HS FOOT: A "Welch" sighting at Canyon-Hart game
Someone, not sure who, flew a small airplane with a banner Friday over the Hart-Canyon football game that read: "Miss you Harry Welch. Thanks, Bob."
Welch, of course, is Canyon's legendary former coach whom the stadium is named after. The Bob, undoubtedly, is principal Bob Messina, with whom Welch had an ongoing dispute before the coach in resigned 2 ½ years ago shortly after then two-time Northern Division champion Canyon won the inaugural CIF State Div. I Bowl championship with a victory over Concord De La Salle.
Since Chris Varner took over as coach, Canyon has yet to make the playoffs, and this year the Cowboys are 0-7 after losing by 18 points to Hart - the worst start in Canyon history.
Welch, 64, who won another CIF State Div. III title last year at St. Margaret's of San Juan Capistrano, heard about the banner afterward.
"Well, I miss the people of Santa Clarita and Canyon Country. Beyond that, I don't have any thought about it one way or the other," Welch said. "But I do sincerely miss the people of Canyon Country, and I care for them deeply."
Dave Hamilton, who was at the game, has been attending high school football games in the area for 30 years, and he said he had never seen anything like it.
"I looked up and said, 'What the heck is that all about?' I just assumed it was a disgruntled parent," Hamilton said. "I'm clueless about the politics of Canyon football, butI have to admit the banner was an interesting thing to happen."
-- Gerry Gittelson
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There was even better and real "Welch siting" a few weeks ago. Harry was the co-emcee at Crespi's annual Alumni Hall of Fame event. Y'all know that he is a Celt grad, right?
His night long commentary, at the event, on his passion for coaching and the life long friendships he has gained from his life's journey was pretty cool.
Good luck Canyon loyals. Y'all know that someone hiring a plane for a prank won't solve anything. Be involved with your school and make it a great experience for the kids. That's what it's all about, eh?
joe