He Does It All and He Does It Best : Stafford Has Low Profile and High Level of Play

Sometimes it’s downright difficult to notice Laguna Beach High School’s Sean Stafford on a volleyball court. For one thing, he’s surrounded by other talented players. And his on-court demeanor is as relaxed as a guy in a La-Z-Boy recliner.

But notice him or not, Sean Stafford was the best high school volleyball player in Orange County for the 1989 season. A lot of people thought he was the best in Southern California.

“I didn’t see anyone better,” said Dan Glenn, Newport Harbor coach.

Stafford wasn’t the most spectacular or the hardest hitter, just the best. Area coaches were so sure of this that they unanimously named Stafford the Orange County player of the year. He’s also The Times’ player of the year.

“He’s a notch above everyone else,” said John Herman, Edison coach. “He’s so smart, he knows what he’s supposed to do and he does it.”

But to fully appreciate Stafford takes time. His overall game needs to be savored; his strengths are, well, doing everything.

“The best all-around player in Orange County,” said Rocky Ciarelli, Huntington Beach coach. “He doesn’t make mistakes and he can do everything. He’s like Magic Johnson. He does so much and helps everyone else around him to play better.”

In doing that, Stafford led Laguna Beach to the No. 1 ranking in Orange County for all but one week. The team finished with an 18-2 record, losing in the Southern Section 4-A semifinals to eventual champion Corona del Mar. Stafford played outside hitter for most of the season but was adept at, and sometimes more suited for, other positions.

“He’s actually the best setter on our team,” said Lance Stewart, Laguna Beach coach, “but it worked out that he was more valuable to us doing other things. That’s the kind of kid he is. If you ask him to do something, he’ll do it. And he has the talent to do it well.”

Stafford expects he’ll be playing setter at UC Santa Barbara next season.

“I really don’t care where I play,” Stafford said.

He played setter for the South team during the first two games of the Orange County All-Star match. In the third game of the match, he switched to outside hitter and had six kills to lead the South to its only victory.

“He’s the ultimate in steady,” said Glenn. “It’s comparable to Karch Kiraly on the national team. Not the greatest at any one thing, but best overall. He’s just smart and knows how to win.”

In fact, when asked about his considerable talents, and which of those talents gives him the greatest pleasure, Stafford says none.

“The best thing is completely dominating and killing the other team,” Stafford said. “You just do whatever you have to do.”

ALL-COUNTY VOLLEYBALL FIRST TEAM

Duane Cameron Senior Middle Blocker Marina Probably the county’s strongest hitter this season, averaged five kills per game and had an incredible 56-kill performance in a four-game victory over Laguna Beach. Cameron (6-foot-6) has signed to play at Pepperdine.

Matt Cwiertnia Senior Outside Hitter Corona del Mar An exceptional all-around player, Cwiertnia averaged 15 kills a match and was one of the best in the county at digging opponents’ spikes. He had 29 digs in a match against Newport Harbor. Cwiertnia will play volleyball at UCLA.

Mike Diehl Senior Outside Hitter Edison Diehl didn’t play much as a junior, but grew two inches to 6-5 and improved his game immeasurably. A good hitter, averaging five kills a game, Diehl was one of the best passing big players in the county. He will play at UC Santa Barbara next season.

Scott Drake Senior Outside Hitter Huntington Beach Another good passing big man, the 6-4 Drake is an explosive hitter (five kills per game) and solid blocker. Drake, chosen the Sunset League player of the year, will play at Cal State Long Beach next season.

Ty Price Senior Setter Corona del Mar Price was selected Southern Section 4-A player of the year, in large part due to his leadership. The multitalented Price, who has not decided on a college, averaged 28 assists a match as well as nine kills.

Sean Stafford Senior Outside Hitter Laguna Beach So versatile is Stafford, generally considered the county’s best all-around player, that he will probably play setter at UC Santa Barbara. Stafford was a unanimous selection among coaches as Orange County’s player of the year.

SECOND TEAM

Matt Herrington Senior Outside Hitter Corona del Mar Craig Hill Senior Setter Woodbridge Darren Lance Senior Outside Hitter Edison John McKeown Senior Outside Hitter Laguna Beach Stephan Mumau Senior Middle Blocker University Chris Pliha Senior Middle Blocker Corona del Mar