LC35AC History

Background History of La Costa 35 Athletic Club

In 1984 local La Costa resident and sportsman John Strayer saw a need in the community for an athletic club for men over the age of 35 that focused on friendly competition, recreation, & social participation with family members. His dream became a reality in March of 1984 when he founded the LC 35 slow-pitch softball league. In the first season, eight teams played games on Sunday afternoons at Levante Park and competed in league playoffs and championship games in August.

The first season of softball was such a success that Strayer and his friend John Mitchell decided to create an Over 35 touch football league in Fall 1984. Mitchell became founder and organizer of the football league while Strayer served as President of the club and organizer of the softball league.

Twenty-nine years later (2013) many of the original members, including Strayer and Mitchell, remain active in the club. Summer of 2013 will be the 30^th anniversary for softball. Their legacy has grown into a Summer Softball League (2013) of fourteen younger (age 35-50) and nine senior (Over 50) division teams and a Football league of nine teams with a new Legends division. There is also a successful Fall-Winter Over 35 Softball league of nine teams, founded for the first time in 1987-88 by Strayer and fellow original LC 35 member Ron Elson.

Over the years, members of LC 35 AC have enjoyed a variety of activities, both athletic and social. The Annual Fourth of July Picnic, All Star &/or State Softball Games, & Home Run Derby have become an annual tradition. “Puttin’ on the Hits” social events are often held. Golf outings for members take place many times a year. Open play of Men’s Basketball and Co-Ed volleyball for members were held at Stagecoach Gym for many years. In the 1980s there was a short-lived (1-2 years) Men’s Basketball league and Woman’s Softball league.

LC 35 AC has remained active in Community service. The Club has organized many charitable “Swing With Your Heart” Softball Tournaments as fundraisers for special causes and a charity Poker tournament for the Carlsbad Boys & Girls Clubs.  Other community service includes contributions to City of Carlsbad youth basketball, La Costa Youth Organization youth baseball, Pop Warner football, & Special Olympics.