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Coach's Corner
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A Message from Tim McCune
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Head Baseball Coach: Grapevine High School
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The 2007 season will never be forgotten by those that were affected by the tragedy that occurred on February 22nd. Chris Gavora, a member of the Mustang Varsity Baseball Team, died after being injured in an accident that occurred at the Grapevine High School baseball field.
Chris and his family were new to our community having moved here from Virginia the previous summer. He had a smooth left handed delivery that caught our eye soon after he arrived. He also won many hearts with his easy going manner, great sense of humor and kind and compassionate way with all he came in contact with. He was respectful yet would not turn his back on what he perceived to be an injustice. He was a true person of character. And he loved to compete on the baseball field. He expected the very best from himself and challenged his peers to be at their best as well.
When he passed away on February 24th, he became known to many throughout our local community as well as those in the far reaching baseball community. He left a legacy with all who knew him and many who did not. His compassion and love for others was exhibited during and after his life. Chris had determined that if anything were to happen to him, he would like his organs to be donated to help save the lives of others. That wish was granted and several people are alive today because of his gift. What a powerful example to all of us. We are all better off for having had an opportunity to spend a little time with this special young man.
The 2007 Mustangs learned many lessons and persevered through more adversity than most teams will ever experience. C 17 g was embroidered on each jersey, written on each cap, painted on faces, and became a memorial to the young man that we had known for such a short time. The burden that each player and every member of the Mustang Baseball family had to carry was great. The season became more about supporting each other and less about results on the field. Support also came from our wonderful administration and staff at GHS, our loving parents and families, our peers in the baseball community, and scores of concerned people from around the area and miles away. This group of Mustangs had an opportunity to witness people at their very best. In spite of everything, this group stayed together and earned an opportunity to compete in the post season. One Team…One Goal…One Heartbeat meant more to this group of young men than any slogan could have ever meant.
Our ballpark has undergone a few improvements since last season. You will immediately notice the entrance has been transformed. A tree donated in Chris’ name will help serve as a memorial to his legacy. The outfield fence has been replaced and a beautiful new scoreboard is in place. We are so fortunate to have a facility that compares favorably to any in the country.
2008 promises to be a new year with unique challenges and opportunities. Baseball is a great game and teaches many lessons that carry over into our daily lives. It should also be fun and an avenue for forming relationships that can last a lifetime. This year’s slogan is 212 Degrees. At 211 degrees water is very hot. At 212 degrees it boils. With boiling water comes steam. Steam can power a locomotive. What an impact one degree can have. Let’s search for that extra degree in all areas of our lives. Good Luck to the 2008 Mustangs.
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Tim McCune |
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Head Baseball Coach |
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