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Post by beachman on Feb 19, 2009 14:04:50 GMT -5
Today's L.A. Times reported his death as a 'suicide"
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Post by playvb on Feb 19, 2009 14:30:14 GMT -5
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Post by baldyballer on Feb 19, 2009 19:35:13 GMT -5
I have my own Whitty story. I was fortunate enough to play against him and Dodd shortly after he recovered from knee surgery. Since I was shorter and he was a massive blocker I continued to try to dink my way to some points. He was such a great competitor that he hobbled around and yelled at Dodd to dig everything to show that such a strategy had no chance. After the event, I was humbled and had to talk with him about this strategy. Not only did he take the time, but we had some tall ones with the group there and really had a fantastic time. Since I didn't know if I would ever get the chance to play him again I asked him and Dodd to sign a small promotional poster that was lying around for me-something I have to this day. Gracious once again- Dodd wrote: "nice shots and hustle". Whitty- while giving a big grin wrote my first name then in big letters "YOU SUCK". Not only did I take it as a compliment- but I also got to see a side of Whitty that day that motivated me as a player and coach to achieve as he did. Guys like Jon were fortunate to spend lots of days like the one I had. But I thought I would share how special he was in my life after just one day. Rest in peace Mike- you are leaving the volleyball world in a much better place because you were a part of it.
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Post by gusman on Feb 19, 2009 21:40:08 GMT -5
I always watched him in the AVP events on TV. Seemed like a great guy. Got to have a few beers with him while on the AVP tours in Chicago and Milwaukee. I'll have to go back into my photo albums and see what I can dig up. He was very "focused" on the court and a riot off of it.
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Post by mbvbdad on Feb 20, 2009 11:08:13 GMT -5
RIP Whitty.
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Post by airinga on Feb 21, 2009 9:44:12 GMT -5
Wow, what terrible news. I remember watching Mike play at numerous VB tournaments when I lived in New Jersey. Him and Mike Dodd were such a great duo. I do recall seeing Mike in the medical tent often, hooked up to an IV, or eating baby food out of a jar for quick nutrients, due to his cramping issue. Man those were fun years, watching Dodd/Whitmarsh, Steffes/Kiraly, Timmons, Sinjin Smith, Randy Stoklos. I loved watching all those guys play.
How sad. RIP Whitmarsh.
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Post by bunnywailer on Feb 22, 2009 1:33:24 GMT -5
I played with Mike and he had his first top 4 finish with me at Seal Beach. I first remember Jon Hastings (vball & Dig Magazines) talking about how he was going to be the real deal when he was playing in some Bud Light California Parks and Rec. Tour. Later, when trying to get the ball past his block at Marine Street in Manhattan, I realized that he was DIFFERENT. While Hov, Stokie, and John Hanley were the best blockers in the early 80's, blocking OVER THE PLANE OF THE NET CAME IN '86 and then Powers was THE MOST DOMINANT...We won 6 times in '88 and 2 of the 3 $100,000 Cuervo Gold Crown events. I played with Steffes in '89 and he got his first win w/ me at Seal Beach. Then w/ Boulliane for a couple of tournaments. THEN WHITTY WAS READY TO GO BIG!!! I was fortunate to catch him on his rise to the top. There were some great times with Whitmarsh, Al Janc, and when Whitty solved his cramping problems and teamed with Dodd, they were an amazing team. A rejuvenated Mike Dodd was THE MOST CLUTCH PLAYER in the sport and Whitty could side out all day. Their wins at Clearwater, Seal Beach, their come back over Portugal to get to the medal round in Atlanta Olympics, are matches I will never forget. It is impossible to imagine Mike Whitmarsh would be gone at such an age, but we don't know the story. I am writing to my friends who may read this. Whitty was tough to beat at ping pong, tennis, golf, you name it. What made him such a unique blocker was (like Dodd at it's INCEPTION IN 1980!!!) Whitmarsh blocked both like a basketball shot blocker and as a volleyball blocker. He had a uniquely quick and high jump, great hand/eye coordination, and could motor to set Mike Dodd's digs in transition. They may have been as good as ANY TEAM EVER at that aspect of the game. In my friend's honor, I will miss Mike Whitmarsh. Jon Stevenson Props on the tribute. Big minus on the lack of punctuation and grammar.
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Post by Jack on Feb 22, 2009 7:32:23 GMT -5
I just dusted off my old recordings of both the semi and final from the 96 Olympics. A little static from wear but still great stuff.
RIP
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Post by Carlton Lassiter on Feb 22, 2009 19:18:27 GMT -5
Big minus on the lack of punctuation and grammar. That's douchie, even for you.
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Post by caavb on Mar 4, 2009 16:56:09 GMT -5
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Post by sdvballcoach on Mar 6, 2009 18:48:04 GMT -5
I had the opportunity to meet Mike Whitmarsh a few times. After the first time we met the other 3 times he saw me he said Hi first. Tells you the kind of person he was. Sad to see him go.
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