Wednesday, December 9, 2009

THE CLOCK IS TICKING!!!!

Hey Spartans..............

Hope your day and week is going well......ALL is good at this end!!!!

Ballroom dancing is progressing smoothly in 8th grade, while 6th and 7th get into the swing of square dancing!!!!! Don't forget that gala 8th grade "formal" on Friday; December 18th beginning at approximately 1:15 PM.

I would like to announce the 2009-2010 Lakeview Spartans Boys Varsity Basketball team. As always, "cuts" were very difficult, and something I feel is the hardest part of coaching. As someone who has been totally at both ends of the spectrum......out on the first cut and starter on a team, I can relate to what it is like to be in both positions!!! To those of you who did not make our club, I hope you take my individual discussions we have had, and work at your areas of improvement need.


2009-2010 SPARTANS:
Jacob A.
Michael A.
Adam A.
Joey B.
Ryan B.
Wesley D.
Tom J.
Jack M.
Louis M.
Michael M.
Christopher P.
Kovas R.
Daniel T.
Antonio T.
Joe W.



Practices have begun, with our first games scheduled for the Westmont Tournament during the second week of January.

Had the pleasure of going to the Bears game Sunday, and thoroughly enjoyed a great defensive show by both teams? ! ? ! ? ! A COUPLE of good drafts, and both the Rams and the Bears will be "Back-in-the-Hunt"!!!

Looks like the Holiday Bowl Season will be competitive as well. How many "blog-viewers" think 'Bama's defense can shutdown Colt McCoy and the Longhorns?????? The Tide "chomped" on the Gators vaunted machine in good fashion!

On a final College Football note, three Downers Grove South football alums will be involved with post-season bowl games...........

STEVEN SLAYDEN (Lakeview '04....DGS '08) is a key component in the University of Minnesota SPIRIT SQUAD. The Golden Gophers (Big 10; 6-6 overall) will oppose Iowa State University (Big 12; 6-6 overall) in the Insight Bowl on Thursday; December 31st; Tempe, Az. The game kicks off at 5 PM C.S.T. (NFL Network TV--subscription) As a "base", it is Steven responsibility to "hoist", "hurl" or "throw" a diminutive teammate many feet in the air, while making sure that he is also there to "catch her on her re-entry"!!! As an honor of being one of the best on his "squad", Steven was chosen to carry the Minnesota 45 foot high flag as the Gophers entered the field for the first game in their new stadium!!!!!

ZACK BELL (Lakeview '03...DGS '07) will travel to Ft. Worth, Tx. as a member of the United States Air Force Academy football team (#94) as they prepare to take on the University of Houston Cougars (10-3) in the Bell Helicopter-Armed Forces Bowl (Thursday; 12/31/09; 11:00 AM (CST); ESPN). The Falcons (7-5) come into the game as the representative of the Mountain West Conference.

ANDY SCHULZE (Eisenhower '02...DGS '06) will take part in the Orange Bowl in Miami, Fl. (Tuesday; 1/5/10; 6:30 PM (CST); FOX SPORTS-National). The #10 ranked University of Iowa Hawkeyes (10-2) will oppose the Atlantic Coast Conference champion Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (11-2 / #9 ranked) in a B.C.S. contest!!! Andy (#65) handles all the center snaps for Iowa field goals, extra points, and punts.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL THREE OF THESE OUTSTANDING STUDENT ATHLETES!!! HIT HARD!!!!!

As a BONUS event this week, the first LAKEVIEW student who e-mails me with the names of the three student-athletes listed above will win "Lunch With The Coach" (Mr. Dodd) during a lunch period mutually agreed upon at Lakeview! Please e-mail me tdodd@ccsd66.org

Have a great week.....GO SPARTANS!!!!!!.................PLAY HARD!!!!!!

Coach Dodd

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

ONE, TWO, THREE.....CHA..CHA..CHA !!!

Hello Spartan Fans......

Our rebound from Thanksgiving vacation is rolling along with the beginning of Ballroom Dancing for our 8th graders. Under the direction of Mrs. Anne Garvey, our students are getting into the fundamentals, with nine more days till our "formal" on Friday; December 18th. 99.5% of this years' graduating class are working very hard to learn this "lifeskill" activity, and as is always the case, that .5% will catch on ......hopefully sooner than later!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At this date, Boys Varsity Basketball has completed one day of tryouts with a conclusion coming tomorrrow (Dec. 2nd). The final roster for the 2009-10 season will be posted on Thursday morning (Dec. 3rd). Practices will be scheduled during the remaining two weeks in December, with game action scheduled to start in January. Please check this site for a roster and a game schedule. On behalf of my club, I would like to once again invite the members of 66 to attend games whenever possible!! 2008-09 was quite a "fun ride", one that will never be forgotten. On that same vein, I will post a list next week of our '08-'09 squad, and where they are playing in high school this season!!

GOOD LUCK to all our Lakeview girls who will be trying out for the Varsity Cheerleading squad under the direction of Mrs. Jennifer Maass. The excitement and enthusiasm of last years squad was one of main reasons for our teams' success in their tournament run!!!

On a serious note, it is my understanding that the Chicago Bears' practice was stopped on Tuesday when a player spotted a "white, powdery substance" on the field. D.E.A. and A.T.F. were called in to investigate the finding. After complete analysis, forensic experts determined that the white substance, unknown to players was the GOAL LINE!! Practice was allowed to continue after agents determined that players would not encounter the substance again this season!!! (Thanks to Coach Slayden for this F.Y.I.)

Have a great week, and

GO SPARTANS........PLAY HARD!!!!!!

Coach Dodd

Monday, November 23, 2009

HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!!!!!!

Hey Spartan Fans.....

WOW.....It's Thanksgiving already!!!!! Once again.....is this year flying by!!!!!

On a short week, there are still important things taking place in and around "66"!!!

BOWLING and VOLLEYBALL are moving along in all three grade levels, with WEIGHT TRAINING going on in 6th grade!! The 7th and 8th graders did a GREAT JOB last Thursday and Friday at the "BOWL in BOLINGBROOK"!!!!! Great bowling and MUCH food!!

BALLROOM DANCING with Mrs. Anne Garvey starts for our 8th graders when we return from Thanksgiving vacation on November 30th. This gala unit will conclude with our "formal" dance on the last Friday (Dec. 18th) before Christmas break. I know our current 8th graders will follow in the tradition of past classes and do an outstanding job....FIRE UP!!!!!

BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL TRYOUTS will be held on Monday, Nov. 30th and Wed., Dec. 2nd at Lakeview from 3 - 5 PM. Boys trying out have returned signed parental permission slips, and seem ready to go!!

On a final note, I would like to take this opportunity to promote the BONFIELD EXPRESS 5K Walk/Run this coming Thursday morning in Downers Grove. Jim Bonfield was a teacher, dean, and coach at both Downers North and Downers South High School. Before passing away after a long battle with cancer, Jim touched the lives of thousands of students at both schools. Over the course of 30 plus years, Coach Bonfield was a guiding light for students of all types, colors, abilities, beliefs, and a person who made a mark on this young coach as I started my career at the high school level!

The 5K walk run has raised scholarship money for 52 graduates of both Downers Grove high schools, and again this year will provide funds for ten more graduates of the class of 2010. The run/walk starts off from Main and Curtiss in Downers Grove at 8:30 AM. To find out more on how to participate in this outstanding event, please log-on to www.bonfieldexpress.com

I hope to see many 66ers at this event!!!!!!

Have a great Thanksgiving, and .........................

GO SPARTANS.......PLAY HARD!!!!!!!!

Coach Dodd

Monday, November 16, 2009

SPARTAN NEWS !!!!!!

HELLO SPARTAN FANS!!!!!!

Time to catch up on various "happenings" at Lakeview:

BOWLING and VOLLEYBALL games continue in all P.E. classes, with Strength Training also being covered in 6th grade.

BOWLING trips to the lanes in Bolingbrook take place this week.....7th graders go Thursday (19th) morning, while the 8th grade goes Friday (20th) morning. A great time is always had by our students, both on the lanes, and at the concession stand.

J.V. BASKETBALL swings into high gear with a pair of games for both Boys and Girls.......Coach Dvorak's club plays Westview Hills tonight (16th) at Lakeview, while Mr. Little's team hosts Eisenhower here on Wednesday (18th). All games tipoff at 4 PM......."Be a Fan....Support the Spartans!!!!"

CONGRATULATIONS to the following students on making the respective J.V. Basketball teams......GIRLS >> Rebecca A., Tiffany B., Megan S., Sydney D., Jacky J., Jill K., Jeannie L., Antionette Z., Rebekah O., Taylor J., Miyax., Dana K., and Ava P..
BOYS >> Jason D., Cody B., Eddie L., Braxton B., Caleb K., Matt B., Joe E., Matt S., Anthony M., Sam D., Conner M., Patrick M., and Zain R.

MANY of our current Lakeview students and parents have followed the Downers Grove South Varsity Football squad this past season. After two thrilling playoff victories over Waubonsie Valley and Bolingbrook, the Mustangs season ended last Saturday night at Glenbard North. The Mustangs and Panthers battled to the very end with Glenbard North hanging on to a 7-3 victory. On behalf of the entire varsity, I would like to say "Thanks" for the great support in 2009. 2010 looks promising, as the Mustangs return 13 starters from this past season........HIT HARD!!!!!!

On a final note, check this site Tuesday; November 17th for information regarding 8th grade Varsity BOYS basketball tryouts!

Have a great week, and.............

GO SPARTANS......PLAY HARD!!!!!

Coach Dodd

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

IT'S BOWLING and VOLLEYBALL

Hello Spartan Fans,

The BAD Fall weather has been victorious, so our P.E. classes will be moving on to Volleyball and Bowling (and Weight Training in 6th grade). Our classes did do a great job during the Fall units, and as well on their written tests for those activities!!

Our Junior Varsity Basketball teams, as well as the J.V. cheerleaders have been chosen, and a big "GOOD LUCK" goes out to those teams and their respective coaches!!

VARSITY BOYS basketball tryouts will be announced shortly, with a written permission slip necessary for all players wishing to tryout!!! An e-mail and this blog site wuill have more information as the days pass....Stay Tuned!!!!

Great job by the Downers South Football, Cheerleading, and Dance teams on their performances last Saturday night at Benedictine U. vs. Waubonsie Valley. A thrilling game came down to the last :20 seconds as the Waubonsie kicker was "Wide Left" assuring a Mustang victory!!!! Another outstanding performance by the Marching Mustangs as well!!!

This Saturday night, the Mustangs travel to Bolingbrook for a rematch with the Raiders....Kickoff is 6 PM, with all tickets at $5.00. The Raiders defeated Downers South the first week of the season (16-14), so the Mustangs will be looking to get even!!!

Have a great week, "Play Hard!!!", and..............Go Spartans!!!!!

Coach Dodd

Sunday, October 25, 2009

WATCHING THE BEARS' TRAIN WRECK !!!

Hi Spartan Fans !!

Thought I'd enjoy a great afternoon watching the Bears', but the Benson-led Bengals played their game-of-the-year, and came up big!! There is always NEXT WEEK!!!

As I look at the weather, it appears we may be able to get outside with our P.E. classes, and resume our units on Flag Football (and Field Hockey / Track in 6th grade).

Parent-Teacher conferences are coming up this Thursday; October 29th...4:30 - 8:30 PM

Thankfully, our absence lists are reducing daily, and to that a hope that the sicknesses that have been going through Lakeview are on the continued decline!!!!!

A big CONGRATULATIONS to our Girls' Varsity Volleyball team on their outstanding performance yesterday (10/24) in the conference tournament at Lakeview. Due to my football commitments at Downers South, I was unable to attend any of the regular season games, so I thoroughly looked forward to watching them play!!! . The Spartans entered Saturday's tourney with a 6-4 regular season record, necessitating them to win a play-in game to reach the Final Four of the Winners Division. After defeating Butler in three games, the Spartans fell to Eisenhower in the third game of their semi-final match!!!! It was truly enjoyable to watch our team battle to the last point!!!! As a side note, Eisenhower went on to defeat Cass for the championship!!!!!!

Good luck to all our athletes (Boys and Girls) who will be trying out for the respective winter season teams....Basketball and Cheerleading!!!

Lakeview graduates Dan Miller, Christian Silvestri, Colin Pieper, Ryan Hood, Trey Bahaveolos, Devan Smith, Jeremy Schultz, Joel Roman, Kevin Carlson,Thomas Delk, Brad Widdel, Edward Rytych, and Patrick Scott have helped Downers Grove South Varsity Football qualify for the 2009, Class 8A state playoffs. The Mustangs will host Waubonsie Valley next weekend, with the exact time and date to be announced tomorrow (10/26)......HI HARD!!!!!!!!

On a final note, the Downers South Boys Varsity Basketball team will play a preliminary game before the Chicago Bulls / Atlanta Hawks game at the United Center on Saturday; December 19th, tipping off at 2:30 PM. $40.00 tickets have been reduced to $25.00 (if purchased by FRIDAY, OCT. 30) when purchased through the athletic department at D.G.S.... Any individuals with questions may contact Downers South varsity basketball coach Jay Baum at jbaum@csd99.org or tdodd@ccsd66.org Should be a fun-night for all attending!!!!!!!

Have a great week, and............................GO SPARTANS!!!!! PLAY HARD!!!!!!

Coach Dodd

Sunday, October 18, 2009

NICE WEATHER ????? !!!!!

HEY SPARTAN FANS !!

Just a couple of quick points for this writing:

Has anyone ever seen such rapid changes in the weather....warm...cold....rainy....sunny.....it has been so "rollercoaster" like during the past ten days. To this, our outside unit on FOOTBALL has been put on hold, with the hope that the week of October 19 brings at least no rain. We can bundle up and deal with the cold, but rain forces us inside. Our students have been very understanding regarding the change in schedule, a fact that makes our classes run smoothly!!

Most students have turned in their PRESIDENTIAL FITNESS SCORESHEETS after having had them reviewed by their parents!!!!!

GOOD LUCK to Miss Nyhlen and the Girls' Varsity Volleyball team as they enter the conference post-season tournament next Saturday (October 24) . All eleven conference schools will be participating at Lakeview. The Lady Spartans finished the regular season with a mark of 6-4, losing three of those matches by very close scores!! On the Junior Varsity level, the Spartans posted an outstanding 9-1 record, finishing tied for 1st place in the conference!!!!!!

AND................the District 66 P.T.O. fund-raisers.....where would we be without them!!!!!!! As I look back over at least the last 15 years, the 66 P.T.O. has donated (PROBABLY) close to $200,000.00 for items that would not normally be purchased through regular funding!! Speaking personally, I am very proud as I look at all the computers at Lakeview having been secured through 66 fund-raisers. ......... Even though the fashion shows are but a memory, how can anyone forget the fun-filled nights with Mr. Slayden emceeing the activities??? !!! I mention the fund-raisers due to the district sposoring a couple of them coming up shortly...........On Wednesday; October 21st (ALL DAY), BUONA RESTAURANT (7409 Cass Ave.; Darien, Il.) will donate 15-25% of all purchases (WITH CENTER CASS 66 COUPONS) back to the district. Buona coupons are available in the offices at all three district schools.......EAT HEARTY!!!!!!!

As another fund-raiser, District 66 is sponsoring a dessert purchase through MARKET DAY!!! If the district sells 250 pies, cheesecakes, or individual desserts, the district will raise just under $700.00. In addition, any individual purchasing three or more desserts will receive a FREE 12 oz. bag of coffee. ALL DISTRICT 66 STUDENTS RECEIVED A SPECIAL FLYER AND ORDER SHEET FOR THE SPECIAL BUY!!! Additional packets can be picked up at all three district schools!!!!!! Orders must be turned in by OCTOBER 29th, with delivery being Saturday; NOVEMBER 7th. Individuals with questions should contact Christina Wiseman @ christina.wiseman@comcast.net or (630)-985-8424 "SPEND HARD"...........SUPPORT THE KIDS!!!!!!!

Have a great week, and..............

GO SPARTANS..................."PLAY HARD"!!!!!!

Coach Dodd