Friday, April 19, 2024
I headed up the Conejo Grade at midday on my way to my old stomping grounds, Westlake H.S.
I was the Head Football Coach at WHS for its first eleven years of existence from its opening in 1978 until I moved the Rio Mesa H.S. after the 1988 season.
As I entered Warrior Stadium, I was
struck by this record board with lots
of familiar names still on it
I was not there for a football game or a track meet. No, I was there to support our son Michael's Newbury Park H.S. Unified Sports team.
The High School Unified Sports program
is a small part of the much larger
Southern California Special Olympics
Teams from Thousand Oaks H.S. and Westlake H.S. were on hand for a three-way set of soccer games.
The teams had ten players on the field with six being special needs athletes and the other four general population students who were there mostly to help and guide their six teammates.
It was a BEAUTIFUL day for soccer
at Westlake H.S.
Micheal, in red, was the referee
for the Newbury Park Panthers
vs. Thousand Oaks Lancers game
He is one of the coaches of the NPHS Unified Sports teams and has really enjoyed working with these athletes the past few years.
The game started with a Panthers
breakaway scoring opportunity
His shot was wide of the mark, thus necessitating a . . .
Lancers Goalie Kick
Here comes our same Panther
again who scored this time
From what I saw so far these two
lofty goals were being met
TOHS has athletes of various skill levels
Much better Lancers Defense
on this NPHS attack on goal
A Panther, A Lancer and a Ball
Something just had to give.
Choreographed, ballet-like moves
The Panthers attacking once more
The Lancer Goalie was up to
the task on this shot
A loose ball again drawing a crowd
Strategy discussion at midfield
Uh-Oh, the Panthers were a tad
slow getting back on Defense
A booming Goalie Kick by a Panther
Look what I found!
This Panther dribbled the ball up the
field then, at the last second, sent a laser-
like centering pass to his teammate . . .
. . . she shot . . .
. . . she . . .
. . . SCORED!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!
The kids were Empowered and,
I at least, was Inspired
Michael with the Panthers goalie
after the game
He wears Michael's favorite number
Empower, Inspire, Inclusion and Teamwork
Check, check, check and check!
All of the Special Olympics goals were met and a whole bunch of Panther, Lancer and Warrior coaches, athletes and their families had a positive experience today to be sure
I saw this on the way out of the stadium
Carl scored the first Varsity TD in Westlake H.S. football history as a Sophomore Tight End against the Channel Islands H.S. Raiders way back in 1978.
You're welcome, Carl.
In the evening, Laurie and I headed up
to Santa Paula for a night at the theater
this quaint venue over the many years
Tonight's offering was billed
as a dark comedy
It's 1965 in England which has just outlawed hanging as an option for their executions.
Our hero, Harry Wade, is widely considered to be the second best hangman in all the land. What is he to do now?
That was the author's main premise for a play that was way more dark than comedic. Well, it was about a hangman after all.
Although I had fun on a Friday night date with my bride, we both agreed that this particular play was only average at best.
The stage itself, the set that is, was top notch we both thought.
THANK GOD ALMIGHTY!
Now, if the Dodgers would just bring back the old, delicious Farmer John's brand of hotdogs to the old ballpark . . .
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