In front of a near capacity crowd at The Grand Hotel last night, Mayor Bob Foster and Long Beach State men’s basketball coach Dan Monson entertained the Long Beach Century Club members and guests. 

Mayor Foster took the podium first and talked a lot about how the sports community in Long Beach has helped form the Long Beach we know now.  “You learn character and values that help you be a better citizen… sports are widely responsible for the spirit of Long Beach.”

Foster also reminisced about the Sacramento Little League team he managed and took to Williamsport, Pennsylvania for the Little League World Series.  “Some of those tournaments were single elimination, and we had so many games decided by one run… it was a great time to teach the kids about never giving up.  Where there is life, there’s hope.”

After the Mayor answered some questions about Tesla, coach Monson took the mic like a stand-up comedian.  He had jokes ready for Vic Cegles and his golf game, LBPostSports and our new radio show, and the suit he was wearing for the first time in a few months.  “With the season coming up it’s time to trade in the shorts and flip-flops for a suit, but I forgot I didn’t really have to dress up for you guys.  It’s been awhile since I’ve been to a meeting.  We were 6-20 my first year, so I guess I understand why you didn’t have me back last year.”

Monson had his self-proclaimed “excuses” all ready to go, but the Club just wanted to talk about his young team and the tough pre-season schedule that awaits them.  “If Notre Dame sneaks into the top ten, we will play five of the ten top teams in the nation… but we tell these guys they can play at any level, and we’re going to give them a chance to prove it.”

Come by The Grand Hotel every Tuesday @ 6pm for another Century Club meeting!