LBSU Men’s Volleyball Announces Three New Inductees into the Wall of Honor
12/7/2021 2:54:00 PM | Men's Volleyball
Former Long Beach Legends Taylor Crabb, Andreas Koch, and Dustin Watten are the newest members of the elite group
LONG BEACH, Calif. – The Long Beach State men's volleyball program will be inducting three new members into the Wall of Honor. This year's class consists of former players Taylor Crabb, Andreas Koch, and Dustin Watten.
"All three of these Long Beach Legends had a big impact on our program, and it continues to be felt today," LBSU Head Coach Alan Knipe stated. "Not only did they all have exceptional careers during their Long Beach years, they have continued to excel in their post-Long Beach years.
"They have all stayed close to the program and are always offering ways to give back. I am so happy for all three of them. We are a better program because of each of their commitment to our volleyball family. We wish the best to Taylor and Dustin as they continue to play at the world's highest level!"
The major 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.
"This year's inductees exemplify the grit and culture instilled by Coach Knipe," said Harold Noriega, who played for Long Beach State from 1978-79 and is co-chair of the Wall of Honor committee. "I am particularly proud to see Dustin Watten, the first libero, to be inducted to the Wall of Honor. Congrats to these legends!"
Both on and off the court, these three individuals have demonstrated a commitment to the program that has far exceeded expectations and has helped the Beach establish itself as one of the premier volleyball programs in the country over the last several decades.
"All three are great Long Beach State men's volleyball players," said Rocky Ciarelli, who played for Long Beach State from 1977-80 and is a co-chair on the committee. "Not only in their abilities, but also in their enthusiasm for the Beach Men's Volleyball program. All three players are a great addition to the Wall of Honor."
Arguably, one of the most decorated athletes in men's volleyball history, Taylor Crabb, who played at LBSU from 2011-14, earned AVCA National Player of the Year honors following the 2013 season. During his career at the Beach, he earned AVCA First Team All-America accolades in 2014, as well as All-MPSF First Team honors in both 2013 and 2014. He ended his career ranked among the program's top-10 in career digs (4th, 802), total attempts (4th, 3,656), kills (8th, 1,600), and double-doubles (3rd, 26).
"Long Beach is more than a school – it is a family," said Crabb. "That's the thing I love most about it. I am where I am today because of the people that were around me at Long Beach State. I am forever grateful for everything they have done for me. It's the best feeling in the world when you still feel that connection and support even after you have graduated. Thank you, Long Beach State."
After graduating from Long Beach State with a degree in American Studies, Crabb has gone on to have a decorated career on the pro circuit, including an invite to the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 for Beach Volleyball. Additionally, Crabb has won eight AVP titles, earned MVP honors on two occasions, and won best defender four times over his career.
Andreas Koch, who played for Long Beach State from 1984-87, leads Long Beach State in blocking average with 1.94 blocks per set throughout his collegiate career. He is also second all-time in solo blocks with 107. Additionally, he holds the individual record for most blocks in a match with 17, which he set on March 7, 1986 against Penn State.
After graduating from Long Beach State with a degree in public relations, Koch played beach volleyball at the professional level and played on the AVP tour, as well as the 4-man Michelob Light Pro Beach Volleyball Tour.
"Thousands of jumps, hundreds of hours of weight training, four surgeries, seven sprained ankles, 25-plus years of chronic back pain, and I will continue playing the game I love and supporting Long Beach State Men's Volleyball which I will always consider family," said Koch. "Thanks to the LBSU induction panel for nominating me in the Wall of Honor – one of my life's biggest milestones!"
Dustin Watten, who played for Long Beach State from 2006-09, and was a member of the 2008 semifinalist team, earned Second Team All-America honors and MPSF Second Team accolades during the 2008 season. Watten is also among the career leaders in Long Beach State Men's Volleyball history in digs (5th, 799) and in most matches with 10-plus digs (2nd, 43). In addition, he holds the record for most digs in a single season with 358, and is the all-time single-season record holder in digs per set with 3.25, which were both set in 2009.
After graduating from Long Beach State in 2009 with a degree in communications, Watten has gone on to have a widely successful career in professional volleyball in both South America and Europe and has represented Team USA at the International level. While playing for Team USA, Watten helped the team win the 2015 FIVB World Cup and qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games. He won gold medals at the 2009, 2010, and 2012 Pan American Cup, while also earning a World Championship Bronze Medal, a World League Bronze Medal, and a VNL Bronze Medal while competing for Team USA. Watten has won the Bundesliga title in Germany with the Berlin Recycling Volleys.
"I'm so grateful for Alan Knipe and the program for taking a chance on me and sticking with me through my development as a kid into a man," Watten said. "My only goal growing up was to play at Long Beach State and my experience with the program equipped me with the tools to face adversity and love it. This attitude has taken me around the world. I only hope I can continue to give back to the program and to aid Alan and the coaching staff's deep love for creating family and helping these young men on their path towards greatness."
More information regarding the celebration and induction of Taylor Crabb, Andreas Koch, and Dustin Watten into the Long Beach State Men's Volleyball Wall of Honor will be forthcoming.
Current season ticket holders can renew their plans by logging into their account or calling the ticket office. If interested in new season tickets, fans can put a deposit HERE. For any other ticketing questions, please call: 562-985-4949 or email: LBSUtickets@csulb.edu.
Long Beach State Men's Volleyball Wall of Honor Members
Listed alphabetically (years at LBSU)
Tom Ashen (1971-73)
Darrell Auxier (1971-73)
Michael Barton (1971-73)
Mike Brawley (1979-81, 1983)
Rocky Ciarelli (1977-79)
Taylor Crabb (2011-14)
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)
Andreas Koch (1984-87)
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 Touzinksy (2001-04)
Richard Valbuena (1977-79, 1981)
Tom Wade (1980)
Dustin Watten (2006-09)
Brett Winslow (1988-91)
"All three of these Long Beach Legends had a big impact on our program, and it continues to be felt today," LBSU Head Coach Alan Knipe stated. "Not only did they all have exceptional careers during their Long Beach years, they have continued to excel in their post-Long Beach years.
"They have all stayed close to the program and are always offering ways to give back. I am so happy for all three of them. We are a better program because of each of their commitment to our volleyball family. We wish the best to Taylor and Dustin as they continue to play at the world's highest level!"
The major 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.
"This year's inductees exemplify the grit and culture instilled by Coach Knipe," said Harold Noriega, who played for Long Beach State from 1978-79 and is co-chair of the Wall of Honor committee. "I am particularly proud to see Dustin Watten, the first libero, to be inducted to the Wall of Honor. Congrats to these legends!"
Both on and off the court, these three individuals have demonstrated a commitment to the program that has far exceeded expectations and has helped the Beach establish itself as one of the premier volleyball programs in the country over the last several decades.
"All three are great Long Beach State men's volleyball players," said Rocky Ciarelli, who played for Long Beach State from 1977-80 and is a co-chair on the committee. "Not only in their abilities, but also in their enthusiasm for the Beach Men's Volleyball program. All three players are a great addition to the Wall of Honor."
Arguably, one of the most decorated athletes in men's volleyball history, Taylor Crabb, who played at LBSU from 2011-14, earned AVCA National Player of the Year honors following the 2013 season. During his career at the Beach, he earned AVCA First Team All-America accolades in 2014, as well as All-MPSF First Team honors in both 2013 and 2014. He ended his career ranked among the program's top-10 in career digs (4th, 802), total attempts (4th, 3,656), kills (8th, 1,600), and double-doubles (3rd, 26).
"Long Beach is more than a school – it is a family," said Crabb. "That's the thing I love most about it. I am where I am today because of the people that were around me at Long Beach State. I am forever grateful for everything they have done for me. It's the best feeling in the world when you still feel that connection and support even after you have graduated. Thank you, Long Beach State."
After graduating from Long Beach State with a degree in American Studies, Crabb has gone on to have a decorated career on the pro circuit, including an invite to the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 for Beach Volleyball. Additionally, Crabb has won eight AVP titles, earned MVP honors on two occasions, and won best defender four times over his career.
Andreas Koch, who played for Long Beach State from 1984-87, leads Long Beach State in blocking average with 1.94 blocks per set throughout his collegiate career. He is also second all-time in solo blocks with 107. Additionally, he holds the individual record for most blocks in a match with 17, which he set on March 7, 1986 against Penn State.
After graduating from Long Beach State with a degree in public relations, Koch played beach volleyball at the professional level and played on the AVP tour, as well as the 4-man Michelob Light Pro Beach Volleyball Tour.
"Thousands of jumps, hundreds of hours of weight training, four surgeries, seven sprained ankles, 25-plus years of chronic back pain, and I will continue playing the game I love and supporting Long Beach State Men's Volleyball which I will always consider family," said Koch. "Thanks to the LBSU induction panel for nominating me in the Wall of Honor – one of my life's biggest milestones!"
Dustin Watten, who played for Long Beach State from 2006-09, and was a member of the 2008 semifinalist team, earned Second Team All-America honors and MPSF Second Team accolades during the 2008 season. Watten is also among the career leaders in Long Beach State Men's Volleyball history in digs (5th, 799) and in most matches with 10-plus digs (2nd, 43). In addition, he holds the record for most digs in a single season with 358, and is the all-time single-season record holder in digs per set with 3.25, which were both set in 2009.
After graduating from Long Beach State in 2009 with a degree in communications, Watten has gone on to have a widely successful career in professional volleyball in both South America and Europe and has represented Team USA at the International level. While playing for Team USA, Watten helped the team win the 2015 FIVB World Cup and qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games. He won gold medals at the 2009, 2010, and 2012 Pan American Cup, while also earning a World Championship Bronze Medal, a World League Bronze Medal, and a VNL Bronze Medal while competing for Team USA. Watten has won the Bundesliga title in Germany with the Berlin Recycling Volleys.
"I'm so grateful for Alan Knipe and the program for taking a chance on me and sticking with me through my development as a kid into a man," Watten said. "My only goal growing up was to play at Long Beach State and my experience with the program equipped me with the tools to face adversity and love it. This attitude has taken me around the world. I only hope I can continue to give back to the program and to aid Alan and the coaching staff's deep love for creating family and helping these young men on their path towards greatness."
More information regarding the celebration and induction of Taylor Crabb, Andreas Koch, and Dustin Watten into the Long Beach State Men's Volleyball Wall of Honor will be forthcoming.
Current season ticket holders can renew their plans by logging into their account or calling the ticket office. If interested in new season tickets, fans can put a deposit HERE. For any other ticketing questions, please call: 562-985-4949 or email: LBSUtickets@csulb.edu.
Long Beach State Men's Volleyball Wall of Honor Members
Listed alphabetically (years at LBSU)
Tom Ashen (1971-73)
Darrell Auxier (1971-73)
Michael Barton (1971-73)
Mike Brawley (1979-81, 1983)
Rocky Ciarelli (1977-79)
Taylor Crabb (2011-14)
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)
Andreas Koch (1984-87)
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 Touzinksy (2001-04)
Richard Valbuena (1977-79, 1981)
Tom Wade (1980)
Dustin Watten (2006-09)
Brett Winslow (1988-91)
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