Heart Talk

A Long Overdue Show of Support

Being a huge sports fan, I live and die with the ups and downs of the Anaheim, sorry, Los Angeles Angels, Pittsburg Steelers, UCLA football, and Anaheim Ducks. I follow one high school team in particular—the El Toro Chargers of Lake Forest. Room 514 was my home away from home for 35 years.

One would be hard-pressed to find a public school that garnered as much athletic success in those years as my beloved Chargers. League titles and CIF championships rolled in year after year in water polo, football, baseball, basketball and track. Our school sent several players to the professional ranks during my tenure at ETHS. In one of my final years there, I had a young man in class named Nolan Arenado, who led the Chargers to a division one baseball championship. These days, he is regarded as the best third baseman in the majors. By the way, El Toro’s baseball team won the division one championship again two years ago. So, you see, it has been easy and rewarding to attend El Toro sporting events even after I left teaching. At my retirement party, I said, “I will always be a Charger.”

But I have also been somewhat of a jerk. Since moving to Laguna Beach in 2001, I have never attended a Laguna Beach High School sporting event. Loving this city like no other, there is no possible reason I should have ignored the dedication, hard work, and athletic success of our local young men and women. It is long past the time when this sports fan lent his support to those who wear the maroon and white. So, some weeks ago I decided to attend the Laguna Beach-Big Bear football game.

Note to self: get there earlier next time unless you want to park closer to Ralph’s than the field

Entering Guyer Field, I was really impressed by what a well maintained and welcoming place it is, except for the music played during warm-ups. If it helps the guys get jacked up, okay, but next game I am bringing ear buds and going with the Lumineers or Avett Brothers.

I had to have a pre-game meal, so I made my way to the food trucks. Among them was “Dogzilla Hot Dogs.” There I went against the advice of the late Anthony Bourdain, who said, “Do not put ketchup on your hotdog. God doesn’t want you to do that.” Sorry Anthony, I cannot deny myself nature’s most perfect food on my hot dog.

Finding a seat, I was impressed by the turnout even though school had not yet started. For a small school, Laguna Beach has a rather good-sized band that added to the enthusiasm of the evening. Residents of all ages were there. I noticed a number of senior citizens who greeted each other as old friends. The game was a communal event. How could I have ignored all this when I live less than a mile away?

As I ate my ketchup-drenched dog, I looked across the field at the Big Bear team. They brought only 27 players and about as many fans. But it was Friday of Labor Day weekend, and what dedication it must have taken to make that drive. I learned that the name of their sports teams is the “Bears.” The Big Bear Bears? Really? No points for creativity there. That would be like my old school calling themselves the El Toro Bulls.

Unfortunately, a couple of those Bears ran like cheetahs and were as slippery as eels. After taking an early lead, the Breakers fell behind and had to play catch-up for the remainder of the game. Throughout the contest, the Breakers played with heart, skill, and sportsmanship. A fourth quarter rally fell just short and Big Bear won by three points. There is no doubt in my mind that if there had been a fifth quarter, Laguna Beach would have walked away with a win.

The disappointment of this game was eased by a decisive win over Dana Hills the next week and two more victories in the games following that.

Years ago, The Beach Boys Sang “Be True to Your School.” I will always be true to El Toro, but I am glad I have come to realize one can be true to two schools. Go Breakers!

James Utt is the author of “Laguna Tales and Boomer Wails.” He is very sorry it took him so long to discover the joy of Laguna Beach High School sports.