The 15th annual BarryBob Invitational is in the books. Another incredible year and a big reminder why we love beach volleyball, its lifestyle and the lifelong bonds it creates.
Barry Walmer and Bob Cleary were best friends for 35 years, both attending Loyola High School and Loyola University and USC and raising their families in Manhattan Beach. Walmer passed away in 1995 and Cleary in 1998.
In a tribute to these men and their love of family, friends and sport, the BarryBob beach volleyball tournament was instituted in their honor. The players’ names from each championship team are inscribed on the perpetual trophy that is displayed during the summer months at Fonz’s restaurant in Manhattan Beach.
One hundred players started out Saturday morning vying for bragging rights and a place on the BarryBob trophy. The field included volleyball legends, Olympians and two NBA World Champions. But the real theme, and what made the BarryBob so special and fun this year, were all the great families and tight knit group of friends that played.
It was awesome to see the old guard out there battling, but even better seeing their kids battling alongside with them. Father, son, mom, daughter, brother and best friends exchanging spikes, digs and a little friendly smack talk. And this wasn’t just picnic ball, the talent level was amazingly high and provided great entertainment.
There is now the first father and son on the BarryBob perpetual trophy with the addition of Sammy Arico following his dad Jim, who won in 2003.
As always, the event was honored to have legends like Jim Menges, Tim Hovland, Steve Obradovich, Jose Loiola, Brent Frohoff, Gary Hooper and Dane Selznick play in this event. Congratulations go out to Pedro Brazeo, Joe Anderson, Gary Hooper and Sammy Arico who defeated Nate Staggs, Luke Walton, Nick Schneider and Chris McGee for the title.
Finishing in third place were the teams of Jon Mesko/Billy Del Riego/Marc Walmer/Brad Johnson and Dave McKenzie/Dane Selznick/Lee Hoven-Bakos/Gene Anselmo.
Fifth-place finishing teams included Hunter Hovland/Jose Loiola/Joey Del Riego/Jim Arico; Travis Woolson/Steve Obradovich/Pete Obradovich/Cole Paxton; Brandon Taliaferro/Terry Nolan/Mike Amiri/Jay Saikley; and Scotty Lane/Dan Vrebalovich/Steve Vrebalovich/Wayno.
The top Junior BarryBob team was Max Cajuste/James Vrebalovich/Seam McQuiggan/Lillie Hammitt which bested the team of Thomas Kretschmer/Pri Loiola/Danny Millea/Troy McDonald.
