WORD FROM A FRIEND
Winning and Giving
APRIL 6, 2022 | APTOS LIFE
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ecently, I had Aptos, the Krakauers quickly to his coaches, who, he said, can support their efforts, please the honor of offered a unique donation: a “coached at another level. contact league president Ernie proclaiming a day portion of all of the restaurant’s “This is what makes our team Camacho at 831-332-4831. for the Pop Warner sales for the month of February. special,” Forbus said. “We never Super “The community of Aptos has stopped, and that’s why we Red Apple Donates Bowl Champion Santa always come together when one are national champions.” to Memorial Cruz Seahawks— of their own has been in need. Much of the team the first local youth The Red Apple Cafe, and Dan expects to return next It is no secret that the past team to win a national and I personally, we’re happy year and defend their two years have been difficult championship. The to be involved in the efforts to title. “I don’t hope, I know for family-owned restaurants, team, family and memorialize Sgt. Gutzwiller’s I will be back in Florida but that has not dampened the friends gathered ultimate sacrifice for our to defend our national giving spirit of Dan and Gracia outside of the county community,” said owner Gracia championship” Forbus Krakauer, owners of the Red building for the Krakauer. Local diners were said. “I want to go out Apple Cafe in Aptos. When they ceremony and to share eager to help as the Krakauers’ there and compete and first heard about the fundraising stories about their efforts helped raise over $4,100 By Zach Friend play ‘Cali football.’" campaign to build a memorial for historic run. The to build a memorial for Sgt. If you’re interested Santa Cruz County fallen Santa Cruz County Sheriff Seahawks, a 12-andDamon Gutzwiller, who was Supervisor in learning more about Sergeant Damon Gutzwiller at under D-1 football killed in the line of duty on the team or ways you Willowbrook County Park in team, are comprised of players from throughout Santa Cruz County. The team went undefeated on their journey that took them to all the way to Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida for the 64th Pop Warner Super Bowl. According to their head coach, Jake Clark, the national championship “means a lot for football in Santa Cruz County. When people think of Santa Cruz, they think of surfing and maybe soccer.” But Santa Cruz is more than surfing and soccer, Clark noted. “We have some great football players that come from this area, many of whom have come through our program, and I am just glad we could put Santa Cruz on the map for football.” On their way to the national championship, the team (including coaches, parents and supporters) put in hundreds of hours of practice, travel, and work. Kelton Forbus, one of the captains of the team, spoke to the amount of time and close relationships the team has put in: “My team is family. I have played football with some of these guys since I was in 6 yearsPOP STARS Local Pop Warner football team the Santa Cruz Seahawks went undefeated old.” Forbus also gave credit on their way to being the first local youth team to win a national championship.x
