Beijing stabbing leaves Southern California volleyball community reeling
The victims are called boosters of the sport who supported their daughter's career at UCLA and as an Olympian. 'Wiz' Bachman of Irvine witnessed the assault on her parents that left her father dead.
The Minnesota couple attacked today in Beijing in a stabbing that left the man dead and his wife critically injured were well-known in Southern California volleyball circles as boosters of the sport. Friends today recalled the pair for their enduring support of their daughter's volleyball career both at UCLA, where she was a standout collegiate player, and when she joined the Olympic team in Athens four years ago.
Todd and Barbara Bachman of Lakeville, Minn., were attacked about noon in an assault witnessed by their daughter, Elisabeth “Wiz” Bachman McCutcheon, the wife of the U.S. men's Olympic volleyball coach Hugh McCutcheon. The McCutcheons live in Irvine, not far from where the men's team trains in Anaheim.
The attack also wounded the family's Chinese guide, officials said.
Elisabeth McCutcheon's former coach, Andy Banachowski, said today that his heart went out to her and her family.
"The only comfort is that Wiz was not injured in the heinous attack," said Banachowski, who heads the UCLA women’s volleyball team, in a statement released by the university.
Banachowski called her parents "two of the most supportive and friendly people that I have ever encountered. They have a genuine knack for making everyone welcome, and continued their support of UCLA volleyball even after Wiz graduated. They love the sport and are beloved in the volleyball community."
Kig Jagd, Banachowski's assistant coach, credited Elisabeth's parents for her drive.
"Wiz has always been a dedicated athlete and teammate. Team has always come first to Wiz, just like family, and that is because of the qualities instilled in her by Todd and Barbara," Jagd said. "Wiz worked tremendously hard as an athlete to pursue and live her dream of being an Olympian, always with the support of her parents. Her character-driven lifestyle and her determination has earned her many friends and fans through her illustrious career."
At the American Sports Centers in Anaheim, where Hugh McCutcheon trained his team for the U. S. Olympic men's indoor volleyball, the facility buzzed with activity this afternoon.
General Manager Mike Gallups said he crossed paths with the Bachmans last summer at an Angels game. He first learned that there had been an attack in Beijing in an e-mail early this morning and was later heartbroken to hear the Bachmans were involved.
