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Hometown Sports
FEBRUARY 28, 2020
HIGH SCHOOLS, RECREATION & SIGN-UPS
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Fogelstrom takes reins of Heritage football by Michael Dixon Correspondent
A new era of Heritage High School football has kicked off. The Patriots named Dave Fogelstrom as the school’s head football coach. He replaces Don Sanders, who resigned following the 2019 season. Fogelstrom saw the opportunity to guide the Heritage program as another chance to fulfill the goal that he had in 1992 when he started teaching at Antioch – to make a difference in the lives of students and athletes. “I came to Heritage when it opened to help build the culture of a new school and make it a great place of growth for young people,” Fogelstrom said. “Taking the football job is just an extension of what I have been trying to do my whole career. It’s exciting to build something, plus a ton of work.”
Photo courtesy of Dave Fogelstrom
Heritage has named longtime East County coach Dave Fogelstrom as its next head football coach The job ahead of Fogelstrom is certainly not an easy one. The Patriots have generally fielded strong football teams since the school’s inception. The more recent past, though, has brought more of a struggle. In 2019, the Patriots went 2-8 overall and 1-4
in Bay Valley Athletic League (BVAL) play. The year before, they were 1-9 overall and 0-5 against BVAL opponents. Fogelstrom noted that high school football is often fairly cyclical. In order to get Heritage on a good part of the cycle, the job of the coaching staff will be to ensure that the best athletes on campus remain with the Patriots. “With so many kids looking to transfer to wherever they think things will be better, I believe that my coaches and I have to recruit this campus as hard as possible,” he said. “The players also have to help sell the program and get everyone we can out on this team. If we can get the athletes on campus out, we can start to see things improve.” Of course, some of the struggles over the last two seasons can be owed to a strong league. The BVAL has emerged as a powerhouse in recent seasons. For Heritage to be more competitive, Fogelstrom stated that be-
ing in the weight room is essential. “Our kids know what they have to do (to) be competitive,” the coach said. “The absolute necessity of the weight room has been the primary focus so far. We now have five potential sessions a week. Those doors are open. It’s my job to text them, call them, and remind them of this, daily.” With the beginning of football season being months away, only time will tell what will materialize on the field, but the early returns are promising. “I love the energy I am seeing from these guys right now,” Fogelstrom said. “We had 107 guys come to our first meeting, and right now we have 155 kids on the potential roster. The morning weight room sessions have been packed. It’s amazing to see guys show up in the dark to start training before school. It’s encouraging, and the kids are pushing each other to work hard.” To comment, visit www.thepress.net
Basketball games unite Patriots’ community by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
The Heritage community opened their hearts and the school’s doors for unique games of basketball that transcended the court last week. A host of East County schools descended on the Brentwood campus as part of the Special Olympics Partnership program. The Contra Costa County Office of Education and Special Olympics Northern California events immerse students in sports year-round at county school sites, providing inclusive opportunities through soccer, basketball and track and field. Local schools in attendance included Adams Middle School, Antioch, Deer Valley, Heritage and Liberty high schools and members of Liberty Adult Education’s Gateway Program that serves 18 to 22-year old students with disabilities. Basketball was the game of the day, as unbridled joy could be seen and heard emanating from the school’s gym and blacktop amid balls bouncing, rims shaking, nets swaying and players running basket to basket. “I never felt so good in my life,” said one participant. Another remarked, “That’s right soldier, that is how you make a basket,” seconds after a fellow player’s shot floated through the hoop. Those off the court encased the event in a rousing display of love and acceptance. Heritage staff Loren Wortinger, Melissa McCarthy, Janet Hannigan and Jessica Banchier were all key to the event, and the color guard, choir, dance team, cheerleaders and drumline created memorable opening ceremonies. “It’s a great way to bring the school community together,” said Wortinger, a teacher
Photo by Tony Kukulich
A host of Heritage students pose prior to a game as part of the Special Olympics Partnership program and coach. As soon as the players took the court, they stole the attention. One participant drew a loud ovation from the gym crowd when his half-court heave swished through the net. “I was so proud of myself,” he said, sipping water during a game break. “That is how you do it, you never give up on your dreams.” Meanwhile, outside on the school’s blacktop, Heritage player Nathan helped his fellow players shine. “My favorite part is helping (teammates) and giving everyone an opportunity to shoot,” he said. To view a schedule of upcoming events,
or for more information on the Special Olympics Partnership program, visit www. sonc.org/school/contra-costa-schools-
partnership-program. To view a slideshow, visit www.thepress. net/multimedia/slideshows
Memorial planned to honor Liberty High School legend The community will gather to memorialize Liberty High School legend Jack Ferrill Saturday, Feb. 29, at 1 p.m. inside the Liberty High School gym. In lieu of flowers, Ferrill’s family suggests donating in his name to the LUHSD
Athletic Hall of Fame, 850 2nd St., Brentwood, CA 94513, or to the Coach Jack Ferrill Scholarship, c/o Liberty Union High School District College and Career Center, 850 2nd St., Brentwood, CA 94513.
