GUESS WHO ???????????

Hey Spartan Fans...............

As I sit here waiting to watch the Bears hopefully get to 4-0 vs. the New York Giants, I want to reach out to the entire Center Cass "Family" that has stepped up over the past seven days.

As many of Center Cass knows, I had a "repair to my aorta", and that repair has gone very well. Even though I felt very good at the start of the school year, my cartiovascular surgeon advised us that it was time to get this procedure taken care of. My heart is in very good shape, with this repair making me good for hopefully "another 100,ooo miles."

The staff, and it is a huge one, at Loyola Medical Center in Maywood are the most incrdeible people on the face of the earth. This runs top to bottom..............Doctors....Administrators....Nurses....Tech personnel.....Custodial staff......and so on and on and on..........nothing is left to chance!!!!!! I have been in great hands!!!!!!!!!!!

Even the food is pretty good??????? !!!!!!!!

BUT.............. I miss the 66 (and 99) people!!!!! Being gone from my students, players, fellow teachers, and football coaches is killing me. Dr. Tiede and Mr. Windsor did an incredible job securing a replacement at Lakeview (more on Mr. Stahoviak later), with Coach Belskis and Coach LeBlanc stepping up for the Mustangs!! Yesterday (Sat.; Oct. 3rd), the Mustangs played SIX BLOCKS from my current location, with me unable to get to the game. Dr. Schwartz and Julie said "ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!!!....You are not going to the game!!"

HOPEFULLY, I will be able to go home soon, and continue recovering there. They have a very definite rehab program for me, and to that, I will be dedicated. I know I am very fortunate to be able to continue a normal life, with minimal restrictions. . . . Don't think I will be able to run QB during "Scout Offense" at football practice, but I'll get over that!!

A HUGE THANK YOU goes out to all the family and friends that responded to the CARINGBRIDGE.com page that Mrs. Bell and Julie put together for all to follow my progress last week, and in weeks to come!!!!! THE NUMBER OF HITS WERE UNBELIEVABLE!!

As I mentioned earlier, Mr. Scott Stahoviak has been secured to take my spot at Lakeview. When Mr. Dvorak returned from Mr. Windsor's office during our institute day, he said," Mr. Windsor has a gentleman lined up for your spot, and he spent 9 years with the Minnesota Twins." Having coached and followed baseball, I was 95% sure the gentleman he was speaking of was Scott. Scott is well known in the Chicago area as one of the best ever position players to have played in high school, college, and then professionally. I remembered back to the 1991 MLB draft when Scott was a first round pick, first team All-American at Creighton University, and lead Creighton to an appearance (3rd place) in the College World Series. On my last day at Lakeview, I had the opportunity to have Scott shadow me during the day. TRUST ME ALL, WE HAVE A GREAT REPLACEMENT IN HAND!!! His questions, observations, and calm demeanor will be a perfect fit with our department.......AND..........All you White Sox Fans, Don't worry, he is a Chicagoan and has told Mr. Windsor he is really a Sox fan now.

GOOD LUCK TO MR. STAHOVIAK and see you sometime soon!!!!!

On a final note, I would like to congratulate former Lakeview and D.G.S. student-athlete Zack Bell. As many of you may know, Zack is a Cadet First Class at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, and a member of their football squad. Having been to a bowl game the last three seasons, the Fightin' Falcons are off to a 3-1 start, including a thrilling 14-6 victory over arch-rival Navy yesterday. Army, Navy, and Air Force compete each year for the Commander-In-Chiefs' trophy, with the winner being invited to the White House as the guest of the President. A win during week ten over Army will ensure Zack and opportunity to meet President Obama. GO FALCONS........IGNITING THE FUTURE!!!!!!!!

Have a great week, enjoy this Fall weather, keep in-touch, and................

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

Coach Dodd

OPEN HOUSE WEEK !!!!

Hey Spartan Fans !!!!!!!!!!!!!

So nice to see so many Spartan parents at the Lakeview Open House last Monday night. 90 families of 6th graders were represented......68 from 7th grade, and.......69 from 8th grade. I do not have the figures from 2009-2010, but it seemed like a "bigger crowd" this year. It is so nice seeing such interest by so many parents.

As a final note, this year's 8th graders represent the last class of students yours truly taught at Elizabeth Ide (2003-2004)...........Boy.........How time flies by!!!!!!!!!!

An a quick athletic note.....................Congratulations to Coach Dvorak, Coach Novotny, and the Spartan Football squad on a resounding 22-8 win over the Gower Gladiators on Tuesday! Gower and the Spartans have year-in-year-out been the two best programs in our junior high league!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a great week, and my congratulations to all the Cincinnati Reds fans who are beginning to enjoy what looks to be a N.L. Central Division championship over my Cardinals!! As the Cubs fans ALWAYS say......MAYBE NEXT YEAR!!!!!!!!!

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

Coach Dodd

P.S........Varsity Football on Friday Night.......D.G.South AT D.G. North>>>>> 7:30 PM Kickoff

WELCOME BACK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BOY.........Does time fly by, or what??????????????????

Seems just like yesterday that we watched as the Lakeview Class of 2010 stroll across the stage, thus finishing a great 9 years in District 66. As near as I can hear, they have gotten off to great starts at the area high schools!!!!!!!

AND..............................How about the new looks at Ide and Lakeview!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a great remodeling job to the 40 and 36 year old buildings respectively!!!!!!! AND it all came in under budget.....that's something that doesn't happen much these days!!!!!!!!Once everyone gets used to the "HURRICANE HAND DRYERS" in the washrooms, there won't be a glitch anywhere.

GOOD LUCK to all our Fall sports teams as they begin competition this week, and to that, I would like to remind all the BOYS who are planning on trying out for basketball this Winter.........get outside and practice "your game" while the weather is still nice.

Have a great week....GO SPARTANS....GO MUSTANGS....GO HUSKIES....GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!

"PLAY HARD"!!!!!!!!!

Coach Dodd

"TIME TO RAP"!!!!!!!!!!

Hey All You Spartan Fans.........

As the 2009-10 school year finishes up, I would like to take a moment to wish all of the Lakeview ....Class of 2010.....all the best as they leave our campus, and head to the next level of their life.

In 2001, this group of young students entered Elizabeth Ide, very energetic as all students are as they start school. Now, nine years later, they are ready to take the next step in their drive toward "real life". As we all know, 2001 was a very challenging year, and one that will never be forgotten!! As I look back, it has been truly rewarding being able to work with this group as both Kindergarteners and 8th graders. >>>>>>>>>MY BEST TO ALL THE GRADUATES!!!!!

Last week, as I said I would probably do, I inadvertently left off my recognition of baseball players on the varsity at Downers Grove South. Besides Holakovsky and Dodd, Kyle Engel has been one of the anchors of the infield at second base. In addition, Kyle has batted leadoff the entire year, and has been outstanding!!!!! GOOD LUCK to Kyle, John, and T.J. as they start tournament play tomorrow (Wed.; May 26; 4:30 PM) at DGS vs. Hinsdale Central. The Mustangs enter the contest with a mark of 30-5, currently ranked 2nd in the Chicago Tribune polls.

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

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

Coach Dodd

"The Stretch Run"

Hello Spartans..............

As we head into the final days of the 2009-10 school year, I would like to say "Thank You" to all the 66ers who have e-mailed me or commented personally regarding my blogs. I do hope that the 66ers who have taken the time to check me out, have enjoyed them!!!! Hopefully more good things next year!!!

One of the things I have enjoyed doing this year......besides discussing Physical Education, Boys Basketball, and of course the Cardinals..........has been pointing out what many of the Spartans, present and past are doing. This "issue" will be no different!!!

Last Thursday and Friday nights, nearly 50 Lakeview students, under the direction of Miss Jennifer Berman and Mr. Brian Ohlsen, put on an UNBELIEVABLE rendition of the musical play "OKLAHOMA". I wish I would have the ability to mention all the students involved, but knowing me, I would probably leave someone out, and that is not something I wish to do. Besides the lead players, and supporting actors, so many people did an incredible job in their own area. As a side note, our students should be commended for their hard work during the rehearsals leading up to opening night. I say this due to the fact that, on a number of occasions, I had the opportunity to hear rehearsals taking place, and SERIOUS DIRECTION being given by Miss Berman, and even....................Mr. Ohlsen. That is one thing that is important, whether it's a team, a cast, or a staff.................EXPECT AND DO THE ABSOLUTE BEST YOU CAN ALL THE TIME!!!!!!!!

To the 8th graders in the musical, I wish you luck, and encourage you to stay involved in high school!! If you are in 6th or 7th, we'll see you next year sometime in mid-May!!!!!!

Our P.E. classes continue their units on Floor Hockey and Softball (when the weather permits), with fun appearing to be had by all parties.

On a final and personal note, I would like to congratulate two members of the 2010 Downers Grove South varsity baseball Mustangs. As of this date (May 18th), their club is currently ranked 2nd in the Chicago area with a record of 28 and 5. Lakeview alums T.J. Dodd ('07) and John Holakovsky ('07) are reserve outfielders, and have done well in limited action. The Mustangs begin state tournament play on Wednesday; May 26th at Downers Grove South versus the winner of the 1st round Hinsdale Central / Bolingbrook game. 1st pitch is scheduled for 4:30 PM!!!!

Have a great week....get those missing "P.E. Fitness Runs" made up, and................

Go Spartans.......Go Mustangs.......Play Hard!!!!!!!!

Coach Dodd

WHAT A DAY OF VOLLEYBALL !!!!!!!!

Hello Spartan Fans,

Today was a great day of Volleyball at the Boys conference tournament held at Lakeview.

The Spartans, 7-1 during regular season play, advanced to the championship game by virtue of two prelim wins, including a tough clash with Eisenhower. During the regular season, the Spartans' only loss came at the hands of Westview Hills.............and that was the rematch for the championship, as Westview Hills also won their two prelim games.

After losing a tough first game (26-24), Lakeview bounced back with a resounding win (25-12), setting up a third contest to decide who would be S.E.D.E.A.A. champion. In junior high volleyball, the first two games of a match are played to 25 points, with the team ahead by a minimum of two points. If the match goes to a third game, it is played to 15 points, with the leader ahead by a minimum of two points to win.

In game three, the Wildcats and the Spartans exchanged points and leads from the get-go, with the game tied at 7, 9, 11, and 13. Westview Hills pushed through two points to claim the tournament championship, ending their season at 11-0. My personal congratulations go out to members of Westview Hills, many of whom played on their varsity basketball team that also won the Boys varsity conference tournament in mid-March!

During the championship match, I must say that the level of teamwork exhibited by Lakeview was INCREDIBLE!! As a "spectator" in the world of competitive volleyball, I had never seen a team communicate on the floor as well as the Spartans did today!!!!!! It was OUTSTANDING.........AND..............the GREEN and GOLD never backed down one inch!!!!! This, I might add, was against a team that was much taller and more physical!!!!!!!

I would like to personally congratulate Head Coach Miss Jennifer C., and the members of her club that included Kovas R., Jack M., Tyler Z., Michael M., Evan M., Ryan G., Patrick M., Austin J., Jason R., Tom W., Sean A., and Ryan F. ................GREAT SEASON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a GREAT WEEK...............

Go Spartans...............Play Hard!!!!!!!!

Coach Dodd

NO SHOWERS.....MAY FLOWERS!!!!!

SPARTAN FANS !!!!!!

Just a quick update from the P.E. Department at Lakeview...............

SOCCER and BADMINTON (as well as SOFTBALL in 6th grade) are rolling along with some great games by all classes!

Representatives from the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance visited Lakeview on Monday; April 26th, observing classes, meeting with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and members of the P.E. department. The representatives had many nice things to say about our school, and will announce in July whether or not our school will receive the associations' "BLUE RIBBON" award. This prestigious honor goes out to schools throughout Illinois that demonstarte a well-rounded, organized, and complete Physical Education program.

Athletic teams (Boys and Girls Soccer; Boys Volleyball; Girls Softball; Boys and Girls Track) are cruising along with two weeks left, and many victories in the book!!! GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!

My best wishes go out to the MANY students that are working to make the musical "OKLAHOMA" the success we are all anticipating!!!!!! Good luck Miss Berman and Mr. Ohlsen!!

On a final note, Cadet Third Class Zack Bell (Lakeview '03), United States Air Force Academy, was recently chosen to represent the academy at the 68th reunion of the "Jimmy Doolittle Raiders' attack on Tokyo", held in Dayton, Ohio. In my next blog entry, I will fill-in more information on, not only the reunion, but also the raid itself.

Have a great week........
keep your shoes tied,
and.....................................

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

Coach Dodd

3rd Term...Mid-Term

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

Just a quick update on what's happening with Lakeview and "Lakeview Life"............

Physical Education classes are well into units on Soccer and Badminton (and Softball in 6th).......Students are working hard with the competition in each class, and seem to be enjoying themselves!!!

Six week grades are in for all students, and FOR THE MOST PART, they appear to be very good!!!!!!

Interscholastic athletics have begun their Spring seasons, and, from the sounds of morning announcements, all clubs seem to be doing well!!!! Way to go Miss Cerney, Mrs. Wilson, Miss Nyhlen, and of course Coach Little who is still celebrating the Duke win in the NCAA basketball tourney!!!!!!!

On a final note, I have been very impressed by the hard work of the cast and crew for the Spring Musical "OKLAHOMA". With a few weeks left to go before the curtain rises, it appears we will be witnessing another great performance by our students.........MORE LATER!!!!!!!!

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

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

Coach Dodd

HOW ABOUT THIS WEATHER????? !!!!!!!!!!

Greetings to the Spartan Nation!!!!!

I certainly hope I do not jinx us, but how about this great Spring weather ???????? I can not remember when the weather has been this consistently ideal for getting outside and doing whatever you wish, WITHOUT three layers of clothing! ......And it's still April!!

Pickleball, Bags, and Table Tennis concluded at Spring Break, and now it is on to Badminton, Soccer, and Softball (6th grade)! All classes have worked on skill development, and now move on to actual game competition. ......GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!!!!

SPRING sports began last week, and a hardy GOOD LUCK goes out to all participants!!! Volleyball (Miss Cerney), Girls Soccer (Mrs. Wilson), Boys Soccer (Mr. Little), and Softball (Miss Nyhlen). Actual games begin this week, with each teams' schedule posted on the 66 web-page!

On an alumni note, Miss Nicole Thate (Lakeview '05) is a member of the Missouri State University (formerly Southwest Missouri State) Ladies Track and Field team. Best of Luck to Nicole as her season progresses!! GO BEARS!!!!!!
Have a great week, and ............................please keep the Cubbies in your thoughts as they have once again gotten off to a great start!!!!!!

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

Coach Dodd

MORE SNOW ???????? What's Happenin' Here!!!!!!

Hey Spartan Fans............

It's Mid-March, and snow is still falling......what is going on with Mother Nature ????? !!!!!

As we push towards Spring Break, classes at Lakeview are cruising along with units on PICKLEBALL and TABLE TENNIS / BAGS (and WIFFLEBALL in 6th grade). Some classes have been playing singles tournaments, while others have teamed up individuals to play doubles.

The "Jungle Drums" say that NO ONE in any class has beated Coach Dvorak in any of his classes in neither Pickleball or Table Tennis. With one week to go, will anyone step up and meet the challenge?????????

This Thursday night (March 25th), Lakeview Jr. High will honor the student athletes involved in our Winter athletic programs. Boys and Girls in CHEERLEADING and BASKETBALL at both Jr. Varsity and Varsity levels will be honored. Players and parents who have registered for the PaPa Passero's meal will dine at 6:00 PM, followed by awards for all participants at roughly 6:30-6:45 PM.

Our appeal to Lakeview parents and students regarding shoes being laced up and tied during P.E. classes has been very well-received by all. This request went out due to students losing their shoes during P.E. class as the ran, kicked, or stopped and started. This step up in safety concerns has lead to everyone at Lakeview (students AND TEACHERS) being asked not to wear sandals without backstraps..........you never can be too safe !!!!!!!!

It is my hope that everyone in the District 66 family has an enjoyable and relaxing Spring Break week!!!!!!!

On a final note, Mr. Little, Coach Slayden and I would like to remind all the good baseball fans that the Cardinals start defense of their N.L. East Championship on Monday; April 5th in Cincinnati (12:15 PM) vs the Reds, while the White Sox open the same afternoon at Cellular Field vs Cleveland at 1:15 PM.

And of course how could we forget the loveable Cubs who start 2010 play on the same afternoon in Atlanta vs the Braves. They will again attempt to break that 100 plus year drive to a World Series appearance!!!!!!!!

On the alumni front, I would like to send out a personal "GOOD LUCK " to all the former 66 student-athletes who will be beginning SPRING seasons this week at our local high schools. Included in this group are Jacob Rone, John Holakovsky, and T.J. Dodd; members of the D.G.S. varsity baseball squad.....GO MUSTANGS!!!!!!!!

HAVE A GREAT WEEK.......... GO SPARTANS........PLAY HARD!!!!!!!!!

Coach Dodd

"THAT'S A WINNER"!!!!!!

Former St. Louis Cardinals’ Hall-of-Fame Announcer Jack Buck punctuated each Cardinal victory with the catch phrase, “That’s-A-Winner”!

In 1988, Buck’s commentary following Kirk Gibson’s pinch World Series homerun has become legendary………“I Don’t Believe What I Just Saw”!!!!!!!!!!

These two historic “calls” pretty much sum-up the Lakeview Spartans Girls’ basketball victory last Friday night!!!!!

Having lost twice to Old Quarry (15-0) during the regular season, and having to again face one of the most intimidating players in the conference, the Spartans came ready to play!!!!!!!!! After trailing 2-0, the Spartans battled and fought……literally……to stay either two ahead or two behind for the entire game. After trailing by three points with less than three minutes to play, the Spartans shut the door, and came back to win the championship, 22-21.

The Spartan win was a total TEAM effort…….Coaches Jacob Little, Brian Kukulski, John Holakovsky, and Beth Nyhlen, players, managers, parents, students, administration, teachers, alumni, as well as Mike the bus driver all pulled together to bring the trophy home. The Lakeview plan was three-fold…..
“PACK THEIR PLACE”, WEAR GREEN, and BE LOUD!!!!!!!!!

THE SPARTAN FANS WERE RIGHT ON!!!!!

As a side note, and this is something all the Spartans (6th, 7th, and 8th) of both genders should take notice about……..GAMES AND CHAMPIONSHIPS ARE WON ON THE COURT / FIELD, AND NOT JUST GIVEN TO THE TEAM THAT IS SUPPOSEDLY BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!! If you PLAY HARD, you will be successful!!!!!

Since 1974, I BELIEVE this is the FIRST Girls Championship in Basketball, and only the SECOND by either gender!

My personal congratulations go out to Coach Little and his entire program!!!!!!!!!!

On the Boys’ side of the season, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate my squad on their successes this season. Even though our overall record stood at 6-16, I feel that they reached three of the four goals I set for them at the beginning of the season.

All fourteen boys: 1) Worked hard! 2) Improved their game! and 3) Prepared for high school competition (in some sport)! The 4th….Win the conference tournament just wasn’t meant to be!!!

I look forward to seeing all our great players and parents at the Winter Sports banquet on Thursday; March 25th at Lakeview. More information will follow in the next few weeks!!

On a final note, I would like to say “Thank You” to all the parents who were supportive this past season! I have been on teams at both ends of the spectrum, so I realize how tough the feeling is after many close losses!!!!!!!!

Have a great week, and…………….

GO SPARTANS……………PLAY HARD!!!!!!!!

Coach Dodd

BASKETBALL...BASKETBALL...BASKETBALL...and WEIGHT TRAINING!!!!!

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

I hope this blog finds everyone enjoying the longgggggggggggggggggg weekend in honor of all our Presidents, from George to Barack!!!!!

As well, I hope all the GENTLEMEN out there anted up and made this Valentine's Day weekend a pleasant one for their significant other!! As well, I would like to say "Thank You" to the many Lakeview students who were so kind with their Valentine Grams sent to me!!

Our P.E. classes continue their units on Basketball and Weight Training (and Floor Hockey in 6th grade), with .......what appears to be............much fun being had by all. Our state mandated STEROID AWARENESS projects took place recently, with most students doing an outstanding job. This project included a video outlining the many hazards and problems that accompany the non-prescription use of steroids, a ten question quiz on the video, and finally a word search .

BOYS Varsity Basketball heads into their final week of the regular season!! Before I get to the Boys season, I would like to take this opportunity to CONGRATULATE THE GIRLS VARSITY on their efforts in 2010!!! Following their Consolation Championship in the Westmont Rotary Tournament, the Lady Spartans have reeled off 11 wins in 13 games, and head into their last two regular season games sitting in 2nd place behind Old Quarry!! Third place Jefferson comes into Lakeview on Thursday; February 18th in an attempt to move ahead of the Spartans!!!!!!! DON'T BACK DOWN!!!!!!

LET'S HAVE A GOOD CROWD OUT THIS WEEK TO CHEER THE LADIES ON TO VICTORY.....Wednesday; Feb. 17th >>>> LISLE AT LAKEVIEW >>>>Both games tipoff at 4:00 PM.

As far as Boys Varsity play goes, it has been a very frustrating season for everyone involved.......players, managers, and the coach. As a team, we stand 5-14 overall, while 2-11 in the conference. The hardest part of this season has been the inability to "finish" games that we controlled. FOUR LOSSES came by a total of 14 points. In all three losses, our Spartans were ahead at the end of the third quarter, only to ........basically........self-destruct at the end!!!!!

BUT.................the conference tournament starts everyone over equally, so with that I have the hope that we play at the level which has made us successful. Our current record (with 2 games left) should seed us 10th, meaning we will have a play-in game ON THE ROAD....Monday; February 22nd. A win on that date moves us into the second round on Tuesday; Feb. 23rd, with Third round games tipping off on Wednesday; Feb. 24th. All games start at 4:00 PM, UNLESS the hosting team has a Boys and Girls game, at which time, Girls at 4:00 PM, with the Boys immediately following. BOTH CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES WILL BE HOSTED BY JEFFERSON JR. HIGH SCHOOL (Janes Avenue....3 blocks NORTH of 75th St.) IN WOODRIDGE ON FRIDAY; FEBRUARY 26th. GIRLS TIPOFF AT 6:00 pm, WITH THE BOYS AT 7:30 PM.

On a final basketball note, I would like to first of all recognize the outstanding job done by ALL parties at the 2010 "Pack-The-Place" games. The list of helpers, workers, support personnel, and just plain GREAT FANS, YOUNG AND OLD is HUGE!! Highlights of the two days included a big win by the Girls over Butler, a loss (but great game) by the Boys, GREAT fan turnout by students from Prairieview, Ide, Lakeview, and our high schools, but................and I think I speak for all attendees...................Mrs. Schultz (Prairieview principal) ability to land her "Pie-In-The-Face" of Mr. Windsor......GOOD SHOT!! (Now that I think of it, our Boys played the best half of their season after watching Mrs. Schultz in action!!!!!!

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

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

Coach Dodd

FEBRUARY........BLACK HISTORY MONTH!!!!!!!!!

HEY SPARTANS !!!!!!!

As we honor BLACK HISTORY month, let us recall and honor the many black athletes who have paved the way for the successes of today's athletes...........
Jackie Robinson.......Jim Brown.......Jesse Owens.......Bill Russell.......David Lattin.......Wilma Rudolph.......Althea Gibson.......LeRoy "Satchel" Paige.......Buck O'Neill........Arthur Ashe........Ernie Davis........Perry Wallace.......Jerry Levias........and finally Curt Flood. I have a special place for Mr. Flood due to a happening that took place in the Summer of 1968. As a 15 year-old high school baseball player, I had the opportunity to travel to St. Louis and see the Cardinals play. While taking a tour of their "new" Busch Stadium, my friend and I noticed three Cardinal players taking "extra hitting" at 2 PM in the afternoon. After gaining some courage while watching from the front row of box seats, we yelled at the players asking if we could chase balls during their hitting. Mr. Flood said, "Sure", and we were off to the outfield. An hour later, Mr. Flood, and teammates Bobby Tolan and Lou Brock thanked us, gave us a quick look around the clubhouse, and an autographed ball. What an experience for a couple of high school kids!!!!!!

The St. Louis Cardinals attempted to trade Curt Flood in the Fall of 1970, but found Flood balking at the trade, and declaring free agency. I think we all know what has happened with free agency during the last 40 years!!!! TODAY'S PLAYERS ARE LUCKY TO HAVE HAD CURT FLOOD AS A PIONEER TOWARD FREE AGENCY AND THE RICHES THEY NOW REAP!!!!!!!

How many of the above athletes can you name, and what are they famous for......and what sports??????? E-mail me back, and hot lunch is on me (or maybe SUBWAY or a PEPSI!!!!!!)

Varsity Basketball is progressing along as we enter February. My congratulations to Coach Little, Coach K, Coach Holakovsky, Miss Nyhlen, and all the Lady Spartans!! Currently sitting second in the standings behind only Old Quarry; continued GOOD LUCK to the gals!!!!!

On the Boys side, we stand 4-10, while 1-7 in the conference. Even though our record is not where we would like it to be, I feel the guys are improving, and we are PLAYING HARD!!!!! A high point thus far in the season has been the D.G. Mayor' Tourney in which the Spartans came home with the Consolation Championship!!!!!!!

Wednesday; Feb. 3rd is "Pack-The-Place" for the Girls vs. Butler, while Thursday (2/4/2010)is the day for the Boys vs. Burr Ridge. Tipoff at Lakeview (Old Gym) is scheduled for 4 PM, with special activities starting at 3:15 PM. A special "Teacher...Pie-In-The-Face" contest will go down just before game time. A small "donation" to get into the game will be accepted, with all funds going to the Haiti Relief Fund!!!!!!! HOPE TO SEE A BIG CROWD!!!!!!!!!!

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

Coach Dodd

CATCHIN' UP !!!!!!!!!!!!

DID EVERYONE ENJOY THE CELEBRATION OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING!!!!!!! I for one did, and very much enjoyed the documentary on the HISTORY CHANNEL!!!!!!

First off, I want to congratulate Our Varsity Girls' Basketball squad, and their coaches (Little, Kukulski, Holakovsky, and Nyhlen) on the Consolation Championship in the Westmont Rotary 33rd Annual Tournament. After a tough first round loss to Jefferson, the Lady Spartans came back with two wins on Saturday to take the award!!! In addition, Shannon S. was named to the all-tournament team!!!!!

Our Boys squad has had a rough start in many ways. Besides losing their #1 inside player (Joey W.) to a severely broken leg, and team leader Jacob A. to a sprained ankle, the Spartans have faced the five toughest teams on their schedule. Following an opening round Westmont loss to Jefferson, they bounced back to defeat Gower before losing in the Consolation Championship game to St. Mary's of D.G.. Regular season action has pitted Lakeview vs. Old Quarry, Westview Hills, and Eisenhower. Yesterday, at Westmont, the Spartans lead by seven going into the 4th quarter, only to be shutout 9-0, allowing Westmont to win the game at the buzzer!!!!!

I would like to take this opportunity to publicly say THANK YOU, on behalf of the entire Boys Varsity Basketball team, to Mr. Jay Baum, the new Boys Varsity Basketball coach at Downers South. Coach Baum, with the cooperation of DGS Athletic Director Todd Cassens, setup a conference basketball game between Lakeview and Eisenhower last Friday afternoon at South. Aside from the score (45-18..Eisenhower), a great time was had by all participants. What a difference between playing on a jr. high floor, and one the size of DGS!!

BUT..........................the Spartans have many more games, with the hope that they keep "Playing Hard"!!!!!! If so, some success should be on the horizon.............as well as some healthy bodies back!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ROLLERBLADING HAS COME AND GONE, WITH EVERYONE LIVING TO TELL ABOUT IT!!!!! It appeared that our students at Lakeview enjoyed the annual activity, and to that, did a great job......with and without protective pads!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our units currently in operation include WEIGHT TRAINING and BASKETBALL (with the 3rd sixth grade activity being Floor Hockey)!!

Have a great week, stay warm, and..........................

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

Coach Dodd

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!!!!

Hey Spartans.....

WELCOME BACK!!!!! I hope all of 66 had a great break, and were able to recharge for 2010!!!!

Much has transpired since my last publication, so I'll just start in no specific order !!!

The 8th grade ballroom dance.....What a great afternoon we all had........kids looked great........Mrs. Garvey ONCE AGAIN did a great job with the unit......Megan V. and Brett C. put on an outstanding performance demonstrating what talents our 66 kids have that are rarely seen........PTO moms and dads provided our festivities with treats for all (yours truly included)........attendance by many other parents once again proved that our parents truly enjoy and care about what their kids are doing in school..........and........above all..........all our 8th graders demonstrated what they learned during the three weeks of instruction in a unit that they had never participated in before!!!!!!! GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ROLLERBLADING to start the new year!!!! All three grade levels will be rollerbalding this week (Jan. 4-8), polishing the moves and techniques they have learned during previous years!!! Our students are very lucky to have the opportunity to participate in this "life skill" activity!!!!

VARSITY BASKETBALL rolls into high gear this week with our participation in the Westmont Rotary Tournament (Jan. 4-9) at Westmont Jr. High. Both Girls and Boys squads start tonite (Jan. 5th) at 4:00 PM and 5:15 PM respectively vs. Jefferson Jr. High. Teams return to action Thursday evening with 2nd round games. Tipoff times will depend on results from Tuesday games. A win on either or both nights will place a team into a third game on Saturday with tipoff times yet to be determined. Good luck to Coach Little, Coach Kukulski, and the Lady Spartans!!!!!

To get an update later this week regarding tournament play and starting times, please shoot me an e-mail, and I will reply with necessary information! tdodd@ccsd66.org

Our annual "Varsity / Alumni Scrimmage" during break was once again a big success. Former team members currently in high school and college returned to battle our Boys varsity team. Alums Michael Mascitti (LV '05..DGS '09..NIU '13), Seth Carson (LV '05..DGS '09..Central Coll. of Iowa '13), Alex Gorniak (LV '05..DGS '09..Indiana U. '13), John Holakovsky (LV '07..DGS '11), T.J. Dodd (LV '07..DGS '11), Erik Thate (LV '07..DGS '11), and Christopher Eberhart (LV '08..DGS '12) gave the varsity a great workout in preparation for many of the battles with big and physical teams they will face this season. GOOD LUCK to these great guys as they return to their schools for the second half of this year!!!!

As a side note regarding our alumni, I would like to congratulate another Lakeview and Downers Grove South graduate Zack Bell. Air Force Academy Cadet 3rd class Bell has completed his third year as a member of the Falcons football squad that soundly crushed the University of Houston (47-20) in the BELL HELICOPTER / ARMED FORCES BOWL in Ft. Worth, Texas on New Years Eve. Upon graduation in 2011, Zack looks forward to qualifing for flight training, and ultimately Fighter Weapons School. Best of luck to #94 !!!!

A big "THANK YOU" goes out to all the members of the District 66 community who attended the Downers South - Lyons Twp. basketball game at the United Center on Dec. 19th. Even though the Mustangs came up a little short (71-66 L.T.), a great night was had by all. The Bulls put on one of their best performances of the season, coming back from being down 17 to tie the game and eventually winning in overtime. Downers South sold over 1200 tickets to the game, and look forward to possibly being invited back during a future season!!

Have a great week...stay healthy...and..... GO SPARTANS.......PLAY HARD!!!!!!

Coach Dodd