratulations to Pease Glazer and J.J.

Isler for their winning effort in Sydney.

Newport Beach and the surrounding area has become the U.S. Mecca for

water polo, sailing, swimming, surfing and volleyball. We live in a city

that has the word “beach” in it. We respond.

* TERRANCE PHILLIPS is the Daily Pilot’s boating writer. You can reach

him via e-mail at [email protected].