INSIDE THE FEASTS OF LODI ATHLETES
Members of the Lodi High football gathered inside the school’s cafeteria annex on late Thursday afternoon.
In the previous Thursdays during the season, the Flames have stayed true to this ritual. On the minds of the players and coaches on Thursdays could be what their assignments on offense, defense and special teams.
But instead, it’s hamburgers with all the fixings.
Lodi, along with Tokay, Liberty Ranch and Galt, are rewarded for their hard work and dedication on the practice fields with a well-deserved pre-game dinner. The schools’ boosters and parents of players help put together the dinners.
The Lodi High Football Parents’ Club sponsors the players and coaches’ meals. Thursday’s meal consisted of hamburgers, Caesar salad, a variety of chips that are topped off with sports drinks and water. The hearty meal is capped off with dessert — peanut butter brownie cookies.
Prior to each Thursday’s feast, Lodi coach Robert Sperling and his assistant coaches start with singing the school’s alma mater song, followed by prayers.
“That way they remember their history,” Sperling said.
Then the coaches hand out weekly team awards. Finally the player dig in.
Today at the Grape Bowl at 7:15 p.m., Lodi (1-2 in the TriCity Athletic League, 4-4) welcome defending league champion St. Mary’s (3-0 in the TCAL, 6-2).
Tokay
In his third season as the Tokay football coach, Michael Holst, his assistant coaches and players feast inside the school’s cafeteria on Wednesdays the weeks the Tigers have a home game. That is because the Tokay Football Boster Club runs the concession stand at the Grape Bowl during the Tokay freshmen football home games.
Tony’s Pizzeria in Lodi donates three types of pizza for the Tiger players and coaches; pepperoni, cheese and combination. Holst confesses that most of his players lean toward the pepperoni. Various types of vegetables, fruits and various meats on the combination pizzas are left for some of the players and coaches whose palates long for a variety pack.
“Because they’re teenagers,” joked Holst about the players’ choices.
Parents and families of players, and some local businesses, donate side dishes, water and sports drinks for the players and coaches during the season.
No discussion of Tokay’s home game that week is conducted at the meals. Holst said in recent years, former Tokay players swing by for pre-game speeches.
Earlier this season, a lap top was set up inside the cafeteria, logged into the YouTube website, as players and coaches watched offensive coordinator Todd Dillon’s playing days as a quarterback in the Canadian Football League. Dillon was a Lodi High teacher and football coach from the early 2000s until 2012, then returned to his alma mater to teach and run the Tigers’ offense.
“I don’t think he likes
watching it, but the kids think it’s cool,” said Holst of Dillon.
Tonight on the west side of San Joaquin County, Tokay (0-3 in the TCAL, 2-6) is looking to sink its teeth into West (0-3 in the TCAL, 17) that is also looking for its first win of the season.
Liberty Ranch
After each Thursday practice, Liberty Ranch also has its pre-game meals.
The parents of players gather into teams, and provide meals for the Hawks’ players. The meals are prepared at Estrellita High, which is on the west side of Liberty Ranch’s campus and football field.
“It’s a great time of fellowship,” said Liberty Ranch coach Anthony Linebaugh. “After the meal and after we thank our parent hosts, we gather for a team meeting in a classroom.”
The Hawks have experienced a buffet of foods during the season; from barbecued burgers to enchiladas to tacos. “It has been tremendous,” Linebaugh said. Getting ready for their Friday night opponent in the classroom continues when the Hawks are amongst themselves.
“At that time, players speak and share challenges and words of encouragement to another,” Linebaugh said. “We finish with coaches sharing their thoughts and words and encouragement for the following day.”
Liberty Ranch (1-2 in the Sierra Valley Conference, 2-6) continues conference play at Cordova (2-1 in the SVC, 6-2) tonight.
Galt
At the beginning of the season, Galt coach Jermaine Allen mentioned that his team has meals after the end of Thursday’s practices.
Attempts were made to contact Allen regarding the Warriors’ meals, but he did not respond back.
Galt (0-3 in the SVC, 3-5), makes the journey to Placerville tonight to play at El Dorado (3-0 in the SVC, 6-2), which held Cordova to two offensive possessions in the final quarter of their meeting last week to post a thrilling 2726 win.