Time machine: Gonzalez and Murphree capture state wrestling titles in 2003

It is often said that football is the sport that mirrors real life. You get knocked down, you get back up. You make sacrifices for the good of the team. I would definitely concur that football mirrors real life more so than any other sport because it is a team sport. Life is a team sport including but not limited to the workforce and marriage. The latter of which involves sacrificing your needs ahead of your spouse and/kids.

For a different yet similar reason, wrestling is not far behind. Wrestling is similar to real life in that whatever path you choose, success ultimately boils down to you. It’s a one-on-one battle in the middle of the mat -- may the best man win. There are no politics involved. You win or lose because you did it, not because you’re the starting point guard just because you are the coach’s son. You can’t rely on teammates to help you beat your opponent. It’s also a sport that is so physically demanding that you can’t have a poor work ethic and survive.

I had a chance to cover some excellent wrestling throughout my career as a reporter, both on an individual and team level. I was blessed to cover St. Helena High wrestling during a time in which time the Saints won nine league titles in ten seasons as well as a CIF North Coast Section Class A title. St. Helena had four wrestlers reach the State Meet in that time (Joe Luna, Geoff Harner, Tim Nuss and Gian Traverso). I also had a chance to cover State Meet participants from Napa (Jaret Newton, Ed Blanton, Tim Kniefel), Vintage (Brian Watanabe, Daniel Murphree) and Vallejo (Louie Puno and Bobby Gonzalez).

These teams and wrestlers were all accomplished in their own right but on an individual level, I would have to look long and hard to find a more memorial wrestling season to cover than 2003. In fact, that was the last season that the State wrestling meet was held at the Spanos Center at the University of the Pacific (Stockton, CA). In a nutshell, the event had outgrown the venue and has since been moved to Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield, CA.

Gonzalez and Murphree capped their senior years of 2003 with State titles in the 135 and 145-pound weight classes respectively. Another interesting footnote was that including Gonzalez and Murphree, the Monticello Empire League had four state champions. The other two were Brett Slone (160) and Kyle Devan (heavyweight), both of Vacaville. Devan went on to play college football at Oregon State and five years in the NFL (Indianapolis, Tennessee, Philadelphia, Washington). Devan is now an assistant offensive line coach with the New Orleans Saints.

What makes their accomplishments even greater is that California has one of, if not the most, difficult State meets to win. By no means am I suggesting that California has the best wrestlers but its State meet is more difficult because it does not split its state champions by division. Translation, if you weigh 155-pounds and win the state title, you are the champ of the entire state, not just Division I, II, III and so forth.

Both also had similar backgrounds in that their fathers were their coach. Carl Murphree was Vintage High’s head coach. Bob Gonzalez was Vallejo’s assistant coach under Mike Minahen. Their fathers loved hard and coached hard. I remember interviewing both Murphrees and Gonzalezes in the week leading up to the State meet. I asked all parties involved about the father-son-coach angle. The responses was similar in that there are peaks and valleys but when times were difficult, they would lean on the other person’s father to talk them off the ledge.

Gonzalez and Murphree entered their senior seasons with already accomplished careers. Murphree had reached the State meet in his previous two years, going 4-4. Gonzalez, like Murphree, had also reached the State meet the previous two seasons, including a fourth place finish in 2002.

Before the 2002-2003 season got underway, both had mountains of big stage experience not just with high school wrestling but freestyle and Greco-Roman. While predicting the outcomes of seasons can be a crapshoot, there was no question in my mind that both were going to at worst be medalists (Top 8) if not win it. I remember arriving at the Spanos Center for my employer at the time, GetLocalNews.com which is a website that later became defunct. It would be a two day event but as I watched both wrestlers throughout the two days, I was convinced with each passing match that they were going to be state champions.

Gonzalez’s path to the title match involved wins over Pennisula’s David Polan (13-0), Coalinga’s Francisco Laredo (pin), Clovis’ Jason Williams (10-3), and Valhalla’s Dean Kinports (3-0). Gonzalez then defeated Alex Herrera of Bakersfield 3-1 in the title match.

Murphree’s path to the title match involved wins over El Modena’s Jeremy Burzamato (15-1), Vista’s S.P. Morga (pin), Clovis’ Bryce Thompson (3-1), and Los Gatos’ Bobby Pease (technical fall). Murphree then defeated Anderson’s Micah Zachary (9-4) in the title match.

While as reporters we are taught to be impartial, sometimes you cannot help but get caught up in celebrating success. I’m honestly not sure if it is a matter of being biased because anyone that knows me is aware that my reporting was as down the middle as you get. My reason for celebrating the success of these two youngsters is because you see two great competitors work hard and take no shortcuts to achieve that you want to see them get rewarded.

The term “great competitor” often gets thrown around loosely but Gonzalez and Murphree acted the part as much if not more so than any student-athlete I had the chance to cover.

Time Out with Carl Murphree (1979 Vintage High graduate)

Vince D’Adamo: Whether as an athlete or coach, what have you enjoyed most about being connected to athletics?

Carl Murphree: Primarily the people I have been able to meet along the way. I have also enjoyed making a living doing something I love.

D’Adamo: What have you enjoyed most about coaching?

Murphree: Being a part of the growth of an individual, not only as an athlete, but as a person.

D’Adamo: Besides skill level, what has been the biggest adjustment of coaching high school athletics versus on the college level?

Murphree: As a college coach, you become much more than a coach - you are mentoring Student-Athletes that are away from home and family for the first time - and act as a fill-in for their parents while at college, helping with personal and academic issues and assist in easing the transition to being responsible adults.

D’Adamo: What was your favorite class at Vintage High?

Murphree: Looking back I would have to say I have the fondest memories of expository writing with Dr. Dan Wolter. What I learned in his class has served me well in all the years since.

D’Adamo: What was your favorite athletic moment at Vintage High?

Murphree: There is no one moment that stands out, but being able to play three sports was something I am proud of. Maybe a winning league titles in wrestling and tennis.

D’Adamo: How much do you feel you have grown personally since graduating from high school and how much of that do you trace to athletics?

Murphree: I have grown personally. Athletics has been a big part of that, the challenges, setbacks, triumphs have all contributed.

D’Adamo: Within your family, who have been the most influential people?

Murphree: My wife April, my children, and my seven siblings, and my parents. All have influenced me in unique and positive ways.

D’Adamo: Name a historical figure, dead or alive, in or out of sports you would most like to meet.

Murphree: Steve Martin, banjo picker, song writer, comedian, and actor. If he's not available I'd like to meet April's Uncle Leon - musician, inventor and builder of fun things.

Time Out with Rob Lucchetti (1991 Justin-Siena High graduate)

Vince D’Adamo: What did you enjoy most about competing in athletics throughout your life?

Rob Lucchetti: The competition. It always left me wanting more.  

D’Adamo: What have you been doing since graduating from high school?

Lucchetti: I received my BA from San Francisco State University in business and then spent 10 years living and working in San Francisco.  While in San Francisco, I married my wife who has stuck by me for 17 years.  Our first daughter was 2 1/2 when we decided to move back to my home town of Sonoma, where we have lived now for 10 years.   While in Sonoma we had our second daughter.  Living and raising a family in Sonoma has been wonderful.  I spend a majority of my time working for a startup company, coaching basketball, and working on our family farm growing olive trees.  I still make it a point to keep in touch with my high school buddies.  Just recently I had the chance to play a little golf with Bill Keller and Jason Cole. Good times.

 

D’Adamo: What was your favorite class at Justin-Siena High?

Lucchetti: English class with Bob Morrish.  I had the privilege of traveling with Bob to Hong Kong and China where we developed a good relationship outside of the classroom.

D’Adamo: What was your favorite athletic moment at Justin-Siena High?

Lucchetti: My favorite athletic moment at Justin was playing Sonoma High School in pre-season basketball.  A majority of the players on the Sonoma team were friends and team mates I had had since I started playing basketball in 3rd grade.  

D’Adamo: How much do you feel you have grown personally since graduating from high school and how much of that do you trace to athletics?

Lucchetti: It all started with my parents who gave me a solid foundation as a child growing up.  That foundation has paved the way for me today and has given me the opportunity to do the same for my family.  Athletics taught me hard work, dedication, commitment, and perseverance.  I take those traits I learned from athletics and apply them to my work today.

D’Adamo: Within your family, who have been the most influential people?      

Lucchetti: My wife.  Smart answer right?  My wife has given me balance in my life.

D’Adamo: Name a historical figure, dead or alive, in or out of sports you would most like to meet.

Lucchetti: I would not say this person is a historical figure but I would like to meet Shaquille O’Neill.

Time Out with Ray Sisemore (1977 Vintage graduate)

Vince D’Adamo: What did you enjoy most about competing in athletics throughout your life?

Ray Sisemore: The camaraderie of my teammates

D’Adamo: What were the biggest football and life lessons you learned from coach Burl Autry?

Sisemore: If you work hard someone will notice and give you an opportunity.

D’Adamo: What was your favorite class at Vintage High?

Sisemore: Gym and Gourmet Cooking

D’Adamo: What was your favorite athletic moment at Vintage High?

Sisemore: Beating Napa HS 62-0 and catching my one and only touchdown in Memorial Stadium from Craig Landis.

D’Adamo: How much has coaching youth football allowed you to stay connected to athletics?

Sisemore: I feel much younger than I am by being around our youth and participating in their lives

D’Adamo: How much do you feel you have grown personally since graduating from high school and how much of that do you trace to athletics?

Sisemore: I am more of a team player today and that is a direct result of Athletics

D’Adamo: Within your family, who have been the most influential people?

Sisemore: My mother for sure. She was deaf and mute. I saw her struggles and how faith gave her some peace in life also my brother, John, who is a Vietnam Vet who came to all my high school football games and encouraged me to succeed.

D’Adamo: Name a historical figure, dead or alive, in or out of sports you would most like to meet.

Sisemore: Joe Montana.

Time Out with Travis Aspegren (2002 Justin-Siena High graduate)

Vince D’Adamo:What did you enjoy most about competing in athletics throughout your life?

Travis Aspegren: Sports for me was like a test, with a mix of teamwork, friendship and fun all mixed into one.  It's like saying, "me and my friends can beat you and your friends."  The competition in that is all the fun and enjoyment.

D’Adamo: What have you been doing since graduating from high school?

Aspegren: Since graduating Justin Siena, I went to school at Santa Barbara City College. I played baseball there for two years. I ended up tearing my labrum and dislocating my right shoulder all at once, subsequently ending my baseball playing days. I got my AA degree and moved to Sacramento. I graduated from Sac State with a degree in Organizational Communications.  In 2010 I landed a job in law enforcement, and have been doing that ever since. Along the way I got married, bought a house and had a baby girl named Lizzy Paige. She's nine months old and a total maniac.  

D’Adamo: What was your favorite class at Justin-Siena High?

Aspegren: History. No new concepts there. All I had to do was remember things that already happened (which I later forgot).

D’Adamo: What was your favorite athletic moment at Justin-Siena High?

Aspegren: Home playoff game. I got intentionally walked, Mike Savino laid down a suicide squeeze to tie the game. Steve Andres blooped the game winning hit in walk off fashion. I did approximately nothing to win the game, but I'd never been so excited.

D’Adamo: How much do you feel you have grown personally since graduating from high school and how much of that do you trace to athletics?

Aspegren: Sports lays the foundation for growth as an adult. When you have guys like Coach Allen Rossi and Coach Mitch Boggs in your life, you're gonna learn some stuff. I often find myself falling back on the lessons these coaches instilled in me at an early age. Their simple motivation to be the best, and never to satisfy for mediocrity still drives me to this day.  They taught me composure, respect, integrity and mental toughness.  All valuable character traits I would have otherwise not developed.

D’Adamo: Within your family, who have been the most influential people?

Aspegren: That's easy. My twin brother Justin. He's my built in best friend, and about as competitive as it gets. Luckily for me, we had shared interests that mostly revolved around sports. Always having someone to play catch with comes in handy.  Having someone like him to compete against is even better.

D’Adamo: Name a historical figure, dead or alive, in or out of sports you would most like to meet.

Aspegren: Carrie Underwood. So I could talk about music with her.

Time Out with Justin Aspegren (2002 Justin-Siena High graduate)

Vince D’Adamo: What did you enjoy most about competing in athletics throughout your life?  

Justin Aspegren: The competition itself was the most enjoyable part of sports.  There is nothing more fun than preparing, turning the scoreboard on, and seeing who is the best team on that particular day.

D’Adamo: What have you been doing since graduating from high school?  

Aspegren: After Justin-Siena I went to UC Santa Barbara solely as a student.  After my freshman year, I spoke with the UCSB head baseball coach who advised me to dual-enroll - take a full class load at both UCSB and Santa Barbara City College in the spring so that I could play baseball at the community college level. I played for two years at SBCC and then played for two years at UCSB. As soon as my playing career was over I began coaching at SBCC where I just finished my eighth year. I also spent two summers working in the Cape Cod Baseball League, two summers in the Valley Baseball League, and two summers in the California Collegiate League. Earlier this month, I accepted a Division I pitching coach position in North Carolina so I'll be leaving California here shortly for a brand new adventure on the east coast.  On a personal note, I got married in 2013 and this past April, my wife and I had a daughter, Madeline James.

D’Adamo: What was your favorite class at Justin-Siena High?  

Aspegren: Believe it or not, it would have been any math class I took.  The only reason I would say that is because math was always my strongest subject and I didn't have to work hard at all.  No reading, no studying, all numbers. Don't tell Mrs. DiGiacomo (smiling).

D’Adamo: What was your favorite athletic moment at Justin-Siena High?  

Aspegren: Without a doubt my favorite athletic moment was winning CIF in baseball in 2000.  We went 25-1, won the SCAL championship, and capped off all the work with a dogpile.  It doesn't get much better than that.

D’Adamo: How much do you feel you have grown personally since graduating from high school and how much of that do you trace to athletics?  

Aspegren: I can honestly say that just about everything I do can be traced to a lesson learned through athletics. As a player and now as a coach, the mentors that I've had in sports are pretty much responsible for every facet of my daily life. Playing under Coach Tom Bonfigli (former Justin-Siena boys basketball coach) and Coach Allen Rossi (former Braves baseball head coach of two stints) at Justin-Siena was an unbelievable experience and luckily for me it was just the start.  It was so influential that I had to stay in the game.  I had zero intention of coaching after I finished my degree at UCSB but now I can't imagine doing anything else.

D’Adamo: Within your family, who have been the most influential people?  

Aspegren: If I had to single one person out it would have to be my twin brother, Travis.  We did just about everything together growing up so I always had somebody to compete against and to work with.  Whether we were shooting free throws in the side yard or playing catch in the street, I always had a partner.  It's pretty hard to beat that situation.

D’Adamo: Name a historical figure, dead or alive, in or out of sports you would most like to meet.  

Aspegren: George Carlin, hands down.  Can you imagine sitting at Thanksgiving dinner with that guy?

Time Out with Carla Fish (1989 Napa High graduate)

Vince D’Adamo: What did you enjoy most about competing in athletics throughout your life?   Carla Fish: It was always a team effort. I love working as a team and I have incorporated that philosophy in my career in law enforcement. D’Adamo: What have you been doing since graduating from high school? Fish: Since graduating from high school I have had multiple jobs, a firefighter, police officer, correctional officer, correctional sergeant, parole agent, and Sergeant at the corrections Academy as an instructor. D’Adamo: What was your favorite class at Napa High? Fish: My favorite class at Napa high had to be math because of my teacher/softball coach Les Franco. D’Adamo: What was your favorite athletic moment at Napa High? Fish: I had many favorite moments and those were when my parents showed up to my games (which was always). D’Adamo: How much do you feel you have grown personally since graduating from high school and how much of that do you trace to athletics? Fish: I have grown very much, and have learned to be a kind person. I love to teach and coach. I have always worked as a team or with my partners and sports had a lot to do with it. D’Adamo: Within your family, who have been the most influential people? Fish: My parents have been the most influential. Sad to say though I lost my father last November to cancer. He was my biggest fan. I miss him very much. D’Adamo: Name a historical figure, dead or alive, in or out of sports you would most like to meet. Fish: Derek Jeter.

Time Out with Mike Gunn (1989 Justin-Siena High graduate)

Vince D’Adamo: What did you enjoy most about competing in athletics throughout your life?

Mike Gunn: The camaraderie that is developed with my teammates. There anything better than accomplishing a goal with a group of your friends.

D’Adamo: What have you been doing since graduating from high school?

Gunn: Raising my family with my wife of almost 20 years Jule’ (Bosson) Gunn.  We have lived in Napa, Tahoe and Seattle.  My son Nick is 18, Emily is 15, and Brooke is 11.  They keep us quite busy with baseball and cheer.  I have worked at Zillow.com for the last 6 years in Seattle and it has been the best career move I have made.  One of our core values at  Zillow is a team sport, which is fitting.

D’Adamo: What was your favorite class at Justin-Siena High?

Gunn: Wow, there are a couple. Bob Morrish and Alex Urban’s English classes resonate but it was my time with Dan Clark and Greg Schmitz that help mold me as a person.  I am forever grateful for their presence in my life.

D’Adamo: What was your favorite athletic moment at Justin-Siena High?

Gunn: Vine Bowl 1988.  We had a difficult season that year.  Three days before the football season started Dave Shipp left Justin-Siena and we were left trying to keep it together.  We were faced with a multitude of key injuries that season and we battled as a group and finally broke through with a win over St. Helena.

D’Adamo: How much do you feel you have grown personally since graduating from high school and how much of that do you trace to athletics?

Gunn: Well, I’m 43 now and high school was a lifetime ago. Watching my son graduate this year put a lot in perspective. It brought back many of those memories of where we were, where we were going, and where we ended up. The work ethic that I obtained from playing and coaching has translated to everything I do.

D’Adamo: Within your family, who have been the most influential people?

Gunn: Without question, my parents.  They are always there to support me.  My father has been coaching for 45 years or so, and continues to coach a select baseball team in Seattle.  My mother has not missed a game for myself or my children all these years and that support has helped me be the person and the parent I am today.

D’Adamo: Name a historical figure, dead or alive, in or out of sports you would most like to meet.

Gunn: Where do I go with this?  Socrates, Washington, Lincoln, Hemmingway, Patton. Geez, so many but I will stick with sports and even with that, Wooden, Lombardi, Robinson, Campanella, Mays.  Being the Niner fan that I am I will go with Bill Walsh.  I have always appreciated the fact that he changed the whole thought process of the game of football.  A sport we all thought we knew.  He truly was a an innovator and thought outside the box.   

Time Out with Steven Dinov (2011 Napa High graduate)

Vince D’Adamo: What did you enjoy most about competing in athletics throughout your life?

Steven Dinov: What I have enjoyed the most about competing in athletics has been the camaraderie that I have experienced within sports. When I really think about it, all of my closest friends have all been teammates of mine at one point in time. Because I have been fortunate enough to compete beyond high school at the collegiate level I have gotten to meet people from all over the country who have become some of my best friends.

D’Adamo: What have you been doing since graduating from high school?

Dinov: Since graduating from Napa High in 2011, I briefly attended Arizona State before I transferred to Pasadena City College in the spring of 2012. At PCC I played football for two-years while also taking courses at NVC and Solano CC which helped me earn my Associate’s Degree in Communications. After PCC I transferred to North Central College in Naperville, IL where I am entering my senior season as a football player. At North Central I am also a sports broadcaster with the college radio station (WONC-FM) which this past year was deemed by the IBS as the best overall college radio station in the country. Extracurricular activities aside, I plan to graduate this upcoming spring with a B.A in Communications.

D’Adamo: What was your favorite class at Napa High?

Dinov: I had a hard time picking just one but I equally enjoyed English with Mr. Botton, Geometry with Mr. Gregory and AP Government with Mr. Hatton. In all three of those classes I had a great group of classmates and had teachers who inspired me to be a better student.

D’Adamo: What was your favorite athletic moment at Napa High?

Dinov: My favorite athletic moment had to be playing in the last game at the original Memorial Stadium and the first game at the renovated Memorial Stadium. With all the history and traditions that the stadium has in this town and its community, I think that it is pretty neat that I was a part of that historical moment.

D’Adamo: How much do you feel you have grown personally since graduating from high school and how much of that do you trace to athletics?

Dinov: I have grown significantly since high school both physically and mentally. Sports have taught me a work ethic that I can use in almost every aspect of life. In addition through sports I have gotten to meet so many people who have left a valuable influence on me and helped steer me into a positive direction in life.

D’Adamo: Within your family, who have been the most influential people?

Dinov: Within my family the most influential people have without a doubt been my mother and father. They have been my biggest supporters from the start and have provided me with everything I could have ever needed to be where I am today.

D’Adamo: Name a historical figure, dead or alive, in or out of sports you would most like to meet.

Dinov: If there was anybody I could meet it would probably be Vin Scully. As a Dodger fan and an aspiring broadcaster I have grown up listening to him call games and cannot imagine anyone who has ever done it better than him. Also considering how long Vin Scully has been a professional broadcaster it would be so awesome just to hear some of stories that he has been covered over years dating all the way back to when he covered the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Time Out with Scott Thom (1997 Vintage High graduate)

Vince D’Adamo: What did you enjoy most about competing in athletics throughout your life?

Scott Thom: Athletics helped to guide me in a positive direction during my younger years. We moved around a lot when we were younger and athletics always were a safe haven to make new friends and have a positive outlet. It also gave me an opportunity to create lasting friendships, learn from great coaches, and taught me the valuable lesson of "falling in love with the process" (i.e. enjoy the grind and embracing hard work).  We will all experience success and adversity in our lives, I feel playing athletics can help you handle these highs and lows when they enter your life.

D’Adamo: What was your favorite class at Vintage High?  

Thom: There were a lot of great teachers at Vintage High when I was there but, my favorite class at Vintage was Ms. Ellington’s English class, she was demanding and had high expectations for us. Her class allowed us to explore social injustices of the world and she encouraged us to be socially active when we felt others were being mistreated.

D’Adamo: What was your favorite athletic moment at Vintage High?  

Thom: I have many "favorite" moments when I played for Vintage. I was fortunate to be part of a special team with amazing teammates lead by a very special coach in Russ Critchfield. Fast forward to 2009-2010, I had been coaching at Vintage for seven years (the last four as the varsity coach) and was part of an awesome staff. With Brett Wedding, Tony Rubio, and Casey Wedding, we coached an amazing group of young men that believed in us as coaches as we believed in them as players. We played Napa High in our last game regular season game and if we won, we would make the playoffs, if we lost, we wouldn't. The game came down to the wire, the kids kept their confidence and focus down the stretch, we won, and as I entered the locker room the kids dumped a water cooler on me. We had finally made the playoffs after 10 years.  That is my favorite athletic moment at Vintage.

D’Adamo: How much do you feel you have grown personally since graduating from high school and how much of that do you trace to athletics?  

Thom: I have grown a great deal since "back in the day" of Vintage High. Athletics are a main reason for this growth, taught me the importance of being industrious, always having a positive mental attitude, and the ability to communicate with others. Having said all that, my growth in the past 10 years can be traced back to mentors in my life as well as experiences I’ve had.  From successes to failures it’s all part of enjoying the “journey”.  I have some amazing coaches in my circle; Russ Critchfield, Erik Zaidel, Mike Montgomery, and now Ernie Kent that I can turn to for advice. “Great coaches teach and great teachers coach" is a quote that resonates with me and my coaching philosophy, I feel a responsibility as a coach to make a positive impact on every person I come in contact with. This alone is motivation to constantly grow as a coach, attend clinics, network with other coaches, and constantly work to become a better coach with each season that passes.

D’Adamo: Within your family, who have been the most influential people?

Thom: My mom and younger brother Kevin inspire me daily. As my brother and I grew up we saw in my mom not just how important working hard is but, staying positive no matter what life throws at you. She would often tell us, “you can control one thing in life, your attitude and if you have a good attitude, everything will work out.”  My brother inspires me because of his relentless work ethic and attitude towards challenges. He left the comforts of Napa to attend Syracuse University and if that wasn’t enough was accepted into Newhouse School of Journalism, graduated in four years, took a job at Cal Hi Sports and won an Emmy. He’s now finishing up his fourth year as a sports anchor in San Antonio, he’s on TV every night reporting and interviewing professional athletes, and it’s because of this focus and willingness to follow his dreams that he

inspires me.

D’Adamo: Name a historical figure, dead or alive, in or out of sports you would most

like to meet.  

Thom: I would love to meet John Wooden and talk about coaching, life, and basketball. I think every basketball coach feels strongly that his approach to coaching and ability to not only recruit the best of the best but, to get them to play selfless rather than selfishly would be amazing to listen to.