I have mixed feelings about recruitment this early but see the father's guidance, what you do isn't who you are, as what can carry young Josh safely through. Hopefully.
I grew up with Charlie Warren, all american Oregon Hall of Fame basketball player, in our neighborhood. Sports dominated our life, and Charlie dominated our sports. He was…
I have mixed feelings about recruitment this early but see the father's guidance, what you do isn't who you are, as what can carry young Josh safely through. Hopefully.
I grew up with Charlie Warren, all american Oregon Hall of Fame basketball player, in our neighborhood. Sports dominated our life, and Charlie dominated our sports. He was so superior to the rest of us in Basketball, football and baseball, and we all knew it. At Roosevelt Junior High the baseball diamond was oriented such that the boys gym was the left field fence. Almost never did any of us hit it as far as the wall. Charlie would hit it over the building. Same in basketball, none of us could guard him. When the rest of us were playing at University Park, Charlie would be at the outside court, rain or shine, practicing his moves against imaginary opponents by himself. For hours. I don't remember the distance, but in high school he could throw the football as far as any college quarterback.Accurately.
One of my most fun memories--When we were young businessmen in Eugene we'd play an annual "Mud Bowl." We'd have captains lead an annual "draft," choosing teammates. It was an honor to be invited to participate. We'd find the muddiest field (usually a practice field next to South Eugene) and play. What started as a fun joke, nobody taking it seriously, escalated into each team upping their level, practicing and figuring out how to surprise the other team. The last year I participated we actually borrowed Oregon Uniforms and organized cheerleaders. Word spread over the years and we'd actually attract a small crowd. A highlight for me was when Charlie threw a fifty-yard pass to me in the end zone. The defender (I think Tony Keller, stockbroker and brother of the then mayor, Gus Keller) and I went up for the ball and I came down with it--completion for the winning touchdown. The thrill for me was not so much the win but that I caught a pass from Charlie.
I have mixed feelings about recruitment this early but see the father's guidance, what you do isn't who you are, as what can carry young Josh safely through. Hopefully.
I grew up with Charlie Warren, all american Oregon Hall of Fame basketball player, in our neighborhood. Sports dominated our life, and Charlie dominated our sports. He was so superior to the rest of us in Basketball, football and baseball, and we all knew it. At Roosevelt Junior High the baseball diamond was oriented such that the boys gym was the left field fence. Almost never did any of us hit it as far as the wall. Charlie would hit it over the building. Same in basketball, none of us could guard him. When the rest of us were playing at University Park, Charlie would be at the outside court, rain or shine, practicing his moves against imaginary opponents by himself. For hours. I don't remember the distance, but in high school he could throw the football as far as any college quarterback.Accurately.
One of my most fun memories--When we were young businessmen in Eugene we'd play an annual "Mud Bowl." We'd have captains lead an annual "draft," choosing teammates. It was an honor to be invited to participate. We'd find the muddiest field (usually a practice field next to South Eugene) and play. What started as a fun joke, nobody taking it seriously, escalated into each team upping their level, practicing and figuring out how to surprise the other team. The last year I participated we actually borrowed Oregon Uniforms and organized cheerleaders. Word spread over the years and we'd actually attract a small crowd. A highlight for me was when Charlie threw a fifty-yard pass to me in the end zone. The defender (I think Tony Keller, stockbroker and brother of the then mayor, Gus Keller) and I went up for the ball and I came down with it--completion for the winning touchdown. The thrill for me was not so much the win but that I caught a pass from Charlie.
Kids always know who stands out in their group...
Love the memories.