My family lived on Irvine Avenue right across the street from the anchor and I could hear Mr. O’Hern saying things like, “Tommy Walker carries for a Sailor first down.”
I have seen almost every game that Coach Jeff Brinkley has roamed the sidelines and have been proud to coach in his 100th and 200th wins.
My coaching tenure has come to an end at Newport as my wife, two children and I enter a new chapter in our life in Pittsburgh, Pa.
My wife, Denise, has a tremendous career opportunity and we will be leaving in April. Before I leave I would like to take the time to recognize and thank some wonderful people.
To the fans of Newport Harbor Football: I have enjoyed your dedication and support and, yes, even your second guessing. The passion you have for the Sailors is felt by all in the program and the players and coaches believe truly in what Coach Brinkley tells us that “we supply the emotional nourishment for the community.”
Over the years I have been treated to countless meals and “perks” of being a part of a successful program, but more meaningful have been the well-wishes and congratulations I have been bestowed by folks throughout the community. I know that your support will remain forever strong as it should for this very special program.
To the families of Newport Football: All I can say is THANK YOU! In many programs the coaches avoid the parents like the H1N1 virus, but at Newport not only do we interact but we become friends. The Jones family, Cole Family, the Rothwells, Wendy Chai, the Marshalls, the Beaudette family, the Kinneys, the McKays, the Talbots and the Norton family to name only a few have done so much for me and my family that words will never express our gratitude. What a special place, what a great program, but most of all, great people.
