Last Friday’s sleepwalk …

By Pete Mohr | October 22, 2008

FALCON STADIUM – “The early bird gets the worm,” right? Well, on Oct. 17, “Monica Barrett Day,” the Football Falcons, depending upon where they live, got up early alright – say, not later than 5:30 a.m., to participate in welcoming Chris Perry’s production of “Game Day” for 3-TV. Some 13 1/2 hours later, the Falcon “O”, their game-day regimen (or something) out-of-whack, went back to bed, allowing the “worm” to turn into a 21-6 embarrassment by the fired-up Prescott Badgers.
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This Friday, at McClintock …

Nickname: Chargers
Colors: Charger Red & Blue
Head Coach: Mike Gibbons
How to get there: route of choice to Loop 101 South; exit at Southern/Baseline; right at top of ramp onto Southern; west to McClintock; right (approx. two blocks) onto E. Del Rio Drive to stadium parking areas.
Last season: At CSHS Homecoming: Falcons, 13 - Chargers, 10. “Macs” stumbled/bumbled to four 1st quarter turnovers, but Falcs converted into only 13 points (two Anthony Stephens rushing TDs). ‘Birds “D” held on to secure first Region win at 4A-Division I level.
This season: After three straight sizeable losses (CDO, Chaparral, P.V.), Chargers (4-3) recovered with a solid 17-3 win at Shadow Mountain. In Oct. 20 Power Point Rankings, “Macs” are tied at #11 with Lake Havasu.
What Falcons must do to win: Coach DeGrenier, pointedly, “Show up to play! Another ‘Prescott’ is unacceptable – period! Chargers are quick and fast, which means that our tackling must improve. Hopefully, last Friday was a wake-up call for our offense.”
“Crow” predicts: Bounce-back Falcons, 27 - Chargers, 24.

CSHS Celebrates ‘Monica Barrett Day’!

By Pete Mohr | October 22, 2008

CSHS – For Monica Barrett, who retired Oct. 20 from Cactus Shadows after 18 years’ dedicated service, Friday, Oct. 17, was, fittingly, “Monica Barrett Day!” Filled with well-deserved accolades from her faculty colleagues and “living” memorials from CSHS Athletics.

Barrett familyFirst, at high noon, came an assemblage of faculty (emceed by acting Principal Dr. Donna Lewis) in the gym lobby, where administrators (including former CSHS Principal Sid Bailey), coaches (led by Chad DeGrenier, Patty Egan, Jerry Cumberland and Dirk Walker) affectionately shared remembrances of their associations – both personal and professional – with the always spirited, always hard-working, always helpful Ms. Barrett.

Next came the surprise unveiling by her family (husband Dan and their daughters [l-r] Britnee, 15, Shelby, 13, and Delaney, 10) of signage proclaiming “Barrett Gymnasium” as the now-and-forever name of the former “Blue Gym,” the principal venue of Barrett GymnasiumFalcon indoor athletics. Then Ms. Barrett was invited by Dr. Lewis to hang the placard inducting her as the fifth member of Cactus Shadows Athletics Hall of Fame. Triply honored was this very special lady!

Monica, from my Navy days, I wish you, now “returned” to your wonderful family, “Smooth seas and following winds!”

Photos by Pete Mohr

Scottsdale Synchro seeks swimmers

Scottsdale Synchro, a non-profit synchronized swimming club sponsored by the City of Scottsdale and based at the McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center, has open registration for the current season. Interested swimmers aged 6 through 15 are encouraged to give this versatile sport a try. Recreational and competitive programs are available.

Synchronized swimming combines the athleticism of swimming, the acrobatics of gymnastics and figure skating, and the artistry of dance. It is one of the best overall fitness activities you can find. To increase membership, two free sessions are offered for those curious about what participation is all about.

For more information, e-mail [email protected], visit www.scottsdalesyncrho.org, or contact Mary Allen (602-740-6486) or Jennifer Shinn (602-820-5534).