USA Volleyball mourns the loss of two esteemed athletes who represented the nation on the Olympic stage: Barry Brown, a member of the 1964 U.S. Olympic Men’s Volleyball Team, and Pedro “Pete” Velasco, a remarkable player who participated in the ’64 and ’68 Olympic teams.
Barry Brown passed away on December 20, 2022, at the age of 88 in Reno, Nevada. Meanwhile, Pedro Velasco left us on March 21, 2023, at the age of 85 on The Big Island in Hawaii.
Remembering Barry Brown
Born in Culver City, Calif., Barry Brown made significant contributions to the sport both on and off the court. He played beach volleyball with notable Olympian Mike O’Hara and other talented players during the 1950s. In the indoor scene, Brown achieved All-American honors with the Stockton YMCA and the Hollywood YMCA Stars. The Stars clinched multiple national championships in the men’s open division with Brown as a key player.
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In 1963, Brown secured a silver medal with the U.S. Men’s Volleyball Team at the Pan American Games in Sao Paulo, Brazil. His talent and dedication earned him a spot on the inaugural U.S. Olympic Men’s Volleyball Team at the 1964 Summer Games in Tokyo.
Celebrating Pedro ‘Pete’ Velasco
Pedro Velasco left an indelible mark on the sport of volleyball. As captain of the 1964 U.S. Olympic Men’s Volleyball Team and a member of the 1968 Olympic Team in Mexico City, Velasco showcased his exceptional skills and leadership abilities.
Velasco’s achievements included winning a silver medal at the 1963 Pan American Games and securing gold at the 1967 Pan Am Games in Winnipeg, Canada. His volleyball journey began in 1956 when he played for the Denver YMC team while attending the University of Denver. Velasco later played for the Central Hawaii YMCA Team and the Outrigger Canoe Club. His remarkable performances at the 1962-72 National Championships earned him All-American honors and the title of the tournament’s most valuable player in 1965.
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Velasco’s commitment to the sport continued even after the 1968 Olympics. He played for Church College in Hawaii in 1969-70, where he received collegiate All-American recognition for two consecutive years. In 1970, he was named the Outstanding College Athlete of America. The U.S. Volleyball Association (now USA Volleyball) also recognized his exceptional skills, naming him an All-Time Great Player that same year.
Honoring Their Legacies
Pedro Velasco bid farewell to the sport following the 1972 National Championships. His contributions did not go unnoticed, as he became the first volleyball player to be elected to the Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in 1978. Additionally, he received the honor of induction into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame in 1980 and the International Volleyball Hall of Fame in 1997.
Services for Velasco will be held on April 22 at Ballard Mortuary in Hilo, Hawaii. The public is invited to pay their respects during an open viewing from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
FAQs
Q: Who is Barry Brown?
Barry Brown was a prominent member of the U.S. Olympic Men’s Volleyball Team in 1964. He made significant contributions to the sport, both on the beach and in indoor competitions.
Q: What were Pete Velasco’s notable achievements?
Pete Velasco was the captain of the 1964 U.S. Olympic Men’s Volleyball Team and competed in the 1968 Olympic Team in Mexico City. He won several medals at Pan American Games and left a lasting impact on the sport.
Conclusion
Barry Brown and Pete Velasco will always be remembered as influential figures in the world of volleyball. Their dedication, skill, and leadership continue to inspire athletes today. Their contributions to the sport have solidified their places in the annals of volleyball history.
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