Legendary basketball coach Tim O’Brien touched lives of his players and colleagues

Coach Tim O’Brien was joined by the original Northwood school staff of 1999 when he retired from teaching in 2018. Top row (left to right) Coach O’Brien, Andy Sepulveda, Terry Trank, Angie Olivares, Ernie Medina and Pat Quigley; bottom row Judy Scialpi, Zach Halop, Leanne Lauritzen, Becky Brown, Susan Weatherholt, Dean Toohey and Rob Stuart. (Photo courtesy Jenny Leveugle)

Orange County basketball coaches, Northwood High School colleagues, former players and a sportswriter remembered long-time legendary coach Tim O’Brien as a man of faith who loved the sport and helped his players succeed on and off the court.

O’Brien died at the age of 66 Thursday night at UCLA Medical Center after a battle with cancer.

Rich Boyce, Edison High School boys basketball coach: “Tim was by far the best person I knew.  He was caring, compassionate, fun loving, and would do anything for anyone. There are hundreds of coaches, players, friends who would all say the same thing.  He battled cancer for the last two and a half years with so much dignity and strength. We are all the better for having known him and for having him in our lives. He leaves a hole in all of our lives but we are comforted by the memories of this great man. We will miss him but will strive to live up to the example he left for us all.”

Matt Danison, who played for Coach O’Brien in 2002-03: Danison transferred into the program, and he said it was one of the best decisions of his life.

“Coach O’Brien was an amazing basketball coach. He was a brilliant floor coach, who taught skills, toughness, mental focus, discipline, teamwork and work ethic.

“But his coaching and instruction extended way beyond the basketball court. Coach O’Brien made us better basketball players for sure, but what he really did is instill values to make us better people. His resilience rubbed off on all of us.” 

(Danison is the CEO of Rentals.ca headquartered in Toronto). 

Jacob Huynh, who was on the Northwood PCL title team in 2018: “He was the strongest man and best mentor I could have ever asked for. I will never forget our memorable runs through the PCL and CIF playoffs together and most importantly his life lessons along the way. He inspired so many young athletes and students throughout his life and he was loved by so many. He left a lasting impact on this Earth and may he rest in peace.”

(Huynh is now playing at San Francisco State).

Northwood High School football coach Paige Nobles: “When I learned about the passing of Coach Tim O’Brien this morning, the news was devastating to hear. Coach OB was a colleague and a great friend. I am going to miss the talks we would have together in the office regarding basketball or football or just life in general. I am very saddened that he will no longer be coming on campus but I know Coach OB is cancer free and pain free now. God Speed and RIP my friend.”

Ringo Bossenmeyer, boys basketball coach at Tustin High School: “Coach O’Brien was first and foremost a man of deep faith.  Our conversations that usually began centered around basketball and our student-athletes would inevitably lead back to his faith in God in all areas of his life.  Even after his diagnosis, he was constantly diverting the subject of any talk we had to the well-being of other people, and not all the pain and suffering he was enduring with his treatments. 

“Continuing to coach over the last few years despite his illness was an incredible testament to his love of the game, but more importantly Tim’s love for his players and trying to be the best servant-leader he could possibly be to the young men of Northwood basketball.” 

Ryan Schachter, boys basketball coach at Corona del Mar High School: “Coming into the Newport-Mesa basketball community in 2004, it was very apparent that coach Tim O’Brien was a legendary coach. 

“Having become close friends with Estancia basketball coaches, while I was at Costa Mesa as a head coach, you first heard stories of coach O’Brien and his teams. Everyone always spoke to his character and how he imparted these values onto his players. 

“As I write this now, I remember when I was an assistant coach at Concordia, and I went to watch Northwood practice, as we wanted to look at Drew Terry, I believe it was.  During the practice, it was only Coach O’Brien, no assistant that day (or maybe the season), but nonetheless, the players all competed, were focused and intent on every word he spoke. 

“At closing, he ran out to buy a Gatorade or soda, and asked me to nominate a player that I felt was the player of the practice. He knew exactly who I would choose, it wasn’t his best players by any stretch, rather his captain, I couldn’t tell you what his name was, but this kid was a leader and warrior out there. He used that as a lesson to speak to his players about character and leadership, what really matters in life.

“As I transitioned to CDM, along with former Estancia player and coach Jason Simco,  I began developing a strong relationship with Tim. He was always smiling, always having a positive outlook on life, basketball, etc.  He would always tell me, don’t think about going JUCO or moving from CdM; you have the best public school job in the county. We would laugh, as we traded the obligatory ‘issues’ we had with our team, school, etc. With that being said, Tim maybe knew a little something about basketball, but he was a renaissance man when it came to life, family, love and faith.  I am just grateful for having to build a solid relationship with him over the past 15 or so years. Southern California basketball lost a legendary person today.”

Kyle Kim-E, Northwood High School water polo coach: “When I was a student at Northwood from 2006-2010, everyone knew who Coach O’Brien was. I never had to take a class with him or had to play basketball for him to know what a passionate, dedicated, teacher and coach that Coach O’Brien was. He was someone who put everything he had into creating a consistently competitive program each season and I admired that.

“During one of our off-years for water polo, I asked him how he deals with student athletes that seemed to have given up. He told me that the kids will only want and fight for something as much as I do. Since then, I’ve worked every single day to fight and give everything I can to all of my student athletes. Coach O’Brien fought until the very end and he will always be remembered as a legendary coach that made a lasting impact on the thousands of student athletes that he came in touch with. Very sad.”

Barry Faulkner, former sportswriter with the Daily Pilot newspaper: “One of the greatest I ever came across. I was blessed to cover his Estancia teams. Even more blessed to have shared so many conversations over the years. He always made me smile and continually added to my appreciation of his ample and impressive qualities. RIP Coach.”

Steve Garrett, boys basketball coach at Tesoro High School: “Just sad news. I’m sad because I’ll miss my friend. Also, I’m sad for Tim’s family and to those that knew him best.

“At the same time, I rejoice because I know that Tim is a man that put his Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. In 2 Timothy 4: 7 it says ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is a laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord will award to me on that day.’

“Tim O’Brien fought the good fight all the way to the end. Through all of this he put his faith and trust in God and never wavered or doubted what God’s plan was for his life.

“I know with all of my heart that Tim is with our Lord and Savior enjoying his presence and 100 percent free of pain.

“Lastly, it’s well documented ….. what Tim has meant to me as a friend, coach and supporter of me. I will always be grateful for the impact he has made on my life as a coach and father.”

Greg Coombs, former boys basketball coach at Godinez High School: Orange County and the basketball community at large, lost one of its all-time greats with the passing of Coach Tim O’Brien. Words fall hopelessly short of being able to express the respect and admiration that the basketball community and I had for Tim. I knew Coach O’Brien as a man of deep faith who was dedicated to his family and his student-athletes.

“Throughout his long illness he persevered through challenges which might defeat the spirit of most people. His ability to coach during much of the time he was ill showed unprecedented courage and dedication to others. As a coach, he was the best of the best. His teams were meticulously prepared and always played with a great love and respect for the game. He will be missed but never forgotten as his legacy will live on in the many lives he touched throughout the years.”

Jerry Hernandez, men’s basketball coach at Irvine Valley College: “Tim and I met in the mid 80’s playing three-on-three tournaments at Laguna beach. He and I hit it off right away. I had huge respect on how he carried himself as a person of class and character, yet a fierce competitor. I thought he was the most complete (basketball) player at the beach, and I admired his talent. It is interesting that as a coach, his teams displayed those same characteristics Tim displayed as a player.

“As a coach he was a mentor to many of the best OC basketball coaches in the county. He gave his blueprint on how to succeed to great coaches such as Mark Hill, Rich Boyce, Nate Harrison, and many others. In short, he was a coach’s coach and a great teacher! In most recent years he and I would get together to share hoop issues, but what I will miss most are the conversations we had about faith and family. His genuine concern about how you were doing was important to him and heart felt. He was one of my closest coaching friends, and I will miss our friendship dearly.”

Matt Cavanaugh, athletic director at Century High School: “While a sad loss for all who knew him, we can take comfort in knowing that you never really lose until you quit fighting, so he leaves us undefeated and his peace will be eternal. Well done!”

Tom Pestolesi, former men’s and women’s volleyball coach at Irvine Valley College and long-time friend: “OB and I were working together at Estancia in the late 80’s early 90’s.  We used to play full-court knockout at lunch. It was brutal but fun.  He was a super competitive but sneaky competitor.  He always did things the right way.  No ‘looking for an edge’ vs. the officials.  I remember him a few years ago he was coaching at CdM and the parents were complaining about a call the official made.  He turned around and told the parents to knock it off.  I have never seen a group of parents sit on their hands so fast in my life. It was awesome.  Like many others, I love that man.  Such a sad day.”

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com