Monday, September 30, 2013

Golden Bear Football Champions



Dan Straka (#2 jersey) with his football teammates




by Mark and Sue Straka

The 2000 Upper Arlington Golden Bear football team started the season with high expectations and hopes.  As the season unfolded it began to yield a bountiful number of fond memories on and off the field.

Perhaps one of the more memorable times of forging camaraderie would be the post-game gathering of players and coaches to feast on food, watch local television's show, "Football Friday Night", and view a parent's sideline highlight film.  These gatherings often went past midnight. 

The hosting duties alternated between two team member's homes where family room furniture could be arranged for the eagerly awaited "highlights."  Food was also an integral part of the post-game bash. As the campaign stretched into November an early Thanksgiving theme emerged for the Friday night gathering.  Three 20-pound turkeys, 60 pounds of mashed potatoes, six boxes of Costco stuffing and 7 pumpkin pies all met their match with the huge appetites of the Golden Bear coaches and players.  

The UA team thrilled their fans as they finished 15-0 and became the first central Ohio team to win the large school state title since play-offs began, and the first team to go 15-0 in the state of Ohio Division I.  

The greatest memories for the players and parents, however, were these "Football Friday Night" post-game gatherings where food, film and fellowship produced an enduring legacy of brotherhood, UA spirit, and commitment to excellence. 

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