‘Being a Grizzly: That’s what it’s about’

A sense of camaraderie and friendship was evident on Friday as the Mariposa County High School football program celebrated Alumni Night.

There were likely over 50 people who convened on the campus of MCHS for a pizza meal and a short program. During the program, MCHS athletic director Trace DeSandres shared memories and gave the attendees a chance to introduce themselves and mingle with one another.

DeSandres shared some trivia that between 1933 and 1935 the school’s mascot was not the Grizzlies but was the Miners.

“I don’t know when it changed, but it did,” DeSandres said. “I am glad it did.”

He talked about the current team and told the attendees that they would have fun watching them against Gustine.

“You’re going to really enjoy watching these guys,” said DeSandres.

DeSandres shared his belief that the team could win every game from here on out in the regular season.

“It won’t be easy, but knock on wood; they could be 9-1 going into the playoffs,” DeSandres said.

After the meal was finished, the attendees were able to walk over to the football field where they watched the junior varsity and varsity games.

DeSandres also highlighted the 1966 football team at halftime during a special ceremony. The players walked onto the field to be introduced to the fans, who gave the team a round of applause. DeSandres said he idolized the players when he was a youngster.

Dana Walton, a retired Mariposa County Superior Court judge, was one of the members of that team and spoke about the importance of alumni night.

“It’s about being with the guys. We don’t get together that often. It’s pretty much only at things like this,” he said.

Walton said that one of the members of the 1966 team hadn’t been seen by his teammates in close to 60 years, but was able to attend.

“He showed up today. Someone found him,” Walton said. “I have to say that is a real special thing.”

Walton said being together as a team is special and he was grateful for the event.

“It truly is a brotherhood. It really is. No matter how few times we see each other, it’s like the bond is still there,” he explained.

Walton played on the 1966 team but graduated in 1968. He was a wide receiver but noted that in those days a wide receiver was really more like a tight end because the game was more focused on running rather than passing.

“Being a Grizzly: that’s what it’s about,” he said proudly.

Many contributed to make it a special night

Because of the ongoing efforts to battle the Dome Fire near Wawona in Yosemite National Park, the game had to be moved from its normal location at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds to the lower field at the MCHS campus. Firefighters are staged at the fairgrounds and parking would not be available to the public .

The lower field is usually not used for football games due to a variety of factors, including parking logistics, the need for a working scoreboard and more. But the community came together in less than a week to ensure the game could be played in Mariposa.

“We definitely support the fire recovery efforts going on, but football is important to this community and our school,” said MCHS Principal Celeste Azevedo, expressing gratitude for the student-athletes being able to play despite what was going on.

“I have been told a thousand thank-yous by the players this week for making this happen,” she said. “(I am) proud to see them becoming leaders and proud of who they are (in knowing) what it means to be a Grizzly.”

Azevedo credited a number of people, including Mike Evans, Marcus Robinson and Bill Peterson, who came out of retirement not long ago. She said they “stepped up to get all the pieces here and make sure we were ready.” She also thanked the district office for its support.

“That’s what makes me proud to be from Mariposa,” she said.

Azevedo also highlighted the football team itself for bringing an attitude of togetherness in the community. She called Friday night a great reflection “of our football team’s mission” of “One County, One Team.”

“Tonight is a perfect example of everyone coming together to make this happen. Multiple community groups, different businesses, our maintenance team — everyone pulled together. You look at all the fans who showed up tonight and they are appreciative and supportive.”