Renaissance of Loyola’s Teams Was a Highlight of Sports ’86

Some highlights, lowlights and bright lights of 1986:

Right Place at Right Time: Loyola Marymount Athletic Director Brian Quinn, who has presided over an athletic renaissance in his first year and a half. Since March, Loyola teams have appeared in the National Invitation Tournament for men’s basketball, the College Baseball World Series and the NCAA Western Regionals for women’s basketball--all for the first time.

Whatever Happened to: El Camino College’s offense? The football team that usually scores--and surrenders--points like the Miami Dolphins put together a solid defense, then forgot where the end zone was. The Warriors finished 3-7. Runner-up: Ed Goorjian. The former Loyola basketball coach was an assistant at Cal State Fullerton last season and is now coaching in Saudi Arabia.

Hustle Award: To Loyola Marymount basketball player Mike Yoest, who has blossomed into a college star after two seasons as an unheralded role player. Yoest’s rise is a testament to hard work and enthusiasm.

Coach of the Year: With tips of the cap to Paul Westhead (Loyola basketball), Dave Snow (Loyola baseball), Nancy Fortner (Loyola volleyball), Marine Cano (Dominguez Hills soccer), Chris Ferragamo (Banning football), Gene Vollnogle (Carson football), Jim Drennen (Chadwick football), Paul Landreaux (El Camino basketball) and Cliff Warren (Rolling Hills basketball), it’s mind-boggling that Harbor College football Coach George Swade didn’t know whether he’d have a team as late as July, lost most of his stars and returning players who left because of the program’s uncertainty--and still played for the championship of the Southern California Conference. Under those circumstances his 5-4 record was astonishing. Swade resigned last week after a 10-year stint.

All-Pro: Former Hawthorne High and Pepperdine star Mike Scott won the Cy Young Award as the top pitcher in the National League, became only the third pitcher in N.L. history to strike out 300 batters in a season and won two games against the New York Mets in the playoffs.

All-American: UCLA junior running back Gaston Green lived up to the standard expected of him when he left Gardena High, rushing for more than 1,000 yards.

All-Rookie: Former Lawndale High and Loyola Marymount star Tracy Jones impressed Pete Rose enough in spring training that he was in the Cincinnati Reds’ opening day outfield. Jones batted .349 for the Reds but his playing time was limited by injuries.