Monday September 2, 2019
This is my final article for the Anchor on behalf of Chestermere High School. I have enjoyed writing the article for the past ten years, but it is time that someone else at CHS takes this over. The current principal, Chris Robertson, had indicated that the article will continue. I hope it continues, for many years, as I know many of you have enjoyed reading about the athletic program.
VOLUNTEER
In June I completed my 40th year as a teacher, coach, athletic director or volunteer at Chestermere High School. I am very proud to have supported the students, athletes and coaches at CHS for four decades. I will continue to volunteer at the school in a number of ways. I will be working closely with the alumni to help support the current program. I will always advocate to make sure that the legacy of the program will be honored and showcased. Our history is very important. I am also spearheading the field upgrade project, which is very important to the school and community.
Since I “retired” from teaching I have worked as a part-time sports co-ordinator with Rocky View Schools. This has been a great job as it has allowed me to stay involved with athletics at CHS and with all schools in Rocky View.
ALUMNI ARTICLE
While I will not be writing an article each week, I will be penning an alumni article each month. I will showcase alumni achievements and announcing any alumni events, as well as updating developments in the football upgrade project. I also plan on writing about significant events in the history of the school and program.
THANKS
I would like to thank Barb and Steve Jeffrey, and the Anchor, for their support with this article. This has been a great way to support the student-athletes, teams and coaches at Chestermere High School. This has been an outstanding platform to support and showcase the athletic program. Thank you!!
I would also like to thank all coaches, students and parents that contributed information and pictures to me over the years Without your help I could not have written this article each week.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS SEPTEMBER 13, 2019
All former Chestermere Football players and parents, as well as current supporters and parents are invited to attend the annual Friday Night Lights game on Friday, September 13th. The Lakers will be taking on the Bert Church Chargers at 6:00. Following the game a social will take place in the curling lounge at the Chestermere Recreation Centre at 8:30. All supporters and alumni are invited to the social. The cost to attend the social is $10 to cover the cost of the room rental and food. All profits will be donated to the football upgrade project.
If you are a football alumnus and have not been receiving the updates please send me an email and I will add you to the data base.
CHESTERMERE ATHLETIC FIELD UPGRADE PROJECT
We are continuing to raise funds for the Field Upgrade project. September is a key month for us as we have a number of big matching grants that we are applying for. Our committee is working hard to raise the necessary funds to have this project completed by September 2020. Please contact me if you would like information on the project or interested in making a donation to the project. It takes a great deal of support to complete a project like this.
REST IN PEACE
In the past few weeks we lost two special people related to the school and athletic program. Jerry Ibach passed away three weeks ago. Jerry was an outstanding math teacher that retired 12 years ago. He taught at Chestermere for over 30 years and was a dedicated teacher and coach. He coached basketball in the late 70’s as well as volleyball in the 80’s. He coached the senior boys volleyball team to a silver medal at provincials. He was one of the most enthusiastic supporters at athletic events. His large family of brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews will miss him.
Two weeks ago we were stunned to hear of the passing of Al Alberda. Al and his wife, Elsie, were parents of four boys who participated in the athletic program. Al was a great supporter of the teachers and coaches at Chestermere for many years, including after his kids graduated. He loved watching his boys play football and basketball and was a driving force behind the scenes in support of the teams. Al was one of those larger than life characters that you always enjoyed seeing. He is greatly missed by his family and friends.
