The AVP Crocs Tour Hermosa Beach Open rides into the South Bay this weekend pointed toward the Olympics, but also looking back at the career of one it local stars.

Though Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers will likely be grabbing much of the attention Saturday and Sunday in Hermosa, the AVP will take a moment to honor Eric Fonoimoana, who is retiring after the event.

Fonoimoana, or just “Fonoi” in AVP speak, had a decade-long career with five different partners. The most successful pairing came with Laguna Beach native Dain Blanton, when the pair was one of the top AVP teams and of course, the gold medalists of the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

He had 15 career victories on the AVP and was the 2002 MVP. Fonoi also won at least one tournament for seven consecutive years with five different partners from the years 1998 to 2004.

The ceremony will take place at 2:15 p.m. Saturday shortly before the women’s finals.

Admission is $20-$150. For tickets and information, click here.

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