On Tuesday, December 5th, Juan Magana, owner of Sierra Madre Cantina, hosted a free dinner for the Orange Glen High School football team. Deputy Mayor Joe Garcia, Escondido Chamber Board Member, Madam Chair Deana Smith and Judy Fitzgerald, Escondido American Legion’s Stef Holden, David Zumaya, OGHS Football Boosters, and athlete parents were guests at the event. They had the opportunity to hear personal stories of perseverance and hope from the athletes after facing adversity.  Coach Tido Smith shared stories on how the team turned a bad experience into something good, positively impacting fellow OGHS students and the Escondido community.  Deputy Mayor Joe Garcia commended the athletes for turning a negative experience into good, facing challenges head on and exceeding expectations.

Judy Fitzgerald applauded the students, stating, “I am so incredibly proud of and inspired by you all.   Your stories on how you chose to press through as individuals and as a team exemplifies your team motto, 'One Ball, One Team'.  As a team, you decided to keep looking forward, moving forward, and keeping your eyes set on a new goal.  You chose to grow and learn from this experience and have been an example to our community.  I am excited for the future of Escondido with people of your character at the helm to make this community better together."

The team is looking forward to next year’s season with many returning juniors and sophomores.  Please support the Orange Glean High School Football boosters.  You can visit them online at https://www.ogalumni.org/football-donations/