Lavin to Speak at Golf Marathon

ESPN and ABC Basketball Analyst Steve Lavin will speak next month at Westmont’s 15th annual Golf Marathon Sports Banquet and Golf Outing. The former UCLA head basketball coach will speak on Sunday evening, June 4, at Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort, as a kickoff to a fundraiser aimed at providing scholarships for Westmont athletes.

The Sunday night banquet, hosted by Westmont, is a precursor to an all-day golf marathon at La Purisma Golf Course on Monday, June 5.

Golfers participating in the marathon secure a minimum donation of $2,500 in pledges from friends, businesses and other Westmont supporters. All meals, lodging, prizes and unlimited golf are included. While last year’s event raised $115,000, this year’s goal is $150,000. Individuals may choose to attend only the dinner for a donation of $250.

In his seven-year tenure at UCLA, Lavin posted a record of 145-78 (.650) and led the Bruins to six 20 or more win seasons. His Bruins made six trips to the NCAA tournament and advanced five times to the Sweet 16. During his years at UCLA, he and Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski are the only two coaches in the country to have five NCAA Sweet 16 appearances in a six-year period (’97. ’98. ’00, ’01, ’02).

Lavin also has the distinction of being the only coach in NCAA history to lead a team to victory over the number one ranked team in the nation in four consecutive years (Stanford ’00, Stanford ’01, Kansas ’02, Arizona ’03). In 1997, Lavin directed the Bruins to a PAC-10 Championship and an Elite-Eight tournament appearance.

As a recruiter, Lavin signed the number-one rated recruiting class in the country in both 1998 and 2001. One or more of his UCLA players or recruits has been chosen in each of the past nine NBA drafts (1997-2005). Six of Lavin’s former Bruin recruits or players are currently members of NBA teams.

In March of 2003, after 12 years on the UCLA coaching staff, Lavin experienced his first losing season (10-19) as a head coach and was relieved of his duties. Shortly thereafter, Lavin signed a multi-year contract with ESPN and ABC where he provides color commentary as both a game and studio analyst.

Recently, Lavin was offered the vacant head coaching position at North Carolina State, but elected instead to sign a new broadcasting contract through the 2012 season. While Lavin was tempted by the NC State offer, he expressed a sense of loyalty to the networks which hired him three years ago. Remaining with ESPN and ABC also affords Lavin a freedom to “be there” for his parents and to start a family. Lavin is currently engaged to actress Mary Jarou.

One of those advising Lavin on his decision was legendary coach John Wooden. “He said, ‘Steve, you can’t discount your heart, passion or emotion. Yet you must be sure that your mind and reason are driving the decision-making process,’” said Lavin. “His words were a valuable compass as I navigated the final days [of the decision].”

Lavin, in his fourth season of broadcasting, will once again work alongside broadcasting legend Brent Musburger. In addition to college basketball, Lavin has a personal connection to Westmont as the brother-in-law of John Moore, Westmont men’s basketball head coach.

“I’m looking forward to spending some time with my sister, Rachel, and her husband, John, while I’m in Santa Barbara, and especially with my nieces, Jacqueline and Jessica.”

For more information on the sports banquet and golf outing, please visit the Westmont Athletics Web site or call Jeff Azain at (805) 565-6107.