LA VERNE, CA — Three decades after capturing the NCAA Division III Baseball National Championship, members of the 1995 University of La Verne baseball team reunited on Saturday, June 14, to celebrate their historic title and the lifelong bonds formed during that unforgettable season.
The reunion followed a season-long celebration of the team's accomplishments. Earlier this spring, the 1995 champions were honored on the field at Ben Hines Field before the Leopards' final regular season home game. The pregame ceremony recognized the 30th anniversary of the title-winning squad that, under the leadership of legendary head coach Owen Wright, finished 39-9 overall and went an unmatched 21-0 in SCIAC play. In the postseason, La Verne defeated William Paterson, Marietta, and Methodist before downing Methodist once again in the championship game, 5–3, to secure the program's second national title—and first-ever NCAA championship.
The reunion brought together players, family members, and key supporters of the team for a full day of memories, laughter, and reflection. The day kicked off with a round of golf in the morning, followed by lunch at the local favorite, Warehouse Pizza on D Street—just a short walk from campus. The evening concluded with a special dinner ceremony held in the ULV Campus Center, where teammates and their loved ones reconnected and shared stories from the championship run.
Among those in attendance were team members: Amber Duclos, Brock Whobrey, David Madrid, Francisco "Pancho" Quintana, George Garcia, Greg Vargas, JD Romero, Jeff Doen, Jeff Eckler, Jeff Polinsky, Jerry Kettle, Jerry Whitaker, Ken Miller, Marilyn Oliver, Pat Murray, Peter Loaiza, Ray Bundy, Ryan Jourdain, Seth Marrs, and Steven "Moose" Reyes.
The reunion also included former Athletic Director Jim Pascal and longtime athletic trainer Paul Alvarez—two pivotal figures in the department during the 1995 season. Several wives, many of whom were also La Verne student-athletes, attended as well. Notably, former soccer players Tori Bare (wife of Moose Reyes), Lisa Whobrey (wife of Brock Whobrey), Myrna Vargas (wife of Greg Vargas). Wendy Murray also met her husband Pat while attending the University as a student.
Organized by former player Seth Marrs, the event was a testament to the strength of the bond shared by the 1995 team.
"There's a lot of reasons to do this," said Marrs. "When you go through something like that with a team, it forms a bond that lasts. And it's amazing that the bond still picks up right where it left off from 30 years ago—and is just as strong, if not stronger."
The 1995 season was filled with unforgettable moments and emotional highs. Brock Whobrey played through the season after his father suffered a major stroke just months before the title run. Jeff Polinsky, who came to La Verne originally to play basketball, was named the Most Valuable Player of the national championship series. JD Romero earned MVP honors for the conference season, while Jeff Doen was named MVP of the national championship game itself.
And then there was Amber Duclos—an essential spirit of the team. Duclos, a dedicated supporter who often traveled over an hour in her wheelchair to attend games, became a source of inspiration for the team. Her presence and energy in big moments, especially when she stood up to cheer during critical innings, gave the Leopards a boost that no box score could ever quantify.
Adding a special generational connection to the celebration, Brock and Lisa Whobrey's son, Aaron Whobrey, is now a member of the current La Verne baseball team. Seeing his son wear the same Leopard jersey three decades later is a proud and meaningful full-circle moment, symbolizing the enduring legacy of La Verne Baseball.
The 30-year reunion was more than just a celebration of a championship—it was a reminder of the friendships and shared experiences that defined that season. The 1995 Leopards are more than champions; they are a family, united by history and a legacy that continues to inspire.
