Far from a starter, Reilly has a start

YAKIMA, Wash. — He has gotten his foot in the door, if not on the playing field.

But then Mike Reilly has been down this competitive road before, and has been undeterred by such speed bumps.

“No playing time yet,” the former Central Washington quarterback said of his first NFL season, which consisted of three weeks as a Green Bay practice squad member and four on the St. Louis active roster. “But I spent four weeks with the Rams learning the offense and taking on the role of emergency backup. So at least I was suited up and standing on the sidelines, ready to go in.”

Reilly and his wife, Jessica, had recently returned to their home in Kennewick when contacted by yours truly. Their 1,900-mile drive had been complicated by harsh conditions in the Midwest — “there were maybe 125 to 150 cars off the road and there were semis upside down in the medians,” Reilly reported — and his football year had been an emotional roller coaster.

It started on a down note when Reilly wasn’t chosen in April’s NFL draft, but reversed itself when he was signed as a free agent by defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh.

Reilly was cut by the Steelers just prior to the start of the regular season, however, and returned to Kennewick where he put his CWU engineering degree to work.

He and Jessica bought a house, and while Reilly settled into something of a 9-to-5 routine, he continued to work out, wait and hope.

In November, the Packers called and signed him to their practice squad. And while he wasn’t an active member of the team, he at least was in an NFL camp. Then the Rams, whose quarterback ranks had been thinned by injuries to starter Marc Bulger and backup Kyle Boller, signed Reilly to their active roster.

That meant wearing a uniform on game day. It also meant substantially more money, from the $5,200 (with no benefits) practice players earn weekly to approximately $18,000 as a full-fledged roster member.

So for his seven weeks as an NFL player, including three as a practice squad member, Reilly banked close to $90,000, according to the league’s pay schedule.

He is also signed through the 2010 season, for which the minimum NFL salary will be $325,000.

So the move from Washington State, where Reilly became convinced he would not get to play, to Central, where he started every game for four years, turned out golden.

It’s true that the Rams were abysmal, finishing 1-15, but from such rubble can be found opportunity for a comparative unknown like Reilly.

“When a team goes 1-15, there are obviously issues and you figure there will be a lot of changes during the offseason,” he said. “From what I’ve heard from my agent, and some other people, the GM (Billy Devaney) is pretty high on me. That they signed me through 2010 shows they hopefully have some sort of plan for me.”

And if the Rams don’t have a plan for him, Reilly does for them.

“My thing is to go out and win the starting job for next year,” he said, “and that should always been your approach whether you’re a freshman in high school or a senior in college or whatever.”

Now that he has a functional grasp of the West Coast offense deployed by St. Louis coach Steve Spagnuolo — and also by Green Bay’s Mike McCarthy — Reilly figures he’s worth more.

“The reason Brett Favre was able to come to Minnesota in the middle of training camp and take over is because the Vikings run the West Coast offense,” he said. “A lot of teams run it. So if you know it, it makes you more valuable as a quarterback.”

And even if Reilly has yet to take his first NFL snap, his seven-week career has enriched him personally.

“In Green Bay, to be on the sideline in Lambeau (Field) and see the crowd and watch guys do the Lambeau leap — that was great,” he said. “And to be in St. Louis, to suit up and wear the jersey and pads and go through pregame warmups knowing, OK, if something happens, I’m going to go in the game.

“It was good to get that feeling back. It had been awhile.”

And for Mike Reilly, maybe the next such period will not last nearly as long.

Highland to hold Newman celebration

COWICHE, Wash. — Highland High School will hold a celebration for Matthew Newman tonight in conjunction with the Scotties’ boys and girls basketball games with Mabton.

Newman, a Highland junior, is continuing to recover from a severe head injury suffered during a football game on Sept. 18.

The celebration will offer maroon Raise 7 For Matthew T-shirts for $15. Of each T-shirt sold, $5 will go toward Medical Teams International whose doctors and staff are preparing to help relief efforts in Haiti.

Other activities will be held either between the girls and boys games or after the boys game, which are scheduled to start at 6 and 7:30 p.m., respectively.

Newman was initially hospitalized at Yakima Regional Medical and Cardiac Center, then moved to Children’s Hospital in Seattle in early October. He returned to his home and family on Naches Heights on Dec. 29.

Cadet Players Take the Next Step

Eisenhower trio make college football plans official ||

YAKIMA, Wash. — And to think there were so many questions, some uncomfortably pressing.

How would Seth Kline’s left knee hold up, especially under the strain of added pass coverage?

Can Ryan Watson handle a majority of the pass rush with Kline dropping into coverage more?

And who, exactly, is Joe Fuerst and what can he do?

 

Those heavy concerns drifted through the first days of Eisenhower’s football season last August, but on Wednesday afternoon in a crowded room filled with family and friends they were memories to smile and laugh about.

 

Kline, Watson and Fuerst — key contributors to the Cadets’ school-record 11 victories and trip to the state quarterfinals — sat side-by-side while signing letters of intent for colleges in three different states. Kline inked with Air Force, Watson with Eastern Oregon and Fuerst with Central Washington.

For Kline, this day was inevitable. The three-year standout linebacker built serious credentials and had an offer from Air Force before the season even started. The only two possible snags he addressed — the knee that was injured twice before held up just fine and he showed more versatility in pass coverage.

“They were happy with my progress,” Kline said of Air Force, where he commits five years of military service after college graduation. “They thought I was a little raw in pass coverage after my junior year, but I did a lot more of that last season. I’ll admit I missed blitzing all the time, but I enjoyed the complexity of the coverages.”

Watson excelled at defensive end, rising from CBBN Cascade honorable mention as a junior to unanimous first-team and co-MVP of the division. He may stay at that position at Eastern Oregon, an NAIA college, or move to outside linebacker.

“I could play either position,” said Watson, currently a double-digit scorer on the basketball team. “This spring and summer I want to get my speed up and get up to around 220 pounds. With basketball now I’m down to 205. I’m really looking forward to getting ready.”

Fuerst, who moved in from West Valley, had plenty of work to do on the recruiting trail and little time to do it. As a running back his junior numbers were modest at best.

But over 1,800 yards and 20 touchdowns at the 4A level can make a good impression.

“It all fell into place for me. I was very lucky,” said Fuerst, who averaged nearly seven yards a carry. “I had this year to prove myself and we had a great season. The timing was perfect.”

It was a fitting departing moment for the trio, which made a haul with Cascade Division awards. Fuerst and Watson shared the overall MVP honor and Kline was named defensive MVP.

“At the start of the season it was kind of hard to tell how good we’d be,” Kline said. “But it seemed like game by game we just got better and better.”

Selah boys team is in medical survival mode

YAKIMA, Wash. — Kip Harris needs to roll his players in bubble wrap and isolate them in a vacuum chamber. If not, the way things are going at Selah, he may not have anybody left.

Already shuffling his lineup with the absence of Drew Washut to a foot injury, Harris got word this week that the CWAC’s leading scorer, Nick Longmire, has mononucleosis.

And this with third-ranked Ephrata coming to town tonight.

“We have to take things one day at a time now. That’s all we can do,” Harris said. “We’re asking some kids to step and they are. We’ll just hang in there the best we can.”

Ailments have abounded for the Vikings — Pablo Chavez (split lip needed six stitches) and Daniel Hernandez (wisdom teeth removed) have also missed time recently — but when 43 points takes a seat it feels like a curse.

Despite Washut sitting out the last 10 days with plantar fasciitis, Selah (9-1, 10-2) managed to extend its win streak to eight games over the weekend and move into a share of the CWAC lead with Ephrata.

Part of the reason was Longmire ramping up his already highly productive offense, scoring 26 points against Othello and a season-high 30 the next day against Quincy.

But now with Washut and Longmire out for an indefinite period, Harris has to circle the wagons, call up some JV kids and hope for the best. And at least he has some time with the CWAC only one game into its second half. The final game of the regular season is three weeks away.

“Game by game we’ll fill the holes and do what we can,” said Harris, whose squad will have the added challenge of playing five of the last seven conference games on the road. “There’s still a lot of time left and we’ll just have to play through this. I’d rather have to deal with it now rather than district.”

Sharing the moment

For Eisenhower’s Dan Eyman, it was gratifying enough to earn the District 5 coach of the year award at last weekend’s WSCA Football Coaches Hall of Fame banquet in Bellevue.

Making it so much better was his longtime defensive coordinator Gary Jimenez standing alongside him with the assistant coach award.

“Gary’s been with me the whole time here,” Eyman said, “and he puts in an unbelievable amount of hard work. It was great to share that with him.”

Jimenez has been Eyman’s defensive coordinator for eight years and last season they directed the Cadets to a school-record 11 wins and state quarterfinal appearance.

Swimming into sunset

It was great while it lasted.

East Valley exchange student and standout swimmer Rodolphe Dienst, who ranks first or second in the Valley in six events, is heading home to Belgium and won’t be participating in the postseason.

“He was a great asset to the team,” said Selah coach Ken Yager, whose program co-ops with East Valley. “He gave the rest of the swimmers something to shoot for.”

Dienst leads the Valley in the 50 free (22.73), 100 back (59.41) and 100 breast (1:03.86).

Rams get green light

With the WIAA’s Executive Board handing down final decisions on appeals and requests last weekend, the enrollment breakdown for the 2010-2012 cycle is now complete and can be found at www.wiaa.com

West Valley and Sammamish had their requests to opt up to Class 3A approved. That brings the total number of opt-ups from 2A to 3A to 24.

Life Christian and University Prep had requests for opting up from 2B to 1A also approved. Brewster’s appeal to stay 2B and not opt up to 1A was granted.

CBBN’s power side

How’s this for depth in the Cascade Division of CBBN boys basketball: Kamiakin is ranked seventh in the state but is no better than fourth in its division.

This week’s 4A state poll has four Cascade teams — Walla Walla (5), Richland (6), Kamiakin (7) and Eisenhower (8).

Two showdowns loom this week — Eisenhower visits Walla Walla tonight and Kamiakin hosts Richland on Saturday.

From the sidelines

• Mike Hinz, a 1963 East Valley grad, was inducted into the Washington State Track and Field Coaches Hall of Fame earlier this month. Hinz has coached Pullman to six state team titles and has been named the state’s coach of the year twice.

• Selah and Othello, both 8-0 in CWAC dual meets, will clash for the conference wrestling title in Othello tonight at 7.

• Wapato’s A.J. Yarlott averaged 11.8 points in her first six games and 18.8 in her second six, helping the Wolves take a four-game win streak into big games this weekend against Ellensburg and East Valley.

Fuerst, Sterkel plan to sign with CWU

YAKIMA, Wash. — The Valley’s two most prolific offensive football players last season — Eisenhower running back Joe Fuerst and Ellensburg quarterback Ethan Sterkel — are planning to sign with Central Washington University on national signing day next Wednesday.

Fuerst, the co-MVP of the CBBN’s Cascade Division, set school records for rushing yards (1,816) and touchdowns (20) while helping the Cadets win a school-record 11 games.

Sterkel, the MVP of the CWAC, passed for 3,671 yards and 38 touchdowns with a 76-percent completion rate as the Bulldogs won 12 games and reached the 2A state semifinals.

Fuerst shared the Cascade MVP award with teammate Ryan Watson, a defensive end who has committed to Eastern Oregon University.

Fuerst and Watson will join Air Force recruit and teammate Seth Kline at a signing party after school next Wednesday.

Ellis had ‘a wonderful way with kids’

Former Ike football coach dies after lengthy battle with cancer ||

YAKIMA, Wash. — Art Ellis, who coached Eisenhower’s football team for 13 years and taught at the school for 24 years before retiring in 1995, died Thursday night at his Selah home following a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Ellis was 68. Memorial services will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Jan. 30, starting at 10 a.m.

With his soft-spoken ways and intricate knowledge of the game, Ellis was involved in Eisenhower football across three decades, serving as head coach from 1971 to 1983 and defensive coordinator under Greg Gavin from 1990 to 1994.

There were plenty of resume highlights for Ellis, whose 1977 team was Ike’s first to reach the state playoffs. And his defense in 1992 allowed just 10 points a game and was the backbone of the Cadets’ first 10-win season.

But beyond the statistics was Ellis’ style of coaching, a composed demeanor overlaying a driven intensity that is remembered today.

“He had a wonderful way with kids, and he could get the most out of them,” said Gavin from his home in Las Vegas on Friday. “I couldn’t believe how calm he was — he never raised his voice. He was always calming me down.”

Tom O’Brien, who coached at Davis from 1974 to 1982, admired his connection with kids as well.

“He was a good motivator and his players responded — they were always well-coached,” O’Brien recalled. “I respected him and enjoyed our rivalry. My first year they beat us 60-32 and we got them the next year (14-11). It was back and forth, and I always enjoyed playing Art’s teams.”

Ellis and Gavin, who share Eisenhower’s longest run as head football coach at 13 years each, joined forces in 1990. Gavin knew Ellis had a keen offensive mind, having been the offensive coordinator when he was head coach, but he soon discovered Ellis’ far-reaching grasp of the game.

“Art had a profound knowledge of the game in all facets, as much as anyone I’ve ever known,” he said. “When we had it going (five straight winning seasons), I can say without doubt none of it would have happened without him. I didn’t worry about the defense for one minute.”

After graduating from Central Washington University, where he played football and baseball, Ellis began his teaching and coaching career at Central Kitsap High School. He was quickly successful, having directed the 1969 team to the Class AA poll state championship.

Ellis, a biology and physical education teacher, retired in 1995 but was not finished coaching. He and his wife, Marilyn, built a home in Idaho and he coached three seasons at Newport, Wash., just across the border, from 2000 to 2002.

“I always thought Art would make a great college coach,” Gavin said. “He studied the game, he was dedicated to it and he adjusted to things so quickly and so easily. And the way he connected with players — that was special.”

Marilyn noted Friday that Art had battled cancer for nearly two years, and when he was initially diagnosed the disease had reached stage IV, which has a prognosis of three to six months.

“It was a miracle Art lived as long as he did,” she said. “He went through a lot of treatment, mostly for me and the family, but it was a blessing. It gave him time to catch up with so many people he has known.”

Ike’s Seth Kline commits to Air Force

YAKIMA, Wash. — One visit was all it took. Seth Kline didn’t even need to come home to think about it.

Eisenhower’s three-year standout linebacker spent the weekend at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., and before departing gave his verbal com-mitment to sign an NCAA letter of intent on Feb. 4.

“I was amazed with every aspect of the campus and the coaches,” Kline said. “I can’t say enough nice things about the coaching staff. The players felt the same way, and everything seemed right for me.”

Kline had football scholarship offers from New Mexico State and Eastern Washington and a baseball offer from Washington State. That was another clincher for Kline — Air Force is fine with two-sport athletes.

“They have no problem with me doing both,” he said. “In fact one of the assistant coaches, Mike Thiessen, did football and baseball at Air Force and he played for the Yakima Bears (in 2001).”

The Air Force offer was on the table before Kline’s senior season, having been sufficiently impressed with video highlights of his 17 sacks and 10 forced fumbles during his sophomore and junior years.

For his senior season, Kline was asked to pass rush less and drop into coverage more and he helped the Cadets to a school-record 11 victories and trip to the Class 4A state quarterfinals. The CBBN Cascade Division defensive MVP collected 107 tackles overall and 59 solo, recorded 16 tackles for a loss and blocked three kicks.

Head coach Troy Calhoun, who visited Kline in Yakima prior to his recruiting trip, recently directed Air Force to an 8-5 season with a victory over Houston in the Armed Forces Bowl.

“They play a 3-4 defense with two middle linebackers so it’s ideal for me,” Kline added. “I looked at their playbook and they are very diverse on defense. From everything I saw and talked about, this seems like the perfect situation for me.”

01/05/10 Prep Basketball Roundup

BOYS

Sunnyside 47, West Valley 40

YAKIMA, Wash. — Matt Johnson scored 12 points and the Grizzlies won despite shooting only 34 percent. WV reserve Mac Woods led all scorers with 14 points and Taylor Berndt added 10.

SUNNYSIDE — Sanchez 9, Matt Johnson 12, Esqueda 5, De La Barrera 6, Graff 5, Chavez 0, Bermudez 3, Leija 0, Daley 0, Bos 6. WEST VALLEY — Tafolla 7, Cluff 3, Taylor Berndt 10, Wagar 0, Albrecht 6, Crowshaw 0, Lange 0, Moulton 0, Dresker 0, Mac Woods 14.

Sunnyside 8 11 18 10 — 47 West Valley 4 8 11 17 — 40

Highlights: Alfredo De La Barrera (S) 8 rebs; Tanner Albrecht (WV) 12 rebs, 5 assists.

Mabton 56, Connell 49

MABTON, Wash. — Kristian Carrasco and Tyler Herrera both scored five points in the fourth quarter as Mabton (6-2) rallied after trailing 39-38 after three periods. Carrasco finished with 20 points and Herrera had 10.

CONNELL — Salisbury 1, Anderson 5, Brady Quinton 12, Hadley 4, Hawkins 4, Casper 4, Michael Davidson 15, Van Hollenbeke 4. MABTON — Kristian Carrasco 20, Sosa 4, Tyler Herrera 10, Sanchez 2, Diaz 0, Huecias 6, Nash 6, Strickland 2, Rodriguez 1, Johnson 5.

Connell 15 11 13 10 — 49 Mabton 12 16 10 18 — 56

Sunnyside Christian 52, White Swan 39

SUNNYSIDE, Wash. — Steven Broersma totaled 19 points and 10 rebounds as Sunnyside Christian downed White Swan 52-39 in non-league boys basketball Tuesday night. The victory improved the Knights to 4-2 and avenged a 17-point loss at White Swan on Dec. 11. Steven Bosma had 10 points for SC, which saw the Cougars (6-3) rally from a double-digit deficit to tie the score at 30 in the third quarter. The Knights responded, outscoring White Swan 18-6 in the final period. Cory Williams led the Cougars with 15 points.

WHITE SWAN — Huereca 0, Alex Sampson 0, L. Fiander 8, Anderson 0, T. Fiander 2, Joel Yellow Owl 12, Owens 2, J. Williams 0, Cory Williams 15. SUNNYSIDE CHRISTIAN — Wagenaar 5, DeJong 8, Steven Bosma 10, De Vries 6, Van Belle 4, Steven Broersma 19.

White Swan 4 17 12 6 — 39 Sunnyside Christian 14 11 9 18 — 52

Highlights: Kevin DeJong 13 rebs, Ryker Van VBelle 5 stls; Broersma 10 rebounds.

La Salle at Wahluke, 7:30 p.m.

MATTAWA, Wash. — Mike McGree scored 21 points and the Lightning outscored the Warriors in each quarter. Wahluke’s Makai Hirai led all scorers with 24 points.

LA SALLE — Sattler 2, Mike McGree 21, Glazier 6, Kennedy 4, Sullivan 7, Tri 3, Pazerekas 2, Long 4, Callaghan 0, Smith 0, Brusic 0, Rivard 0. WAHLUKE — Yorgesen 2, Abarca 3, Morfin 3, Makai Hirai 24, Garcia 1, Juarez 2, Cuevas 0, Sabin 0.

La Salle 10 11 13 15 — 49 Wahluke 9 4 9 13 — 35

GIRLS

West Valley 73, Sunnyside 24

YAKIMA, Wash. — Haley Curtis and Kaitlyn Curry combined for 29 points as the Rams overwhelmed Sunnyside. Curtis had 15 points and five steals while Curry totaled 14 points for WV (6-2).

SUNNYSIDE — Maya 5, Galvan 4, Marro 2, Wright 0, Castillo 2, Zenaida Perales 8, Partida 3. WEST VALLEY — Richardson 2, Herzog 7, Winegar 2, Mitchell 2, Kaitlyn Curry 14, Gholston 4, Jaeger 6, Haley Curtis 15, Roberts 4, Kari Erwin 10, Toner 7.

Sunnyside 3 7 8 6 — 24 West Valley 19 15 23 15 — 73

Highlights: Kenly Mitchell (WV) 5 rebs; Curtis (WV) 5 steals, 5 rebs; Herzog (WV) 4 assists.

Mabton 51, Riverside Christian 22

MABTON, Wash. — Melissa Gutierrez scored 16 points, and Crysta Reynolds totaled 10 points and 15 rebounds to power the Vikings. Marian Van Horn led RC with 11 points.

RIVERSIDE CHRISTIAN — Conrad 0, Byrne 5, Lenderman 0, St. Hilaire 0, Myra Van Horn 11, Kinder 2, Lenz 0, Cleveringa 0, Staymates 2, Tina Keena 0, Fliton 2. MABTON — Crysta Reynolds 10, Melissa Gutierrez 16, Flores 8, Ca. Martinez 4, Sustaita 8, Barajas 0, Wheeler 0, Vazquez 5, Cr. Martinez 0, Sanchez 0, Tellez 0, Enriquez 0.

Connell 2 2 10 8 — 22 Mabton 8 18 16 9 — 51

Highlights: Reynolds (M) 15 rebs; Gutierrez (M) 8 stls.

White Swan 46, Sunnyside Christian 35

SUNNYSIDE, Wash. — Amber Jones scored 18 points to lead White Swan, which outscored Sunnyside Christian 28-17 in the second half. Jolene Van Wingerden had 13 points and 13 rebounds for the Knights.

WHITE SWAN — Van Pelt 5, Hawk 7, Espindola 0, Pimms 4, Wallahee 6, Sheppard 2, Perez 4, Amber Jones 18. SUNNYSIDE CHRISTIAN — Al. Haak 0, As. Haak 4, Van Oostrum 0, Bosma 6, Duim 2, Long 2, Jolene Van Wingerden 13, Broersma 0, Newhouse 3, Dalrymple 5.

White Swan 11 7 12 16 — 46 Sunnyside Christian 6 12 7 10 — 35

Highlights: Van Wingerden (SC) 13 rebs.

La Salle 65, Wahluke 22

MATTAWA, Wash. — Savannah Bonny scored 18 points and Lauren DeGooyer added 12 as La Salle started quickly and cruised. The Lightning (6-1) led 23-4 after the first quarter.

LA SALLE — Vickers 4, Hernandez 6, Savannah Bonny 18, Ashby 8, Andringa 4, Newell 0, Lauren DeGooyer 10, Adkins 6, Standley 5, Kachmitter 4. WAHLUKE — Erazo 2, Munguia 5, Salazar 2, Jiminez 4, Munoz 7, Corrales 2, Soliz 0, Tapia 0, Sanchez 0.

La Salle 27 14 16 8 — 65 Wahluke 4 7 4 7 — 22

Kittitas 35, Bridgeport 2

KITTITAS, Wash. — Natalie Gibb scored eight of her 13 points in the first quarter, including two 3-pointers in the final minute that gave the Coyotes (2-0, 5-2) the lead for good. Kittitas extended its lead to 22-10 by halftime.

BRIDGEPORT — A. Garza 0, Gonzalez 2, Bucio 5, Valdovinos 0, M. Garza 11, Cavadini 6. KITTITAS — Uceny 0, Kilgore 2, Calahan 2, Natalie Gibb 13, Adams 0, Lawrence 5, Erickson 2, Vaver 1, O’Shaughnessy 2, Hudson 4, Fewins 4.

Bridgeport 7 3 7 7 — 24 Kittitas 12 10 6 7 — 35

Highland’s Newman home from hospital

YAKIMA, Wash. — Matthew Newman is home.

The Highland junior, who suffered a severe head injury during a Sept. 18 football game in Cowiche, returned to his home and family on Naches Heights on Tuesday according to a journal item posted on his CaringBridge Web site.

Newman was initially hospitalized at Yakima Regional and Cardiac Center, then on Oct. 10 was moved to Children’s Hospital in Seattle.

More information on Newman’s condition and situation can be found at www.caringbridge.org/visit/matthewnewman1.

Forty years later, a happier twist to a tragic story

It was one of the darkest nights in the history of the Highland community, the evening of Oct. 24, 1969, which began with the festive atmosphere that accompanies a high school football game in a small town.

The lighthearted environment quickly included concern, however, when Joe Casper, the Scotties’ best player, lay motionless on the home-field turf after making the tackle on the opening kickoff against Goldendale.

Concern became fear when Joe, after being attended to for a long period on the field and then being carefully removed on a stretcher, was driven away in an ambulance. He still hadn’t moved.

Fear became sorrow when we learned that Joe had suffered a spinal injury, that he was paralyzed and would likely remain so.

Then sorrow became raw, unspeakable grief.

Shortly before midnight on Nov. 6, 1969 — hours after Highland had won the Valley A League championship with a 21-0 win at Cle Elum — Joe died.

During the two weeks between his injury and death, the youth among us wrestled all manner of emotions.

Why us, for example, and above all, why Joe?.

After his passing, I faced a question that should never confront someone so young: Why should this person, who had lived less of his life than I had, die?

Forty years after that tragedy, on the field that bears Joe Casper’s name, Highland was dealt another soul-sapping blow when Matthew Newman suffered a life-threatening head injury against Naches Valley.

The similarities regarding the incidents are eerie.

Both Casper and Newman were juniors. Both were solid students, both were multi-sport athletes, and both were among the best-liked and most-respected people in their schools.

But thankfully, there is also a welcome difference.

Newman, initially at Yakima Regional Medical and Cardiac Center, was moved in October to Children’s Hospital in Seattle where he continues a remarkable recovery.

Not an easy one, mind you, but a recovery nonetheless.

Through past weeks Matthew has fought through dangerous infections accompanied by severe headaches, but of late has made substantial strides.

Literally.

He even walked to a recent medical staff meeting, prompting a post on his Caringbridge Web site to remark, “Showing off to his doctors in hopes of getting an earlier release never hurts.”

Matthew’s family — mother Marla, father Randy and brothers Patrick and Benjamin — are with him today, no doubt brightening his mood and providing him the ultimate outlet for displaying his newly-recovered mobility. At the same time, familiar faces have whetted Matthew’s appetite for home.

“I can tell you this,” Randy said in a recent telephone conversation, “Matthew does not want to be here.”

And as remarkable as Matthew’s recovery has been, the outpouring of support from throughout the entire Northwest has been nothing short of mind-boggling.

Among his visitors at Children’s have been Seahawks Matt Hasselbeck and John Carlson, and former Mariners catcher Dan Wilson. Wall posters and cards have been sent by schools, teams and cheer squads from up and down the Valley.

And thanks to the Internet, Matthew’s story has known no boundaries.

A Raise 7 for Matthew campaign (his jersey number is 7) has included selling T-shirts, inspired car washes, and more. To participate, log onto www.Raise7forMatthew.com or http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/matthewnewman1.

At last check, 682 messages had been left in Matthew’s guestbook. And here’s an example of his inspiration.

During a Class 1A playoff quarterfinal last month, Nooksack Valley’s Anthony Reese discarded his normal jersey No. 85 in tribute to Matthew’s No. 7, and led the Pioneers to a 54-47 win over King’s. Not only did Reese honor Matthew, his teammates followed suit by holding up seven fingers after scoring touchdowns.

That Matthew was badly injured playing a game he loves, and continues a long and arduous recovery, have clearly gotten the public’s attention. But those who know him, who are truly aware of his character, realize that their own responses have stemmed from more than reactive sympathy.

“Matthew,” said Highland football coach Shane Roy, “is a good athlete, a good student and a good citizen. But the reason his classmates, teammates, teachers and coaches are so fond of him is that he’s simply an outstanding human being.”

So is he close to coming home?

“He might be, we’ll see,” said Randy Newman. “He definitely wants to, and is working really hard to get to that point.”

Meaning Matthew has made light years of progress since the night of Sept. 18, when a blossoming young life came perilously close to ending. A portion of Matthew’s skull was removed, for example, during emergency surgery to reduce swelling and pressure around his brain.

“They have to tell you the worst-case scenario,” Randy said, alluding to discussions with doctors on the night of Matthew’s injury. “I was thinking, ‘that can’t be. He’ just a kid, and a few minutes ago he was running around on a football field.’ I was in denial, I guess.”

But now, 40 Christmases after Highland grieved the loss of Joe Casper, the community is rejoicing. It is celebrating Matthew Newman’s spirit, courage and resolve, and joining with his family in marveling at the far-flung recognition of it.

My father, Howard Underwood, drove Joe Casper to school on his bus and coached him in youth sports. When he learned of Joe’s death he did something I hadn’t before seen, he cried.

Were Dad here today — he drove Matthew’s grandfather, Dave Newman, to school — he would no doubt consider Matthew and what he has done over the past three-plus months.

And I’m sure he’d cry again.

• Roger Underwood can be reached at 509-577-7694 or runderwood@yakimaherald.com

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