Feature Articles from
"CHUCK FOOTBALL" NEWSLETTER -
Fall 2008
- CHUCK -
Beyond the Scoreboard
"I appreciate the honor of being asked to write about this great man, this legend, the man who helped turn my life around."
John Jackson, West High 64
There are those whose presence and zest for living you never forget. Their embrace of and influence on your life is such that you are changed forever. Times spent with them are defining moments that represent the basis upon which you build the rest of your life. There is that one person for me who stood out from the crowd and extended a hand when no one else dared.
My friends and I had adopted breaking and entering for the acquisition of ill-gotten gain as one of our favorite past times. As a result, at age fifteen I was sitting on the bunk of a darkened cell in what we used to refer to as the Port Orchard Juvenile Home, colloquially known as the "Juvy". When my court date arrived, the judge asked me if there was anyone who would vouch for me besides my mother, who was sitting disappointedly beside me. He was considering allowing me to remain in Kitsap County on probation if I could present him a plan of acceptable supervision. I was on the verge of being shipped off to a state correction facility for eighteen months.
Aware of the judge's moment of decision, I immediately blurted out, "Chuck will vouch for me".
"Who?" He demanded as he leaned across his desk frowning. "Chuck! Chuck who?"
"Chuck Semancik" I announced with pride and feeling a sense of belonging. "He's my football coach and P. E. teacher at West High School."
"I know who he is" the judge said, with what seemed to me at the time, a slight smile as his steel gray eyes locked on mine.
He turned to my mother and asked to be excused while he left his chambers to make a phone call. I wondered if he was calling Chuck, and, if he was, what would Chuck tell him about me? He returned to his chambers in about twenty minutes, walked to his desk, sat down, and stared at me as though he was studying one of nature's mysteries. Finally he said "Well, young man, it seems that Chuck Semancik vouched for you." He sternly warned me that if I ever came before him again within the next three years of my probation, I would be shipped off to Green Hill reformatory in Monroe, Washington for eighteen months "quicker than you can say Jiminy Cricket."
On my first day back from Juvy Chuck asked me to come down to his room after school. In a gruff no-nonsense yet compassionate tone, he reprimanded me for my lawless behavior. He ended his "talk" by telling me he didn't want to hear of or see me hanging around with certain guys at school. I agreed to his conditions. This was my last chance to play "Chuck Football."
Chuck met and talked with all of my teachers. They agreed that I was to turn in all of my work, and if I didn't, they were to let Chuck know. As a result, I began attending school regularly and handing in all of my assignments. I would hear Chuck's voice in my head saying, "Come on now John, you've got to have at least a C average if you're going to play football for me." My grades soon showed a marked improvement.
Once touched by Chuck's spirit, you were never the same again. The guys from the Westpark and Navy Yard City neighborhoods sang his praises. His name was mentioned with reverence and a sense of pride to be able to say we knew and hung out with Chuck Semancik. Practicing under the lights on the field the night before a game was a near religious experience, those times are embedded in my soul.
In his day, Chuck had been an all-state champion wrestler and football player. His personal understanding of the game and knowledge of what it required of his players greatly enhanced his ability to coach. He provided discipline and a no-nonsense schedule to his charges. You had to demonstrate that you were worthy to wear the Wildcat blue and gold uniform, by maintaining passing grades, participating in grueling football practices, and by never giving up. On and off the field, we were expected to carry ourselves in a manner befitting a self- respecting member of Chuck's Wildcats. Chuck expected his players to display a consistently clean brand of sportsmanship and would accept nothing less.
One day at football practice, tempers flared between me and another player. We were really going at it with fists flying when suddenly I found myself suspended in mid-air. Chuck had intervened by pulling the two of us apart and lifting both of us about two feet off the ground.
"Get down and give me twenty-five (push-ups) and then you owe me ten laps," he snapped. After we had finished our push-ups and were humbly heading for the sidelines to run our laps, Chuck loudly admonished us, "If you guys do that in a game, you'll get your team penalized and the refs will probably kick you out of the game."
Throughout his thirty plus year career, Chuck was called on and lent his expertise, skills, and guidance as mentor to coaches and players throughout the state. Because of his vast knowledge in coaching the sports in which he as an athlete once excelled, Chuck became one of the most highly respected and recognized coaches in our state, resulting in his induction into the Washington State Coaches Hall of Fame.
Chuck‘s sincere involvement with his students as coach, teacher, mentor, and friend, helped me turn away from a life of crime and a bleak future. He believed in me when no one else except my mother did. He inspired me to want to be like him and to one day do for others as he had done for me.
In high school, I was counseled that college wasn't for me because I didn't possess the intelligence to handle the work. But Chuck didn't see it that way. After receiving my high school diploma, Chuck facilitated my attendance at Olympic Jr College on a football scholarship. From there I attended the University of Puget Sound, Seattle University, and the University of Washington earning my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling, and a Doctorate in Educational Psychology.
Now, some forty years later, as a retired 4A high school principal, I understand a little more about Chuck's influence on his youthful charges and all those who had had the privilege to meet and work with him. He genuinely cared about people and loved what he was doing.
Chuck gave me a place to be, responsibilities to meet, and a group of guys with whom I could closely relate who were not planning the next breaking and entering heist. He provided stability and direction to my journey at a time when I really needed it. Whenever I think of the most important people I have been fortunate enough to have known in my life, I begin with my mother Allie Mae Jackson, my dad Reverend George Jackson and my mentor and friend Chuck Semancik.
John Jackson
Counselor at West High & Bremerton Junior High for 17 years.
Assistant Principal, Tacoma Franklin Pierce.
Principal, Tacoma Keithly Middle School, Wenatchee High School & Seattle's Franklin High School. Retired in 2003.
Thru the Decades
The letters we've received this year. Please send us your stories: PO Box 2723, Bremerton 98310 or dowells@wavecable.net
'07 Golf Tournament
A small note to thank you for the outstanding job hosting this tournament.
It was my first year playing, but it definitely will not be my last. I enjoyed every minute of it. Your dedication to this cause goes beyond expectation.
Thank you again, and I look forward to seeing you next year.
Dick Fuller #4 ‘72 West Wildcat Scottsdale AZ
East Wins Golf Class Competition
Yes, 1964 was the year that I graduated from East. Long time ago and I even played against Mr. Semancik. We had a great time golfing and will participate again. Thanks for putting on this tournament; it is a lot of work, but a great cause.
Gene Kennedy ‘64 East Knight
And, from our Mayor
Hope you did well on the golf tournament. My foursome had a lot of fun. Go Bremerton !
Cary Bozeman, Bremerton Mayor
Foundation is known
Thank you for all your efforts on the Semancik Foundation. It is a worthy cause. Let me know if I can ever help you in any way.
Steve and Jennifer Pelluer
UW Huskies & Dallas Cowboys
Redmond WA
Chuck was at Coontz
I actually had Chuck in charge of a class when I was a student at Coontz. It was in the small theater and he stood just below the stage....scared me to death. Can't remember the class, but it was soon changed. I preferred to admire him from a distance. He was one of a kind.
Jean Copper - Bremerton
Wrestling Worldwide
I've really enjoyed Stuttgart (Germany). Attached is a photo from the 2007 U.S. Military European 145lb Greco-Roman Championships ... placed 2nd!
Israel ‘Izzy' Magneson BHS
Crackin' Crab
You are doing the memory of Chuck Semancik proud in the way you honor him.
We attended Crackin' Crab for Chuck's Kids, and I was touched by the collective sentiment. His presence was felt, as if he was going to appear at any moment. The span of time represented by the various ages and eras of people who played for or knew him was truly indicative of his long standing outreach into the very heart of Bremerton.
Please find my check enclosed for the purchase of a chair for the athletes of Bremerton High School.
Thank you for an enjoyable evening and wonderful dinner, it was uptown all the way!
John Jackson West Wildcat
Path of Freedom
Thanks so much for sending me photos of my granite tile and the program and news clippings of the Path of Freedom dedication. I am looking forward to seeing it in person the next time I am in Bremerton.
I am sure that Chuck would be very proud of you for bringing the community together to accomplish this project and for the splendid results.
Michael Brownell COL USA (Ret.) BHS '54 - Alexandria, VA
Path of Freedom Dedication
I just wanted to express my thanks for inviting me to be a part of the dedication ceremony last Saturday (3 Nov 2007). It was a great success. The addition of the names on the granite stones and the park really fulfills the original purpose of Memorial Stadium... to honor those who gave unselfishly of themselves so that we can live in the land of freedom. We shall never forget the price they paid. We will always honor and remember the Semancik Foundation for your determination and dedication in making such a beautiful tribute to our warriors a reality.
Morrie (Miller) Black Eagle
Dep Dir Suquamish Tribal Center
From the Principal
Those are some pretty special dedication photos! Thanks again for making it all happen; I am very honored to have the Path of Freedom at Memorial Stadium.
Aaron Leavell, BHS Principal
Towel Instructions
I greatly appreciate all that the Semancik Board has done to keep Chuck's memory alive. He was a beautiful man.
In 1948 he started at Coontz Junior High teaching P.E. Classes with Dewey Favero. The first time I ever saw him he gave my class instructions on "toweling" ...how to dry off after a shower. I remember him after every shower I take.
He was always super to me. At BHS there were a few times he would ask me, "When are you going to get out of that "girls (BB) sport" and come out and play a real man's game?"
I have several memories of Coach Semancik. He was a great man.
Jack Evans BHS Wildcat
2007 Bremerton Hero
I am still reflecting on the wonderful honor you gave me at last Friday's Bremerton High School football game. As Joan and I sat watching the game from a great vantage point, I reflected back 60 years and what the field looked like then and what it looked like after the class of '47 made the commitment to give something meaningful and practical to the student body of the high school that would last and be used for many years. It produced many outstanding athletes that we will all remember. Thank you for recognizing me.
You are to be commended for what you give and do for our community. My congratulations and many thanks.
Louis Soriano ‘47 BHS Wildcat Bremerton WA
BHS All-American Knows the Value of Education
After winning the NCAA Basket-ball championship in 2005 while a freshman at the University of North Carolina, Marvin Williams Jr. opted to leave school for the NBA draft where he was the second overall choice.
Marvin promised his Tar Heel coach, Roy Williams, that he would complete his degree. After three seasons with the Atlanta Hawks, Williams has achieved junior status at UNC gaining 71 credits of the 120 necessary to graduate.
Marvin has continued with his schooling since leaving North Carolina and plans to stay with it until he obtains his diploma. Williams says that he wants to have plenty of options when his career is over.
The former Knight (BHS 2004) is not only a great athlete but a bright, future-thinking young man.
Bremerton Alumni in the Olympics
Nathan Adrian (BHS 2006) earned a Gold in Beijing, thanks to his teammates' first place finish in the 4x400-meter freestyle relay. Adrian was the lead leg in the preliminaries helping the U.S. set a world record of 3:12.23.
Both Dana Kirk (BHS 2002) and Tara Kirk (BHS 2000) were missed in Beijing. They were the U.S. Olympics first set of sisters to swim on the same team (Athens 2004). At the 2008 Trials, Tara finished third in the 100-meter breaststroke, missing a berth to Beijing by 0.01 of a second and then, sadly found out, after the roster submission deadline, that she should have had the opportunity to compete for the U.S.A."
2008 Scholarships
Three Bremerton High student-athletes were bestowed the prestigious Semancik Scholarship awards for the 2007-08 school term. They have all preformed exceptionally in the school, on the field, and in the community. Congratulations to the following:
Chris Martindale plans to pursue a career in physical education and coaching or become a personal trainer at Central Washington University.
"Semancik was an inspiration to everyone, always striving to be the best, bringing out the fight in all his players. I feel I have the same fight in me. This award really means that I have been a proper role model and positive influence to our school, community, faculty, fellow students, and most of all, the players of our teams who seem to give that extra push to succeed". 2008 Bremerton High graduate, Chris Martindale
Jacki Hill will attend Washington State University, with the plan to receive her Masters in Education, and hopes to come back to the Bremerton School District to teach (and we hope coach).
"Receiving this award is a great honor, as I am being recognized for my hard work and sacrifice, and the many hours I have spent in helping make Bremerton High a better place. The scholarship will provide me with the support to continue my athletic career, and further expand my excellence in school." 2008 Bremerton High graduate, Jacki Hill
Jennifer Smalley will go to Eastern Oregon University where she plans on working towards her career goal as an athletic trainer.
"Being nominated for this scholarship is a huge honor for me due to the fact that I will be recognized through a foundation named after one of Bremerton's best coaches in history. I'm ecstatic to know that my coach saw a great deal of leadership, character, motivation, and hard work in me. My soccer coach, Glen Godfrey always told me that ‘A game lasts an hour; your character lasts a lifetime'." 2008 Bremerton High graduate, Jennifer Smalley
Al Colvin Continuing Scholarship To Maria Aragon
With a special honor to Albert L. Colvin, former Tuskegee Airman, Bremerton City Councilman, community activist and international ambassador, the Chuck Semancik Memorial Foundation is proud to present the first annual Albert L. Colvin Continuing Education Student Scholarship to Maria Aragon, a former Semancik scholarship recipient and 2004 graduate of Bremerton High.
The $1000 award is designed to support former Bremerton Semancik scholarship winners in their quest to finish their post-high school education.
Aragon says, "The Semancik Foundation has continued to support future generations in broadening their horizons and finding their strengths, so that one day they may give back to their nurturing community."
For more photos and information on scholarship winners, go to www.semancik.org
Scholarship Recipients Speak Out
"It's such an honor to receive an award under such a prestigious name. I'm very proud to say that I am a ‘Chuck Semancik Scholarship winner." 2004 BHS graduate, Jeff Frankeberger
"I have devoted long hours towards my education and wrestling. I feel if Chuck were alive today as one of my wrestling coaches, he would be very proud of my success." 2005 BHS graduate, Buddy Lee Bennett
"Being awarded the Chuck Semancik scholarship was a great honor to me. I remember on the awards night my senior year, I was totally shocked to hear my name as a recipient. I had never before been recognized for my dedication and commitment. I knew that I was no MVP, and I had assumed that all of the recipients of the scholarship would have been. It was at that moment, when my name was called, that I began to realize that it is not always how well you perform. What matters is how much you put into it. I feel that that is a valuable lesson that came to me at the right time in life. Imagine if I had entered college thinking that everything was all about the perfection." 2005 BHS graduate, Kayleigh King
"First and foremost, I would like to say that receiving the Chuck Semancik Scholarship has meant a great deal to me. The rising cost of tuition and books has been a determining factor in my decision to attend college locally." 2007 BHS graduate, Patrick Lewis
"The Semancik scholarship holds a strong traditional background, and I believe, one of the most decorated scholarships offered to a Bremerton High School senior." 2005 BHS graduate, Tara Richardson
It is a great honor to me to have been selected for this scholarship and I hope that I can go on to represent the Chuck Memorial in an honorable way." 2004 BHS graduate, Robyn Gross
"Thank you all so much for the honor I received. I am attending college where I will be playing football and baseball. I will make every effort to play "Semancik" football!" 2002 BHS graduate, Joe Bollinger
"Being awarded the Chuck Semancik Scholarship by nomination from my coach last year meant so much to me, because it showed me that someone saw the potential for me to be something greater." 2007 BHS graduate, Charlene Sicat
EAST SWEEPS GOLF!
Our 2007 tournament winners were EAST High graduates, Colin McInnes, Ernie Taylor, Dave Csencsics, and Randy Schrader (High Net). 1964 EAST High team, Gene Kennedy, Tim Ryan, Todd Buskirk, and Mike Walker won the class competition (High Gross).
Top Mixed Foursome (High Net) also went to EAST alumni with Kathy McInnes, Bonnie Hume, Leslie Cole, and Donna Ahearn.
Mike O'Brien (West '74) of O'Brien Auto Group continues as our Title Sponsor and is waiting for the chance to give a Hole-in-One prize of a new Lexus on the 16th.
Scott Peterson of SAFE Boats & Graylin Huggard of Outback Steak House loyally stand behind the scholarship fundraiser as our 2nd largest contributors.
We gratefully thank the Coach's Sponsors, Captain's Sponsors, Hole Sponsors, and the local businesses who give raffle and silent auction gifts for one of the most enjoyable tournaments around.
Register NOW for Sept 20, 2008
Your Victory Park - - Unique in the Northwest
Nestled in the southeast corner of our Bremerton Memorial Stadium off Ohio Avenue and 17th, sits the new and improved Semancik Victory Park dedicated November 3, 2007. There is no other park like this in the Northwest, perhaps the entire country. Pride and Tradition seep from every step in this small corner of Bremerton High's campus.
As one enters the stadium ticket gate, to the right is a granite rock titled, "Walk of Champions".
Following the short cement path leads one to three 4,000 lb. granite slabs engraved with a whooping 105 names of all Bremerton, West, and East High School State Champions & All-State Athletes from 1928's Basketball Forward, Hal Lee, to our latest, Bremerton High Women's Bowling State Championship in 2007-08.
Continuing on will take one into the original Semancik Victory full with many eras of personalized memories from alumni and the community traveling back as far as 1932. The bronze plaque of Chuck Semancik stands solid as a rock.
Doing an about-face from Chuck, your eyes will view the new, beautifully landscaped memorial to our military veterans called the "Path of Freedom".
On a protective berm, which horse-collars the back of the stadium fence proudly flies Old Glory initially flown over the nation's capital on Veterans Day 2005. Below the flag, visible day or night, are three two-ton granite slabs erupting from the landscaped berm with 439 engraved names of those from Kitsap County who made the supreme sacrifice from World War I to the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The center slab is inscribed with the logos of the seven U.S. military branches and the theme for the "Path of Freedom", "For those who have given life, limb and soul, so we might enjoy our freedom."
In addition to the fallen heroes' inscriptions, commemorative walking-tiles are offered to the community for personal remembrances. Among these, one will discover tiles engraved in honor of the eleven Congressional Medal of Honor recipients who resided in the Kitsap area.
Pride and Tradition. That is our goal. Those who see this park must also be reminded of the 1946-47 Bremerton High School student body who planned and acquired enough money to build this stadium and named it appropriately in honor of their many classmates, neighbors, friends, and family in this community who labored for freedom during WWII. The first football team to play in this stadium was the famed ‘Scheyermen' of Bremerton High's 1947 championship football team, outscoring its opponents 386-69 en route to a 12-0 season.
Special granite tiles are reserved along the veterans' pathway for local businesses and citizens spanning the county who offered countless hours, resource, and materials to make this proud setting a reality. We call them our Kitsap Community Honor Guard. Our most honored is Sean Olmsted, 1988 BHS alumni and owner of Clear Creek Nursery in Silverdale, who, in 2007, offered to design and upgrade the park, volunteering more than two full weeks of his work force time and offering materials at cost. None of the Semancik scholarship money was used to create this park.
Diamond Level
Sean Olmsted - Clear Creek Nursery
Bremerton School District
Chuck Semancik Memorial Foundation
C Keith Birkenfeld Memorial Trust
Platinum Level
WA State Dept of Veteran Affairs
Jerry & Nancy Reid, Reid Realty
Rice Fergus Miller Architecture
Mark Beard - Beard's Window Coverings
Beard Family Partnership
Fred Hill Materials - Kitsap Ready Mix
Scott Wakefield - PSW Electric
Dave Jory - Peninsula Truss
Gold Level
Albert C Kean American Legion Post 149
Josh Brown-Chair Kitsap Commissioners
Bruce Christopherson - Ace Paving
Donald J Brott Family
Lane & Deanna Dowell
USS John C Stennis CVN 74
USN Seabees - CEC Mark A Thresher
David Rill - Rill's Life Tribute Center
Silver Level
Eric Anderson - Art Anderson Associates
Dennis Hendrickson Am Legion Post 68
David & Kim Johnson- Westsound Bank
Bremerton VFW & Auxiliary Post 239
James M Brooks
John F Scheer
Congressman Norm Dicks
Navy Federal Credit Union
There were also a number of other contributors who have purchased personalized walking-tiles.
Currently, the completed park is valued at over six figures and is a shining example of Sean Olmsted's passion for landscape architecture.
From our foundation, your school, and the community, Thank You, Sean. You truly have Wildcat/Knight pride and are inbred with the spirit of giving back.
Touchdown Club
These friends and community members consistently give to the Semancik Foundation year after year. They are the main link to our scholarship fund. Please let them know they are doing a great deed for Bremerton's future.
Sean Olmsted-Clear Creek Nursery
Mike O'Brien-O'Brien Auto Group
Rita Runyon Baxter
Al Colvin Family
Safe Boats International, LLC
Art Anderson Associates
Jim & Susan Spencer
Ron Burley, LLC
Paul & Dino Morgen
Outback Steakhouse
Beth & Dick McConaughy
Norm Dicks
Buskirk Lindsay Olsen PLLC
Fluery Financial Group Inc
Southard Beckham Atwater & Berry
American Financial Solutions
Reid Realty - Jerry Reid
R&H Market - Baker Brothers, Inc
Bryan McConaughy - BmcConsulting
EHL Insurance
Don Brott Family
Bill Richardson - Edward Jones
JC Carlson Family - Minder Meats
Don & Nancy Rasor
R&H Market - Herdman Brothers
Cal Ormiston - Outlook Inc
James M Brooks
John F Scheer
Michael H Huntley DDS PLLC
Joe Hudson - Evergreen Trophies
Shelli Guzman - Bank of America
Kitsap Co Bremerton Athletic Roundtable
Kitsap Golf & Country Club
Bremerton Bottling Co - Pepsi
Silver City Restaurant & Brewery
David Rill - Rill's Life Tribute Center
Theresa Semancik
Bruce Christopherson - Ace Paving
Puget Sound Energy
Fred Hill Materials - Kitsap Ready Mix
Boat Shed Restaurant & Bar
Bill Mahan Family
Kitsap Family YMCA
Rice Fergus Miller Architecture
Pelluer & Witt Families
Art Pettigrue - Microsoft
David & Kim Johnson
Dr Julian Arroyo
Rosemary Semancik
Pam Beebe Volz
The Congressman and the Legendary Coach
During the Bremerton Knight Football halftime on October 24th, Congressman Norm Dicks and the only basketball coach in East High history, Les Eathorne, will be honored as our 2008 Bremerton Heroes.
Past recipients of this respected title were Al Colvin and Ike Parker in 2006 while Louie Soriano and Chuck Haselwood were honored in 2007.
Each inductee receives a large tile in the Victory Park with a special commemorating Bremerton Hero logo.
Your Class Reunion
It was great seeing so many of you take part in our "Ice Breaker Tour" of the new Bremerton High School campus and the Victory Park in Memorial Stadium.
1962-1964 alumni sent 70 West classmates, and Principal Aaron Leavell lead the way with about 40 former students from the 1968 era, all of whom are older than the tour leader and grandson of former Mayor Glen Jarstad.
It is gratifying that you are interested in knowing more about our mission to help some very special kids who graduate from BHS further their post-prep education with the hope of someday walking in your shoes. It is people like you that drive our foundation.
If you would like us to attend your reunion or set up a school & park tour with Principal Leavell next year, contact us and we'll make arrangements.
Thanks to Bremerton Bottling (Pepsi) who graciously offers to provide drinks for these tours. "The reunion committee and classmates of 1962 West High School wish to extend our sincere appreciation for your being a part of the success of our events. A good number of our classmates ('62, '63, '64) enjoyed the BHS tour that day also.
Deb McCracken - West ‘62"
"Thank you so much for your support of our class and Chuck. Your passion is wonderful.
John Sitton '68 West Wildcat"
Family Legacy for Golz, Colvin, & Runyan
The families of Doris Golz, Al Colvin, and Howard Runyan were kind enough to have memorial donations given to the Semancik Foundation during this past year.
Doris E. Golz taught Physical Education at Coontz, Bremerton, and West High, retiring in 1979.
Albert L. Colvin was a Tuskegee Airman, PSNS retiree, and Bremerton City Councilman who was known as a community activist and international ambassador.
Howard Runyan was a USN Veteran of WWII and Korea and a longtime resident of Kitsap County.
We sincerely thank everyone again who contributed to the foundation in the name of their friend or family member.
BREMERTON WEBSITES
Want to know more about your old high school and classmates??? There are some great sites:
Chuck Football is published annually by the Chuck Semancik Memorial Foundation established and nourished by alumni and friends all sharing to create opportunities for our youth. 501c3 non-profit corporation EIN 91-2020300; State UBI #602 007 558. Board Members: Lane & Deanna Dowell, Marilyn McClelland, Bob Izzi, Mark Bergsma, Chuck Stark, Mike McKnight, Ryan Nickels, Bryan McConaughy, Chuck Huhta, Ken Aries, Pat Laney, & Shelli Guzman.
