SoCal Olympians Relight the '96 Torch in Westwood

The Southern California Olympians started off as drinking club in 1904. Since then, it's evolved into a service organization that helps Southern Californian athletes on their path to the Olympics.

The group returned to its roots Friday night, gathering at Barney's Beanery in Westwood to drink, eat and relight the 1996 Olympic torch before a viewing of the 2012 London Olympic Games opening ceremony. 

"It's no longer solely a social group," said SCO member Andrew Strenk, who won a gold medal in swimming at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico. "Now we're helping create the new generation of Olympians. But for tonight, it's also time for past Olympians to socialize and reminisce."

Strenk took to the microphone to introduce the twelve Southern Californian Olympians and detail their specialities, which included kayaking, boxing and rhythmic gymnastics.

He urged the group to continue fundraising for the Koroibos Foundation, the program that funds equipment and other training necessities for Southern California Olympic hopefuls.

Following the introductions, SCO president Cathy Marino relit the 1996 Olympic torch and passed it around to the Olympians.

While waiting for the 2012 Olympic opening ceremonies to start, the Olympians dug into plates stacked with onion rings and burgers. Olympian Craig Dixon bit into a burger, but his eyes were glued to the television screen in anticipation of the opening ceremonies. Dixon competed in the 110-meter high hurdles at the 1948 Olympics in London. Back then, Dixon said, amateurs participated in the Olympics and competitors were generally very friendly to one another.

"Winning was important, but it wasn't everything, like it is for professionals now," he said, scooping a dollop of ketchup off his plate with a curly fry. 

Dixon, a UCLA alumnus, now lives in Westwood with his wife, Jan, who graciously helped Patch conduct the interview because Dixon has hearing problems.

"I'm ecstatic. It's a marvelous thing to experience," Dixon said. "After 64 years you don't get much attention for being an Olympian anymore, so this is a great feeling."

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