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
