STANFORD, Calif. - On Saturday during its match against No. 9 BYU, Stanford will welcome back to The Farm its 1989 team, which won the program's first conference title and made the Cardinal's first appearance in the national finals.
The squad featured team captain and 1988 gold medal winner Scott Fortune, who would also represent the U.S. in the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games, and was coached by Fred Sturm, who would go on to coach the U.S. in Barcelona (1992) and Atlanta (1996). Fortune was joined by Dan Hanan as first team All-Americans in 1989. Future first team picks Duncan Blackman, Parker Blackman and Dave Goss were also on the 1989 roster.
Read on to find out more about the 1989 team and what they are up to now.
Photo provided by members of the 1989 team.
Parker Blackman ('90)
- Majored in U.S. History
- Currently works as a management consultant to foundations and non-profit organizations
- Favorite Stanford Memory: "Hard to narrow to one. On thee court, I would say beating Hawaii early in the 1989 season. They were ranked No. 1 in the country and we came from behind to win. It was the first time I felt like we really might be a great team. The other memory is from 1990. We did a preseason, exhibition tour of Hawaii, playing them four times over the Thanksgiving break. On Thanksgiving, we had a luau on the beach with their team and some locals. It was a truly special experience."
Dave Goss ('92)
- Majored in Communication
- Currently serves as the lead Pastor of Light and Life Isla Vista Church
- Favorite Stanford Memory: "Thanksgiving in Hawaii in 1989 or any meltdown by Chris Wrede."
Dan Hanan ('90)
- Majored in Computer Science
- Currently works as a Senior Director of Engineering at InterKnowlogy in Carlsbad, California, which builds custom software solution for any and all customers.
- Favorite Stanford Memory: "Wow, there are way too many to choose just one. The Thanksgiving trip to Hawaii, playing five matches on three islands and having a native Thanksgiving day and feast with the residents of Hana. Also, coming back from being down 11-4 in the fifth game to beat USC at Burnham Pavilion in front of a loud, packed crowd - signs included!"
John Hribar ('92)
- Earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in Mechanical Engineering
- Currently works as an appellate lawyer at a firm in Ventura County
- Favorite Stanford Memory: "Volleyball team trips to Japan and Hawaii."
Dave Johnson ('89)
- Majored in Computer Systems Engineering
- Currently works as an IT Director for Honda North America
- Favorite Stanford Memory: "I have three... Beating Hawaii in five sets to reach the first Final Four for men's volleyball, even though a third of the team had food poisoning. Bones (Fortune) had to lay on the floor for nearly half of game four. Sweeping the defending national champion Trojans 3-0 in league play - Hanan and Bones were on fire, combining for over 70 kills. And, road-trips to the University of Hawaii. Fred would let us enjoy the sunny beaches as much as we wanted... until 8 a.m.!"
Mike Lowe ('91)
- Majored in Economics
- Currently works in real estate investment
- Favorite Stanford Memory: "Thanksgiving day luau in Hana, Maui with the University of Hawaii team."
Ryan O'Hara ('91)
- Majored in Economics
- Currently a general manager in internet
- Favorite Stanford Memory: "Road trip playing Hawaii on the islands."
Scott Pedersen ('90)
- Majored in Civil Engineering
- Currently works as a civil engineer in land development
- Favorite Stanford Memory: "Chatting with the team during warm-ups."
David Walquist ('92)
- Majored in Electrical Engineering
- Currently works as a Principal Engineer at SEAKR Engineering, designing processing systems for satellites and spacecraft
- Favorite Stanford Memory: "So many! Running more sprints than the track team. Preseason tournament in Saskatoon at -40 degrees. Playing ten foot twos in practice and getting knocked backwards off the court when Chris Wrede unloaded on one. Scott Fortune's effort at Western Regionals. He was so sick he'd throw up during timeouts and go back in. Being down 14-9 (when games only went to 15) in game five against USC and coming back to win. Getting the opportunity to play with some of the greatest volleyball players of all-time!"