Wendell L. Pickens Memorial Scholarship

Wendell L. Pickens was Orange Coast’s first athletic director, serving with excellence in that capacity from 1948 to 1977. Respectfully greeted and known as “Pick” or “Coach” this strong yet gentle man guided the fortunes of many successful teams but primarily will be remembered for his championship baseball teams. Anyone who played for a Picken’s team knew they were a winner. He taught respect for authority, unselfish team play, and a desire to play with everything you had to give. “There’s no shame in losing,” he once said, “only in pulling up short of your personal best.” In all he did, Pick symbolized this strength of purpose and love of a sport.

In his memory, those who knew and loved him propose this award to go to the graduating sophomore who best exemplifies the ideal of total involvement and dedication to the future of coaching; someone who will also lead by example and inspire by their lifestyle.