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