Memories of Future Sport Stars in High School

Introduction

High school is often a place where dreams are first nurtured, and sometimes, destined future stars walk the same hallways as us. Reflecting on my own experiences, I have encountered several individuals who eventually went on to play in the NFL or other professional sports leagues. Here, I share some anecdotes from my high school days that illustrate how their potential was sometimes obvious, despite the passage of time.

Meet Vince Ferragamo at Banning High School

Vince Ferragamo was a quarterback (QB) on the football team at Banning High School and went on to play for the Los Angeles Rams. He even made it to the Super Bowl, playing against the Pittsburgh Steelers. It was clear to me that he had a special talent for the game, as his performance consistently helped our team gain an edge. His potential was evident even during my time in high school, and it was no surprise when he eventually achieved such a high level of success in the NFL.

Summer Baseball Camp with Pitchers Todd and Mel Stottlemyre Jr.

Todd Stottlemyre and Mel Stottlemyre Jr. attended the same summer baseball camp I did in 1972. Their father, Mel Stottlemyre Sr., was also a guest instructor at the camp and a pitcher in the Major Leagues. As I was a catcher at the time, I had the opportunity to interact with these young pitchers. Interestingly, even without their father's influence, they were both remarkable players. While I don't remember specific other boys from the camp, these two stand out because of their apparent talent and the fact that their father was a Major League pitcher.

Greg Buttle: An Off-Season Charm for the High School Playground

Greg Buttle played for the New York Jets from 1976 to 1983. He was a popular figure in my high school community, as he would often visit the local playground during the off-season and hand out autographed pictures to fans. While he was already a star in professional football, seeing him on the playground brought a special excitement to our small town.

Hrieb Bashour: A Talent Shaped by Academics and Faith

Hreib Bashour was a notable player at the University of Colorado. I knew him when he attended the same high school as I did, and though his time was long before mine as he was a senior while I was a sophomore, his exceptional skills and dedication were noticeable. What impressed me most about Hreib was his strong faith and his academic performance. He seemed to balance his athletic and academic pursuits exceptionally well, showing that he was not just a talented football player but also a diligent student. His brother, Jason, was even more talented, but Hreib was highly respected by his peers for his grounded character and leadership.

A Less Spectacular Tale: Garry Howe and Later Success

Garry Howe was another player who caught my attention while I was attending school. At that time, he was playing professionally for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He didn't leave a particularly deep impression on me, partly because I didn't know him well. However, it's worth noting that he went on to achieve significant success after a few years. He initially struggled academically, attending a community college to raise his grades and eventually getting accepted into UCLA. After being drafted by the Oakland Raiders, he played there for several years, becoming a starter and performing fairly well despite the initial challenges he faced.

Conclusion

Reflecting on these stories, it is evident that high school can be a venue for identifying the next generation of great athletes. It is fascinating to witness how their potential is sometimes evident from a young age and how they can achieve success, sometimes after overcoming challenges. As a former high school student, I have seen firsthand how these individuals' paths from the schoolyard to the professional leagues unfolded.