September 03, 2004
Friday

This past Saturday I had the pleasure and honor of broadcasting the Kayhi Kings football game from here in San Diego back home to Ketchikan. Special thanks to Bob Kern and his staff at KFMJ, Torrey Pines High School and Francis Parker High School athletic directors, Coach John Morrison of Francis Parker, and Blaine Ashcraft and his coaching staff at Kayhi for helping make this possible. It was extremely fun for me because it had been about 15 years since I broadcast a Ketchikan ball game of any kind.

The story of how Francis Parker and Kayhi got together to play this series is a true Alaskan human interest story. Thanks to Dave Eubanks for sharing that with the listeners on Saturday. I hope it's a home and home series that can continue in the future. I was very impressed with the Francis Parker staff and fans. There were approximately 200-300 fans in the beautiful Torrey Pines Stadium, and they were cheering not only for their Lancers, but for Ketchikan as well. They showed great sportsmanship and hospitality to the entire Ketchikan delegation. And, as I understand gave the red carpet treatment to your kids the entire time they were here.

It gave Ketchikan players a chance to play on a football field that is equalled by NONE in the San Diego area. Torrey Pines has a field that outshines the home of the San Diego Chargers, Qualcom Stadium.

Great job Ketchikan! Your efforts here were appreciated and you showed that true Alaskan spirit to many people here in San Diego. I spent a good deal of my off-air time in the broadcast booth answering questions about Alaska and Ketchikan.

Neil Gray
E-mail: ngray@barona.com
Lakeside, CA - USA

 

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