- Home
- News Grid
- Local News
- Green Hawk
- Business
- Politics
- School Zone
- Nonprofits
- Missing Pets
- Multimedia
- Arts
- Movies
- Outdoors
- Sports
- News Releases
- Columnists
- Blogs
- Opinions
- Classifieds
- Advertise
- Donate
- Partners
Dos Pueblos Stadium Dedicated in Honor of Scott O’Leary
With a gathering of friends and family, a dedication ceremony was held Friday to honor the memory and contributions of Scott O’Leary, a longtime educator and coach at Dos Pueblos High School who died in 2003.
“It is particularly fitting that today we officially dedicate the stadium at Dos Pueblos High School as Scott O’Leary Stadium,” Principal Mark Swanitz said. “As the largest classroom we have and the sports venue which accommodates more athletes than any other, the stadium befits Scott’s larger-than-life reputation as a teacher, coach, athletic director, colleague and friend. Its scope and scale, also fittingly, metaphorically represent the many thousands of lives touched by coach O’Leary during his long career at Dos Pueblos High School.
“It took 40 years for us to finally have a stadium of our own. Scott worked tirelessly to ensure that this day would one day come, and I know that he is smiling down on us this afternoon with the satisfaction that only a job well done can bring.”
Superintendent Brian Sarvis added: “When Dos Pueblos High School was built in 1966, there were two projects that were not completed at that time. Former Principal Mike Couch tells us that because the school was built with state blueprints, the state was to have paid half the cost of the auditorium and the stadium, and the district was to have paid the other half. But, because the project cost more than anticipated and the district didn’t have the money — I guess times haven’t changed much — those two projects were put on hold. I suspect that school officials didn’t realize that the last two projects would be ‘on hold’ for 40 years.
“Thanks to the community’s approval of bond Measure V, we are able to come together to celebrate a facility that will benefit generations of students. Naming the stadium for beloved, dedicated coach Scott O’Leary, a driving force for the Dos Pueblos athletic program, is a fitting tribute to a man who inspired all those whose lives he touched.”
Mayor Roger Aceves presented Kathy O’Leary with a proclamation declaring Oct. 9, 2009, as Scott O’Leary Day in the city of Goleta.
After the remarks, the group walked to a stadium entrance for the unveiling of a plaque mounted on a dedication rock. The celebration continues with special pre-game and halftime activities at Friday night’s varsity football game against Rio Mesa High School.
— Barbara Keyani is coordinator of administrative services and communications for the Santa Barbara School Districts.
Comments
Noozhawk's comments are moderated, but by posting here you accept your responsibility to follow our rules as part of Noozhawk's shared online community. Please keep your comments civil and helpful. Don't attack other readers personally, and do not use vulgar, abusive or discriminatory language. Use the "Report Abuse" link if a comment violates these standards or our Terms of Use.
» on 10.10.09 @ 09:52 AM
Thanks for everything, Coach O. From all of us you coached, encouraged, and set an example for. You are missed but your lessons are remembered.
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 10.10.09 @ 11:11 AM
It would have been nice if members of the public interested in the dedication ceremony and city proclamation had known when and where it would take place~!
The only press on the event said the dedication would take place “before the game.” Many intentionally went to the game very early so they would not miss it.
Despite the fact that Scott was extremely biased toward boys’ sports - football in particularly - when it came to focus and finances, he gave plenty to the community, particularly many young people.
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
More Local News »
Valley Christian Academy, Class of 2012
Midland School, Class of 2012
Michael Douglas Donates $500,000 to UCSB to Endow Dean’s Chair
David Marshall named to Michael Douglas Deanship in Humanities and Fine Arts
Anacapa School Teacher Speaks at ‘Freedom to Connect’ Conference
Levi Maaia among panelists in D.C. advocating for freedoms of innovation, creativity and personal expression online
Laguna Blanca School, Class of 2012
Weather: Fair 53.0º
Search Noozhawk »
