It’s likely the only time you’re ever gonna see this…
The large Dos Pueblos Chargers banner, among others, being proudly displayed in the center of the small hedge that adorns the stage of the al fresco Greek Theatre — right there in the heart of ‘Royal-ville’ (aka the San Marcos High School campus).
But, after all, this is no ordinary event.
Close friend and ex-football coach Dick Mires speaks to the large crowd at San Marcos High School. (Photos by Vince Agapito)
This is a celebration of life … about community … and coming together to honor, remember and celebrate ‘one of our own’…
Monday evening’s memorial service for beloved teacher and football coach Jeff Hesselmeyer, who died suddenly last month at the age of 59, revealed the true essence of a man who made a positive difference in many lives.
His devotion to his players, his convictions, his sense of humor … and, yes, even his ‘quirks’ — it was all ‘out there’ and shared passionately by the eight presenters in this near hour-long program.
“Hess,” as he was affectionately known, was more than a coach. he was a teacher, a friend, a mentor, a hero to many he touched on local school campuses wherever he landed.
Most recently at San Marcos. Dos Pueblos prior to that. And somewhere in there was a two-year stint up in Santa Maria, so he could devote this full attention to his wife, Jennie, as she was, unsuccessfully, fighting “The Big C.”
And on this warm summer evening, they all showed to pay their respects — mostly Royals and Chargers. The Dons, too. Even some Cardinals.
All in all, over 300 in attendance, many from Santa Barbara’s ‘very tight-knit’ sports world.
“It was always more than winning and losing for Hess,” said Dr. David Cash, new Santa Barbara Unified School District Superintendent and former DP Principal. “Relationships were very important to him and it was all about ‘the experience’ for his players.”
From good friend and long-time coaching pal Joby Nunez: “He was a humble guy and he was born to coach. He became part of my family.”
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Coach Hess’ ‘Three Game-Day Rules’ for young ball boys assisting on the football sidelines:
1. Get out of the way.
2. Don’t get in the way
3. When I say get out of the way, get out of the way.
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“I met him four years ago when he interviewed and we became friends, Brian “Chucky” Roth, the head of the San Marcos Physical Education Department said. “Hess was interested in all teams in the community and he always wanted the best for his kids. He always thought of others first … I loved him and will miss him very much.”
Despite his large stature, Hess was more of a “teddy bear” according to another presenter.
And one of the things Hess wanted absolutely nothing to do with was any attention on himself.
Just ask Abe Jahadhmy, SMHS Athletic Director.
“I tried to throw him a birthday party once and he put the kibosh on it. He didn’t even show up for his own party!”
Although he won’t be roaming the sidelines on the Royals brand-new football turf this season, it was announced that Coach Hess will forever be an important part of any future Royals-Chargers football game, as there will be a Game MVP and the winner will have his name forever inscribed on “The Jeff Hesselmeyer Trophy.”
A touching tribute to someone special who has cast a very long shadow…
And as the service concluded, it’s a reunion of sorts with players and friends from the 1970s to today.
Asked about if he learned anything new about Coach Hess afterwards, the Royals young assistant Coach Chris Janeway offered: “No. He was always very honest. What you saw was what you always got.”
About what he’ll remember most about his football boss, Janeway shared:
“In the toughest of times, he had this unique ability to control himself and say something positive to a player, to a ref, to another coach. I’ll take that lesson with me.”
It’s said that tragedies have a way of bringing people together … about bringing a community together… and it appears that Coach Hess may have just taught us another lesson …
It’s all in those banners.
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Top 10 ‘Golden Nuggets’ Just Learned About Coach Hess
10. Favorite Band – Rolling Stones
9. Could throw a football 90 yards in the air!
8. Definitely ‘Old School’
7. Trademark aviator sunglasses
6. Would have likely never taught a ‘Computer Sci’ course (non-‘tekkie’)
5. Told great stories — could remember everything!
4. Never said, “You’re breaking up on me” on his cell phone (didn’t own one)
3. Great smile and hearty laugh
2. Smacked his gum — especially during Saturday films
1. Had bitchin’ ‘70’s wardrobe
Coach Hesselmeyer was a colleague and a friend. I enjoyed his perspective, his wit, and his willingness to stick by his “guys” in good times and bad. In today’s world of athletics, it is all too seldom that we see coaches put aside their egos over wins and losses and actually realize that the real important thing is the journey they experience with their players. Coach Hess understood that. Like Coach Ward, they were the epitome of high school coaches. Keep your head up SM Football players — your effort is a tribute to those who show they care and Coach Hess certainly did….