Brown and Oden Are Named County Athletes of Year

Buena Park High School three-sport star Reggie Brown and Irvine’s versatile Elaina Oden were named the recipients of the Claire VanHoorebeke Orange County Athlete of the Year awards Monday night at the Anaheim Stadium Club.

Brown, only 5-feet 6-inches, earned 10 varsity letters at Buena Park. He rushed for 1,140 yards on Buena Park’s football team, was named the most valuable basketball player in the Freeway League and was a standout shortstop on the baseball team.

Brown was a four-year varsity starter in basketball and holds school records for career scoring, assists and steals. He led Buena Park to its first league title in 25 years this season.

Oden paced Irvine to the Southern Section 4-A volleyball championship last fall and earned All-American honors. Veteran club Coach Charlie Brande called her, “the most amazing athlete I’ve ever coached.”

Oden also established a Southern Section 4-A record in the shot put with a throw of 44-3 last Friday at Mt. San Antonio College.

Both athletes will receive $500 scholarships from Dr. Pepper.