Front row: Marty Galante, Kevin Thornton, Bryan Freeman, Scott Lyday, Thomas LeLouis, and James Segesta
Back row: Bryce Kibby, Stan Swank, Russ Geer, Richard Titus, John Parasich, Coach Don Carter
Not photographed: Ronald Titus and Bill Wakefield

 1981 Valley Champion boys Tennis Team​ 

In the spring of 1981, talent converged on West High’s tennis courts, creating a dominant team that many consider one of the best in Bakersfield history.  This team won the consolidated Valley championship - a time before divisions.

Orchestrating the team was Don Carter: a caring coach who gently guided and “put up with a bunch of spoiled tennis club brats”, according to Russ Geer.  Carter later became the Superintendent for the entire Kern High School District.

The 1981 Viking boys didn't just win matches—they obliterated the competition. Sweeping through the South Yosemite League schedule without a single defeat.

Bill Wakefield and Ronald Titus, a pair of singles specialists, dominated the courts: neither player surrendered a single set, the entire season!

The doubles realm belonged to Richard Titus and Russ Geer, who mirrored their teammates' perfection with an equally flawless record. Together, these four players formed an impenetrable core that opponents simply couldn't crack.

Beyond these standouts, the team's depth proved devastating.  Marty Galante, Kevin Thornton, Bryan Freeman, Scott Lyday, Thomas LeLouis, James Segesta, Bryce Kibby, Stan Swank, Noel Dalton, and John Parasich rounded out a roster with deep talent and grit.

Twin brothers, Ronald and Richard Titus have both passed, but continued to have great careers after West High.  They were finalists in men’s doubles in the division II national championships, representing CSUB.  Both continued their love of tennis, sharing it’s joy as instructors.