Ponderings
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Paulette Dunn-Smith '50
Garden Grove, CA
pndrpsmith@aol.com1-3-12
MHS OUR HATS ARE OF TO YOU!Bob Humble, class of '48, has written it all down for us. Bob attended every game. He was down on the sidelines - recording the events for us. What can I say but "thank you".Those of you who also go the games regularly and those of us who only get there occasionally can only say Thank you. Yours is a gift that only you could give.WILDACTS ARE THE CIF CHAMPS AGAIN!
What an ending to the 2011 Football season. The Monrovia Wildcats had a very exciting season from beginning to end. With the completion of the new football field and stadium, then the outstanding group of coaches and exciting young men of the Monrovia Wildcats Varsity Football Team it all came together to create a once in a lifetime experience.
The Wildcats have had a good 2nd half of the season winning their last 9 games. They had some early season woes losing to Arcadia, South Hills and San Dimas. It was at this time that the Wildcats made a turnaround and defeated Paramount 40 to 14. Then the Rio Hondo League play started and Monrovia blew by everyone in spectacular fashion. There were no close games in league play. The Wildcats ran away with the league championship going undefeated.
The first round on the playoffs was Monrovia Vs. Pomona which was won by Monrovia 24 to 7. The next game was a rematch of last years finals vs Whittier Christian which was played at Whittier College on a very cold night. The Monrovia Wildcats dominated the contest by a score of 67 to 21.
The Beginning of the end started with a showdown game with The Covina Colts at Covina District Field on Friday Dec 2nd. This game was well attended. District Field was over flowing, it was a cold night and everyone was bundled up. The Covina Colts were a very strong team this year and they were the #1 seed in the Mid Valley Division playoffs. This game was one of the best played games of the year and the Covina Colts have had one of the best seasons in years. As did the Monrovia Wildcats. This made for a great game. This was the Semi Finals game as both Covina Colts and Monrovia Wildcats were on the same side of the bracket. This meant that they would not be able to play in the finals even though they were the best two teams in the Division. After a tough battle Monrovia pulled out the victory with a score of 41 to 27.
The last game of the playoffs was with San Gabriel High School which the Wildcats scored a 53 to 14 victory. Thus making the Monrovia Wildcats the CIF Mid Valley Division Champion, for the second year in a row.
The game started with San Gabriel intercepting Hayworth early in the first quarter, but did not score. Monrovia’s two defensive linemen, Ellis McCarthy , and George Frazier moved to the end of the defensive line and controlled the activity there the rest of the game. The Wildcats were having trouble with San Gabriel in the first quarter, but opened the game up in the second quarter Bias finished a long drive off with a run for a touchdown, with 9:50 left in the first half.
Bias had runs of 42, 13 and 11 yards, he also had a 42 yard run before being tackled by San Gabriel’s Billalobos. The Cats had a field goal in the 4th quarter of 35 yards by Monrovia’s Bryan.
The Wildcats scored a 53 to 14 win over San Gabriel High School to post back to back CIF Southern Division Championships. This awesome display of football ability the Monrovia coaches have
assembled a mighty football machine, that will be a factor for years to come and all old MADCATS and WILDCATS should celebrate with the fight song:
MHS, our hats off to you
He men Wildcats, fighters through and through
We’ll fight for everything, we’ll make the echo’s ring
With honors brought to you, Rah, Rah, Rah
M H S, our hats are off to you
He men Wildcats, fighters through and through
Fight, Fight, Fight for old MHS
Bob Humble, 48MHS
11-28-11
MONROVIA- 67 - WHITTIER CHRISTIAN -21!Monrovia vs. Whittier Christian
What started out as a very cold hike in the hills of Whittier on the Campus of Whittier College turned into a rather shocking football game.
The Wildcats played Whittier Christian High School Heralds in a quarter final game of the mid valley Division, to a 67 to 21 decision.
The weather was cool to say the least, the temperature was in the 40’s all night. Monrovia scored early and kept on scoring to the tune of 67 to 21.
With this victory the Wildcats will move into the semi final game at Covina District field, Puente St. and Citrus Ave. Covina, CA., Friday night Dec.2, 2011 at 7:30
Looking forward to the finals – the winner of this game will meet either San Dimas High School or San Gabriel High School in the final round of the CIF Mid Valley Division CIF-SS/Ford 2011 Football Championships, on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011.
Let’s not look too far ahead, it would be a great night to have a gathering of the MADcats to root on the new Wildcats and have a good old time football party out in Covina on Friday night, Dec. 2.
There are several good places we could meet. One suggestion is Millie’s – adjacent to the Covina District Field.
Those of you that would like to participate, please contact:
Bob & Marilyn Humble 626-966-6897 so we can anticipate seating.
This promises to be an outstanding football game.
Bob Humble ‘48
HOW ABOUT IT
! WE COULD MEET AT MILLIES IN COVINA FOR SUPPER AND THEN HEAD ON OVER TO WATCH THE GAME. GIVE BOB OR MARILYN HUMBLE A CALL AT 626 966 6897 SO THAT THEY CAN PLAN FOR OUR GATHERING. THAT IS FRIDAY DEC. 2, THE GAME STARTS AT 7:30.
11-14-11
THE GRAND OPENING AND TOUROctober 16, 2011The day has finally arrived. We are going to be able to look at all the wonderful improvements that have been made to our all ready wonderful Monrovia High School.So - now on October 16 - AT 5 pm - there will be the GRAND OPENING TOUR OF THE MONROVIA HIGH SCHOOL MODERNIZATION PROJECTS and the DEDICATION of the LOUISE K. TAYLOR PERFORMING ARTS CENTER.The tour will begin after the ribbon cutting ceremony.At 6:30 p.m. the dedication of our new auditorium will begin.Oh Wildcats you really must go to the Class of '54 page ofBruce and Mariellen Staller have wonderful pictures posted.
11-14-11
WILDCAT FOOTBALL AND HOMECOMMING 2011
Wildcat football and homecoming 2011 what a big night!! The grandstands were full of old and young grads. The Monrovia Wildcats football team played Blair High School and at half time the Homecomming Queen and King were crowned.
As we have reported, several of the Monrovia football players have been on the injured list and have not been able to play, and have left Coach Maddox with many problems early in this season.
Now that we’re out of the pre league games the team is about 100% ready. Coach Maddox stated “we have people still on the sick list, but we will have some of the players back this week”.
With the win at LaCanada High School last week 47-2. The Wildcats have won their 18th consecutive league game, dating back to the 2007 season.
The Wildcats played Blair High School of Pasadena last Friday night and won, 48-0. This was the second Rio Hondo game for the Wildcats. Next Friday night, Oct 28th, the Cats play San Marino High School at 7 pm If the team keeps improving, and the injured players are back and playing, the Wildcats should have little trouble with San Marino High School.
Next on the schedule is South Pasadena, a very old rival. This game is the last game of this year’s Rio Hondo League schedule.
So, with all our support, and the outstanding play of the Monrovia Varsity Wildcat football team we will win another Rio Hondo League title.
GO WILDCATS !!!
Bob Humble
‘48
Now, on to the history of the 2011 season.
!First things first – I was side tracked last week with a commitment to my old Army group as we were meeting in Las Vegas for our 23rd annual reunion. This was a major disruption of my normal activities, we had a very good time and spent a lot of money, oh well such is the plite of a wandering reporter.
Now to get back to football- O’Boy this has been a tough year so far, the Cats have a record of 2 wins and 3 losses. The Wildcats started this season with a win over Glendora 29 to 16. Then it was a cross town game with Arcadia. Well the Apaches turned the Cats everywhere but lose to the tune of 26 to 22. There was a plus to the visit, it stirred up old memories of this area of Arcadia where the Army had a small anti aircraft base established on the area where the Arcadia High School campus is today. I remember the anti aircraft guns, and the search lights that were installed, they’re just about where the gym is today. I also remember the jack rabbits that used to run wild all over this area, the Santa Anita golf course and the swimming pool, well enough of this, Back to the games- The Wildcats next game was with San Dimas on the 23rd of September at Monrovia. This was a very difficult game as San Dimas is a perennial league champion. The local newspaper called it a Monrovia meltdown. The Saints handed the Wildcats a real tail twisting with the final outcome, 31 to 14. The Wildcats have had a slow start and some bad luck. Coach Ryan Maddox said “Were dropping a lot of footballs, we are not blocking.” The Wildcats just do not seem to have the pep of last years team. The next game was with South Hills High School, at home on September 30th. Again the Cats suffered a loss 34 to 30. South Hills had little trouble besting the Cats. The Wildcats have had a slow start and have had some injuries this year, but the last pre league game this year was with Paramount High School. The Wildcats won this game 40 to 14. This ended their pre league schedule with 2 wins and 3 losses.
Now the Wildcats are faced with the task of putting all the plugs in the right holes the rest of the way if they are to repeat as Mid Valley Division Champions. The Monrovia Wildcats all class alumni association wishes good luck to the 2012 Monrovia Wildcats and their Coach Ryan Maddox “GO CATS”
2011-12 Monrovia High School Football Schedule and record of games.
1. Glendora 16 Monrovia 29
2. Arcadia 26 Monrovia 22
3. San Dimas 31 Monrovia 14
4. So. Hills 34 Monrovia 30
5. Paramount 14 Monrovia 40
6. La Canada* There Oct 14 7pm
7. Blair* Home Oct 21 7pm
8. San Marino* There Oct 28 7pm
9. Temple City* There Nov 4 7pm
10. So. Pasadena* Home Nov 10 7pm
* Rio Hondo League
9-19-11Bob Humble's ReportThe game was with Arcadia High School. This game seems as though we are playing an intramural game. In our gym glasses at good old MAD these games were put together by Verl Murray, track coach They were called “Mr. Murray’s 7th period intramural football league”. I remember this well, because our team won the championship
I found a picture of our team, “Navy Intramural Victors,” Members of the team were, John Ochoa, Monrovia, Gene Dickinson, Monrovia, Bill Glorfeld, Monrovia, Phil Bortells, Duarte, Bob Humble, Arcadia, David Felix, Arcadia, and Howard Dickinson, Monrovia. The Navy, Intramural Champions, 1945. As you can see MAD covered a lot of territory, including the city of Arcadia.
Well, enough of this reminiscing. Let’s get to the matter at hand - the Arcadia High School Apaches. The Apaches have had some lean years and were out of the football championships last year. Monrovia had defeated the Apaches a year ago and looked to do it again this year. The Wildcats are coming off of what can only be described as a super season, winning the Rio Hondo League title and capturing the Mid Valley Division championship. That was very nice and lifted the monkey off the Cats back. That was nice, but now we have a new year and new challenges, the first of which was last weeks game with Glendora which Monrovia won 29-16. Tonight the Wildcats ventured west of Madison Ave into Apache land. At Santa Anita Ave and Duarte Rd to play Arcadia High School in a non league game. From the beginning of the game the Wildcats seemed to be suffering from a sweeping sickness and had a hard time starting their offense, Arcadia on the other hand were putting on a very good offensive game. Arcadia moved the ball with ease for many gains and were pulling Willy Wildcats Tail. Monrovia’s passing was not sharp and penalties stopped Monrovia several times during the game, The Wildcats ended the game on a safety giving Arcadia the victory 26 to 22. This was the end of the game-not a very good game for the Wildcats tonight, Arcadia seemed to have a smoother game than Monrovia.
Coach Maddox will no doubt work on the problem areas this week and prepare the Cats for our next game on Sept. 23rd at 7pm, Wildcat field. Monrovia hosts San Dimas. San Dimas is a strong team and should a an outstanding game. A real test for our Wildcats.
Until next week,
Bob Humble, ‘48
PLEASE NOTICE THAT THE NEXT GAME WILL BE PLAYED ON OUR FIELD.
THE WEATHER IS SUPPOSED TO BE WARM AND IT WILL BE A GREAT TIME TO CHECK OUT OUR NEW CAMPUS AND SPORTS FIELDS.
CALL BOB HUMBLE AT 626-966-6897 FOR INFORMATION ABOUT PARKING ETC.
9-12-11
FOOTBALL IN MONROVIAIT IS THAT SEASON AGAINBob Humble - class of '48 is still going to every game. He has been doing that for about 65 years as I calculate. Maybe longer. Bob and I have been discussing a date for us ALL to return to our new football stadium and maybe take a peek at all the changes and the non-changes at our beautiful MAD.Here is Bob's report of the opening game this season. This is what we used to call a practice game.I think that now it is a bit more important. These early games are with teams we may play in the playoffs in a few months.********************************************** MONROVIA HIGH SCHOOL, 2011 FOOTBALL SEASON
We start a new year with a new look campus and many changes to the old MAD, a new Kitten Koop in about the same area that Ma Parks served out the malts and Pepsi’s to us. The new campus with the new planted areas and a cafeteria entrance. The friendship circle was saved and is still the center of the Quad.
The front of the building has been cleaned up and new grass planted, it really looks good; with the new white paint and new green lawns and the sparkling bell tower it is a site to see. Well enough of the campus tour.
This was the first game of the 2011 season. The Monrovia Wildcats are the champions of the Mid Valley Division, the first time winning of the division crown in 10 previous tries. This year the Cats started the season at home against Glendora HS who bested the Wildcats in last season’s opener played at Citrus College. This game was played at Monrovia’s Wildcat Stadium. The grand stands have been finished on the visitor side of the field; the only glitch was the lack of power to the scoreboard or light on the flag. All caused by crossed wires in the main terminal. Principal Jackson said that the contractors would have it fixed by the next home game.
The game started slowly and the Cats were unable to move the ball with any consistency. Glendora was about to get their 1st downs and move the ball. Monrovia’s running back De’shawn Ramirez ran the ball on 4th and 11 and lost a yard, and turned the ball over to Glendora, on the Monrovia 9 yard line. Glendora could not move the ball and settled for a field goal. Monrovia’s defense held, Ryan Maddox said “The defense was playing great”, He also said that “The Offense needs to work on some things.”
George Frazier took the Cats 64 yards, then passed to Craft a 34 yards pass, then hit Craft again for 12 yards, at the half. In the second half Monrovia found its second wind, They moved the ball to midfield. The Wildcats seemed to find the offense in the locker room. After great defensive stops Monrovia scored 29 points for a victory of 29 to 16.
This sets the stage for our second game which will be at Arcadia HS. This is the field that the Wildcats won the CIF championship on. Should be a bone up game as Arcadia is always ready to play the Cats from Monrovia HS.
DVD AVAILABLEYou will find the notice below on Jim Regan's Book Review page. I have cut and pasted it here just to be sure you see it.Before you send in for your DVD - check out the Bood Review page for wonderful pictures and story about the 2011 Alaskan Iditarod Dog Race.
Midway Madness All-Class Reunion Now On DVD
For those that missed the All-Class Reunion last October, or for those who want to relive the memory, a colorful 21 minute DVD is now available. Just send a $15.00 (or more) check made out to The Monrovia Schools Foundation and mail to P.O Box 2447, Monrovia, CA 91017, ATTN: Bruce Staller. And yes, it is TAX DEDUCTABLE
