Rosemead alumnus offers words of encouragement
Matt Koffler received a letter earlier this week from Derek Bland who helped the Panthers win the 1982 CIF championship (For the record, that's a year before I was born).
Just about an hour ago, I got a call from a fellow Rosemead alumnus who wanted to get in touch with Koffler and send an e-mail or a letter.
Mike Prunk, 53, graduated from Rosemead's Class of 1973 and played linebacker for the Panthers' varsity team in 1971 and was captain in 1972.
Prunk played quarterback his freshman year (then it was called the "C" team); played center on the "B" team his sophomore season. In the middle of Prunk's junior season, fellow teammate Jim Wyatt was involved in a serious car accident. Prunk broke into the starting lineup and Rosemead advanced to the semifinals of the Division IV-A playoffs where they lost to Bishop Amat. John Sciarra was the quarterback for the Lancers that season before going on to star at UCLA and the Philadelphia Eagles (Sciarra's son, Justin, was the St. Francis quarterback this season).
During Rosemead's run to the semifinals, Prucker recalls numerous pep speeches but one he remembers is that of Wyatt whose speech was recorded from his hospital bed replayed during a team practice.
"He gave a heck of a speech," Prucker said. "That one sent chills down my spine."
Had the Panthers beaten Bishop Amat that year, Rosemead would have played in the championship game at the Coliseum. In the semifinals, the Panthers had two touchdowns called back and lost by a touchdown to the Lancers. Rosemead lost to Santa Maria in the second round the following year in which Prucker was selected All-CIF, All-Western San Gabriel Valley and defensive back of the year.
When Prucker attended the 50th reunion he saw many of his former teammates there, and it was at that time he learned he'd been inducted into the Rosemead Hall of Fame.
"It was a great team but we never made it to the finals," he said. "It was nice to see them again. I know Rosemead doesn't have a lot of kids to choose from and when we played we were small but quick and wouldn't take no for an answer, the same as these kids."
Prucker said it's unfortunate the game is so far away. He would have liked to see the game closer. Many of the 1973 class who played for the Panthers currently reside in Glendora, including starting quarterback Tom Chrom, backup quarterback Pete Talley and defensive lineman Jeff DeSalvo.
It's always nice to remember your roots.
15 Comments
Leave a comment
About this blog
 |
|
Melendez worked as a correspondent for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune for three years and later landed a job as a freelance writer at the Los Angeles Times before accepting an offer at The Orange County Register covering high schools. Melendez covered Major League Soccer at The Register for three years before being promoted to report on the Lakers, Angels and Dodgers for the Web. Melendez also worked for the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Fresno Bee, Oakland Tribune and The Boston Globe. E-mail opinions, suggestions and tips to miguel.melendez@sgvn.com. |
The 1982 CIF Championship was shared with Garey H.S. as the referees said that Garey's field goal kick was too high to rule good (?) till this day I do not understand that call. Garey's star running back was injured previously that week during practice and could barely walk, but that was hidden for anyone and everyone that was not part of the team. When Channel 7 came out to practice to present Darryl with Athlete of the year, we put him in pads and on the field and as soon as they departed, Darryl was escorted back to the trainers room to get back into the whirlpool.
I stop by the Panther practice last night. The kids looked very good and excited for saturday's game. The weather will not be a problem. You could feel it in the air that something special is about to happen.... That being said, they have the best coaches around so I can't see us getting bet. GO PANTHERS "Hit Them Hard & Wrap !!
I remember the names of some of the 72-73 guys you mention from Rosemead. Those years the Mead was bad ass, as were the Pasadena Bulldogs.
The 72 Season I believe Pete Constantino from AHS was defensive player of the year, at MLB. It was covered by PSN as well as the Alhambra Post Advocate. Lonnie Teper was a prep editor back then, and I believe the senior FJR may have been as well, though I am a bit foggy on that one.
I thought the 1982 Rosemead team shared the championship with Garey High School.
I thought the 1982 Rosemead team shared the championship team with Garey High School.
I really do not know who is feeling cocky because I know that Koffler will have these kids focused. Rosemead just believes in themselves and will come ready to anywhere and time!
Koffler this week has to keep to those kids well conditioned so they can take it to them every down. Sounds to me like Paraclete wants to challenge the Panthers at their own style of football. Are the Panthers going to bring it or fold? The weather is no excuse in such a big game as this one because it will come down to who wants it the most. So far this season Rosemead has been playing it one game at a time, so I expect them to play Saturdays game one play at a time. Good luck Panthers and may God bless you guys! Remember you can do anything when you gat each others back!
For any Rosemeadians feeling cocky or over-confident, consider these stats courtesy of Melendez:
Paraclete has outscored opponents 84-12 in playoffs.
Spirits won 5 consec titles 97-2001.
On the other hand, that was 2001.
Bishop Diego layed the Spirits to waste last year.( TC as well) Also the Monrovia Wildcats gave Paraclete a tough game last year in Round 2.
The key words in Dahlia's interview are "wear down" - this is what Rosemead cannot do. This factor may have been most critical in TC's loss to Paraclete, we had nothing left after the 3rd quarter.
Rosemead needs to keep their intensity for 4 quarters.
Keep their edge and hitting up for 4 quarters. If so, they can own this game, frozen huevos or not.
TC did a great job keeping #44 from Paraclete under wraps. Both our center and tackles whacked him regularly, and he was not the same presence and factor he was against Northview, either offensively or defensively.
I'm not sure you can keep a good man down 2 games in a row though. This kid is a rock.
Another Spirit player who was solid against TC was Todd Davis, a big play player. On "D" #25 is not large, but uses good football instincts at all times. Lastly, the Paraclete center (Carver) was very effective in the middle.
I see this game as an ideal time for Diaz (TE, DE) to step up another notch and be recognized for what he is, a premier junior in the SGV. This should be a great game.
Hey Michael, u do know there are other sports going on right? How about a soccer thread, something else. Not all of us care about Rosemead, give us something else to chew on.
That's what happens when you've never worn a "thermal." My bad. I've got nothing here but Arrowhead spring water my friends.
Miguel what you got in your thermos? Hook a buddy up with some of that magic water you've been drinking on over there at the office
Not to pour it on but......it's also "thermals" and not "thermos," that the Mead will be wearing this weekend. Sorry Miguel, that's been bugging me all week. LOL!
Good looking out, New York.
alumnus offers
alumni offer