November 2024 Olympian by The Olympic Club

STANDARDS COMMITTEE REPORT

The Olympic Club Standards Committee is charged with responding to reports of Club members’ conduct that violates our rules and behavior expectations, and making recommendations to the Board of Directors for sanctions that go beyond a letter of warning or letter of reprimand. When any member abuses our standards of decorum or any other measure designed to create a harmonious environment at the Club, it adversely impacts all members.

Over the past two months, the Club has addressed the following disciplinary incidents:

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f Verbal and physical altercation.

f Sent unsolicited emails to member group distribution list without consent.

f Smoking in a non-smoking area (continued to smoke after two verbal reminders that he was in a no-smoking area).

f Junior member threatened a fellow Junior member.

f Repeatedly wore hat in dining room.

f Used cellphone in unauthorized space (multiple incidents).

The Board takes very seriously its responsibility to maintain civility among our members and to uphold a safe and pleasant work environment for our staff. The volunteers on the Standards Committee are likewise committed to fairly reviewing reported issues and maintaining the values of our Club. The Board prefers to use its time focusing on its role in strategic planning for the future of The Olympic Club, but, as provided by the Bylaws, it will vigilantly address disciplinary issues if and when necessary to ensure that a harmonious environment is maintained at the Club.

IN MEMORIAM

RALPH MAHER

Passed away August 21 Member since 1982

THOMAS LEDUC

Passed away September 11 Member since 1987

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programs in the country. We cannot thank him enough, not only for the championships the OC has won, but for the vibrant basketball community he has built.

Right Bottom: As part of its ongoing Speaker Series, The Olympic Club recently hosted a panel discussion on Artificial Intelligence with three industry-leading experts. Elliott Robbins (left) facilitated the talk with Jeff Wang (second from left), OC member Megan Grace (third from left) and Aftab Khanna (right). Members thoroughly enjoyed learning and asking questions about this hot topic. Stay tuned for future Speaker Series events. Photo by Norm Ng, Contributing member.

Cover: Janaye Sakkas carries the ball up the field in the United States Field Hockey League Adult National Championship, which the OC won for the third time. Photo by Amaan Rashid.

Right Top: Basketball Director John Perez (middle) at his retirement party with Manny Nodar (left) and Fidel Alvarez. In his 12 years heading the program, “Coach P” has created one of the best adult and youth basketball

OLYMPIAN EDITORIAL STAFF

www.olyclub.com

Creative Manager/Editor-in-Chief

Robin Cheung (rcheung@olyclub.com)

Editor/Writer

Christine U’Ren

Staff Writer/Photographer

Hannah Ly

Contributing Writers

Onzo Bennett, Jim Ketcham, Nicole McGirr, Gerry Stratford

Contributing Photographers

Mark Anderson, Tonya Bonesio-Barna, Gene Choi, Amaan Rashid, Jordan Sofris, Nano Visser

OLYMPIC CLUB BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Malia Lyle, Vice President Martin Connolly, Secretary-Treasurer Andrew K. Gordon, Renée C. Baker, Molly J. Hellerman, Mark S. Kelly, Peter R. Mertz, Stephen R. Papale, Michael W. Soza, Eric Starr, Dennis M. Williams

CONTENT SUBMISSION

The OC’s Communications team depends on submissions from members to produce the Olympian magazine and website. All members are encouraged to contribute. If you have a story to share, an event to cover, or a member’s OC achievements to highlight, please send it to olympian@olyclub.com with the subject line “[Month] Olympian Submission” for consideration.

Stories should be 300–600 words on Clubspecific activities. Please include high-resolution photos if available, with appropriate captions and photo credits. Content is due one month before publication. While we cannot publish every submission, we strive to use as many as possible in the magazine and on our site. We look forward to hearing from you!

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OLYMPIAN (ISSN 0030–2163) is published monthly for $49.20 per year (single copies $4.10 each) by The Olympic Club at 524 Post Street, San Francisco, California 94102. Phone 415.345.5100. Periodicals Postage Paid at the Post Office at San Francisco, California. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Olympic Club, 524 Post Street, San Francisco, California 94102. For prompt delivery of the magazine, Olympians should please notify the Membership Department of any change of address at 524 Post Street, San Francisco, California 94102 or email Membership at membership@olyclub.com. The views and opinions expressed in the Olympian are solely of its respective authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect those of The Olympic Club. © 2024 THE OLYMPIC CLUB. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT EXPRESS

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Dear Fellow Olympians,

As the days grow shorter and the crisp air of November settles in, it’s a perfect time to slow down, pause, reflect and give thanks. Whether it’s gathering with loved ones, acknowledging the success and achievements of another year, or celebrating the friendships and community we’ve cultivated through The Olympic Club, there is no better time than now to give thanks.

I invite you all to take a moment this month to appreciate these shared experiences and to celebrate the season of gratitude together. I am personally filled with appreciation for so many aspects of our Club — including our varied membership, spectacular facilities and our dedicated staff.

Special thanks to Elliott Robbins for facilitating the recent Speaker Series event on artificial intelligence, led by one of our members, Megan Grace. The discussion served as an astute opportunity to learn about AI — exploring where it is today and where it can take us in the future. Events like these highlight the value of education, growth and innovation within our community.

One of the pillars of our Strategic Plan is to enhance the value members receive for dues paid. A measurable way to achieve this outcome is by facilitating greater community building and social engagement for members through events like this one. The Activities Committee has furthered this endeavor with mayoral speaker series. Each has featured one of the top four candidates before this month’s election. It was an excellent way to learn about each candidate’s platform and priorities.

Thank you to the Nominating Committee — Chair Leslie Davis and members Jim Ketchum, Sabrina Lowell, Mark McGranahan and Paul O’Driscoll — for their fine work recruiting, researching,

interviewing and recommending three Directors Elect. James Brown, Kelly Hall and Jeff Hamlin will begin their Board terms in January 2025. Determining appropriate nominees based on the current and future needs of the Club is a delicate balance. Your newest Board members represent a variety of interests, experiences and expertise for the good of our Club. Welcome Jim, Kelly and Jeff!

Speaking of committee service, applications to apply for one of our 19 committees are due November 8. Volunteering for a committee can be one of the most enjoyable ways to give back to the Club, and each one offers members a chance to contribute their unique talents. (For more info on how to apply, see page 19.)

Last month, we hosted our 17th Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The evening showcased the rich history and tradition of the Club while highlighting the incredible impact the Club has made on people’s lives. We’ve “fostered amateur athletics in a spirit of close harmony” for over 164 years. Bravo to History & Archives Chair Anthony Cuadro, Hall of Fame Subcommittee Chair Julie Christy and Collections Manager Jessica Smith for organizing a truly memorable event. Not only did it celebrate our mission, but the evening provided another opportunity to reflect on how lucky we are to be part of The Olympic Club, surrounded by so many incredible members.

With gratitude and thanksgiving,

Malia Lyle

The committee system is the backbone of our Club. Our Admissions Committee is tasked with meeting and interviewing prospective members. I am so inspired by the prospective members and the stories they tell, whether they have fellow Olympians in their family, have a passion for athletics, see the allure of our Club or hope to develop future relationships built on camaraderie. We have so much to be proud of as these new Olympians join our Club. I constantly remind myself that these new members can join a variety of different clubs, yet they choose ours. I hear a common thread in these interviews: The Olympic Club promotes excellence in physical fitness, a robust golf program and a vibrant social atmosphere. They want to be part of our community. Our brand is alive and well.

Our most celebrated Father/Daughter Nights are happening as you receive your Olympian. Our daughters have traded in their Halloween costumes for their most beautiful dresses. This revered tradition brings dads and daughters together to create memories that are never forgotten. There is nothing more memorable than dancing with your favorite ladies late into the night. I now fall into the category of fathers whose daughters are 21+. At my age, the “shoe is definitely on the other foot.”

The holidays mark the end of a year gone by, and the hope of one yet to come. Soon Santa Claus will be visiting, and the sound of bells from Rudolph will ring throughout. To each member and your families, I extend my best wishes for a joyous holiday season!

All my best,

Mark S. Kelly

OC FIELD HOCKEY EARNS THIRD NATIONAL TITLE

by Christine U’Ren, photos by Amaan Rashid

Olympic Club field hockey has already made history, winning the United States Field Hockey League (USFHL) Adult National Club Championship in 2019 and 2022, the only West Coast team at the time to even make the national tournament. Now the Winged “O” has become

Paulina Lee pulls right to eliminate Greenwich’s defender.

the first team since the tournament was founded to win the title three times.

“For me personally, winning this championship felt especially meaningful, not only because it marked our third title in tournament history, but that it happened just before our 10th anniversary as an OC team,” founding member Savannah DeVarney said. “What excites me most is that the legacy our team has built ensures that future generations of field hockey players in San Francisco will have the opportunity to step into this tradition and contribute to the sport for years to come.”

The OC is well-positioned to take advantage as field hockey grows more popular in California. Th e annual Cal Cup is attracting more and more teams

from around the world, Santa Monica became the second West Coast team to qualify for nationals, and the state is gearing up for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. “I believe this trend will continue, as more young adults continue to compete after their collegiate careers,”

Commissioner Brittany Knouse said. This year has been one of the best for the OC, with a first-place finish at the Cactus Cup and second place at Cal Cup (the OC’s highest ever showing), as well as first place at nationals.

Young Californians are finding their way to the Club, knowing top-level players are there. “What’s special about this squad is the diversity in experience — our team now spans two decades, and that

blend of youth and seasoned players helps us succeed in every game while carrying our strong culture forward,” DeVarney said. The teammates range in age from 23 to 37 and have welcomed an influx of players who once competed against the OC in scrimmages at UC Davis, Cal and Stanford. For example, Agustina Singh played at UC Davis; Fenella Scutt and Emma Christus both played at Stanford. “Emma was excited to return to San Francisco, with joining our team being a key part of her decision,” DeVarney said.

“When I reflect on all the teams that have played OC field hockey since starting the program in 2015, what’s truly remarkable is that the core of our culture has only strengthened over time, though new

Brittany Knouse sweeps the ball into OC’s offensive circle for an opportunity at goal.

personalities and players join us each year,” DeVarney said. “In 2019, we were still solidifying our identity as a team — working to build chemistry and establish our playing style. By 2024, that identity has become deeply ingrained in every player who steps onto the field, whether they’ve been with us for years or just joined.”

“I joined the OC team earlier this year,” said Fariyah Omarshah, who played at Siena College in Albany, New York, and now lives in San Francisco. Omarshah has played field hockey since she was 7 and made the Zimbabwe Junior World Cup Team in 2016. “I was so happy to find the OC field hockey team!” she said. “Being a part of the team allows me to keep playing a game I hold so dear, at a very high level. The team has been very welcoming, and I am grateful to The Olympic Club for introducing me to new friends, memories and adventures. We all know how hard it is to make new friends as an adult, especially in a new city when you know no one!”

The field hockey program provides not only excellent game play, but togetherness and joy. They use this camaraderie to build their strength, turning warm-up drills into dance circles, and getting fit as a group with lifting sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

BUILDING CAMARADERIE

“They were excited at the opportunity to train together onsite at City Clubhouse,” Strength and Conditioning Specialist Giuliano Sanchez said. “I took a needs analysis of the sport by asking the commissioners what injuries their team has experienced in the past. I also looked at the NCAA injury report from recent years and discovered that many field hockey injuries occur at the head and feet.

“I keep all sport programming pretty simple but I would add a couple of injury-prevention exercises toward the end of training sessions, including ankle complex strengthening.”

“These absolutely helped us during our season to stay strong and injury-free,” Knouse said.

“All credit goes to the women of the field hockey program,” Sanchez said. “They are such a fun group to train and are one of the highlights of my work week!”

Being a part of The Olympic Club is a major advantage, DeVarney said: “The Club fosters a culture that encourages athletes to excel in multiple sports over their lifetime, and this crossover has only strengthened our bond as a team.”

Lisa Lohre and Caitlin Beatty have won national championships in tennis, and several other teammates now play tennis regularly (“despite Janaye [Sakkas], our Pickleball Queen, trying to convert them to pickleball,” DeVarney said). Nicole Ng met her husband through the OC tennis program. Loren Shealy is an excellent golfer and encourages her teammates to join in. Teammates have entered triathlons, running races and the Trans Tahoe Relay. “We even participated in the Aquatic Showcase, despite none of us really being strong swimmers (except for our star swim-

is the level of competition. Each succeeding tournament, the level of play increases — teams that attend nationals grow stronger and more skilled.”

The team qualified for the national championship this year through the Northern California Field Hockey Association (NFHCA) Spring League, an invitation-only series played for six weeks in the spring at UC Berkeley, with each team meeting twice. The Club finished first and were thrilled to head east to the national championship for the seventh time in the team’s history.

The championship took place July 19–21 at the University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware. It’s not easy to fly across the country and jump right into a competition played at the highest level of your sport. But the venue has two Astroturf water-based pitches, similar to surfaces the team has played on in the Bay Area. In addition, several OC players are championship veterans: Brynn Creeth and Knouse were on the 2022 championship team, while Meredith Chandler, DeVarney, Ng and Sakkas all played on

“The Club fosters a culture that encourages athletes to excel in multiple sports over their lifetime, and this crossover has only strengthened our bond as a team.” — Savannah DeVarney

mer, Kendall Beveridge),” DeVarney said. “This kind of camaraderie across sports speaks to the supportive, dynamic environment that The Olympic Club creates.”

THE RETURN TO DELAWARE

“There is a lot of pride in bringing home the gold this year,” Knouse said. “I joined the team just before the last championship in 2022, and since then, my connection to the Club has grown much stronger. Another reason this win feels much sweeter

both the 2022 and 2019 first-place teams. So the Olympians were ready to go.

“We did not have a chance to warm up before our first game, against Greenwich,” Knouse said. “It went very well despite this.” The Greenwich Rovers, based in New York, were one of the top teams in attendance and had already played a game that day. The contest began at 8:10pm, under the lights. The OC played offensively from the start, with Chandler dribbling into the offensive 25 (an area close to the shooting

circle, the spot on the pitch where a player can shoot for a goal) in the first quarter. Chandler slipped a pass left to DeVarney, who put the ball in the cage for a 1–0 win.

Saturday morning brought the second pool-play game, against SteelStyx from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For context, field hockey is hugely popular in Pennsylvania, and half of the 2024 U.S. Olympic women’s field hockey team hails from the state. The OC again went on the attack from the beginning. Sakkas dribbled into the offensive 25 and pulled around players and the goalkeeper to make the first goal. Not long after, the OC earned a penalty stroke, giving Singh a shot against only the goalkeeper. She brought the score to 2–0.

Next, Omarshah earned a penalty corner against SteelStyx by an intentional pull into the defender’s foot. The ritual of the corner is fascinating to watch. Defending team members and the goalkeeper don safety equipment and form a lineup at the goal, while opposing players take position in the shooting circle. The ball is placed in a designated spot, and attacking players get an enhanced but nerve-wracking chance to earn a goal as the defenders rush toward them in a

sweep, not a hit) to Creeth that swept the ball in, making the score 3–0.

DeVarney next drove the ball down the endline into the circle, passing it off to Paulina Lee for the fourth goal. Then Sakkas and Scutt did some beautiful passing to get the ball down the field to Omarshah, who sent it over to Singh to finish with a touch into the net. Final score: 5–0, OC.

After finishing first in their pool, the OC faced the Philadelphia Strikers in the quarterfinal. “This team was another top team at nationals and we knew the game would be tight,” Knouse said. Up to this point, no one had scored a goal against the Olympians, but in the first quarter of this game, the Strikers scored twice. (The tournament format was four 12-minute quarters with two-minute breaks in between.) Over the next two quarters, the OC fought hard and slowly brought back the momentum. Sakkas upped the score to 2–1. With three minutes left, the OC earned a corner. DeVarney inserted to the top for a sweep from Creeth toward the right side of the cage, where Knouse made a dramatic finish by diving head-first to redirect the ball into the goal, making

“It’s not just about the win itself — it’s about wearing the OC jersey and knowing that we’ve added a new chapter to the Club’s legacy.” — Savannah DeVarney

group and try to block. (The safety equipment is necessary: the ball travels so fast it looks as if it could take off your head if it got near it. The sport has extensive rules about how high the ball can be hit.) Corners are so important to the game that they are noted on the scoreboard. Under the tricky scoring rules, the first player to reach the ball must pass it. DeVarney assisted with an insert (a push pass or

it 2–2. The OC held the Strikers for the last three minutes, which sent the game into shootouts. All five Olympians — Knouse, Omarshah, Sakkas, Scutt and Singh — scored in their turns against the goalkeeper, while the Strikers missed one, making the final tally 7–6, and the Winged “O” moved up to the semifinals.

“Coming back to win our game against the Strikers when we were losing 2–0 is

one of my favorite memories of the championship,” Omarshah said. “We really hustled and gave it everything we had to get that win.”

The team started off the semifinals with lots of energy. Lonestar, from Austin, Texas, elevated their level of play in the second quarter, making it a close game. “We were fighting back and had dominated most of the game yet couldn’t quite get the ball past their goalkeeper; she was having an amazing game,” Coach Michael “Mikey” Barminski said. In the third quarter, Lonestar’s goalie was injured and had to be pulled. “Lonestar added an extra field player and competed with 11 field players vs. our 10 for most of the quarter,” Knouse said. “We capitalized and drove into the circle as a team.” Singh dribbled in and finished with a solid hit to finish with 1–0, and the OC was off to the finals.

“There was a really evident breakthrough in the semifinal game,” Barminski said. “We pushed past with relentless passages of play from our defense to our strikers — complete mental fortitude that was inspirational and pivotal to the team’s win.”

In the finals, the OC came full circle to face the Greenwich Rovers again. Both teams were tired and hot going in; this was the fifth game in three days. In spite of the fatigue, Omarshah’s favorite memory of the tournament was hyping the team up for the final match. “It was very hot on the pitch, and we needed a surge of energy. We got in a circle and started bouncing to stay loose, and we did our cute chant: ‘When I say OC, you say woohoo, OC, woohoo!’” The Olympians, with renewed spirit, created their own opportunities to score. Scutt found Knouse at the top of the circle for a sweep, which led to a bobble and a quick reverse finish from Lee. The Rovers dominated the second quarter, but were unable to even the tally.

“Coach Mikey kept our spirits high throughout the tournament, specifically

during the final match, and really inspired us to dig deep,” Knouse said. The coach suggested some changes, including one big switch: running with an opposing player at a distance but close enough to add pressure, rather than attempting to win balls. “Quarter three was much more calm and controlled, and we gained some momentum back. Quarter four was a battle to the end,” Knouse said. “Out of the

back field, Casey Swezey sent an amazing aerial down the field to DeVarney, who made a beautiful hit into the back left cage to increase the lead to 2–0 with only five minutes to play.” The Rovers fought back with a goal, making it a tight 2–1 game for the last minute. But the OC held them off and prevailed, winning first place after an undefeated tournament. As icing on the cake, DeVarney was named

to the 2024 USFHL National Club Championship All-Star Team.

DeVarney observed that the 2024 championship team benefited from a greater depth of experience across all lines. “Brittany Knouse and Janaye Sakkas, in particular, have stepped up as commissioners while showcasing their versatility on the field,” she said. They are natural forwards, but both rotated through midfield

Agustina Singh drives forward out of the midfield with the ball.

and defense during the 2024 nationals, doing whatever was needed to help the team succeed.

“The Olympic Club has a strong legacy, with generations of athletes contributing to its rich tradition of excellence across many sports,” DeVarney said. “To have our field hockey team woven into that fabric, and to make history, fills me with immense pride. It’s not just about the win itself — it’s about wearing the OC

jersey and knowing that we’ve added a new chapter to the Club’s legacy.” This commitment to supporting athletes across all sports and encouraging lifetime membership is unique to The Olympic Club and fosters an environment where teammates can continue to grow together.

“It’s not just about playing for a few seasons,” DeVarney said. “We’re part of a community that values long-term development and excellence. We’re building

something lasting, and it’s an incredible feeling to know that the legacy we’ve created will be here for future generations of players to carry forward.” 

The 2024 national champions. Back row (l-to-r): Brynn Creeth, Casey Swezey, Meredith Chandler, Fariyah Omarshah, Brittany Knouse, Coach Mikey Barminski. Front row: Savannah DeVarney, Paulina Lee, Janaye Sakkas, Agustina Singh, Fenella Scutt.

OC TENNIS WINS THREE TITLES AT NATIONAL OPEN

by Hannah Ly

Each year, a handful of OC tennis players team up to play in a national invitational tournament against other clubs. In the past five years, the women’s Open team has raked in four wins and the men’s Open team brought in two wins back-to-back. This year, the Open Invitational took place from September 20–22 at the Darling Tennis Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The OC sent four teams and came back with three new national champion banners for the men’s Open, women’s Open and 50+ Open teams.

“We’ve never won three national Open titles in one year,” Tennis Commissioner and men’s Open co-captain Lucas da Silveira said. “It’s a testament to

the consistency — and, of course, the high-quality performances on the court — that OC tennis shows up with. The Club’s support from our athletics department, led by Nick Lusson, the effort our tennis staff, led by Tom Whitten, puts in and the commitment of our captains and players all come together.”

In July, the men’s local USTA 55+ team competed at the Northern California sectionals and was one match short of qualifying for nationals. After that upset, captain Lars Ahlstrom and co-captain James Greig decided the Open Invitational’s 50+ Open division would be a great way to get the bad taste out of their mouths.

“We were ready to pull the plug on this thing, I’d say, two to three times,” Ahlstrom said. Greig talked him out of it. The two realized that they could add some slightly younger players to the team, since the USTA league is only for players 55 years and older, while the age limit for the invitational is 50. They recruited some younger players to round out the team, and the 50+ team was ready for Vegas.

Similarly, the men’s Open team was missing three of the members from last year’s winning team. Three newcomers — Arjith Jayaraman, Will Genesen and Timothy Sah — offered to fill those spots.

“I played against [Genesen and Sah] when they were at Stanford. We had

L-to-r: Lars Ahlstrom, Wyatt Lin, James Greig, Jeff Urban, Dave McCallum, Daniel Brandt, John Buckley and John Dowling brought home the first banner for the men’s 50+ Open division.

INVITATIONAL

rival matches,” Cal alum Can Kaya remembered. “We had interesting situations where we were complete enemies.” Paul Giraud, who played for the University of San Francisco Dons, had also played against Jayaraman at UC Davis in years past. It was easy for the team to find a new groove. “We all bonded really fast, since we all knew each other already,” Kaya said.

In Vegas, the team bonding started right away. The 13 players from the men’s and women’s Open teams shared a rental house and stayed together the entire weekend. “It was a blast,” said Olivia Hauger, who was the women’s Open co-captain. “We were playing knockout [the basketball

game] after tennis matches...and we barbecued two nights at the house.”

The good times kept rolling as the four OC teams went into their matches.

The men’s 50+ team was made up of Ahlstrom, Daniel Brandt, John Buckley, John Dowling, Greig, Wyatt Lin, David McCallum and Jeff Urban. They played four team matches with three doubles teams in a double round-robin format against teams from Texas and Florida. “Every individual match that we played we either won 2–1 or lost 1–2. They were all tight,” Ahlstrom said.

But the players kept fighting until the end. “Everyone on the roster are longtime members,” Ahlstrom said. “We’ve all

been playing together for more than 15 years. So, we’ve been through many battles together.” Considering the OC team was the only team in the 50+ Open division with players over 60 years old, their performances were even more impressive.

The round-robin format meant that most people switched doubles partners throughout the weekend. McCallum won all four of his matches and helped the team stay afloat until the tournament came down to one final individual match.

On Saturday, the day of the 50+ finals, the competition came down to a thirdset super tiebreaker between Brandt and Urban against a team from Texas. “Those studs came back from a set down to win

L-to-r: Rita Colyer, India Houghton, Shelley Carpeni, Erin Richardson, Olivia Hauger, Nicole Mitchell and coach Tom Whitten staged a comeback in the women’s Open championship and won the team’s fourth championship.

L-to-r: Tennis Director Tom Whitten, Jason Lapidus, Arjith Jayaraman, Can Kaya, Lucas da

champions at the 2024 Open Invitational.

10–8 in a super tiebreaker,” Ahlstrom remembered. “What made it even more exciting at the end was all the other OC teams loudly cheering us on.” With that win, the team won their first national championship banner.

At the same time, the women’s Open team went head-to-head with teams from around the country. The team’s players were co-captain Shelley Carpeni, Rita Colyer, Hauger, India Houghton, Nicole Mitchell and Erin Richardson. They had won four championships in years past, but broke their winning streak in 2023. Hauger and Carpeni had both helped secure three titles and were on their fourth years of being on the team, so they were hungry for another banner. “Bringing back the championship mindset that The Olympic Club was about was really fun,” Hauger said.

Like the 50+ team, the women’s Open team played a double round-robin format but with two doubles teams and a singles player. They won both matches 2–1 on day one, won their first match on day two 2–1, and split the two doubles matches in the final match of the second day — where it all came down to one last singles match.

Houghton, a Stanford tennis player who is now playing on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) pro circuit, took on the final match against a rival from the other Northern California team. “There was a bit of a target on [Houghton’s] back,” Hauger remembered. “Her opponent was giving her everything she had, and India was so steady and solid and continued to shut her down throughout the match.”

The other OC teams watched Houghton’s match and cheered her on. She won, and secured the fifth championship title for the women’s team.

The men’s Open team players were da Silveira, Genesen, Giraud, Jayaraman, Kaya, Jason Lapidus and Sah. They faced an even larger field of opponents than the women, including a Pacific Northwest (PNW) team made up mostly of University of Washington tennis alumni. Some of the Olympians were already familiar with their game and knew the PNW team was the team to beat. “It was funny because we knew all those guys from competition,” Kaya said. “Me coming from Cal and the Stanford guys — we played against them almost all the time.”

The Olympians played the PNW team on their first day and just narrowly beat

Silveira, Timothy Sah, Paul Giraud and Will Genesen defended their title as the men’s Open

them 2–1. Genesen played in a singles match against Pierce Foley, who was having full body cramps throughout the match. “It was a three-and-a-half-hour singles match,” Kaya recalled. “They were giving it all out there.” Genesen unfortunately lost in a close super tiebreaker 6–2, 2–6 (13–11).

The two doubles matches were close, too. Kaya and Lapidus managed to win in two sets 6–7 (4), 6–7 (5), and da Silveira and Sah also had to go to a super tiebreaker 7–6 (5), 3–6 (3–10). “We made it by one set and by our doubles team’s outperformance, being aggressive and getting the win, which was amazing,” Kaya said. Going into the final round, they were one win behind the PNW team, which meant they had to beat their final opponent, a Southern California team, to win

the championship. “And that’s what we did,” Kaya said. They won 2–1, defending their championship title with the highest win percentage.

“Knowing that you can still train and play tennis at a competitive level and get things done — it’s still an absolutely amazing feeling, and it feels even better to do it for The Olympic Club,” Kaya said.

Tennis Director Tom Whitten and Tennis Shop Supervisor Paul Swink were crucial parts of the operation. “Tom was really instrumental to our success,” Hauger said. “He always brings such a positive attitude and is ready to step up wherever it’s needed.” On top of that, Swink restrung rackets a week before the tournament for most of the men’s Open players.

The women’s 40+ Open team consisted of Yuki Brandt, Yvonne Chan, Jen Dibble, Erin DiCarlo, Karla Lovett and Karen Mack and captain Alisa Yee. The team felt the heat of the Vegas sun and the competition, and were bested by a Berkeley-based NorCal team and two Southern California teams. Nevertheless, their fellow Olympians at nearby courts cheered them on as they fought to the end.

Most of the participants agree that the highlight of the tournament was the team spirit. “Winning is always nice, but the camaraderie of the entire squad across all levels is the best part,” da Silveira said. “It’s special to see us all staying late or showing up early to watch other OC teams compete.” 

L-to-r: Karla Lovett, Erin DiCarlo, Yvonne Chan, Yuki Brandt, Jen Dibble, Karen Mack and Alisa Yee made up the fierce and unrelenting women’s 40+ Open team.

FIGHT NIGHT

The Olympic Club Foundation’s eighth Annual Fight Night for Charity took place on September 11. Over 400 attendees enjoyed cocktails, a spectacular dinner, top-notch boxing, a moving 9/11 tribute by retired SFPD Chief Greg Suhr and other first responders, and a presentation from poet-athlete Chrissler from America Scores. Bonta Hill and Joe Shasky were back as emcees, and the honorary chairs were Gary Payton II of the Warriors and boxing legend Michael Buffer. The live auction featured items from Brock Purdy, Sugar Ray Leonard, Lydia Ko and others, and we raised a record $1,000,000+ in gifts and pledges, all for the kids!

photos by ? photos by Jordan Sofris (Contributing member) and Nano Visser

LAKESIDE LUAU

Members were whisked away to the polynesian Islands on September 20, complete with Mai Tais, hula dancers, island eats and the Tonga Room’s Island Groove band.

photos by Hannah Ly

ITALIAN FOOD + WINE NIGHT

Members enjoyed the delicious tastes of Italy on September 24. The four-course meal included four-cheese arancini with truffle oil (paired with Prosecco), burrata and heirloom tomato salad (Sangiovese) and short rib pappardelle (Super Tuscan). A live accordion player added to the family atmosphere.

photos by Jordan Sofris,

NCAA BASKETBALL TIP-OFF

Members gathered on the evening of September 24 to get the lowdown on the upcoming NCAA season from top Division I basketball coaches of Northern California. The Lakeside culinary team created a delectable dinner for Olympians and visitors. The event sold out for the first time since the pandemic, and there was much laughter in the room as the coaches good-naturedly ribbed one another, and everyone enjoyed the spirit of fun and sportsmanship.

photos by Gene Choi, Contributing member

CEDRIC RODRIGUEZ

by Christine U’Ren, photo by Gene Choi (Contributing member)

Staff Accountant Cedric Rodriguez says not a day goes by at the Club without a mystery to be solved. “Many questions need to be answered to successfully report our revenues and expenses,” he explained. “One of our favorite sayings in accounting is that there is never a dull moment.”

How did you get started at the OC?

In 2012, I started as an outside services attendant at Lakeside — a great job for a college student — and moved up to a supervisor role. Luckily, a couple years after I graduated with a business administration degree, an accounts payable position opened. From there, I was promoted to staff accountant. A special shout-out to the accounting/ finance team!

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Daly City, raised in San Leandro/Tracy and lived in San Bruno/ South City during college. I now reside in Dublin.

Tell us something about your family. I’ve been happily married to my wife Ann for about five years. We love to travel and immerse ourselves in another culture. We have driven a Mario Kart themed go-cart in Japan, ridden a mountain cart in Switzerland (the views are unmatched and unexplainable), and taken a catamaran to an island in the Philippines.

What are some other interests?

Other than food and traveling, I love sports (go Warriors/49ers/Giants!), and I look at sports news every day. I also enjoy being part of the history of one of America’s oldest athletic clubs.

What’s a fond memory of the Club?

The 2012 U.S. Open. The Club turned into what I called “Disneyland in Daly City.” Its crazy how the Club was transformed, and being able to see the pros in action was quite an experience. 

CALL FOR COMMITTEE SERVICE

MEMBERS: SEIZE YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN CLUB GOVERNANCE

The Olympic Club prides itself on the integration of professional management with the member committee system. It’s that time of the year when members are encouraged to apply to serve on one of these committees. Each year, individual members step forward and volunteer their time, expertise and ideas for Club issues on a broad range of topics. Committee service is enlightening and enjoyable. It allows members the opportunity to meet and work with their fellow members to enhance and improve the member experience for all Olympians.

The qualifications are simple: All Active and Athletic members with two or more years of membership at the OC are eligible to participate in the committee system, and are encouraged to apply.

We urge members from all of the Club’s different communities and demographics to apply. Diversity of opinions and experiences are critical to the strength of the committee system.

Please visit www.olyclub.com/form-committee-app/ to submit a committee application. Online applications are open October 1–November 8.

HOLIDAY EVENTS AT THE CLUB

RSVP at www.olyclub.com or call City Clubhouse at 415.345.5100 or Lakeside Clubhouse at 415.404.4300.

Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the San Francisco Firefighters Toy Drive to either clubhouse December 1–17.

All

HIGH TEA

SUN., DECEMBER 1, 1PM

CITY CLUBHOUSE

Enjoy savory tea sandwiches and sweet pastries served with fine teas in the elegant Main Dining Room.

$105/person.

Cancellation deadline November 17.

CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY PARTIES

SAT. & SUN., DECEMBER 7, 8, 14 & 15 | 10:30AM–2PM

CITY CLUBHOUSE

Come see Santa! Parties will also feature a children’s buffet and lunch for adults.

$99/adults, $65/ages 6–13. Coat & tie or holiday sweater.

Cancellation deadlines start November 23.

HOLIDAY BUFFET NIGHTS

WED. & THURS., DECEMBER 11, 12, 18 & 19, 6PM CITY CLUBHOUSE

$95/adult, $55/ages 6–13

Cancellation deadlines start November 27.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING

SUN., DECEMBER 8, 1–4 PM

LAKESIDE CLUBHOUSE

Enjoy a festive afternoon in the Garden Court and decorate your own gingerbread house.

$95/child (includes one kit), $45/adult. Cancellation deadline November 24. Limited to members and their children.

UGLY SWEATER MIXER

THURS., DECEMBER 5, 5PM CITY CLUBHOUSE

Don your favorite ugly holiday sweater and show your festive spirit in the Hall of Fame and 1860.

$35/person.

Cancellation deadline November 21.

LADIES HOLIDAY LUNCHEON

WED., DECEMBER 11, 11:30AM

LAKESIDE CLUBHOUSE

Hosted cocktails at 11:30am, lunch at 12:30pm, followed by a holiday program and raffle prizes from San Francisco’s finest stores.

$95/person, includes wine, lunch and one raffle ticket.

Cancellation deadline November 27.

HOLIDAY PARTIES

FRI. & SAT., DECEMBER 13, 20 & 21, 6PM

LAKESIDE CLUBHOUSE

Holiday buffet featuring seasonal treats, along with prime rib and roast turkey. Strolling Dickensian Carolers perform during cocktails and dinner. No-host cocktails start at 6pm, with dinner buffet at 7pm. Dancing, with music for all ages, to follow until 11pm.

$115/adults, $55/ages 6–13. Coat & tie.

Cancellation deadlines start November 29.

CHRISTMAS DAY BUFFETS

MON., DECEMBER 25

City Clubhouse: 12:30, 1, 4 & 4:30pm Lakeside: 2, 2:30, 6 & 6:30pm

Spend Christmas Day among family and friends.

$130/adults, $65/ages 6–13. Coat & tie.

Cancellation deadline December 11.

Thanksgiving Buffets

November 28

Lakeside Clubhouse

2 & 2:30pm, 6 & 6:30pm City Clubhouse 12:30 & 1pm, 4 & 4:30pm

Adult $130 | Child 6–12 $65 | 5 and under complimentary All prices are plus taxes and fees.

Dress Code: Coat & Tie

RSVP at www.olyclub.com

Cancellation deadline November 14.

HIKE & DIP

2024 HOLIDAY DINING HOURS

THANKSGIVING WEEK

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27

LAKESIDE CLUBHOUSE

Clubhouse: 6am–8pm

The Lakeview: 11am–2:30pm

Main Bar: 11am–5pm

Champions Bar: 11am–8pm

CITY CLUBHOUSE

The Overlook: 8am–6pm 1860: 4–9pm

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28

LAKESIDE CLUBHOUSE

Turkey Trot: 8am

Thanksgiving Buffets: 2 & 2:30pm, 6 & 6:30pm

Clubhouse: 6am–9pm

The Lakeview: Closed

Main Bar: Closed

Champions Bar: 11am–8pm

CITY CLUBHOUSE

Thanksgiving Buffets: 12:30 & 1pm, 4 & 4:30pm

Clubhouse: 6am–9pm

Article III: Bar only 12–5pm

The Overlook: 8am–6pm 1860: Closed

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29

LAKESIDE CLUBHOUSE

Clubhouse: 6am–8pm

The Lakeview: Closed

Main Bar: Closed

Champions Bar: 11am–8pm

CHRISTMAS WEEK

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24

LAKESIDE CLUBHOUSE

Clubhouse: 6am–8pm

The Lakeview: 11am–2:30pm

Main Bar: 11am–5pm

Champions Bar: 11am–8pm

CITY CLUBHOUSE

The Overlook: 8am–6pm

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25

LAKESIDE CLUBHOUSE

Christmas Day Buffets: 2 & 2:30pm, 6 & 6:30pm

Clubhouse: 6am–8pm

All outlets: Closed CITY CLUBHOUSE

Christmas Day Buffets: 12:30 & 1pm, 4 & 4:30pm

Clubhouse: 6am–9pm

Article III: Bar only 12–5pm

The Overlook: 8am–6pm 1860: Closed

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26

LAKESIDE CLUBHOUSE

Clubhouse: 6am–8pm

The Lakeview: Closed

Main Bar: Closed Champions Bar: 11am–8pm CITY CLUBHOUSE The Overlook: 8am–6pm

photo by Jordan Sofris

photo by Frank Morse

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sign up on www.olyclub.com, the OC mobile app, or call City Clubhouse at 415.345.5100 or Lakeside Clubhouse at 415.404.4300. Registration opens 60 days prior to event or on the listed date in the ad. Cancellation deadline is 14 days prior to avoid being charged for the total number of reservations booked.

NOVEMBER

FRI.–SUN.

1,2,3, 9,10

FATHER/DAUGHTER NIGHTS Lakeside Clubhouse WEDNESDAY 13

DECEMBER (CONTINUED)

WEDNESDAY 11 LADIES HOLIDAY LUNCHEON Lakeside Clubhouse

WED. & THURS. 11,12, 18,19

HOLIDAY BUFFET NIGHTS City Clubhouse FRI. & SAT. 13, 20,21

HOLIDAY PARTIES Lakeside Clubhouse

WEDNESDAY 25 CHRISTMAS DAY BUFFETS Both Clubhouses

JANUARY

WEDNESDAY 1 HIKE & DIP Ocean Beach & Lakeside Clubhouse

TROT Lakeside Clubhouse THANKSGIVING BUFFETS Both Clubhouses

DECEMBER

THURS.–SUN. 24,25, 30,31

CRAB FEEDS Lakeside Clubhouse

FEBRUARY

THURS.–SUN. 1,6,7,8

THURS.–SUN. 13,14, 15,20, 21,22, 27,28

CRAB FEEDS Lakeside Clubhouse

CRAB FEEDS City Clubhouse

SIP & SAVOR TEQUILA FIESTA FEATURING CASAMIGOS

November 21 | 5:30pm | City Clubhouse

Join us to enjoy exquisite samples of Casamigos’ finest tequilas, each thoughtfully paired with delectable small bites, and the vibrant melodies of a live mariachi band. $100 + taxes & fees.

Cancellation deadline November 7.

DECEMBER 5 & J A NUARY 2 5:30PM DINNER 7:30PM ORPHEUM THEATRE

CRAB FEEDS

LAKESIDE CLUBHOUSE

JANUARY 24, 25, 30, 31

FEBRUARY 1, 6, 7, 8

CITY CLUBHOUSE

FEBRUARY 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 MARCH 1

6PM NO-HOST COCKTAILS

7PM DINNER

8:30PM DANCING

MARKET PRICE

RSVP AT WWW.OLYCLUB.COM

Reservations open November 26. Cancellation deadlines start January 10.

BUY YOUR COPY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Be one of the first to get your hands on The First Century of Golf at The Olympic Club, by Jaime Diaz, who recounts this legacy in prose and pictures — a unique story intertwined with the dynamism and mystique of San Francisco and the rise of the most sublime and frustrating sport in the world. You don’t need to be a golfer to appreciate this book — coming this holiday season to the Golf Shop. Scan the QR code to pre-order your copy today.

photo by Gene Choi

A NIGHT ON THE TOWN

FATHER/DAUGHTER NIGHT FOR 21+

NOVEMBER 16 | 6:30PM | CITY CLUBHOUSE

Join us for a special evening designed for fathers and daughters 21 and up, including a photo booth, professional photos, casino table games, no-host cocktails, an SF-themed buffet and a DJ to help you dance the night away.

$130 + taxes & fees

Dress code is coat & tie and will be strictly enforced. Cancellation deadline November 2.

OC EXCURSIONS

GOLF IN NEW ZEALAND

MARCH 28–APRIL 5, 2025

Discover the land of New Zealand! Join us on an incredible eight-day/nine-night trip to the North Island of New Zealand, with a focus on playing the island’s beautiful golf courses. Beyond golf, you’ll explore the country’s unique fauna and flora, enjoy fine dining and experience the culture of the area.

FOR MORE INFO AND TO SIGN UP WWW.OLYCLUB.COM/THE-CLUB/OCEXCURSIONS

ENHANCING PERFORMANCE THROUGH PELVIC FLOOR HEALTH

with Dr. Marcy Crouch & Dr. Molly Sheumann

TISSUE HEALTH & INJURY PREVENTION

with Dr. Kelly Starrett

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7 | 5:30–7PM SIGN UP ON WWW.OLYCLUB.COM

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 | 5:30–7PM SIGN UP ON WWW.OLYCLUB.COM

photo by Gene Choi

3–ON–3 CHRISTMAS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

DECEMBER 14 | 9AM–2PM | SKY GYM

$130/team of four players max. Teams may consist of Junior members, children of members or guests of members (grades 3–8). Deadline to register December 6. REGISTER AT WWW.OLYCLUB.COM

HOLIDAY BASKETBALL CAMPS

DECEMBER 23, 24, 26

DECEMBER 30, 31 & JANUARY 2

AGES 6–14

Join us for ball-handling and shooting camp, plus competition and games. Cost for three-day sessions:

Junior member: Half day

$185 | Full Day $370

Family member: Half day

$240 | Full day $480

Guest of member: Half day $280 | Full day $560

WOMEN’S SPORTS & SOCIAL SERIES

NOVEMBER 16 | 2PM CITY CLUBHOUSE

$25 per trotter + taxes & fees. SIGN UP ON WWW.OLYCLUB.COM NOVEMBER 28 8–10AM | LAKESIDE

Celebrate Thanksgiving Day with a fun run around the clubhouse and Lake Merced before your turkey dinner! Race in the 5-mile run or stroll down the 2-mile route. All proceeds benefit The Olympic Club Foundation.

Join us for the next event in the Women’s Sports & Social Series! After the clinic, stay, socialize and grab a bite to eat at Article III.

$10/person SIGN UP AT WWW.OLYCLUB.COM

photo by Missy Bystrom

photo by Gene Choi

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and you’re likely to have many questions. The rst one may be the most important.

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FITNESS TIP

FROM YOUR FITNESS TEAM

THE IMPORTANCE OF STAYING HEALTHY THROUGH

by Onzo Bennett, photos by Tonya-Bonesio-Barna

In a fast-paced world where travel and busy schedules dominate, it’s crucial to maintain a mindful approach to fitness that prioritizes both physical and mental well-being. Functional fitness integrates strength, endurance, flexibility and coordination into practical movements that mimic everyday activities. It’s a powerful tool to keep your body healthy and your mind sharp, whether you’re at home, in the gym or traveling.

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE OF FITNESS

Mindful exercise brings many psychological benefits beyond physical health. It reduces stress, anxiety and depression while improving focus, confidence and overall mood. Functional fitness in particular emphasizes purposeful movements that benefit daily activities, helping to keep you grounded and motivated wherever life takes you.

1. Self-Efficacy: Practicing functional fitness fosters self-efficacy, enhancing the belief that you can achieve your goals. As you master movements that prepare you for real-life tasks, your confidence will extend beyond workouts to everyday situations.

2. Mind-Body Connection: Functional exercises encourage body awareness and a strong mind-body connection, leading to improved cognitive function, better decision-making and greater mindfulness.

3. Habit Formation: Building functional fitness into your daily routine, whether at home, in the gym or while traveling, helps create lasting habits that make staying active sustainable and enjoyable.

STRUCTURING AN ACTION PLAN: WITH A GYM FACILITY

Access to a gym provides a variety of equipment and an environment suited for structured functional fitness workouts. Here’s how to build a well-rounded action plan:

Step 1: Assess Goals

Set clear, achievable fitness goals. Whether it’s building strength, improving flexibility or boosting endurance, knowing your objective is key.

Step 2: Create a Balanced Workout Schedule

A comprehensive schedule should target all aspects of functional fitness, including strength, mobility and endurance:

Day 1: Strength Training (40 min)

f Barbell Squats — 4 sets of 8 reps

f Deadlifts — 4 sets of 8 reps

f Dumbbell Lunges — 3 sets of 10 reps per leg

f Overhead Dumbbell Press — 4 sets of 8 reps

Day 2: Mobility and Core (30 min)

f Planks — 3 sets of 1-minute holds

f Russian Twists — 3 sets of 20 reps

f Hip Flexor Stretches — 3 sets of 1-minute holds

f Foam Roller for Thoracic Spine — 3 sets of 10 rolls

Day 3: Endurance and Cardio (45 min)

f Treadmill or Rowing — 20 min

f Circuit: Battle Ropes, Box Jumps, Kettlebell Swings — 3 rounds, 30 seconds each

Day 4: Rest and Recovery

f Light yoga or stretch routine focusing on deep breathing and mental relaxation

Step 3: Track Progress and Adjust

Track your workouts and assess your progress every four weeks to ensure continuous improvement and motivation.

ACTION PLAN: WITHOUT A GYM FACILITY

Without access to a gym, you can still maintain an effective functional fitness routine with minimal equipment or even just bodyweight exercises.

Step 1: Bodyweight Strength and Conditioning

At home, your body is your best tool. Here’s a sample bodyweight functional fitness plan:

Day 1: Full Body Strength (40 min)

f Push-ups — 4 sets of 12 reps

f Bodyweight Squats — 4 sets of 15 reps

f Reverse Lunges — 3 sets of 10 reps per leg

f Plank to Push-up — 3 sets of 8 reps

Day 2: Mobility and Core (30 min)

f Bird Dogs — 3 sets of 10 reps each side

f Glute Bridges — 3 sets of 15 reps

f Cobra Stretches — 3 sets of 1-minute holds

f Seated Forward Folds — 3 sets of 1-minute holds

Day 3: Cardio and HIIT (30 min)

f Jumping Jacks — 3 sets of 30 seconds

FUNCTIONAL FITNESS

f High Knees — 3 sets of 30 seconds

f Burpees — 3 sets of 12 reps

f Mountain Climbers — 3 sets of 20 reps

Day 4: Flexibility and Recovery

f Stretch routine focused on hamstrings, lower back and shoulders (20 min)

Step 2: Use Household Objects

You don’t need fancy equipment to achieve a great workout. Use a filled backpack for resistance during squats, step-ups and rows, or grab a chair for tricep dips.

Step 3: Stay Mindful and Consistent

Remember, it’s all about consistency and mindfulness. Whether it’s 10 minutes of stretching or a full workout, staying connected to your body will keep you grounded.

TRAVEL FITNESS: STAYING ACTIVE ON THE GO

Travel can disrupt your fitness routine, but with a solid plan, you can stay active even when you’re away from home. Functional fitness is ideal for travel, since it requires minimal equipment and space, making it adaptable to any environment — whether you’re in a hotel room, at a park or on the beach.

Step 1: Pack Light and Be Prepared

When packing for travel, consider bringing lightweight fitness tools like resistance bands, a jump rope or a compact yoga mat. These items take up little space but can significantly expand your workout options.

Step 2: Bodyweight Routine for Travelers

Here’s a simple yet effective bodyweight routine that can be done in any small space, such as a hotel room:

Day 1: Full Body Strength (30 min)

f Jump Squats — 3 sets of 15 reps

f Push-ups — 3 sets of 12 reps

f Bulgarian Split Squats (using a chair) — 3 sets of 10 reps each leg

f Plank to Push-up — 3 sets of 8 reps

Day 2: Mobility and Core (25 min)

f Bird Dogs — 3 sets of 10 reps per side

f Glute Bridges — 3 sets of 15 reps

f Lying Leg Raises — 3 sets of 12 reps

f Hip Flexor Stretch — 3 sets of 1-minute holds

Day 3: HIIT Circuit (25 min)

f High Knees — 3 sets of 30 seconds

f Mountain Climbers — 3 sets of 30 seconds

f Burpees — 3 sets of 12 reps

f Jumping Jacks — 3 sets of 30 seconds

Step 3: Explore the Outdoors

If you’re traveling somewhere with access to nature, take advantage of outdoor spaces to add variety and fun to your routine. Hiking, walking on the beach or swimming are great ways to incorporate functional fitness into your travel itinerary.

Step 4: Stay Consistent and Flexible

Travel comes with unexpected challenges, but don’t stress if you can’t fit in a full workout. A 10-minute bodyweight session or stretching routine is better than nothing, and staying mindful will

help you maintain a healthy lifestyle on the go.

CONCLUSION

Functional fitness is about integrating exercise into your life in ways that are both practical and sustainable. Whether you’re at the gym, at home or traveling, maintaining a fitness routine requires mindfulness, consistency and a clear plan of action. By focusing on functional movements, you’ll not only stay physically healthy but also

mentally sharp and ready for the demands of daily life. Remember, fitness should be an adaptable, enjoyable part of your lifestyle, no matter where life takes you. 

OC SPORTS

TENNIS PRO’S UPDATE — RITA COLYER

THE TENNIS COURTS WELCOME

It truly feels like summer down at The Olympic Club tennis courts, as the sun shines brightly on our beautiful facility. The warm weather is a bonus for our tennis community. As we know well, the weather isn’t always sunny and bright in San Francisco, but that hasn’t stopped our community from coming out and getting onto the court.

Tennis has been full of action recently, both at the Club and away at the national invitational tournament. The women’s Open team, women’s 40+ Open team, men’s Open team and men’s 50+ Open team all competed valiantly down at the Darling Tennis Center in Las Vegas last month. Our women’s Open, men’s Open and men’s 50+ Open teams emerged victorious in their respective events. I competed in the tournament myself, and I can tell you the conditions were tough, but our spirits were tougher. There was cheering and support from all OC players, which created a feeling of team spirit like no other.

(See page 10 for more.)

On September 28, we hosted our annual All Sports Challenge. This event features athletes from many sports at the Club, who compete alongside our Open players for the championship! It was a strong ﬁeld, with many athletes playing tennis at a competition level, as

ALL CLUB ATHLETES

well as their respective sport. The day was ﬁlled with smiles and connections with members who may not have met if not for this event. There’s nothing quite like seeing two softball players play two soccer players in a fun doubles match! After an exciting day of competition and Burgerdogs, squash emerged victorious in a close match against softball.

(See opposite page for more.)

The fostering of multisport athletes is something we take great pride in here at The Olympic Club. It is the Olympian mentality to play multiple sports, knowing that each discipline is interconnected and improves our games. Growing up, I competed in soccer, basketball, volleyball and swimming until I was 14 and decided to pursue tennis more seriously. I know for a fact that the other sports I played not only helped my tennis game but helped me build confidence that I could be good at multiple things, improving my quality of life.

Here at the Club, I have had the pleasure of coaching high-level athletes in their respective fields who are great tennis players as well. The idea of a multisport athlete is super important for fostering a skill set that is essential to a well-balanced life. We, as athletes and people, are dynamic.

My message to our Olympians is to go out there and try something new at the Club! From swimming to tennis, golf to hoops, soccer to triathlon. Try a fitness class with our trainers. There are so many sports waiting to be discovered by you. If you ever want to give tennis a try, you know where to find me!

OC

ALL SPORTS CHALLENGE BRINGS VARIETY OF ATHLETES TO THE COURTS

by Hannah Ly

The OC All Sports Challenge, formerly known as One Club, returned for its tenth iteration on September 28. The event encourages athletes from around the Club, whether they play basketball, squash, field hockey or lacrosse, to battle it out in a series of tennis matches, with the winners crowned the ultimate Club champions.

This year, some of the Club’s phenomenal tennis players joined eight teams representing eight different sports, divided into two flights. In the Lakeside Flight, teams representing men’s lacrosse, soccer, field hockey and softball played each other. In the City Flight, teams representing basketball, women’s lacrosse, squash and a joint triathlon and swim team vied for the trophy.

The competition provided a wide range of matches as spectators and players munched on Hot

Dog Bills’ famous Burgerdogs. Opponents were matched based on their skill levels: non-tennis players played other novices, and more experienced players played against each other.

Team Hoops, the defending champions, faced a tough match against the women’s lacrosse team in the first round and just barely inched past them 24–20.

On the other courts, the squash team played against the triathlon/ swim team and scraped by with another close win of 24–20.

In the Lakeside flight, the men’s lacrosse team transferred their ball skills and triumphed over the soccer team with 29 games won. Team Softball also made use of their hand-eye coordination against field hockey and won by two games, 21–19.

The three-stage, round-robin, hourlong matches put the players to work. Teams won by winning the

most games after time was called or winning the best of 11 total games. By the end of the last round, softball and squash, winners of each flight, were ready to compete in the ultimate showdown.

The last match used a unique format, in which two of team’s non-tennis players, started the tiebreaker game. Nicole Wedlake and Lindsay Krueger represented softball and Andrew Hilboldt and Will Braff played for squash. The play started slowly as the players got used to their new opponents, and once the players reached five points, the teams were able to switch out one player for another team member.

To ramp up the stakes, Team Softball switched in one of their best players, newcomer Timothy Sah, and Team Squash brought in their No. 1 player Arjith Jayaraman. Serves started to get stronger and strategies more daring until each

team could switch out another player when they reached nine points. For the final match-up, Will Genesen joined Sah on the softball side and Alex Buckley joined Jayaraman for squash.

With four high-level players playing for the win, the match became a spectacle. Players couldn’t break their opponents’ serve, resulting in the two doubles teams trading the lead. Eventually, Jayaraman and Buckley gained the lead and conquered the court, winning 13–11 over Sah and Genesen, making Team Squash the 2024 All Sports champions. Congrats team! 

Team Squash won the All Sports Challenge (l-to-r): Andrew Jung, Max Mailman, Andrew Hilboldt, Arjith Jayaraman, Matt Shang, Alex Buckley, Hywel Robinson, AJ Wilkinson. Not pictured: Will Braff, Austen McGregor.

OC SPORTS

ANTHONY COLLADO WINS NATIONAL HANDBALL TITLE

by Christine U’Ren

Congratulations to Anthony Collado, who won the A Doubles division at the 73rd United States Handball Association National Three-Wall Championships, along with his partner. Although the Club has a long history of handball championships, this is the first senior national title for a member in 10 years.

The August 29–September 2 tournament was hosted by the Toledo Handball Club in Ohio. Unlike the courts at City Clubhouse, threewall courts have no back wall and are typically located outdoors. Anthony and his brother Loren, currently the OC handball commissioner, grew up playing on three-wall courts in Campbell, California. Anthony won six national three-wall titles as a Junior member, including two doubles titles with Loren.

This year, Anthony partnered with Chandler Straw, whom he met years ago at a three-wall junior national event in Cincinnati. Straw later joined Anthony’s handball

team at Lake Forest College. “I really love playing with Chandler,” Anthony said. “He is a competitor but also loves to have a few laughs in the court.”

Their first game in Toledo ended with Collado/Straw slamming their opponents 21–11, 21–11 and advancing to the quarterfinals. “In the quarterfinals, we played another college teammate, Carter Kounovsky, and his very strong partner Vincent Yam; they definitely were our toughest competition,” Anthony said. “It took us a full game to catch up, but we worked our way into the rallies and eventually won the game with less hand errors and more defensive drives.”

In the semifinals on Sunday, against Emmanuel Rendon Dominguez and Sheikh Hossain, “we were blown out in the first game and struggling to find our groove in the second game,” Anthony said. As the back court player, he took some high-risk shots and accidentally hit Straw

with the ball three times. “Not only did I leave him some welts, but we also lost all three rallies as a result,” Anthony said. “The third time, Chandler yelped, turned around to share some choice words, and for whatever reason we both could not stop laughing. It took us almost a minute to get ready for the next point, but that pause was just the break in tension we needed.” The pair played their best ball of the tournament, turning the game around to finish 21–6 at the end of the second half, then won the tiebreaker 11–3.

In the championship game, Collado/Straw took out the team of Frank and Worchesky, 21–13 and 21–9.

Between handball championships, Anthony studies medicine at Midwestern University, outside of Chicago, and also serves in the Navy. Handball is popular in the area, so Anthony can keep up his training with the help of high-level partners. 

Anthony Collado (far right) with his partner, Chandler Straw (second from right) pose with the second-place team.

OC RETURNS TO HAWAII FOR DUO OF ROUGH WATER RACES

by Christine U’Ren

Olympic Club swimmers made the most of Labor Day weekend by traveling to Hawaii for two traditional Club events: swimming a relay race across the Maui Channel and competing in the Waikiki Rough Water Swim.

First up was the 9.9-mile Maui Channel Swim, Saturday, August 31. The Club co-founded this event in 1972, and has been participating ever since. This year, the Winged “O” was represented by two teams of six racers. In one OC boat, Joby Bernstein, Tommy Dowley, Will Roberts, Brian Schmidt, Selby Sturzenegger and Danny Wall finished in second place overall. The next OC boat, with Allison Arnold, Danielle Becks, Catherine Breed, Matti Harrison, Catherine Ladd and Elyssa Pedote, was right behind, placing third overall, and first among all-women teams.

Deputy Rough Water Swimming

Commissioner Matt Korman praised Breed for her work organizing the two boats. The teams

were especially glad to get back to Maui after last year’s race was canceled due to the tragic fires.

“It was fantastic to return to the Maui Channel with two strong teams and great conditions,” Breed said. “Even though Maui is still recovering from last year’s Lahaina fires, we were proud to be back and supporting the local community. We’re excited to continue racing the Tatersalls and see our name back on the trophy soon!”

After a brief recovery, the Maui swimmers joined up with 15 other Olympians for the 2.3-mile Waikiki Roughwater Swim, which was set for Monday, September 2. But first, everyone gathered the night before for a dinner meetup with incredible food and views, getting the team well-fueled for the 8:30am start the next day.

“The Olympic Club arrived in full force,” Korman said. “We made an impressive showing: six firstplace age-group (AG) finishes, 24 top-ten AG finishers, and a

podium sweep.” Bernstein was first in his age group and fifth overall (51:29). Erika Hanson, Mike McCaffery, Ed Rudloff and Schmidt were also first in their divisions. The podium sweep came in the women’s 30–34 AG: Arnold was first with a time of 51:40, followed by Breed (54:05) and Pedote (1:00:57). Arnold also placed second among women overall, and 10th among both women and men. Breed’s time placed her third among women. Christine Olson was first among swimmers wearing fins.

“Conditions were immaculate, with a favorable current most of the time,” Peter Ferguson said. “The current turned unfavorable once we passed the last buoy. Veterans and newcomers still can’t agree on the best way to finish the race; some folks went wide, while others swam in place. Overall, it was an incredibly fast race this year, with an epic OC showing across all divisions!”

Olympians gathered at Kaimana Beach to compete against nearly 1,000 swimmers in the 2024 Waikiki Rough Water Swim.

OC SPORTS

2024 BASKETBALL LEAGUE RESULTS

by Fidel Alvarez

WOMEN’S WINTER LEAGUE

2024 Women’s Winter League Champions — Team Cooks: Captain Mariah Cooks, Kristjan Aubry, Mo Bennett, Nicole Berry, Nicole Diggs, Alexis Guidry-Brown, Jasmine Guinn, Silk Haynes, Jessica Keahiola-Hana

All-Star Team: Mariah Cooks, Alexis Guidry-Brown, Jasmine Guinn, Ameela Lee, Elise O’Connor, Erika Steeves, Abbie Wolf

MAIN AWARDS OF THE YEAR

f MVP & Captain: Mariah Cooks

f Newcomer: Abbie Wolf

f Defender: Melanie Wong

“A” LEAGUE

2024 “A” League Champions — Team Briskey: Captain Peter Briskey, Mark Bowers, Dominic Burke, Kirk Lacob, Alexander Lee, Cole McConnell, Evan Rose, Seth Tarver

All-Star Team: Mark Bowers, Henry Caruso, Brett Corbett, Cole McConnell, Oliver McNally, Craig Moore, Wade Morgan, Grant Mullins, Seth Tarver, Tim Wang

MAIN AWARDS OF THE YEAR

f MVP: Grant Mullins

f Newcomer: Wade Morgan

f Defender: Brett Corbett

f Captain: Peter Briskey

“B” LEAGUE

2024 “B” League Champions

Team Kilgore (three-peat!): Captain Tom Kilgore, James Bitter, Hunter Huss, Deke Jackson, Matt Loftus, Mike Lyngaas, Nick Osborne, Wells Patrick, Max Pollard, Reuben Torenberg, Peter Sefton

All-Star Team: James Bitter, Kevin Cunningham, Danny Dunleavy, Will Farr, Cliff Machado, Nick Osborne, Ryan Sakowski, Reuben Torenberg, Ben Weinstein, Conor Wilkes

MAIN AWARDS OF THE YEAR

f MVP: James Bitter

f Newcomer: Reuben Torenberg

f Defender: Ben Weinstein

f Captain: Tom Kilgore

“C” LEAGUE

2024 “C” League Champions — Team Vogel: Captain Dain Vogel, Patrick Assini, Mike Campbell, Alex Faussner, Peter Holl, Doug Howe, Thomas McKinley, Max Rosendin, Craig Rossi, Jack Williams

All-Star Team: Sam Bradley, Benjamin Byrne, David Ellis, Alex Faussner, Andrew Gugliemi, Dan Leberman, Thomas McKinley, Michael Rossi, Dom Tognotti, Nico Toracca

MAIN AWARDS OF THE YEAR

f MVP: Alex Faussner

f Newcomer & Defender: Michael Rossi

f Captain: Dain Vogel

“OVER 45” FALL LEAGUE

2024 “Over 45” Fall League Champions — Team Glass: Captain Eric Glass, Michael Carmignani, J.T. Cecchini, John O’Connor, Tom Piro, Chris Shea, Steven Stroud, Dan Weiss, Jeff Woodhead, Steve Wynne

All-Star Team: Scott Buoy, Tom Donnelly, Tim Fiacco, John Giordani, Kurt Houtkooper, Mike Pellegrini, Tom Piro, Clinton Textor, Erik Witte, Steve Wynne

MAIN AWARDS OF THE YEAR

f MVP: Kurt Houtkooper

f Newcomer: Chuck Eggert

f Defender: J.T. Cecchini

f Captain: Eric Glass

“OVER 35” SPRING LEAGUE

2024 “Over 35” Spring League Champions — Team Borges: Captain George Borges, Zach Abrams, JC Avakian, John Bruno, Mario Favetti, Christopher Gurries, Cameron Hyland, Eric Rogers, Michael Rossi, Chris Spirz, Ron Yen

All-Star Team: Zach Akin, Eric Allbin, Matt Fredericks, Christopher Gurries, Matt Lee, Nick Osborne, Dan Ruby, J.T. Stephens, Mike Watters, Pat Yalon

“A” League Champions — Team Briskey (l-to-r): Evan Rose, Seth Tarver, Mark Bowers, Captain Peter Briskey, Kirk Lacob, Dominic Burke, Cole McConnell. Not Pictured: Alexander Lee.

MAIN AWARDS OF THE YEAR

f MVP: Christopher Gurries

f Newcomer: Nick Osborne

f Defender: Matt Fredericks

f Captain: George Borges

“OVER

45” SPRING LEAGUE

2024 “Over 45” Spring League Champions — Team O’Meara: Captain Jim O’Meara, Mark Bechelli, Tom Brown, Mike Folk, Art Gross, Jordan Kanis, Rob Pollard, Chris Ridley, Steven Stroud, Dave Sullivan

All-Star Team: Michael Carmignani, Todd Denbo, Tim Fiacco, Mike Folk, John Giordani, Dan Leberman, Chris Ridley, Clinton Textor, Russ Thau, Erik Witte

MAIN AWARDS OF THE YEAR

f MVP & Newcomer: Dan Leberman

f Defender: Mike Folk

f Captain: Jim O’Meara

WOMEN’S SUMMER LEAGUE

2024 Women’s Summer League Champions — Team Cooks: Captain Mariah Cooks, Kristijan Aubry, Nicole Diggs, Rokia Doumbia, Jasmine Guinn, Taylor McAdam, Silk Haynes, Gabbrielle Rush, Lauren Shepard, Kimberly Strand “ABA” LEAGUE

2024 “ABA” League Champions — Team New York: Captains Albert Gutierrez & Jim O’Meara, Sean

Burns, Chris Duskin, John Dwyer, Paul Fitzpatrick, Craig Greenwood, Matt Jackson, Brian Paul, Chris Ridley, Steven Stroud, Walt Willig

All-Star Team: Matt Corvi, Chris Duskin, Mike Folk, Scott Griffin, Chris Ridley, Ty Shay, Steve Wynne

MAIN AWARDS OF THE YEAR

f MVP & Newcoming: Ty Shay

f Defender: Shon Buford

f Captain: Albert Gutierrez and Jim O’Meara

NCAA SUMMER LEAGUE

2024 NCAA Summer League Champions — Team California: Captain Steve Hobson, Michael Cresci, Chris Etterman, Adam Handlos, Mike Hobson, Reed Malone, Jimmy McFadden Jr., Jack Mooney, John Ryan, Elliot Schaffer Jr., Conor Wilkes, David Wilkes

All-Star Team: Jonathan Boldt, Mario Favetti, Stuart Gwynn, Cameron Hyland, Max Levine, Matt Loftus, Jeff Mullen, Joe Murphy, Peter Sefton, Rich Smith

MAIN AWARDS OF THE YEAR

f MVP: Conor Wilkes

f Newcomer: Reed Malone

f Defender: Michael Rossi

f Captain: Steve Hobson

NBA SUMMER LEAGUE

2024 NBA Summer League Champions — Team Seattle: Captain Christian Diggs, Eric Allbin, Stephen Baird, Brett Corbett, Danny Dunleavy, William Farr, Can Kaya, Nick Lombardi, John Melen, E.J. Silvia, Pat Yalon

All-Star Team: Mark Bowers, Will Breck, Brett Corbett, Jack Coulter, Tyler Kelly, Sean McDevitt, Wade Morgan, Sammy Pollard, Conor Stechschulte, Tim Wang

MAIN AWARDS OF THE YEAR

f MVP: Will Breck

f Newcomer: Can Kaya

f Defender: Sammy Pollard

f Captain: Peter Briskey

“Over 35” Spring League Champions — Team Borges. Back row (l-to-r): John Bruno, Chris Spirz, Mario Favetti, Zach Abrams, Ron Yen, Michael Rossi, Eric Rogers. Front row: J.C. Avakian, Captain George Borges, Christopher Gurries. Not pictured: Cameron Hyland.

OC TRIATHLETES CONQUER SANTA CRUZ IRONMAN 70.3

by Christine U’Ren

Congratulations to the OC triathletes who finished the Ironman Santa Cruz 70.3 on September 8. Albert Boyce came in first in his age group, with a time of 4:33:44, and Ryan Thompson was fourth in his, with 4:36:01. Both qualified for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Marbella, Spain, in November 2025.

“Santa Cruz is the closest Ironman race to San Francisco, so it’s basically the triathlete version of a neighborhood block party!” Thompson said. Sam Bradley, Austen McGregor, Matthew Murray, Anthony Navarro, Timothy Sah, Liz Schilling and Patrick Ward also completed the intense, 70.3-mile race. “We had a lot of first-timers out there, and they crushed it!” Commissioner Liz Davis said. Boyce added that “it was awesome seeing people out on the course during the race in their OC kit — inspiring. Everybody did great.”

“The course is pure beauty,” Thompson said. “Ocean swim at Cowell’s Beach, then a bike ride along Highway 1, and finally, a run along picturesque ocean bluffs.”

Boyce pointed out that, due to coastal erosion, the run has had to be rerouted a bit more inland in recent years.

In contrast to the Morro Bay Ironman 70.3 in July, the current was not a problem, although “it was super foggy and you could not even see out to the end of the pier we swim around,” Boyce said. “They had 50+ volunteers on surfboards and even more buoys to sight on, so it was perfect; no getting lost.”

“The seals also decided to throw in a little comedic relief by popping up and cheering us on — or judging us, I can’t tell which,” Thompson added.

Both Boyce and Thompson had a little trouble during the

bike segment. Boyce got a flat tire twice, while one of Thompson’s water bottles — loaded with critical nutrition — flew away when he hit a bump. “Nutrition can make or break every race,” he explained. He grabbed replacements from the aid stations, fighting against his habit of riding too fast and accidentally launching bottles “into low earth orbit.” However, both athletes really enjoyed the scenic ride.

Both Boyce and Thompson continue to train for upcoming triathlons. Thompson considers it “a totally addictive hobby! The community is incredible — supportive, fun, and filled with driven people who keep you coming back.” This December, he will represent the OC at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Taupo, New Zealand. “Joining the OC triathlon team and being part of the San Francisco triathlon community is one of the best things that’s happened to me,” he said. 

Ryan Thompson came in second in his division in the 56-mile bike segment. Liz Schilling on one of the sandy trails of the 13.1-mile run.

From left to right: John Vipiana, Mark Peracchi, Jeﬀrey Hamlin, Pete Picetti

GOLF PERFORMANCE CORNER

A QUICK WARM-UP

by Nicole McGirr, photos by Hannah Ly

Golfers are notorious for getting to the golf course with very little time to warm up before their round. We’ve all played with the friend who parked, changed their shoes and ran to the first tee, only to wonder why they didn’t hit a good first drive.

If you’re short on time, you should remember to warm up to swing, and not to swing to warm up. This way, you won’t be stressed if you don’t give yourself time to hit balls on the range. You’ll know you have an effective, dynamic warm-up you can do, and you’ll feel even better than you would had you hit a small bucket of balls.

Here are three effective movements to ensure you’re ready on the first tee:

Split Squat with Windmill

f Stand in a split-squat position with left foot in front and right foot back on its toe, with the right knee bent down toward the ground.

f Keep your torso tall, and stretch your arms out to your sides.

f In a windmill motion, twist both arms to the left, swinging your left arm behind you, and hug your right arm to your body, letting your shoulders twist and turn back with you.

f In a continuous movement, twist in the opposite direction and then back and forth, side to side. Keep your lower body stable and balanced while feeling the rotation in your midsection.

f Twist back and forth 10 times each way, then switch your feet and twist 10 more times each way.

Single Leg Balance with Cross-Body Taps

f Stand tall on your left foot with your right foot off the ground.

f Without your right foot touching the ground, lean down and tap your left shin with your right hand and come back up.

f When you lean down, try and bend from your hips with your back staying flat and straight. Try to not curl your back on the way down.

f Reach down and tap your shin 10 times, trying not to touch your right foot to the ground in between. Your right knee should go back as you go down and then come up toward your stomach when you rise back up.

f Repeat on the opposite side 10 times.

Half Side Lunge with a Push Off

f Start standing on your left foot with your right knee up.

f Step your right foot out so your feet are wide apart.

f Do a half lunge on the right side, keeping the left leg locked straight.

f Push off of the right foot to stand tall on your left foot and tuck your right knee back up.

f Repeat eight times and then switch sides to do eight on the other side.

2024 Club Champions (l-to-r): Richard Cresci (senior), Connie Isler (women’s), Jacob Goode (men’s) and Maurice Monserez (super senior).

Peter Bergquist and Larry Vierra. Bruce Hanavan and Richard Cresci. Phil Havlicek and Maurice Monserez.

KC Murphy and Jim Murphy. Patricia Megowan and Mary McKeegan. Coco Vandeweghe and Connie Isler.

Patricia Megowan (left, pictured with Chris Stein) won the Women’s Handicapped Flight Championship.

Jim Murphy (left) won the Men’s Second Flight Championship.

Daniel Connolly (right) played a 36-hole final match against Jacob Goode with his father and caddie, Martin Connolly (left), by his side.

Larry Vierra (left) won the Men’s First Flight Championship.

Jacob Goode (right) won the championship by beating Daniel Connolly (left) in the men’s final.

PRESIDENTS CUP CROWNS NEW AND REPEAT WINNERS

by Hannah Ly, photos by Jordan Sofris (Contributing member) and Mark Anderson

The 2024 Presidents Cup began with the stroke play round of 154 players on September 21–22, and continued with match play rounds the next weekend to crown this year’s Club Champions.

In the men’s division, the top contestants easily stood out from the crowd. Jacob Goode, who previously played in the tournament when he won the Junior Club Championship in 2021, found his groove early on.

“I remember I hit a really good drive down the middle, and I think I had 230 to the back right pin,” Goode said, recalling his shots on the first hole of the Lake Course.

“Then I strike this 5-iron, it went a little bit left and it rolls off the green…And I hit this chip and I landed it a good 10 feet short of where I wanted it to go, then the chip just kept rolling and rolling and all of a sudden it goes in the hole.”

While his eagle was followed by a bogey on the second hole, it set him up to come in first in the qualifier, and put him through to match play.

Connie Isler, who previously won the women’s division in 2018 and 2021, came back determined to take home the trophy for a third time and quickly showed off her prowess. In the qualifier, she shot a 6-over score, charging ahead of her opponents.

In match play, winners from past years joined up with the qualifiers

to create the ultimate showdown, including defending champion

Matt Hansen, Daniel Connolly (2021), Anthony Verna (2019 and 2017), defending senior champion Richard Cresci, Ned Nix (2018 and 2019) and eight-time champion Randy Haag.

While the competition was tough, Goode’s summer training paid off as he sailed through the tournament. For Goode, the Presidents Cup was an opportunity to get match play experience as he moves through the amateur circuit, and in playing on his home course against accomplished amateur players, Goode had his mindset down.

“There’s only one match I was down, and it was against Randy [Haag],” Goode remembered.

“I had this thought in my head of ‘You’re playing the course; you’re not playing him.’ With match play, there’s always another hole.”

Isler was in the same boat.

“I tried to take things one shot at a time and not get ahead of myself,” she said. “You also never know what’s going to happen in match play and you just have to stay in the moment.” Isler was skillful on the course, beating Coco Vandeweghe 6 and 5 in the finals and winning the women’s championship for the third time.

Defending senior champion Cresci kept up his streak and cruised past his opponents, ultimately taking the crown once again after

beating Bruce Hanavan 2 and 1. Maurice Monserez, who tied for first place in the super senior qualifier, found a similar ease throughout the tournament. He won the super senior trophy by beating Philip Havlicek 5 and 4. Larry Vierra won against Peter Bergquist, 1-up, in the First Flight, and Jim Murphy won against KC Murphy in the Second Flight, 2 and 1. Patricia Megowan emerged victorious after beating Mary McKeegan in 19 holes for the women’s handicap flight. In a long, 36-hole final for the men’s division, Goode went up against Connolly. “[Connolly] set the bar really high for what amateur golf means at The Olympic Club and outside of it,” Goode said. After almost two rounds around the Lake Course, Goode surpassed that bar and beat Connolly 6 and 5. 

OC WOMEN TRAVEL TO IRELAND FOR 2024 WITC

by Hannah Ly

GOLF FEATS

SHOOT YOUR AGE

As the sun rose on the western coast of Ireland, Pat Cornett raised the American flag while the women of The Olympic Club, along with their fellow American golfers, sang the national anthem. The flag-raising was part of the 13th Women’s International Team Challenge, in which three twosomes and one alternate represented the Club on an international level.

“They had a flag from each country,” Linda Lewis said. “The opening ceremony connects every WITC player to each other.”

10.14.24 | Score: 79

9.14.24 | Score: 77

10.10.24 | Score: 79

This year, the tournament was held on September 2–5 and hosted by Lahinch Golf Club in Ireland. The competition is a parallel event to the men’s biannual Carr Mara Golf Tournament, and invites five clubs from North America — Olympic Club, The Country Club, Merion, St. George’s Golf and Country Club, and Southern Hills — and five clubs from Great Britain and Ireland — Lahinch, Nairn, Royal Liverpool, Royal Portrush, and Walton Heath.

The OC team consisted of Brigitta Bloyer, Pat Cornett, Joanne Hickman, Margie Lao-Williams, Linda Lewis, Cameron Loback and Calista Reyes, the 2023 women’s Club Champion.

Once the tournament started, twosomes from each team competed in a Stableford format in the following divisions: gross, net and captain’s choice. Lahinch’s championship course posed a challenge for our golfers.

The course, which is technically golf links, flows with the nature of the existing land, rather than being engineered. This creates some unique but difficult holes, like the fourth hole, known as “The Klondyke.”

“We were all asking each other, did you get over the mountain or not?” Lewis recalled. “You tee off in a valley and there is very little fairway…and at the top of the mountain, there’s a [forecaddie] standing there telling you if your ball made it over or not.”

Nevertheless, the OC women persevered. Bloyer even made a hole-in-one on No. 11 with her 9-iron. “I was a very excited witness!” Lao-Williams remembered. “It was too bad Brigitta didn’t see it go in, but my screaming and jumping, along with our caddie and playing partners, convinced her that the ball actually went in.”

The OC finished the tournament in fourth place, while St. George’s defended their title and took first place. The competition was fierce, but the fellowship amongst the players was unbeatable. “Despite the challenge that the course presented, it was fun to compete with other women who have the same passion for and obsession with golf,” Lao-Williams said. “We all compete with unmatched ferocity, but when we walked off the course, there was a palpable camaraderie and genuine joy to be with each other.”

Outside of the competition, our Olympians enjoyed a team dinner and played other Irish courses before the tournament. Each of the players hopes to make it on the OC team next year, when The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, hosts the next competition. 

L-to-r: Margie Lao-Williams, Linda Lewis, Pat Cornett, Joanne Hickman, Brigitta Bloyer, Calista Reyes and Cameron Loback competed in the 2024 Women’s International Team Challenge at Lahinch Golf Course.

SGA MEMBERS EXPERIENCE “PURE AND EXQUISITE” GOLF AT BANDON DUNES

Golf as it was meant to be played. As I prepared to head up to Bandon Dunes in southern Oregon for the fall SGA golf trip, I reflected on this marketing claim by the Bandon Dunes resort and thought, “I will be the judge of that.” After all, being blessed to play golf at our iconic Club, I was just hoping that Bandon would not disappoint compared to our 45 fabulous holes.

After five fantastic days at Bandon, I stand corrected. I have never experienced such a pure and exquisite golf experience as I did on this trip. The Bandon story is an incredible one and far too long to repeat in this space. Suffice to say, founder Mike Keiser started off with an impossible dream and he more than achieved it. The seven courses at Bandon are classic Scottish links courses that will compare well with any in Scotland (save the history, of course).

Bandon’s first course opened in 1999, and there are now seven courses. Each and every one looks like it could have been where golf was invented. Built on incredible sand dunes sprawling over 2,400 acres of Southern Oregon coast, the terrain is rolling and full of natural mounding. Each hole is liberally sprinkled with natural and intimidating sand traps, gorse bushes, an occasional lone tree and enough fescue and ocean vegetation to make every wayward shot a beautiful adventure. The fairways

are wide, firm and hard, the greens large (some 100 yards from front to back) but very challenging to hold and to putt.

We were fortunate with the weather. Sunny days made the ocean a mesmerizing blue with incredible sunsets. We got three days of sunny warmth with 10 mph winds, one day of warm, light rain, and one 30 mph day that made every single shot a near impossibility to judge. Did I mention that you never see a single building on any of the courses until you play the final hole and return to the clubhouse? Keiser prioritized golf over all else (including the real estate economics), and every single minute you are at a Bandon Dunes course you feel blessed by his vision and commitment.

There is more to report on at Bandon, including at least four

exceptional restaurants (The Ghost Tree Grill steakhouse was our favorite) and an array of lodging options that pleased everyone.

My wife, the only non-golfer on the trip, said that having a whole week in a great hotel room with me off playing golf most of every day was “the best of all worlds.”

The exceptional shuttle service eliminates the need for a car. Bandon has a half dozen spectacular and well-marked hiking trails and a much needed spa for post-golf recovery.

But it is the golf that defines Bandon. Everyone walks, and most of us took advantage of the exceptional caddies. Golf carts are only allowed for those with medical needs. As a result, there are no cart paths. Just sand dunes, ocean, bunkers, gorse, fescue and a challenging shot to focus your mind.

Each night at dinner, our group (some longtime friends and many total newcomers) grew closer sharing our experiences from that day’s round, knowing that there could be no more perfect combination than the great golf of Bandon and the camaraderie of our group.

The next SGA trip will be in March in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico. Announcements about this trip are in process, and the sign-up deadline is just a few weeks away. I know I will be going.

Thanks to all who have been so supportive of our events! 

L-to-r: Tony Nam, Chris Ellison, Hagen Choi, Pat Magowan, Romana Bracco, Brad Maglesby, Sue Campbell, Susan Morse, Jim Ketcham, Mark Michelli, Frank Morse, Lois Sangster, Gordon Sangster, Dong Hwang. Not pictured: Michael Ahern, Dana Ketcham.

SGA CORNER by Jim Ketcham, SGA Board member

GOLF REPORT

FAVORITES

Tennis courts are pretty much all the same, and our memories of them are generally related to games we played there — my high school matches at the Beach Club in Pebble, college matches on clay in Charlottesville, and my father’s story about the Center Court at Wimbledon when he played Fred Perry in 1936. But golf courses are different.

Even the holes are different, some are more memorable than others and some are unforgettable. Course designers would love to make them all unique, yet naturally unfolding with the land. When creating a dramatic hole, the preference is to place it late in the round — the 18th at Pebble comes to mind. However, the land does not always offer such an opportunity, and the sequence is often determined by clubhouse location, real estate development or an adjacent landmark, such as at Ballybunion.

Some of golf’s best holes are dramatic in their display of the full challenge. Our own 18th is such a masterpiece, with the green and its defenses fully visible from the tee. The 16th at Cypress and the seventh at Pebble also come to mind. At other times, the challenge is only partially disclosed, such as the third hole at Pasatiempo, where the straightforward view does not unveil the nasty green that awaits. And some of golf’s best holes give us no information at all about what

is to come. The green is hidden from us on the fourth at Spyglass, the fourth at Fishers Island, the 16th at Merion East and the Dell at Lahinch, and there is probably no hole as strangely protected as the Road Hole 17th at St Andrews. Longer holes sometimes wander and only unveil themselves as we play them. Our own 16th is an example of this, as is Foxy, the 14th at Dornoch, and the eighth at Pikewood National.

Saving such treats for the back nine, or better yet the very end, is perhaps desirable, but sometimes Amen Corner just comes sooner, and in the case of Mauna

Kea, the majesty is earlier still. When the course was opened in 1965, a celebratory match was planned, featuring Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. The Black Knight, the Golden Bear and the King had a practice round the day before, and one of the three could not carry the water with his drive from the 250+ yard tee box, and so the exhibition was moved forward the following day, and the elevated back tee was abandoned for more than 50 years, and only used for wedding photography. Rees Jones

brought it back into play when he renovated his father’s (Robert Trent Jones’) golf course several years ago. Modern equipment makes a difference apparently, because Player returned for the new opening ceremony and was able to reach the green this time. This is truly my favorite hole, but perhaps next time I visit I will just play the first three holes, and then return to the beach and relax with another Frederico cocktail. Aloha! 

TEE TO GREEN by Gerry Stratford, Member

Dear Olympians,

As GM/COO of The Olympic Club, it is both a privilege and a responsibility to oversee the management of this institution — a club steeped in tradition, yet constantly evolving to meet the needs of its members. One of the greatest things about The Olympic Club is how deeply its traditions are rooted in the fabric of the Club. From one generation to the next, members have embraced activities, events and values that have endured over time and have become iconic.

However, a club that does not evolve to meet the changing times risks stagnation. Generations of boards have been mindful of the need to update and contemporize our facilities, offerings and programs to ensure the Club meets the expectations of the next generation. As society changes, so too do preferences for dining, technology, fitness and common spaces. Our newer members bring fresh perspectives and ideas, and we must remain relevant to thrive well into the future.

This change can often be difficult. Many of our longer tenured members, who have witnessed the Club through decades of history, feel a deep connection to the traditions and experiences they have known and loved for years. I believe that the membership understands that any new development or modernization can bring with it a sense of discontent, especially when compared to the comfort of familiarity, but also that the very spirit of The Olympic Club is one of excellence and progression, and that spirit transcends any particular era.

Last month, our Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony perfectly reflected how traditions and modernity can coexist in harmony. This annual event continues to be cherished by members of all ages, as it not only honors the individuals who have contributed greatly to the Club’s legacy but also

bridges the gap between past and present. The inductees represent different periods of our history, reminding us that the members’ love for the Club is timeless.

Aside from three Olympians honored posthumously this year, the Club was proud to induct two other extraordinary members. Frank Grannis, a centenarian member, continues to swim and win competitions after celebrating his 100th birthday. His longevity at the Club offers a unique perspective — he has seen the Club evolve over the decades and yet remains a steadfast participant in both its traditions and its innovations. He is a bridge between generations, embodying the endurance of the Club’s values even as the Club evolves.

Susan Morse, our first female president, was also inducted. She is a trailblazer and a shining example of progress at The Olympic Club. Susan’s leadership is emblematic of the forward momentum the Club has aimed to achieve while maintaining the very core of excellence that has always defined it. During her presidency, the Club made tremendous strides in advancing important changes while holding true to its heart and soul.

As the Club continues to evolve, it is important to remember that modernization and tradition can coexist. The beauty of The Olympic Club is that, while some things change, the essence of what makes the Club special remains steadfast. Here’s to honoring the past while embracing the future!

Tim Muessle GM/COO

I am David Ezzo, Food and Beverage Director at City Clubhouse. My areas of responsibilities are Article III, 1860 Bar, Hall of Fame Game Room, banquets and The Overlook. Hospitality has been my livelihood since I was in college, flipping burgers at the campus cafeteria at University of Massachusetts Amherst. Through the years, I have learned the immense value of teamwork.

Teamwork is often praised, revered and touted. It is one of the most overused and underachieved motivational words. Teamwork’s mortal enemy is the ego. There are no lives at stake at The Olympic Club. This is not an emergency room or a battlefield. However, we still have big responsibilities to the members, staff, our families. That is not inconsequential by any means. It is our livelihood. The Olympic Club is an institution built on teamwork. Success in sports relies on the team, and success in food and beverage also relies on the team. The team I have is as solid and egoless as any I have worked with in all of my many years in food and beverage.

From Fight Night to Crab Feeds to a small committee meeting, the team takes all tasks seriously and works together to ensure that everyone they encounter comes away happy and satisfied. I can’t name everyone, so I will just acknowledge my direct team: James Cheng, Alvin Afuang, Ali Khan, Lily Toy, Arlene Manahan and Keana Ancheta. I thank them from the bottom of my heart daily. Give them a high five when you see them.

David Ezzo Director of Food & Beverage

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Calling all members to join the OC Business Directory that will be featured in the September 2025 Olympian magazine! This special edition will be dedicated to promoting businesses owned or operated by our members, creating a platform where we can support and uplift one another within the community. By featuring your organization in this directory, you’ll not only increase your visibility among fellow members, but you’ll also help strengthen the bonds of our Club by encouraging members to shop and support locally.

Visit www.olyclub.com/form-olympian-bd or scan the QR code to submit your business today!

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