Long Beach State University Athletics
Long Beach State Men’s Volleyball to Induct Three New Members to the Wall of Honor
2/4/2020 4:28:00 PM | Men's Volleyball
Former players Matt Gage, Bill Imwalle, and Buzz Swarts will be inducted on Monday, March 2
Randy Sandefur Memorial Golf Tounament Flyer (PDF)
LONG BEACH, Calif. – In a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Long Beach State Men's Volleyball becoming an NCAA sanctioned sport, the Beach will be inducting three new members to the Wall of Honor. Matt Gage, Bill Imwalle, and Buzz Swarts, who each played on the inaugural LBSU men's volleyball squad, will be inducted on Monday, March 2 at the Wall of Honor dinner following the sixth annual Randy Sandefur Memorial Golf Tournament at Big Rec Golf Course.
"It's exciting because it is the 50th year of Long Beach State men's volleyball becoming an NCAA sport," said Rocky Ciarelli, who played for Long Beach State from 1977-70 and was indicted in the inaugural class. "All three inductees played in 1969 when it was a club sport, and were on the team in 1970 when they went to the NCAA Finals.
"Celebrating the 50th anniversary and having three guys who played on that team is great. All three went on to play beach volleyball at the highest level. Just one year removed from Long Beach State, they went on to win the Beach Volleyball Tournament (AAA Tournament) in 1971 – before the AVP."
The two major induction criteria for the Wall of Honor, as outlined by the committee are as follows: the player must have represented Long Beach State Men's Volleyball with unparalleled success or achievement and truly embodied the passion, commitment, and loyalty that encompass a Long Beach State men's volleyball player.
In addition to being part of the inaugural Long Beach State Men's Volleyball team, the trio went on to leave their mark on the sport of volleyball, particularly on the beach, for years to come. While making major strides for the sport, they continued their support and commitment to LBSU as the program grew into one of the top men's volleyball programs in the nation and captured three NCAA National Titles.
In Long Beach State's first year as an NCAA sanctioned sport the Beach made a run to the NCAA Tournament after placing third in the SCIVA. The NCAA District Champions defeated Ball State and UC Santa Barbara in the NCAA Tournament to advance to the NCAA Semifinals where the Beach knocked off Ball State as LBSU advanced to the NCAA Finals where they eventually fell to UCLA.
"I'd like to congratulate Matt Gage, Bill Imwalle, and Buzz Swarts on their induction into the Wall of Honor," Long Beach State head coach Alan Knipe said. "All three possess a very impressive volleyball resume. Their commitment to the sport, in particular Long Beach State men's volleyball, is the foundation that has led to the success that we continue to feel today."
Matt Gage, who played for Long Beach State from 1969-70, had a solid indoor career following his time at the Beach. After serving in the United States National Guard, he went on to record three top 10 showings at Nationals while playing for the Schlumfelders in 1971, Balboa Bay Club in 1972, and Santa Monica Y in 1973. In 1974, he went on to play in Rome and played at Nationals with former LBSU teammate Buzz Swarts.
However, where Gage really made a name for himself was on the beach. In a beach career that spanned 13 years (1970-83), Gage won an unprecedented 28 Open Victories. He played with nine different partners, including former LBSU teammates Buzz Swarts and Bill Imwalle. Following his incredible career on the Beach, Gage spent nearly 30 years running the tournament board for the AVP. A household name on the beach, Gage was inducted into the CBVA Beach Volleyball Hall of Fame in 1994.
"The end of [Matt's] playing career was the beginning of the AVP," Ciarelli explained. "Matt is one of the more well-respected people in beach volleyball. I can't say enough good things about him."
Bill Imwalle was a two-year starter at Long Beach State from 1969-70 and went on to have a very successful beach career. He was a three-time Santa Cruz Open Champion in 1971, 1973, and 1974 and won the Corona Del Mar Open Championship in 1976. He won the Manhattan Beach 6-man Tournament five times, and placed third in the first World Championship of Beach Volleyball in 1976, which was the largest money tournament at that time in beach volleyball history. He finished his beach career winning four tournaments, all four of which he played with his college teammate, Matt Gage.
His indoor career saw him play in the Winston Volleyball League in 1974 and the IVA Co-Ed Pro League in 1975. Imwalle continued to stay involved in the sport as his team won the 1992 National Championship 45-50s in Reno, Nev., as he was selected to the All-American squad at the 1992 Reno Nationals.
Following his successful playing career, Imwalle continued his work in volleyball as he moved into coaching the sport he loves. He spent 10 years as the head women's volleyball coach at Menlo College and retired as a four-time Conference Coach of the Year. He led Menlo to five conference championships and two NAIA National Tournament appearances and was inducted into the Menlo College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012.
Buzz Swarts, who was also part of that inaugural Long Beach State squad in 1970, made a name for himself on the beach following his collegiate career. Swarts won 10 Open Tournaments on the beach, with half of those playing with former LBSU teammate Matt Gage. Known as one of the most consistent players in the Open circuit, Swarts earned his biggest win in 1972 when he and Gage defeated Bob Clem and Larry Rundle to win the Manhattan Beach Open. Nearly four decades later, his name is still permanently engraved on the pier alongside other beach volleyball legends.
Swarts also excelled in mixed doubles and was a multiple winner of the Marine Street mixed tournament, which was the most prestigious mixed doubles tournament in California at the time.
Following an exceptional playing career, Swarts continued his involvement in the sport as he was an instrumental part in establishing the first courts on the pier in the City of Hermosa. For all of his efforts both on and off the beach, Swarts was inducted into the CBVA Hall of Fame in 2013.
Gage, Imwalle, and Swarts will be inducted in to the Wall of Honor, joining the current 32 members, on Monday, March 2 at the sixth annual Randy Sandefur Memorial Golf Tournament at Big Rec Golf Course at 5001 Deukmejian Dr. The Wall of Honor dinner will begin at 4:30 p.m., following the golf tournament. To register, ($200 per golfer; $800 per foursome) or to purchase tickets for dinner ($75 – dinner only), please visit: www.longbeachstate.com/mvbgolf.
Long Beach State Men's Volleyball Wall of Honor Members
Listed alphabetically
Tom Ashen (1971-73)
Darrell Auxier (1971-73)
Michael Barton (1971-73)
Mike Brawley (1979-81, 1983)
Rocky Ciarelli (1977-79)
Mike D'Alessandro (1980-82)
Matt Gage (1970)
Tyler Hildebrand (2003-06)
Tim Hill (1976-78)
Brent Hilliard (1990-93)
Tom Hoff (1995-96)
Bill Imwalle (197)
Mark Kerins (1987-90)
Alan Knipe (1990-92)
Robert Kutsch (1987-90)
David Lee (2001-04)
Paul Lotman (2005-08)
Matt Lyles (1991-92)
David McKienzie (1998-01)
Miles Pabst (1973)
Dodge Parker (1970-71, 1973)
Jim Polster (1998-01)
Matt Prosser (1998-01)
Ray Ratelle (1982-00)
Randy Sandefur (1970-74)
Brett Schroeder (1989-92)
Chris Seiffert (1997-00)
Zach Small (1990-93)
Jason Stimpfig (1990-93)
Buzz Swarts (1970)
Tom Thornton (1974, 1976, 1978)
Scott Touzinsky (2001-04)
Richard Valbuena (1977-79, 1981)
Tom Wade (1980)
Brett Winslow (1988-91)
LONG BEACH, Calif. – In a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Long Beach State Men's Volleyball becoming an NCAA sanctioned sport, the Beach will be inducting three new members to the Wall of Honor. Matt Gage, Bill Imwalle, and Buzz Swarts, who each played on the inaugural LBSU men's volleyball squad, will be inducted on Monday, March 2 at the Wall of Honor dinner following the sixth annual Randy Sandefur Memorial Golf Tournament at Big Rec Golf Course.
"It's exciting because it is the 50th year of Long Beach State men's volleyball becoming an NCAA sport," said Rocky Ciarelli, who played for Long Beach State from 1977-70 and was indicted in the inaugural class. "All three inductees played in 1969 when it was a club sport, and were on the team in 1970 when they went to the NCAA Finals.
"Celebrating the 50th anniversary and having three guys who played on that team is great. All three went on to play beach volleyball at the highest level. Just one year removed from Long Beach State, they went on to win the Beach Volleyball Tournament (AAA Tournament) in 1971 – before the AVP."
The two major induction criteria for the Wall of Honor, as outlined by the committee are as follows: the player must have represented Long Beach State Men's Volleyball with unparalleled success or achievement and truly embodied the passion, commitment, and loyalty that encompass a Long Beach State men's volleyball player.
In addition to being part of the inaugural Long Beach State Men's Volleyball team, the trio went on to leave their mark on the sport of volleyball, particularly on the beach, for years to come. While making major strides for the sport, they continued their support and commitment to LBSU as the program grew into one of the top men's volleyball programs in the nation and captured three NCAA National Titles.
In Long Beach State's first year as an NCAA sanctioned sport the Beach made a run to the NCAA Tournament after placing third in the SCIVA. The NCAA District Champions defeated Ball State and UC Santa Barbara in the NCAA Tournament to advance to the NCAA Semifinals where the Beach knocked off Ball State as LBSU advanced to the NCAA Finals where they eventually fell to UCLA.
"I'd like to congratulate Matt Gage, Bill Imwalle, and Buzz Swarts on their induction into the Wall of Honor," Long Beach State head coach Alan Knipe said. "All three possess a very impressive volleyball resume. Their commitment to the sport, in particular Long Beach State men's volleyball, is the foundation that has led to the success that we continue to feel today."
Matt Gage, who played for Long Beach State from 1969-70, had a solid indoor career following his time at the Beach. After serving in the United States National Guard, he went on to record three top 10 showings at Nationals while playing for the Schlumfelders in 1971, Balboa Bay Club in 1972, and Santa Monica Y in 1973. In 1974, he went on to play in Rome and played at Nationals with former LBSU teammate Buzz Swarts.
However, where Gage really made a name for himself was on the beach. In a beach career that spanned 13 years (1970-83), Gage won an unprecedented 28 Open Victories. He played with nine different partners, including former LBSU teammates Buzz Swarts and Bill Imwalle. Following his incredible career on the Beach, Gage spent nearly 30 years running the tournament board for the AVP. A household name on the beach, Gage was inducted into the CBVA Beach Volleyball Hall of Fame in 1994.
"The end of [Matt's] playing career was the beginning of the AVP," Ciarelli explained. "Matt is one of the more well-respected people in beach volleyball. I can't say enough good things about him."
Bill Imwalle was a two-year starter at Long Beach State from 1969-70 and went on to have a very successful beach career. He was a three-time Santa Cruz Open Champion in 1971, 1973, and 1974 and won the Corona Del Mar Open Championship in 1976. He won the Manhattan Beach 6-man Tournament five times, and placed third in the first World Championship of Beach Volleyball in 1976, which was the largest money tournament at that time in beach volleyball history. He finished his beach career winning four tournaments, all four of which he played with his college teammate, Matt Gage.
His indoor career saw him play in the Winston Volleyball League in 1974 and the IVA Co-Ed Pro League in 1975. Imwalle continued to stay involved in the sport as his team won the 1992 National Championship 45-50s in Reno, Nev., as he was selected to the All-American squad at the 1992 Reno Nationals.
Following his successful playing career, Imwalle continued his work in volleyball as he moved into coaching the sport he loves. He spent 10 years as the head women's volleyball coach at Menlo College and retired as a four-time Conference Coach of the Year. He led Menlo to five conference championships and two NAIA National Tournament appearances and was inducted into the Menlo College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012.
Buzz Swarts, who was also part of that inaugural Long Beach State squad in 1970, made a name for himself on the beach following his collegiate career. Swarts won 10 Open Tournaments on the beach, with half of those playing with former LBSU teammate Matt Gage. Known as one of the most consistent players in the Open circuit, Swarts earned his biggest win in 1972 when he and Gage defeated Bob Clem and Larry Rundle to win the Manhattan Beach Open. Nearly four decades later, his name is still permanently engraved on the pier alongside other beach volleyball legends.
Swarts also excelled in mixed doubles and was a multiple winner of the Marine Street mixed tournament, which was the most prestigious mixed doubles tournament in California at the time.
Following an exceptional playing career, Swarts continued his involvement in the sport as he was an instrumental part in establishing the first courts on the pier in the City of Hermosa. For all of his efforts both on and off the beach, Swarts was inducted into the CBVA Hall of Fame in 2013.
Gage, Imwalle, and Swarts will be inducted in to the Wall of Honor, joining the current 32 members, on Monday, March 2 at the sixth annual Randy Sandefur Memorial Golf Tournament at Big Rec Golf Course at 5001 Deukmejian Dr. The Wall of Honor dinner will begin at 4:30 p.m., following the golf tournament. To register, ($200 per golfer; $800 per foursome) or to purchase tickets for dinner ($75 – dinner only), please visit: www.longbeachstate.com/mvbgolf.
Long Beach State Men's Volleyball Wall of Honor Members
Listed alphabetically
Tom Ashen (1971-73)
Darrell Auxier (1971-73)
Michael Barton (1971-73)
Mike Brawley (1979-81, 1983)
Rocky Ciarelli (1977-79)
Mike D'Alessandro (1980-82)
Matt Gage (1970)
Tyler Hildebrand (2003-06)
Tim Hill (1976-78)
Brent Hilliard (1990-93)
Tom Hoff (1995-96)
Bill Imwalle (197)
Mark Kerins (1987-90)
Alan Knipe (1990-92)
Robert Kutsch (1987-90)
David Lee (2001-04)
Paul Lotman (2005-08)
Matt Lyles (1991-92)
David McKienzie (1998-01)
Miles Pabst (1973)
Dodge Parker (1970-71, 1973)
Jim Polster (1998-01)
Matt Prosser (1998-01)
Ray Ratelle (1982-00)
Randy Sandefur (1970-74)
Brett Schroeder (1989-92)
Chris Seiffert (1997-00)
Zach Small (1990-93)
Jason Stimpfig (1990-93)
Buzz Swarts (1970)
Tom Thornton (1974, 1976, 1978)
Scott Touzinsky (2001-04)
Richard Valbuena (1977-79, 1981)
Tom Wade (1980)
Brett Winslow (1988-91)
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