Bunny and Roy  Seawright were residents of Hermosa Beach for over 60 years.  They loved the beach and being part of the Hermosa community.  Roy was a beach volleyball enthusiast since the1930’s (see pictures in our photo gallery) and Bunny was the quintessential hostess.  With their house on the Strand at 28^th Street, throwing a beach volleyball tournament was a natural for them. 

They first hosted the Seawright Tournament in 1968 so their son and daughter, Jill and Jon, could have a chance to get their high school and college friends together.  The cost was $5.00 and included a tank top and all the beer you could drink.  Also included was lunch that Bunny served for everyone in the front yard. While some of the best beach volleyball players of that time competed, it was also known as one of the main local parties of the summer.  Besides consuming many kegs of beer, players started the tradition of partying at Ercoles the night before and taking many breaks to Critters between games.

 Bunny and Roy looked forward to the tournament year after year and were always excited to see old faces and welcome new ones.  Even in their eighties, they enjoyed watching all the games and presenting the trophies at the end of the day.  Bunny always made an effort to know the names of all the players.  After each tournament she would frame pictures of all the teams and would painstakingly write everyone’s names on the back.  (check out the pictures in our photo gallery).

The tournament has grown over the years to 100 players and over 300 spectators.   Several local families such as the Schneiders and the Hahns have more than one generation participating.  It brings together some of the best players in the South Bay from 16^th, 22nd, 33^rd, and Marine Street and reunites many old friends each year. 

For all those involved, we welcome you back and thank you for keeping Bunny and Roy’s memory alive with this Hermosa tradition.  

We look forward to seeing you at the beach!