In a whirlwind of memorials and awards programs at the end of April, the Santa Barbara community feted some of its greatest sports leaders and athletes.
UCSB staged a pandemic-delayed tribute to the late Donn Bernstein, the legendary sports information director who spent eight lively years (1964-71) on the campus, where he forged a multitude of lasting friendships. After moving to New York to work for ABC Sports, “Bernie” set up a virtual UCSB embassy on the Upper West Side. He was such an animated ambassador of Gaucho goodwill that Chancellor Henry Yang dubbed him “the spirit of UCSB.”
On May 1, a day after the Bernstein memorial, a large crowd filled the amphitheater at Elings Park to remember Mike Warren, who died on January 23. Warren, a former Gaucho linebacker, touched many lives from Carpinteria to Lompoc as a coach, history teacher, athletic director and project leader in non-profits (Elings Park) and business. “His disdain for mediocrity was legendary,” said Warren’s friend Tom Blanco. Iron Mike’s last and perhaps best role was as “Pops” to six grandchildren. “The guy knew every rule to every sport,” said his granddaughter Emma Foster. “We played seven.”