Tramblie Prefers This Final Chapter

Newport Harbor’s Ty Tramblie finished his high school career like he wanted to, with a Southern Section Division I boys’ volleyball championship. But the storybook finish came one year late.

Last season, Tramblie filled in for injured starter Travis Nelson and had the top-seeded and unbeaten Sailors on track for a Division I title. But Newport Harbor lost in the 1998 semifinals to Manhattan Beach Mira Costa.

After a whole year to stew over that frustrating five-game semifinal loss, Tramblie and the Sailors came out on a mission this season. It ended joyfully with a four-game victory over rival Corona del Mar in this year’s Division I final.

“It meant the world to us to finally win,” said Tramblie, a 6-foot senior setter who is The Times Orange County Player of the Year. “We were never going to be satisfied until we won CIF.”

Tramblie led the Sailors to their first section boys’ volleyball title since 1987, which was Coach Dan Glenn’s first season at Newport Harbor.

“I don’t think I’ve ever coached anyone who loves this game as much as Ty does,” Glenn said. “That’s what separates him from the rest.”

Tramblie’s great court sense and defensive prowess also left some opponents shaking their heads.

“Ty Tramblie digs everything,” said Esperanza Coach Kurt Kersten, after his team fell to Newport Harbor in three games in the Division I semifinals.

Laguna Beach Coach Shawn Patchell has a more specific snapshot in his memory.

“One of our guys went up and hit it, and I mean straight down at the 10-foot line,” Patchell said. “But Ty got to it, popped it up, and they got it back over. I don’t know how he got there. He must have super-quick twitch muscles in his legs.”

Tramblie’s springy legs, big heart and talent helped him land a scholarship to play at Cal State Northridge next season. And a great senior season didn’t hurt either.

Tramblie helped the Sailors win 22 of 23 best-of-five matches, with the only best-of-five loss to Corona del Mar in their second Sea View League match.

Newport Harbor also went undefeated in the Santa Barbara and San Diego Tournament of Champions and finished second in the Orange County Championships to Santa Margarita.

Tramblie averaged 58 assists and 22 digs in his final three playoff matches. And his determination and exuberance clearly showed in the Division I final, with his 68 assists, 34 digs and two blocks in the 16-14, 12-15, 16-14, 15-3 victory over Corona del Mar.

“He’ll be playing when he’s 100,” Glenn said. “His best volleyball is ahead of him.”

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BOYS’ VOLLEYBALL

FIRST TEAM

Dennis Alshuler: Corona del Mar, Sr.

Princeton-bound middle blocker was a consistent force.

Brad Keenan: Fountain Valley, Sr.

Dominant middle blocker will play at Pepperdine next season.

Alan Limon: Newport Harbor, Sr.

Outside hitter’s passing and defense steadied championship run.

Miles McGann: Laguna Beach, Sr.

Future USC setter led Laguna Beach to Division III final.

Ty Tramblie: Newport Harbor, Sr.

Athletic setter was one of the section’s best defensive players.

Jeff Wootton: Marina, Jr.

Explosive outside hitter led Vikings to second straight league title.

SECOND TEAM

Kevin Frantz: Capistrano Valley, Sr.

Outside hitter led Cougars to a share of South Coast title.

Billy Hamilton: Servite, Sr.

Setter’s all-around play was key to Servite’s best finish ever.

Kevin Hansen: Corona del Mar, Jr.

Versatile setter helped Sea Kings reach Division I final.

Matt Jameson: Newport Harbor, Sr.

Gritty outside hitter played best in the Division I playoff stretch run.

Matt Larson: University, Sr.

Consistent outside hitter helped Trojans win their first league title.

Dusty Russell: Esperanza, Sr.

Dynamic outside hitter led Aztecs to Division I semifinals.

Coach of the Year: Steve Conti, Corona del Mar