Feature Articles from
"CHUCK FOOTBALL" NEWSLETTER -
Fall 2002
Memories of Chuck
by Jim Spencer
When asked recently if I'd be willing to share a few thoughts on Chuck Semancik and the impact he had on my life, I readily accepted. It was, however, quite a challenge to condense a bigger than life icon, and personal hero of mine, into just a few words. Having said that, I offer the following recollections:
As a kid growing up in the 60's, I played football for the Warren Avenue Peewees. On Friday nights during the fall when the West High Wildcats were at home, I was a regular at the game. I would sit in awe watching the game hoping that some day I would be good enough to wear the blue and gold. While watching the game I was always intrigued by the very animated man/bear roaming the sidelines in his leather jacket and eating grass. I watched in amazement as he "encouraged" his players utilizing a little "tough love" throughout each and every contest.
My dream of becoming a Wildcat eventually became true. I was fortunate enough to play for Chuck for 3 years on some very good teams, with some very good players. The game, and life for that matter, seemed much simpler then. He talked of team, and gave us the tools we needed to be successful not only in football, but more importantly in life.
As a player, I remember the last thing I wanted was for Chuck to share my helmet with me, particularly while my head was still in it! He had a way of getting people's attention such that you were not apt to make the same mistake twice. He was the master psychologist, knowing just what buttons to push. His teams were tough and didn't get pushed around. Everyone knew that he was going to run off of tackle, and he dared them to stop it. They couldn't.
Everyone who ever played for Chuck has stories. They range from his antics on the field to his legendary halftime pep talks in Room 8. But what I really remember about Chuck after 30 years is just how truly fortunate I was to have simply been around him. He was one of the most genuine people I ever met. He treated each player with respect and like they were his own. His gruff exterior was a shallow facade to a truly golden heart.
While the many wins his teams racked up throughout the years are impressive, the positive impact he had on young people throughout his long and illustrious career is his true legacy. In your lifetime there are only a handful of people who really impact the way you are and the way you think. Chuck did that for me, and I am a better person because of it.
"Cripe old Fish hooks", Chuck I miss you, and will never forget you. My sincere thanks...
Editor's note:
Jim Spencer (West High Class of 1971) was one of Chuck's "fellas." Spencer is currently the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Bremerton. Number 26 was a very rare three-year starter for the Wildcat varsity of Coach Semancik. The ‘Cats never lost a game that "Spence" started.
Thru the Decades
The letters we've received this year. Please send us your stories: PO Box 2723, Bremerton 98310 or dowells@wavecable.net
Basketball Rules
A note was attached to the Rob Forbe's tile purchase order: "One time I said to Chuck, "Basketball rules." He grinned, grunted, and said, "So you don't want to be a wrestler." I hesitated a moment, then said, "No, Chuck." He laughed. This is the story behind "Basketball Rules."
The memorial park is a fantastic idea. Thanks for including me."
Editor's note: "Basketball Rules" was an often heard saying during Rob's '73 senior year in the halls of West High. Forbes has applied the same intensity and heads-up play in his position with the Bremerton Police Department that he did on the maples (no, not mats) over 20 years ago. The weekly "Teen Late Night", one of the YMCA programs of Partners With Youth, is a big favorite of Chief Forbes. Recently, Rob was named Chief of Police of the City of Bremerton, and was also awarded the honor of Police Chief of the Year 2001 for Washington State.
SCHOLARSHIPS:
You have donated over $5,000....to Bremerton High students and the youth of our community since the creation of the Semancik Foundation in 2000.
As of this writing all six of our scholarship recipients are enrolled in and making progress in post high school education or planning to enroll in the Fall 2002.
Your foundation has also donated annually to the Kitsap Family YMCA's Partners with Youth fundraiser. Monies from this campaign go toward programs that benefit our youngsters, many of whom are considered "At Risk Kids".
The youth of today and those who will walk the halls of Bremerton High are grateful for you who give back to your community and have not forgotten your roots. You are making a difference for our kids!
Bremerton High Football Alive & Well
Under the guidance of Head Coach Shawn Perkins the blue and gold posted winning season (6-3) in 2001.
Led by one of your scholarship winners for this last year, QB Joe Bollinger who will attend Olympic College this next Fall, the BHS eleven featured a potent and balanced offense that in Semancik style keep the scoreboard rolling into the 30's, 40's, and 50's on numerous occasions. I swear, as the fog cleared from yet another BHS victory, one could visualize the spirit of the "Old Bear" prowling the sidelines and humming "TRADITION."
Combined with a rock-ribbed stop department, the Knights just missed a playoff berth barely losing three contests in the waning moments.
This year's squad will employ a base wishbone option attack on the offense, while relying on a base 43 Defense to keep opponents from the Promised Land. We'll see if the big, burly line lead by Sr. TE/DE,
Noah Garguile (6'5"/230+lbs.) and fleet, hard-nosed backs like Sr. FB/MLB Tieba Bropley (6'1"/205+lbs.) who return for the 2002 edition heed the Bear's words, pay the price and EXPECT to WIN. It's TRADITION when you put on the Blue and Gold.
Victory Park Tiles Still Available!
The deadline for receiving tile orders for the 1st placement in the new Semancik Victory Park is August 1, 2002. At this writing, the park is under construction and is set for completion by the start of the 2002 Football Season.
Under the direction of Ron Carpenter and the guidance of the man who is primarily responsible for beautifying the grounds of the Bremerton School District, Lance McCoy (West High Class of '73), this lasting memorial to Coach Semancik is taking shape. The Victory Park will become a place where students, alumni, family, friends, and the community may commemorate fond moments.
"Ground Chuck" has a tile. The "Blue Meanies" are immortalized. Fathers and sons, wins and losses, athletes & families near and far have carved their names in stone.
"Meet you at the Park" will be the new phrase on game night or at any other event at Memorial Stadium.
Don't worry if you've missed the first placement of the tiles. Orders will continue to be taken through the years and each fall another set will be added in the park.
Class of 1975 has Unique Idea
Bill Hurney and the Olympic League Football Champions from the West High Class of 1975 have blazed a trail into Semancik Victory Park. The '75 juggernaut has decided to honor their mentor and memorialize their team's accomplishment by purchasing and personalizing a large tile in the park. Many of the members of this rock-ribbed squad will then purchase smaller tiles to individualize a moment from the season or a personal thought. The large tile will serve as a centerpiece for 1975's Champs and their smaller tiles.
Editor's note:
Your creativity & thoughtfulness in remembering your coach and that special season is no surprise. Truly, you are a special group.
Special Thanks to Local Businesses
Donating their time and resources to the Chuck Semancik Foundation and construction to Semancik Victory Park are some very important people. We could not have done it without you.
John Dreaney, one of the standout Wildcat matman from the Class of 1973 and now owner of Dreaney Landscaping, in partnership with his architect, Scott King, has designed and helped beautify the park.
A big pat on the back for Mike & Tina Fenn of Mail Boxes Etc. of Silverdale for aiding in the printing of the newsletter.
Kudos to former South Kitsap football standout, David Rill of Rill Chapel who spoke glowingly of Coach Semancik as he helped us acquire the bronze that will be a centerpiece of the park.
To Bruce Christopherson of Ace Paving who opened his quarry and said, "Take what you need."
Finally, thanks to our board of advisors all of who donate their time, effort and expertise. You give guidance and legitimize our goals.
Chuck Football is published annually by the Chuck Semancik Memorial Foundation, a non-profit corporation under the provisions of the WA Non-Profit Corporation Act (RCW 24.03) - EIN 91-2020300 - State UBI #602 007 558.
The Chuck Semancik Memorial Foundation is a 501C3 tax deductible organization established and nourished by alumni, athletes, coaches, and friends all sharing to create opportunities for our youth.
Send Contributions & Donations to:
Chuck Semancik Memorial Foundation
PO Box 2723
Bremerton WA 98310-0351
