Through the
Varsity S Club Spotlight we'll re-connect with student-athletes of the past. This series will illustrate the impact that a Sonoma State University education has on student-athletes and highlights the impact they are now having in their communities.
DAVE DISTEL
- Dave Distel played baseball and basketball at Sonoma State University between 1968 and 1973. He earned his Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Physical Education and US History and minors of Biology and English. He's also obtained his teaching credential, preliminary administrative services credential, and master's degree in professional life administrative services. A long time teacher and coach, Dave's most recent gig was as head coach of the Konawaena High School baseball team in Captain Cook, Hawaii, where he was coaxed out of retirement by the school's athletic director....Bill Trumbo.
What is your favorite memory as a student-athlete?
Impossible to list just one, and in just one category. From an athletic standpoint, beginning a walk-on frosh basketball player in 1968 and being a part of the first winning team in SSC (as it was known in prehistoric times) history, was quite an accomplishment. Worked my way up from walk-on to starting point guard by end of season. I believe our record was 12-11...However, my most satisfying athletic memory was the varsity's first Far West Conference championship in the 1972-73 season. I remember the sellout crowd, excitement in the stands, future Baseball Hall of Famer Jon Miller doing the play by play on local channel 50, and the celebration in the locker room (and beyond...). Priceless!
I was serving as Coach Bill Trumbo's advance game scout and I was able to be in the "inner circle" of the future SSU Hall of Famer's staff, an experience I was able to carry over to my successful basketball and baseball teams in the coming years at my alma mater, Tamalpais High School.
Academically, the small classes, a tight knit faculty with their goals of student success both in the classroom and life, as well as, the excitement of seeing a young college beginning to turn into a first rate university over the years are great memories. Very unique to watch both a new gym and library being built during your undergrad years!
In retrospect, both the PE and History departments had some of the finest educators I have ever observed. I fondly remember many one on one conversations that helped create my own philosophies of education and coaching, something that would be difficult in a larger institution.
How do you think you changed as a person, from freshman to senior year?
I attended SSU during arguably the most turbulent times in California higher education. I saw so many changes in so many societal areas. Overall, what changed for me while attending SSU, starting with living in the dorm (now demolished Jack London Hall), then off-campus apartments with roommates---was that the college experience allowed me to become independent and confident enough to reside in the "real world," and to use good judgment based on those experiences. Also allowed me to adapt to what seemed to be an ever changing and highly diverse society during those times.
If you could give advice to a freshman student-athlete today, what would it be?
The same advice I have given the thousands of students I interacted with during my 40+ years as a teacher, coach and principal: Persevere. Adapt. Improvise. And with education you will overcome any real (or perceived) obstacles that inevitably will come your way.
Also, make sure you always have a backup plan. My personal example I always gave to my students re backup plans was from my brief pro baseball career. I signed for $600 month in the early 70's, and the third day of spring training I had a violent collision at second base while attempting a double play. Three cracked lumbar vertebrae and the end of my pro career. Then I would tell my students "I didn't land on my butt, I landed on my college diploma..."
What are you up to these days?
Retired and living on the Big Island of Hawaii with my wife, Susan since Spring of 2006. We blended families in 1993. My son Casey is 34, and her daughters are Karen (38) and Angela (37). We now have 6 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren on the way. Susan and I met in Blythe, CA when I was principal at Twin Palms High School and she was a juvenile probation officer.
I finally retired as a high school baseball coach in 2014, as I coached both Makua Lani HS (2010) and Konawaena HS (2013-14) to the state semi-finals playoffs, a good way to end my coaching career. A big BTW---I was coaxed out of retirement by the AD of KHS, none other than former SSU Hall of Famer/coach Bill Trumbo. I'm not retired from softball playing however; currently in my seventh season playing Over-60 Kupuna ("Elder") slow pitch softball. We play all year long, around 60 games including county and state tournaments.
How did Sonoma State University help prepare you for your career?
In every way possible. I believe the great mentors I had, and the personal interactions I had with them over the years, both in college and during my career as a life long educator, deeply impacted my philosophies. The late Dave Castleberry gave me confidence to achieve things few others thought I was capable of. Dr. Ken Flynn, my PE Department academic adviser gave me advice on how to overcome obstacles and try different avenues of endeavor. Dr Tony White of the History department helped finesse my teaching style by observing his style---plus he was one heck of a pickup basketball player. And Bill Trumbo, who turned out to be a lifelong friend and mentor, helped shape my coaching style---even a few years after I "thought" I had retired!
So many memories, so many left out. The Sonoma State experience was unforgettable, enjoyable, challenging and in the long run, the experience that allowed me to help literally thousands of students in my educational career. Doesn't get any better than that!
ABOUT THE VARSITY S CLUB
The Varsity S Club is an exclusive group of past and present Sonoma State University student-athletes, coaches, cheerleaders, athletic trainers, and administrators formed for the purpose of building enthusiasm for Sonoma State University Athletics. The Varsity S Club does this through a variety of philanthropic, fundraising, and social events designed to strengthen SSU Athletics. Membership in the Varsity S Club is open to any individual who has competed in varsity athletics at Sonoma State University, as well as any past member of the cheer team, athletic training, or administrative staff. Sign up here:
Varsity S Club.
See past Varsity S Club Spotlight features here:
Varsity S Club Spotlight Archive.
