Crescenta Valley High football, Hoover show example of good sportsmanship
GLENDALE — The Glendale YMCA Quarterback Club, in its 71st year, meets Tuesdays at the Elk’s Lodge. The following are odds and ends from the eighth meeting of the year.
GRACEFUL SHOW OF RESPECT
A day following Crescenta Valley High’s 56-16 Pacific League win against Hoover on Friday at Glendale High’s Moyse Field, Crescenta Valley Coach Paul Schilling checked his emails and came across one sent by Hoover senior wide receiver/linebacker Alvin Kim.
In the note, Kim introduced himself and praised Schilling for comments Schilling made in a Glendale News-Press article that appeared Oct. 24 previewing the contest.
In the article, Schilling said: “The thing that stands out about them is those kids, I’ve seen them live a couple times and watching them on film, [Hoover first-year Coach Matt Andersen] has got those kids playing real hard. Momentum is the key because they already play really hard and work really hard.”
Kim took those words to heart while emailing Schilling.
“Last night’s game was my 30th at Hoover. Out of the past 30 games, I won six and lost 24. It sucks to lose, but stepping on the field knowing that my team is outnumbered and outmatched skill-wise sucks even more. My freshman year, my team started with 30-plus kids on the team. Out of those 30-plus, only four of us, including myself, continued playing throughout all four years. We are not the best team in the league when it comes to skills, but I always thought we had the heart to compete. The heart to continue moving our legs when down by 20, 30 and many times over 40. Coach Andersen always stresses the word respect and Hoover’s goal is to earn respect this season. You are the first one who gave us that respect no one gave us in years. Your humble words inspired me.”
Schilling, whose team is 7-1, 5-0 in league, said Kim showed sportsmanship.
“It’s easy to win and love the game, but a kid like this and coaches like Coach Andersen truly love the game,” Schilling said. “To hear from a kid like this really makes us all feel like we are in good hands with our future leaders.”
GOLDEN KNIGHTS CONTINUE SURGE
Through eight weeks, St. Francis is undefeated at 8-0, 5-0 in the Mission League. The Golden Knights will face their stiffest test when they meet host Gardena Serra (8-0, 5-0) in a showdown for first place in league at 7 p.m. Friday at Serra.
St. Francis is ranked No. 3 in the latest CIF Southern Section Western Division poll. Serra is No. 1 in the division after winning a CIF and state title last season.
St. Francis Coach Jim Bonds said he’s been impressed with the Golden Knights’ work ethic each week.
“This is my 14th year of coaching at St. Francis and, every once in a while, you get a very special group of guys,” Bonds said. “These guys can’t wait to get down to the practice field, get ready for a game or even break down film.
“The stars have aligned for us. If you told me back in July or even August that we’d be 8-0, I wouldn’t have believed it. We don’t fear anyone and now we will try to shock the world [against Serra].”
CRUTCHFIELD VISITS THE CLUB
Tony Crutchfield enjoyed a lot of success at the high school and collegiate levels while playing football at Muir High and Brigham Young University. He learned — on and off the field — about the values of being a role model for future athletes mulling over a career in the sport.
Crutchfield, who helped Muir win CIF championships in 1985 and 1986, was the guest speaker at Tuesday’s meeting. The former defensive back chronicled how football stabilized his life.
“The game has been good to me and helped me in so many ways,” said Crutchfield, who played at BYU from 1987-91 and is now a store manager in the Inland Empire. “I had an opportunity to go out there and play at different levels and I’ve had an opportunity to coach and give back to the kids who are playing today.
“I talk to other youth coaches about how to instill values that it takes to succeed in life. You give your dreams back to the kids. You learn about being down and then getting right back up.”
