Friday, August 29, 2025
Laurie and I headed up the Conejo Grade to watch a special edition of Friday Night Lights.
A bit of our evening's backstory is in order.
In 1978, Westlake H.S. opened its doors without the many benefits of a Senior class. I had been named the school's first Head Football Coach and saw that we had a big, strong, handsome young man trying out for the QB spot on our Freshmen team.
Our young QB's name was Charlie Wegher. He had a strong arm and a bright football mind. He would work his way up over the years to become our starting QB on the Varsity helping us to a Marmonte League title in 1980 and playoff berths in both 1980 and 1981.
After graduating from Westlake High School, Charlie played his college football at Cal State-Northridge.
After earning his degree, Charlie returned to Westlake to help us as a coach and once again, his love for both the game and the young men who we coached came through loud and clear.
Within a couple of years, he deservedly was named the Head Coach at nearby Agoura H.S. located just 4.7 miles down Thousand Oaks Blvd. from his alma mater.
Charlie would go on to lead the Chargers for 22 highly successful seasons where he positively helped so many of his young players through difficult times.
As a result tonight, Charlie was going to be honored before our game this evening.
Charlie Wegher was being inducted
into the Agoura H.S. Hall of Fame
before tonight's game
Fittingly, our game tonight, the seventh I've attended in this still young season, was between . . .
Westlake H.S. Warriors (1-0)
Founded in 1978
Enrollment 2,010
at
Agoura H.S. Chargers (1-0)
Founded in 1964
Enrollment 1,728
Charlie, an avid golfer, was given a
new golf bag and set of clubs as a gift
The framed jersey was a nice touch with the #22 signifying his seasons at the helm of the Chargers' program.
Charlie with his wife Jean and
their two daughters
Former Westlake Warriors
Mike Volk, Charlie Wegher, Steve Chopp
and yours truly
We would watch the game from the VIP End Zone area and I thoroughly enjoyed watching Charlie interacting with the many former teammates from his WHS days as well as hundreds of his former players, their parents and AHS staff who went out of their way to thank their old QB or Coach.
Charlie's career based on character, common sense and leadership was on full display tonight. His Hall of Fame induction was an extremely well deserved honor.
CONGRATULATIONS CHARLIE!
The game started off being sloppy
as both teams turned the ball over
REPEATEDLY!
Westlake Warriors knocking
on the door
The Chargers coming out after
thwarting a Westlake drive
HALFTIME SCORE
Westlake - 17
Agoura - 7
At Halftime Laurie and I got
to chat with John Dubose
John was an excellent Offensive Line Coach with us at Rio Mesa H.S.
He has been a highly respected and even mannered high school football referee and baseball umpire for well over a decade now.
John is another fine example of the countless wonderful people we have met and worked with over the numerous years.
Hungry and a tad thirsty, at the end of the Third Quarter, Laurie and I departed for the local watering hole, Tavern 101, where Charlie's celebration would continue after the game.
FINAL SCORE
Westlake (2-0) - 31
Agoura (1-1) - 14
Tony Ponticelli, Westlake H.S. OLB
par excellence from the 1978-1980
teams, was at the Tavern 101 awaiting us
We had a delightful time catching up with Tony and his lovely bride, Gloria.
Eventually, the game finally over, about 50 of Charlie's fans joined us for one final and ever so fun celebration of a great career.
Again, it was AWESOME to see so many familiar faces tonight to honor a really good man.
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