California Cup Goes to Orange County

The pared-down National Surf League returned to Huntington Beach on Saturday for the championship game of the inaugural California Cup.

Bleachers were nowhere to be found, the original title sponsor was gone and some of the desire seemed to have seeped from the competitors.

But that didn’t stop Team Orange County from putting on an impressive display in tricky head-high conditions near Golden West Street and Pacific Coast Highway. Led by 26 points from Mike Losness of San Clemente, the 10-man team from Orange County won the title game over San Diego County, 177-165.75.

“Just being part of a team was awesome,” said Timmy Reyes of Huntington Beach.

Reyes said he hoped the competition would have gained more popularity after the event’s opening three-game series earlier this month alongside the Huntington Beach Pier, but the loss of the title sponsor cut deep into financing, including much of the marketing.

Those involved with the event were pleased they were able to continue producing TV coverage of the event, scheduled to be shown July 22-24 on ESPN2.

-- Dan Arritt