That wouldn't mean as much if I hadn't talked to those people on a number of occasions. Both Brian and his wife. That's a great part of the pain, these guys were approachable, they are somebody you can call acquaintances, somebody who was part of something you were proud to say you were part of. Sheesh.
Some of the girls who played for her were former students of mine, or are the sisters of current students. They really love her. I'm going to mail a clipping to Council Woman Nguyen and remind her that if/when they are 18, these student athletes are voters in her district.
I e-mailed the author of that piece and thanked him for sharing a sample of the civic treasure we let slip away. What you said, Urawa...these guys weren't just our team, they were our neighbors and friends. Like many on these boards, I've been a sports fan all my life (43 yrs.) I've been around players distantly as a fan and up close as a reporter. I have NEVER experienced such an amazing bond with players as that which we were privileged to share with OUR Quakes. You always hear ardent fans of a team say "we have to win this week" or "we're gonna kick a$$ this year" as if the fan was actually a member of the team. The Earthquakes are the only pro team I've ever been around where the players actually, truly made you--the fan--feel like an honest-to-God part of their family. Gone to Houston.....friggin' tragic for us all!
Ronald Cerritos is the boys coach at Andrew Hill. I think it's pretty devastating for this East side school. Ronald's and Kersten's involvement with these youth speaks volumes of their character. So gawd damn sad for these kids.