EXTRAORDINARY SQUASH NATIONAL CHAMPION AND CHAMPION OF EQUAL PAY
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Vol. 108 | No. 10 | October 2020 E XTRAORDINARY SQUASH NATIONAL CHAMPION AND CHAMPION OF EQUAL PAY
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MAIN FEATURES SPORTS & WELLNESS Top: The Olympic Club hosted Junior athletic camps
for tennis and golf at Lakeside in July. Campers had a
great time developing their skills, while following social-
3 Extraordinary Squash National 28 Exercise Medicine — distancing guidelines. Photo by Sean Arietta.
Champion and Champion of Take a Breath Cover: Mika Bardin is not only the current Girls Under 15
(GU 15) U.S. Squash National Champion, but she also
Equal Pay led a successful campaign to get equal pay for male
30 Basketball Tip — and female players at the NetSuite Open Squash
10 Hall of Fame Shooting Progression Championship. Photo by Jack Gruber.
14 OC Generations — Families of 32 Director of Golf’s Update
the Club
34 OC Junior Awards Nominees
18 OCF — Fight Night is Down,
But Not Out
38 Back to the Basics —
Speed Control in Putting
21 Introducing Tennis Director
Tom Whitten
41 Golf Times of Play
43 SGA Corner
OC AT HOME
44 Tee to Green
23 Bay Area Wildlife Crossword
MONTHLY FEATURES
SOCIAL & DINING
2 President’s Memo
24 Fleet Week Through the Years
16 From the Archives — Was the
26 Member Photos OC’s Jim Corbett the First
27 OC Volunteers at 2020 Film Star?
PGA Championship 22 Employee Spotlight:
Willie Toney
The Olympic Club | October 2020 1
PRESIDENT’S MEMO
Dear Fellow Olympians,
As October begins, I can’t resist noting that and the second is the launch of a Board was approved unanimously by the Board in
we are in the homestretch of 2020, a year that Subcommittee on Diversity and Inclusion. September. Members of the subcommittee rep-
will be remembered as one of the most chal- resent a cross-section of Olympians, balanced
lenging in our Club’s history. In 2020, we have Club governance has been an interest of mine in terms of age, gender, ethnicity and areas of
faced a global pandemic, social unrest, wild- for a long time. I not only observed my family’s Club involvement. Board and staff liaisons will
fires and economic uncertainty. As the days experiences serving on Olympic Club commit- support this group of 10 members. This sub-
shorten, the natural inclination is to want to tees and the Board, but also became active in committee will focus on a few key deliverables,
put this year behind us and move on. However, committee service very early on. With over and will present their findings to the Board
this year has given us a new perspective on a decade of committee experience prior to within 60 days. Briefly, the charge of this com-
what is possible for our Club. joining the Board, including two stints on mittee is to:
the Nominating Committee, I developed an
Better days will certainly come, and the Club appreciation of our governance system and the 1. Identify a methodology of collecting diver-
will be in a secure position for your future value of member involvement in the health sity data of existing and future members.
enjoyment due to continued member financial and vibrancy of the Club. As the committee 2. Facilitate a forum focused on diversity and
support, which has also enabled us to gradu- system has evolved, some areas of overlap and inclusion in order to gain a better under-
ally reopen services. Unlike many clubs and inefficiencies have emerged. The goal is to make standing of the perspective and objectives
businesses that have been forced to close per- modifications to a few committees in order to of underrepresented groups.
manently, The Olympic Club has been able to improve the experience of both members who 3. Propose potential improvements to the
weather considerable storms due to members’ serve on them and the staff who serve as liaisons. current committee-selection process.
deep pride of ownership. While we have expe-
rienced a loss in many of our revenue sources In addition, many who have served on the Some people may ask, “Why so much change
due to closures, and have needed to place dis- Board, and have also had the opportunity to in a challenging year? Shouldn’t we just defer
cretionary capital projects on indefinite hold, serve on other not-for-profit and for-profit everything else until we are out of the eye of
we will eventually fully recover, thanks to you. boards, believe aspects of our governance the storm?” My answer is that we have been
structure could be improved and/or modern- dealt a hand that was unexpected, but it also
The Olympian spirit continues to be strong, ized, particularly as it relates to how the Board includes a few interesting opportunities. We
resilient and flexible. A year ago, who would of Directors is organized and operates. are not the same Club that we were in early
have dreamed that we would see lap pools and March. There is an attitude of the possible
outdoor exercise areas at Lakeside? We are for- The conversation about improving Club gov-
ernance is not a new one, but has now gained that embraces lap pools in the parking lot at
tunate to have the staff and the physical space Lakeside, Article III dining on the sixth floor
(importantly, in San Mateo County where there some positive momentum. This year, a subcom-
mittee of the Board has studied best practices Sky Deck at City Clubhouse, virtual exercise
are fewer restrictions) to enable these ideas. classes and so much more.
in board governance — including input from
In addition to addressing the unique and other organizations, external consulting and legal This edition of the Olympian includes an article
pressing issues this year, the Board has also experts — culminating in a draft proposal that about multigenerational Olympian families. As
continued to work on a few initiatives that we we are refining. As an important part of this pro- a member of a three-generation Olympic Club
began early in the year, prior to COVID-19. cess, the subcommittee held discussions with 50+ family myself, I deeply respect our history and
I am proud to be a member of a Board, which, past Olympic Club directors, who have provided traditions, yet also view changes to our Club as
despite some rather daunting unplanned valuable insight and encouragement. This project a natural evolution that will attract and retain
demands on its time, can continue to effec- is unquestionably a heavy lift that will affect all future generations.
tively lead with an eye to the future. Olympians, and is not one to take lightly. Work
on the proposed model will continue through Be well and hang in there.
By the time this issue prints, you may have the end of the year, including a thoughtful
heard about progress made on two initiatives transition plan.
that have been underway since January. The first
is a review of the Club’s governance structure, The second initiative is the formation of a
Diversity and Inclusion Subcommittee, which Leslie J. Davis
2 The Olympic Club | October 2020
EXTRAORDINARY SQUASH NATIONAL CHAMPION
AND CHAMPION OF EQUAL PAY
by Lee Hammer, Contributing Member
Mika Bardin was not happy. founder and avid squash player Evan was only $5,000,” Bardin said. “And that
Made aware of a disparity in the prize Goldberg telling a small group of players was the total to be divided among all the
money for men and women at the NetSuite that, after four very successful years, the players, not just to the winner. That didn’t
Open Squash Championship in San Francisco, tournament was finally going to have a make sense. We’re both playing the same
this Olympian set out on a mission to change women’s division. game, why are women being paid so
things. And change things she did. This is her “I thought it was great they were finally much less?”
amazing story. setting up a women’s division, but what Bardin decided this inequity needed to
We need to turn the calendar back to really struck me was when I found out be corrected, and she was the one to lead
2015. While at Stanford University one that the total prize money for men was the effort. She started a campaign, Play
afternoon, Bardin overheard NetSuite $50,000, while the prize money for women for Equal Pay, and launched a GoFundMe
John Nimick, President of Squash Engine, Inc., presents Mika Bardin with a plaque in honor of her work to bring pay equity to the NetSuite Open Squash Championship.
The Olympic Club | October 2020 3
page to raise funds to increase the women’s
prize money.
“I think we did an incredible job. We were
successful in raising $20,000 to get the prize
money up to $25,000 in 2015. Since then, the
purse has gotten bigger and bigger every year,
and I’m proud to say that last year, in 2019,
the prize money was the same for both men
and women, with each now at $121,000. So
that was a great accomplishment.”
An amazing accomplishment indeed. Not
too many people would take on such a person-
al fundraising mission, instead leaving that task
to marketing pros and corporate sponsors, but
Bardin is not like most people.
But, wait. I forgot to mention two key facts.
First, when Bardin started this effort in 2015,
she was only nine years old! Secondly, she is the
current GU 15 U.S. Squash National Champion.
“I thought it was great that a young person
was not just interested in their own success,
but also thinking about systemic change,”
Goldberg said in response to Bardin’s unselfish
fundraising campaign. “Mika is a supremely
gifted squash player who wants to use her
success to effect positive social change.”
Bardin’s efforts also drew praise from John
Nimick, President of Squash Engine, Inc., and
the producer of the Oracle NetSuite Open.
“Mika is a success. She’s a very intelligent
and impressive young woman. The 2019 event
was the first year that both the number of
female players and the exact dollar amounts
Top: Mika Bardin accepts the Remy Johnston Certificate of Merit from the International Dyslexia Association
in 2019.
Bottom: Bardin on the top of the podium at the 2019 Junior Nationals.
4 The Olympic Club | October 2020
were equal for the men’s and women’s draws. Right outside the door were the squash mode, she becomes incredibly hyper-focused
That mission and trajectory of reaching full courts, and one thing led to another. Mika and dialed in to achieve what she wants to
pay and equality was very much sparked by and Lisa met and talked with legendary accomplish that day. I think it’s unusual for
Mika’s efforts.” Stanford squash coach Mark Talbott who someone at her age to have that intense level
To recognize her efforts in establishing gave Mika a racquet and a pair of goggles, of focus, drive and determination. I haven’t
pay equality at the NetSuite Open, Nimick and Mika’s squash career was set in motion. seen that in many of the people I’ve coached
awarded Bardin a special plaque at last year’s “I love squash because it’s an individual over the years, including some pro players.”
tournament in Justin Herman Plaza. sport,” Bardin said. “I’m the one who gets “On the court she gets a steely glaze of
“Mika accomplishes everything she sets her to take all the credit for the wins, and at determination in her eyes and the grit to win,”
mind to,” said her proud mother Lisa. “She
thinks big in a way that few other teenagers
do. What I love about her is that she shares.
“The 2019 event was the first year that both the number of female
So many young kids are all about what they
can do for themselves, but Mika has always
players and the exact dollar amounts were equal for the men’s
seen the bigger picture and works to see how and women’s draws. That mission and trajectory of reaching full
she can make other people’s lives better.” pay and equality was very much sparked by Mika’s efforts.”
— John Nimick, President of Squash Engine, Inc.
SQUASH BY ACCIDENT
When it comes to participating in sports,
young girls often gravitate to basketball or the same time, learn all the lessons from the Nicol adds. “She’s always looking for perfec-
soccer, because they see these sports on TV. losses. I wouldn’t trade it for any other sport. tion, while at the same time she understands
So what compelled Bardin to choose, of all One thing is for sure, it’s not a sport to make that it’s not necessarily always about being
things, squash? money. You really have to have a strong passion perfect; it’s about winning. She strives for per-
“It’s one of my favorite stories actually,” for squash and with that, you just want to fection, but accepts the fact she’s doing the best
Bardin explained. “My Mom and I were at keep training and do whatever you can to win.” she can with what she’s got at any given time.”
Stanford University one day, where my older Bardin’s meteoric rise in squash is attribut- Nicol also admits something not every
sister Shai was fencing, and I always liked able to her drive to be the best, says her coach coach is willing to acknowledge publicly.
rock climbing. As I was about to begin Peter Nicol, the former number-one ranked He has to continually step up his game just
climbing, somebody fell off the rock wall squash player in the world. to keep up with Bardin.
and was carried out on a gurney by para- “I see Mika in two different ways. First, “It really is a pleasure to be Mika’s coach.
medics. My overprotective mom saw that, she’s a regular and normal teenage girl, smiling, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate working
and the next thing I knew, we were headed laughing and having fun,” Nicol says. “But with someone who wants to learn and has
for the exit!” when she flips the switch and gets into squash that drive and desire to get better every day.
The Olympic Club | October 2020 5
She’s actually helping me as a coach because she the raw skills such that, if she chooses to, do better than I was in school because I was
challenges me every day to get her better, so she can continue to experience that kind of working twice as hard as they were. But I
I’ve had to learn and improve as a coach to help national or even international success.” think that’s exactly what makes it a gift. All
her achieve her ultimate goal.” the challenges a person with dyslexia has to
There aren’t many 15-year-olds who possess DEALING WITH DYSLEXIA go through and maybe not succeed on the
the mental capacity to understand and accept Bardin was born and raised in Israel until first, second, or third try, presents you with a
the ups and downs that sports present on a the family moved to Los Altos. She joined The valuable life lesson — if you focus and work
daily basis. But as you’ve probably seen by now, Olympic Club when she was nine years old. harder, you can succeed.”
Bardin isn’t like most ordinary teenagers. When she was in second grade, her teachers Bardin also feels her dyslexia has actually
made her a better squash player.
“Because I have dyslexia, I’ve learned that
I have to focus and concentrate more on the
“All the challenges a person with dyslexia has to go through and task at hand, and I’m able to do that. The
maybe not succeed on the first, second, or third try, presents you life lesson is — you shouldn’t look at your
with a valuable life lesson — if you focus and work harder, you challenges, you should look at what you’re
can succeed.” gaining from your challenges and how you
— Mika Bardin can always improve yourself.”
Bardin’s mother, Lisa, agrees.
“Mika has had to fight harder to get where
she is because of her dyslexia. She has an
“Through squash, I’ve learned to accept noticed she was falling behind and having incredible level of grit, will and determination.
that life will throw challenges at you, whether difficulty with her reading and writing. At first, Although it may make her read slower, I think
it’s in school or sports. I’m learning how to school officials thought it was the adjustment it makes her a better person and better squash
not only handle things, but to learn from the of having to learn a completely different lan- player. She really dials in and blocks out
last challenge how to react in the future. These guage. However, after some testing, Bardin any distractions.”
defeats and challenges help build who you are was diagnosed with dyslexia. Helping others is also a major part of what
and make you a more well-rounded person.” While some people may view being dys- drives Bardin. To that end, she’s the founder
Goldberg, who still finds time occasionally lexic as an obstacle, Bardin takes the opposite and host of a podcast, Dyslexic Solutions with
to play against Bardin, knew right away she approach and actually looks at it as a positive, Mika Bardin. In the podcast, she interviews
had a gift. and embraces it as an opportunity. some of the world’s leading experts on dys-
“The first time I saw Mika play I could tell “Personally, I don’t think dyslexia is a dis- lexia, who offer tips and tools on how to suc-
she was a special talent. I’m not a professional ability at all. I think it’s a gift. When I was cessfully deal with life’s daily challenges.
coach, but she appears to have the drive and younger, it was challenging to see my classmates
6 The Olympic Club | October 2020
WHAT LIES AHEAD
Days, weeks and months of grueling
training, both on and off the court, paid off
for Bardin. Last March at the U.S. Squash
Championships in Charlottesville, Va., she
took top honors in the Under-15 age group.
Although thoroughly appreciative of the
victory, she has her sights set on bigger
things ahead.
“I hope to be world champion one day
soon,” Bardin said. “Don’t get me wrong;
It means a great deal to me to be the U.S.
National Champion, but I’m constantly train-
ing, recovering and eating properly to be in
the best shape I can, so I can become a world
champion. Squash is what I love. It’s what
I’m passionate about. To have that glory and
title of world champion would mean every-
thing to me.”
After recovering from some injuries in the
start of 2020, Bardin spent the better part of
this summer quarantined in Coventry, Conn.,
working out and training on court with Coach
Nicol and a few other select elite-level players.
“She really is a force of nature and she has
an incredible drive and passion,” Nicol noted.
“To be a world champion is difficult, but if she
keeps focusing and working hard over the next
ten years, the future is very bright for Mika
and she just might be a world champion.”
Goldberg agrees, adding, “She is fortunate
to have so much opportunity ahead of her,
whether in squash or many other areas —
Top: Bardin at the finals of the Junior Nationals, where she won in four games competing against Lucy Stefanoni.
Bottom: Bardin, who hosts a podcast exploring dyslexia, was a featured panelist at the MIT Integrated Learning
Initiative Science of Reading Symposium on June 4, 2019.
The Olympic Club | October 2020 7
and judging from what I know of her, she Bardin said. “Squash is a rigorous and popular Although she’s only 15 years old, Bardin
will seize them!” international sport, and it would be an honor exudes the confidence, poise and self-
If Bardin stays on course and still has the to represent the United States at the Olympics.” assurance of somebody much older.
drive, Nimick says there could be gold in A high school sophomore now living in “I think it’s important to acknowledge the
her future. Connecticut, Bardin said she loved working out accomplishments you’ve achieved in life, but
“There have been three distinct efforts over at The Olympic Club when she was younger, I don’t look back too often. I’m just so focused
the last 16 years to get squash into the Olympic commuting from Los Altos almost every week- on the next step and my goals, and until I get
Games, but the International Olympic end. Her mother believes her OC coaches had a there it’s hard to see straight. I always want
Committee didn’t accept it in any one of those lot to do with setting her on her current path. to be the best at what I’m doing. For me it’s
quadrennial decision periods. Right now there “We just love The Olympic Club and the about doing what you love, and if you do
isn’t an active campaign to get it into Paris in support of everybody there. I can’t say enough what you love, I feel you never work a day in
2024. But I expect there will be a plan to get about Gareth Webber (current OC Squash your life.”
squash into the 2028 Games in Los Angeles Director) and Jeff Young (former OC Squash A straight-A student in school, a mentor
eight years from now. That’s perfectly set up Director). Jeff’s commitment to Mika was at SquashBond and a GoFundMe “Kid
for Mika, who in eight years will be at the just unbelievable, and we’re forever grateful. Hero” for her 2015 fundraising efforts at the
prime of her career at 23 years old.” A huge part of Mika’s early years, her founda- NetSuite Open, Mika Bardin is now happy.
“It would be an incredible opportunity for tion really, is attributable to the work, instruc- Very happy.
squash to be included into the Olympics,” tion and guidance of both Jeff and Gareth.”
Mika (far right) with Shai, her older sister, Noam, her father, and Lisa, her mother.
8 The Olympic Club | October 2020Building Great Spaces for Olympians
for Over 80 Years
TRICK OR TREAT AT LAKESIDE
FRI., OCTOBER 30, 4–6PM
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Reservations needed to allow for social distancing. Face masks will be
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Craig Rossi
SIGN UP AT WWW.OLYCLUB.COM 415.982.6292
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CALL FOR COMMITTEE SERVICE
WE’RE LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD PEOPLE!
The Olympic Club prides itself on the integration of profes- It’s important to receive applications from members who
sional management via the voluntary committee system. It’s that belong to different communities at our Club. Diversity of opin-
time of the year when members are encouraged to apply to serve ions is important for the integrity of the system. Please email
on one of these committees. Each year, individual members step Membership Director Kin Ho at governance@olyclub.com
forward and volunteer their time, expertise and ideas to Club with questions or comments.
issues on a broad range of topics. The online application will open in mid-October.
The qualifications are simple: All Active and Athletic Be sure to keep an eye out for the announcement in our
members with two or more years of membership at the OC weekly Online Clubhouse email!
are eligible to participate in the committee system and are
encouraged to apply.
The Olympic Club | October 2020 9COMMODORE COCHRAN
Commodore Shelton (C.S.) Cochran traveled
the country for track and field exhibitions
before settling in the Bay Area. He joined
The Olympic Club to focus on the 1924
Olympic Games in Paris, France. He won
the 400m at the 1924 Northern California
tryouts, besting the 1920 Olympic gold
T
medal time. In Paris, he ran the first leg of
ypically, The Olympic Club hosts the gold-medal-winning 4x400m relay, the
the Hall of Fame induction cere- fastest anyone had run a quarter mile to that
mony the first week of October. point. The relay team set a new world record
This year, the celebration has been post- of 3.16.0.
poned. However, we wanted to congratulate
our 2020 inductees and acknowledge their
accomplishments. Like all our Hall of
Famers, their stories emphasize not only the
hard work and commitment necessary to
achieve greatness, but also the importance
of the Club in their development.
C.S. “Racehorse” Cochran in 1924.
The Hall of Fame Committee worked
diligently this year to nominate this slate
of inductees. We want to thank them for RUSSELL A. HAFFERKAMP
their hard work in these unprecedented Russ Hafferkamp knows where the Hall
times: Michael Fox, Chair; Michael Benham, of Fame is at The Olympic Club, having
Kevin Brunner, Graham Chernoff, Justine been inducted twice before as a member of
Higueras, James Scullion and Douglas the 1982–1986 and 1992–1995 water polo
Kilroy (ex-officio). teams. His 2020 induction as an individual
speaks volumes about his love for the sport
We look forward to coming together in the of water polo and The Olympic Club. His
future to toast these great Olympians. record as a consensus All-American selection
and multiple National and World Champion,
spanning four decades in Open and Masters
competition, is unmatched. As a 12-time
competitor in the FINA Masters World
Championships, and a three-time MVP in
U.S National Championships, Hafferkamp
was also instrumental in pushing USA Water
Polo to create the Masters Water Polo pro-
gram. He is an extraordinary Olympian,
having served as coach for the OC women’s Russ Hafferkamp during one of his many Masters National
water polo team, as well as on numerous gov- Championship appearances.
ernance committees. Hafferkamp was only
the second water polo player to be inducted
into the Masters International Swimming
Hall of Fame.
10 The Olympic Club | October 2020MARGERY MEYER
Margery Meyer did not start competitive
swimming until 1987 at the age of 64, but
that did not inhibit her accomplishments.
She joined The Olympic Club in 1994,
one of the early female members of the
Club and its swim team. Meyer held 47
FINA Masters world records in freestyle
events from the 100m to the 1500m, and
swam in four FINA World Championships,
winning 11 gold, five silver and two bronze
medals. Meyer’s personal highlights include
the Escape from Alcatraz swim at age 71, as
well as being a member of a winning relay
team across the Maui Channel in Hawaii,
the oldest participant ever at the time. Meyer
certainly embodies the spirit of The Olympic
Club, swimming competitively until she
passed away in 2009.
Margery Meyer during a cover shoot for the Olympian in 2009. Photo by Julia West/The Olympic Club.
ADOLFO “AL” SANDOVAL
Al Sandoval is a four-time national handball
champion: YMCA singles (1994), YMCA
doubles (1994), USHA Masters doubles 35+
(1995) and USHA Masters doubles 40+
(2000). His career also includes many
local tournament victories and deep runs
in pro tournaments. Since joining the Club
in 1980, Sandoval has been a constant
presence on the fourth-floor courts at City
Clubhouse, competing against many of the
Club’s other great handball players, teaming
up with fellow Club members to win titles
and generously teaching younger players.
A member of the Northern California
Handball Association Hall of Fame,
Sandoval has been aptly described as a
“great player, great competitor and even a
better person.”
Al Sandoval was featured on the cover of the November 2006 Olympian. Photo by Robert Mizono.
The Olympic Club | October 2020 11PETER VARELLAS
Peter Varellas is a two-time men’s water polo
Olympian, representing the United States
at the 2008 Beijing and the 2012 London
Olympic Games. In 2008, Varellas helped
Team USA reach the podium for the first
time in 20 years, bringing home the silver
medal. He was a member of the gold-medal-
winning teams at the 2007 and 2011 Pan
American games. He also competed with
the national team for six years, while play-
ing in Open and Masters competition for
the Club. An Olympian Award for Athletic
Achievement recipient in 2012, Varellas
continues to represent the OC in national
and international competition and serves on
the Board of Directors for USA Water Polo.
Peter Varellas competing in the 2013 Humphrey-Thompson Cup for The Olympic Club. Photo by Julia West/The OIympic Club.
2015 OC WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM
The members of the 2015 OC Women’s
Basketball Team represent the best that OC
basketball has to offer. Many were founding
members of the women’s basketball program
in 2008 and part of teams that won Pacific
Coast titles in 2008–2010 and 2012–2019,
as well as National titles in 2008, 2009
and 2013–2018. Of the 10 women on this
team, six are still active players, with three
currently serving within the Club’s
committee system.
The 2015 Women’s Basketball Team took home the title at the Pacific Coast Athletic Club (PCAC) tournament.
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The Olympic Club | October 2020 13OC GENERATIONS
Families of the Club
by Frank Stranzl & Richard Wright (Contributing Member)
T
he Olympic Club starts a new regular seen and done just about everything at this in 1968, new traditions have emerged along
feature this month, dedicated to multi- Club. And while they’re just one of many fine with the growing family.
generational Winged “O” families. families here, they’re the first you’ll read about “My first event at The Olympic Club was
Family has been an important theme at in this series. when I was three years old, joining my father
this Club over the years. The OC is a place We hope you enjoy reading about the and sister Lauren at the 1989 Father/Daughter
of tradition, with a recorded history in our Labaghs, and the new celebration of our Night,” said Tenente. “It started a tradition that
archives, as well as a spoken legacy passed OC families! we still carry on to this day, and it’s one of the
down through members who lived those best events I think the Club offers for families.”
THE LABAGHS
moments. Many families share stories amongst The annual events at the Club have always
Martin “Marty” Labagh joined The
themselves that cover large swaths of our been memorable for the Labagh family, but
Olympic Club as a junior in 1968 in order to
160-year history, and this monthly piece will one event in particular really stands out for
play basketball at the Club. When elected, he
honor those stories. the clan.
knew he’d started something special. What
Debuting are the Labaghs. Marty, Paul and “At the President’s Ball when my father was
he couldn’t know then was that some 50 years
Greg were the original OC members of the fam- inaugurated, we had all of his nine brothers
later, his family would become an Olympic
ily, and the group has contributed quite a bit to and sisters and their spouses attend, as well
Club legacy; including 15 family members
the Club since their arrival. Both Marty and as my immediate family, making it a mini
enjoying sports, events, service and friend-
Greg served on the Club�s Board of Directors, Labagh reunion,” said Tenente. “The day also
ships at the Club.
as President and Treasurer, respectively. happened to be my parents’ 40th wedding
“It has been a community that has grown
Now, younger generations have arrived, as anniversary. During my father’s acceptance
alongside our family for over 50 years,” said
Marty’s daughter, Aimee (Labagh Tenente), speech, he dedicated the night to my mother,
Tenente. “We look forward to the Club’s new
is currently the Communications Committee and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the
events, friendly staff, athletic challenges and
Chair. Her brothers Justin and Jason are both room. It was truly wonderful to be witness to
the opportunity to give back through the
Olympians; Jason is an active participant in that moment that we will all cherish.”
OC Foundation and committee work.”
OC basketball leagues. And all these special moments are founded
And as Marty’s basketball tradition laid the
From Junior athletics to governance to upon — and began with — Marty Labagh’s
foundation for his family’s love of the Club
social events, and more, the Labaghs have experiences on the OC Basketball team.
14 The Olympic Club | October 2020Far left: Aimee (3), Marty and Lauren (7), just about the
time they all went to a long-ago Father/Daughter Night at
the Club — Aimee’s first OC event!
Middle: Aimee, Marty and Lauren have continued to
attend the Father/Daughter Nights through the years,
here in 2019. Photo by Jordan Sofris.
Left: The Labagh family at the 2014 President’s Ball,
when Aimee’s dad Marty was Club President. Left to right:
Justin Labagh, his wife Layla, Jason Labagh, his wife
Athena, Aimee’s mom Donna, dad Marty, sister Lauren,
Aimee. Four of the family members pictured here are cur-
rent Olympians (Justin, Jason, Marty and Aimee). Photo
by Dinno Kovic.
“I have a lot of great memories,” said Marty. Club, like having conversations with Manny their work ethic, travel, homeschooling, or
“We attended many tournaments throughout at the bar! And when I was younger and my at-home workouts. We start and end each
the years all over the country. I made so many father was President in 2014, I really enjoyed meeting by sharing stories and tips with each
friendships that I still enjoy today.” spending time with him. It was great for us to other. We recognize that this is a pandemic,
Finding a competitive league and athletes get to work out together, or grab dinner and but we are also human and enjoy having a
of equal prowess to play basketball with after talk about our day. His dedication and love of laugh at the current situation. It’s good to
college was what drew Marty to the OC. But the Club really inspired me to get involved in lighten up, talk and connect.”
he soon discovered other sports and aspects of committee work and take a larger interest in Basketball, anniversaries, dinners and
the Club he enjoyed. the Club and its governance.” dances — as well as serving the OC com-
“I played on a couple of OC tennis teams Marty is excited about getting back into munity — the Labagh family is an Olympic
and really enjoyed all of the tennis events,” said his Olympic Club routine. Club institution. And soon, they’ll all be back
Marty. “When I was elected to the Board of “I look forward to getting back downtown on the court, and Aimee, Lauren and Marty
Directors, I learned the inner workings of the to work out on the sixth floor and also to will be dancing up a storm at the next Father/
Club, which were new to me coming from swimming,” said Marty. “I also look forward Daughter Night.
OC sports. After being elected President of to seeing all of the employees who became my
the Club, traveling as an ambassador for the friends when I was downtown so often.” Would you like to share your OC family story
OC was a special privilege.” Tenente is also anxious to get back to her in a future edition of Olympian magazine?
The COVID-19 pandemic has stifled routine but has had her work cut out for her Please email olympian@olyclub.com.
Club use but hasn’t stopped the Labaghs from serving on the Communications Committee,
interacting and being a part of Club life. during this time of Zoom meetings and zero
“Spending all this time at home, away face-to-face interaction.
from both City Clubhouse and Lakeside, “As the current chair of the Communications
really grows one’s appreciation for what they Committee, I’ve been able to check in regu-
offer,” said Tenente. “City Clubhouse is my larly and see how they’ve been coping,” said
go-to gym. I am excited to get back there for Tenente. “Everybody has been very creative
routine workouts. I also miss the team at the during this time, whether when it comes to
The Olympic Club | October 2020 15from the
ARCHIVES WAS THE OC’S JIM CORBETT
A feature from the History & Archives Committee by Jessica Smith & Christine U’Ren
giving Olympians a look at the way we were.
I
n the August Olympian, we explored the life of Eadweard Muybridge and the sequential
images he took of Olympic Club athletes in 1878. But William S. Lawton and his fellow
athletes are not the only early moving picture stars from the Club. Heavyweight Boxing
Champion of the World “Gentleman Jim” Corbett also played a part in film history.
In 1888, as Muybridge traveled the world The director told Corbett where to stand in the
to show off his moving pictures, he visited final round, reminding him, “Be sure, Jim,
Thomas Edison’s laboratory in West Orange, when you do hit him, to stand on this chalk
N.J., and proposed developing a new device — mark. Otherwise you won’t be in focus.” It took
a combination of the Zoopraxiscope and the two tries for Corbett to successfully knock
Edison phonograph. While the partnership him out — while in focus.
never came to fruition, it seems to have sparked
a desire in Edison to create a new type of cam- He later recalled his movie debut proudly,
era. He filed a motion with the Patent Office remarking, “Although I have played in the mov-
on October 17, 1888, describing a device that ies many times since — and in some elaborate
would “do for the eye what the phonograph Still taken from the film Corbett and Courtney before the pictures — I have never had the same thrill that
does for the ear.”
Kinetograph, 1894. Courtesy of the Library of Congress. came to me that day at Mr. Edison’s laboratory
35 years ago...”
What Edison and his assistant, William but Corbett may have been the first to receive
Kennedy Laurie Dickson, eventually pro- The six-part series (one for each round) was the
royalties. He was certainly among the earliest
duced was the Kinetograph (the camera) and biggest earner of any Kinetoscope picture ever
performers in motion pictures, and used his
the Kinetoscope (the player), which combined made, and according to historian Dan Streible,
name recognition to full advantage.
the Greek words “kineto” or movement with ‘Gentleman Jim’ was the central attraction,
“scopos” or “to watch.” Kinetoscopes were Corbett remembered his manager coming to a figure of rising and multifaceted celebrity.”
single-person viewing machines, generally him, saying, “I have a proposition from Edison’s
maintained in amusement venues. place in New Jersey, saying they would like to
have you go over there and box for them. They
By 1891, Edison’s lab was creating experimental want to see if they can catch a knockout blow
films featuring vaudeville acts, dancers and later, and reproduce it in moving pictures.” Corbett
famous performers like members of Buffalo noted in 1930 that his percentage was signifi-
Bill’s Wild West Show. In 1894, while he still cant: “I can now say that it was fifteen thousand
held the heavyweight title, Corbett appeared in dollars that we made out of the project, which
a boxing film made at Edison’s “Black Maria” wasn’t so bad thirty-five years ago!” He earned
studio. The bout, between Corbett and Peter the money for a day’s work that featured six
Courtney, was a specially arranged match rounds of fighting, potentially fulfilling the first
filmed for display on Kinetoscopes. movie star contract.
According to a letter from Edison to New “They put us in the ring, and I do think with-
Movie Magazine in 1930, Corbett was con- out exaggeration that it was not more than
tracted for the “first motion picture that we eight feet square,” Corbett described. “But we
made for public exhibition,” thus allowing had a referee and all the props of a real fight
Corbett to “claim the distinction of being the and they called time.” The fight was fixed —
oldest living film star.” Edison clearly wrote a Corbett was to knock out Courtney in the sixth
cagey description; other famous athletes, like round — but Courtney did not know that.
strongman Eugene Sandow, had been filmed, Gentleman Jim Corbett, the World Heavyweight Champion
1892–1897. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.
16 The Olympic Club | October 2020THE FIRST FILM STAR?
In 1897, Corbett was invited to box in an even
more ambitious undertaking, a full battle for
the heavyweight title on film. Instead of being
divided into Kinetoscope snippets, this picture
would be projected as one piece and viewed
by a theater audience. To accommodate the
regulation 24-foot-wide ring, director/cine-
matographer Enoch Rector ordered custom
63mm film from Eastman Kodak. To achieve
the necessary shooting length, he invented a
new type of camera. The result was the longest
film recorded to date, widely considered the
first feature-length movie, as well as the first
widescreen projection, running 75–90 minutes
(sources vary) and covering the full 14 rounds
of the fight. The picture was a blockbuster, Corbett (right) displays his million-dollar smile before his bout with Bob
Fitzsimmons (left). Fitzsimmons reportedly asked during a screening of the
particularly with female spectators, who were “Veriscope” film, “What do you think of those bathrobes? Ain’t they peaches?”
often barred from attending fights at that time.
Once again, Corbett and his manager wisely
demanded royalties, which must have helped
make up for the heartbreaking loss to the
challenger, Bob Fitzsimmons. Author Samuel
Hawley believes that the post-fight footage,
showing Corbett lunging at his opponent and
demanding a rematch, was as effective a drama
for viewers as the actual fight.
While it’s hard to prove that Corbett was the
first film star, his canny participation in the
pictures — and the popularity of prizefight-
ing — made a crucial contribution to the
foundation of the movie industry.
After he retired from boxing, Corbett contin-
ued to perform on stage and in films. He kept
in touch with his friends at the Club and
frequently visited. After he died, his life was
turned into a movie, Gentleman Jim, starring
Errol Flynn, in 1942.
In 1927, Corbett returned to San Francisco
for a week-long vaudeville show. Following his
first night’s performance, over 500 Olympians
honored him at a midnight reception and dinner
at the Club.
The Olympic Club | October 2020 17FIGHT NIGHT IS DOWN, BUT NOT OUT
by Christine U’Ren, photos by Mark Reilly
F
ight Night 2020 was on track to be just reopen, and children whose families survive
as successful as previous years when the on a limited income are among the hardest
pandemic hit, and The Olympic Club hit. Fight Night for Charity has netted over
Foundation (OCF) was forced to cancel the $100,000 per year since its revival in 2016 as
event. As Board Member David McCallum an annual fundraiser for the Foundation. As
says, everyone feels the loss. “Our fellow mem- Foundation Board Vice-Chair Stephen Wynne
bers and guests did not get to gather and create puts it, “Without Fight Night, thousands of
lifelong memories at what is always a special children and hundreds of organizations could
evening. A young athlete was not empowered be negatively impacted.”
“Without Fight Night, thousands of children and hundreds of
organizations could be negatively impacted.”
— Stephen Wynne, OC Member and Foundation Board Vice-Chair
to tell their uniquely inspiring story. A group of Fight Night is one of the most popular
committed young boxers didn’t get to have the events at The Olympic Club — tickets typi-
once-in-a-lifetime experience of being treated cally sell out in a matter of hours. Olympians
like prizefighters, something they will never wear their best evening attire in homage to
forget. Most importantly, our members did not the Club’s original Fight Nights, which date
have the opportunity to show their unyielding back to the 1930’s. In addition to the specta-
support for our Foundation by supporting cle inside the ring, attendees enjoy whiskey
this event they treasure … And, without Fight and tequila tastings, performances from
Night, it is the kids who will suffer the most.” various local artists, and of course, a gourmet
As Foundation board members pointed dinner created by City Clubhouse Executive
out, underserved kids now need support more Chef Derek Ingraham.
than ever. Most Bay Area schools cannot yet
18 The Olympic Club | October 2020DON’T THROW IN THE TOWEL!
PLEASE HELP US VIRTUALLY FILL THESE SEATS
DONATE AT OCFKIDS.ORG • 415.710.0580 • JRING@OCFKIDS.ORG
Donations are tax-deductible. Tax ID# 94–3160462.
FOUNDATION SUCCESS STORY:
KEVIN MONTANO
Kevin Montano (pictured above) joined
the Concord Community Youth Center
program for disadvantaged youth — a
As fun as it is for the crowd, it’s important the opportunity to participate in organized
program supported by The Olympic Club
to remember the young boxers are getting athletics. As school budgets decrease, and Foundation — when he was eight years
a valuable experience, competing for points families are asked to bear the cost of uniforms, old. He was a very shy and introverted
to advance their amateur careers. Some equipment and transportation, participation boy, with minimal social skills. No one
have dreams of boxing in the Olympics in sports decreases, especially for children would have ever seen it coming, but over
and/or turning professional, and the event from low-income households. the years he blossomed into an exem-
is sanctioned by USA Boxing: the fighters plary student-athlete and a wonderful
EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS role model for younger students.
are all over 18, and the event is always run
100 percent in compliance with USA Boxing Funds donated by Olympians are crucial Montano’s prowess in the ring has always
rules and regulations for amateur boxing. to these children. The good news is that every belied his mild-tempered demeanor.
Outgoing Executive Director Rebecca Figone donation makes a difference. Due to serious illnesses in the family, he
stresses that “the OCF puts tremendous
has had to take time away from training
$50 buys one racket and equipment for a and school to help raise his two younger
focus on ensuring the boxers’ experience is youth tennis program brothers. Still, despite these challenges,
extremely positive and that they all feel val- he remains one of the nicest young men
$150 pays for 30 rounds of golf through a
ued and appreciated.” you could ever meet.
youth reduced-price golf program
In 2019, Fight Night celebrated San
Montano has been an important part
Francisco’s sister-city relationship with Cork, $300 pays a track and field team’s league-
of The Olympic Club Foundation’s Fight
Ireland. Two young Irish boxers arrived at The registration fee
Night for Charity as both a fighter and
Olympic Club gymnasium to exhibit their $1,000 covers the league costs for an an inspirational speaker. He won his
talent on the canvas alongside highly-ranked entire youth basketball team bouts in 2017 and 2018, as well as
Californians, proving that, as the Lord Mayor earning the 2017 Best Boxer award,
$2,200 buys 20 anti-concussion helmets and appeared as the grantee speaker in
of Cork put it, sports “promote inclusion and
for a youth football team 2019. In his boxing career, Montano has
community engagement.”
As Wynne says, “Playing sports is so $3,000 covers player fees, uniforms, coaching amassed over 140 bouts in competition
and has reached a rating of No. 2 in
essential to a kid’s upbringing.” The purpose and equipment for one soccer team
the U.S. His dream came true in March
of the Foundation is to provide all children Now more than ever, we need our members 2019 when he won his way into the USA
of the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties to answer the bell for these deserving kids! Olympic Trials for the 2020 Olympics.
The Olympic Club | October 2020 19San Francisco has
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20 The Olympic Club | October 2020INTRODUCING TENNIS DIRECTOR
TOM WHITTEN
by Max Rausch, photo by Gene Choi (Contributing Members)
W
hat motivated The Olympic Club’s new Director of Tennis,
Tom Whitten, to leave the successful program he built
at The Oaks Club in Sarasota, Fla., and move all the way
across the country to San Francisco?
Oddly enough the answer, at least in part, is Barry Bonds.
“I grew up in Virginia, but I fell in love with the Giants in the
early 2000’s when Barry Bonds was smashing balls into the Bay, and
I got to see a few games from the front row, with my friends at Sun
Oaks Club in Redding,” Whitten said. “From there, San Francisco
became my family’s favorite city to visit, so when the opportunity
arose to work at a San Francisco institution like The Olympic Club,
I just couldn’t say no.”
Bay Area ties aside, Olympians should be excited that Whitten
decided to pack up his rackets and move west — his track record
of success speaks for itself. Not only is Whitten a United States
Professional Tennis Association Certified Professional, he’s also
achieved the rare rank of Competitive Player Development Specialist
and coached over 100 students of all levels to United States Tennis
Association rankings and national championships.
But don’t let the competitive accolades fool you — Whitten loves
working with players of all skill levels.
“What’s great about tennis is that the challenges of the game
are pretty much the same for everyone,” Whitten said. “Oftentimes
beginners and super advanced players will have the same problem
areas, just at different levels, so it’s fun and challenging for me to try
and figure out unique ways to coach different students.”
Whitten is excited to continue to raise the bar of The Olympic
Club tennis program, and plans to use his first few months on the
job to really get to know the tennis community and gather ideas
for what they want out of the program. He’s only been on-site since
August 15, but has already been impressed with the passion of the
membership.
“The members here are passionate about competition in a way
that really sets The Olympic Club apart from other places I’ve
worked,” said Whitten. “The energy is great, and it’s neat to see
so many people striving to be the best tennis player they can be,
whether they are a 5.0 former college player or a 3.0 who is on the
water polo team.”
Tennis has been recognized as a low-risk activity during COVID-19,
and the courts are open to singles play, guests and tennis-themed group-
fitness classes. Book a court time and drop by to meet Whitten and
learn more about his plans for the program!
“I’m really looking forward to the vibe,” he said. “And the weather.”
The Olympic Club | October 2020 21You can also read
