First published in the Nov. 10 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
Sadly, last week our LCHS Spartans played their final game of a fantastic 2022 campaign.
It was their first playoff appearance in nine years, in a season where — in a town where football has never been the focus — the community somehow began growing interested in the local, upstart football team.
This is quite an accomplishment for this year’s team and their second-year coach, Dave Avramovich.
But it doesn’t tell the full story.
A month ago, an anonymous letter from a former LCHS football player was published in the LCHS school newspaper. The student discussed his personal struggles in football, his mental health and even therapy. More than anything he discussed how his new head coach, Dave Avramovich, was the only person he felt he could turn to in a particular time of need.
Brave kid.
I’ve known Dave Avramovich 25 years. I’ve seen the impact that he has on young people (and know the incredible impact he has had on me.)
I also know how most high school football players tend to be. Most high school football players don’t admit to personal struggle. Most don’t admit to frailty in their mental health. And most don’t discuss how it requires guidance to overcome those challenges.
But most football players don’t have role models like Dave Avramovich.
Kudos to the Spartans. Kudos to my old friend, and kudos to this community who is rallying behind a team that will continue to show their personal and athletic growth in 2023.
Go Spartans!
Ian McFarland
La Cañada Flintridge
