During the Northern Illinois University vs. Notre Dame game at U.S. Cellular Field, I met Roberto Clemente H.S. (RCHS) Baseball coach, Chris Hall. We talked about one of the latest talents from RCHS--NIU shortstop Marvin Sanchez. Hall mentioned the long list of players that had played at Roberto Clemente and received scholarships at Div.I-II-III universities. The kids can play!
Hall got the head coaching job, after volunteering and being an assistant for nearly five years. His first priority, was to implement an above average GPA and show the meaning of hard love. RCHS is located in Humboldt Park, a low-income, gang-drug infested neighborhood, where less than 50 percent of students are college bound. RCHS is developing some of the best talent in State of Illinois, yet the players come from low-income families, making it difficult to participate in tournaments, buy equipment, or focus on school. The sad part! Local business leaders and elected officials take no pride in helping these future sluggers. I hope my article can motivate these people to invest and support local talent. Also, Hall explained how the local media would not cover RCHS visit to Puerto Rico and meet the Clemente Family--tipical. Why???
I always read cookie cutter stories about suburban high schools in the local papers ! They say 'no' to a story with substance and a human interest angle-Yikes! Maybe, the reporter was scared of visiting RCHS!
Hall got the head coaching job, after volunteering and being an assistant for nearly five years. His first priority, was to implement an above average GPA and show the meaning of hard love. RCHS is located in Humboldt Park, a low-income, gang-drug infested neighborhood, where less than 50 percent of students are college bound. RCHS is developing some of the best talent in State of Illinois, yet the players come from low-income families, making it difficult to participate in tournaments, buy equipment, or focus on school. The sad part! Local business leaders and elected officials take no pride in helping these future sluggers. I hope my article can motivate these people to invest and support local talent. Also, Hall explained how the local media would not cover RCHS visit to Puerto Rico and meet the Clemente Family--tipical. Why???
I always read cookie cutter stories about suburban high schools in the local papers ! They say 'no' to a story with substance and a human interest angle-Yikes! Maybe, the reporter was scared of visiting RCHS!
1 comment:
Cesar,
I appreciate your professionalism, and your desire to write some positive stories about the kids in my community, and the kids at Roberto Clemente Community Academy.
Keep up the GREAT work!
Chris Hall
Head Varsity Baseball Coach
Roberto Clemente Community Academy
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