Surfing Laguna: Wrapping up a strong year for Laguna

As the 2010 surf season draws to a close I took a moment to connect with Laguna Beach High School surf coach Scott Finn to get his thoughts on how the team fared.

Coach Finn has guided several senior members of this current squad as far back as Thurston Middle School and expressed much joy in watching all the students’ progression over the years.

CW: So how did the 2010 Surf Team season progress this year based on talent and your pre-season expectations?

SF: The 2010 season went well. We had many small victories among some close losses. Our expectation was that everybody needed to contribute 100% in order for us to be competitive. Everybody stepped up and put in some good performances.

CW: Taylor Pitz has again been a strong part of the squad with great results, any thoughts on how she has continued to be so consistent over her high school career?

SF: Taylor had another excellent year and captured her third South Coast League individual title. Her dedication, work ethic and desire to win have been major contibutors to her success over the years at LBHS. These are qualities that define our program as a result of Taylor’s success. I can’t say enough about what Taylor has meant to our program. She will be missed!

CW: Who are some of the other team members who have had strong results this season? Any surprises?

SF: Seniors Kris Williams, Rex Strombotne, Travis Sampson as well as juniors Adam R-K and Dane Zarinelli put in some great performances. Brenda Joseph stepped up and received most improved, and Freshman Cameron dePfyffer finished the year strong.

CW: Highlights from this season, any special memories or heats that stand out?

SF: We had a lot of great moments this year. The highlight for me was watching Taylor Pitz win the league individual title yesterday at Trestles.

CW: With the Surfing Nationals Tournament coming up, who in your opinion are some of the top teams heading into the event?

SF: Nationals will be highly contested and there are many strong schools participating including Newport and San Clemente, which are in our league.

Another fun year on the books for the Laguna Surf Team and as several talented members move on and begin to plan for college, rumor has it that there’s a strong group of 20 or more junior high surfers ready to take their spot in the Laguna’s competitive lineup.

Next week we will talk with Thurston surf coach Eric Zuziak on this talented pool of young surfers and how the team is currently performing.

CHRIS WILLIAMS is a surfing coach and Laguna Beach resident, and father of four surf-crazy sons. He can be reached through his blog: souladventuresinc.blogspot.com.