GARRETT WAIT
Sports Editor
Marv Dunphy is often said to be one of the nicest guys on campus. He’s charming, outgoing and friendly to everybody he meets. Plus, he’s not too shabby as the men’s volleyball head coach.
He collected his 400th win during the past season as head coach of the Waves while earning the American Volleyball Coaches Association Coach of the Year. He was also recently named the Pepperdine University Coach of the Year.
Oh yeah, he also led the men’s volleyball team to the national title in his 22nd season at Pepperdine. It’s time for “Ten Minutes With Marv Dunphy.”
What was the key to your season last year?
I don’t know if there was any one key. I think talent, good talent, and probably putting that talent together. We had some guys playing positions they haven’t played before. I think their ability to adapt to the new positions was significant.
What is your favorite memory from last season?
I think I’ll always remember who we did it with and how we did it. In other words, there’s a momentary jumping up and down, the scores and the wins and losses fade over time. And I think what everybody will remember is who we did it with and how we did it, and the feeling that at this point in time, these guys are the best at what they do. That’s a great feeling.
Did beating UCLA on their home floor add something to the championship?
If I had a dollar for everybody that asked me that exact same question, I wouldn’t be a millionaire but I’d have probably a thousand dollars (laughs). I knew we were playing at UCLA but it wasn’t that significant to me. I think when you compete for a national championship that the honor is right there and the level is right there. That isn’t something that I’ll take away from this. Like I said, it’s just being good at what we do as my entire priority. It seems like lots of people in the volleyball community would come up to me with that kind of spin.
Does this one mean more to you personally than any of the previous championships?
No, I don’t think they’re all the same. Each group has its own identity and I think they’re all special. It’s just like saying “Who’s your favorite player or who’s your favorite kid if you’re a parent.”
What interests you besides volleyball? There’s a rumor that you like to ride ATVs…
I like just being out on the property, you know. We have some fruit trees and a pretty significant vegetable garden. Volleyball is my love. It’s kind of my baby, the program. I really like the Pepperdine volleyball program. This would be my hobby. But I like getting my hands in the dirt. And part of that is being on the ATV, but it’s not like I’m this Johnny Racer or something.
You’ve been here for 23 years … will there be 23 more?
Well …Pepperdine’s let me go and come back on three occasions. To get my doctorate in ’85, ’86, ’87 and ’88 and then ’92 and 2000. Those were both a couple
09-08-2005
