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Tradition’s Mirror

We meet these Raider football athletes 
At the Oakmont Historical Society
Coach Trevor George connecting them
To the storied football past in our valley

The young men are 15 to 18 years young
Manhood emerging in their athletic bodies
Discipline and determination driving
Dreams and desires of victory

We seniors are in our 70’s
Our youth preserved in old photos
Depicting football Tradition in the 1960’s
Memories preserved in photos and hearts

As we gaze into the History window displays
Our reflections of old men stare back
As we enjoy talking with our Raider players
We recognize ourselves in their eyes

We ask about their goals, their dreams
Enthusiasm carries their hopeful words
Like a running back scoring a touchdown
These young men fill us with hope

We know their hopes, goals and dreams
We were them 58 years ago
But memories and dreams escape Time
The clock never runs out on cherished events

These Raiders express their respect for Tradition
Some players look at us with expected suspicion
Wondering if we truly could be the pictured youth
We have played many Seasons in Life

Jack London wrote, “Youth shall be served.”
These fine athletes restore our youth
Our aging bodies tell them Time passes
Cherish your youth, dreams and friendships 

Good Luck to Coach Trevor George, 
Coaches & 2023 Riverview Raiders
Thank you Oakmont Historical Society
For the Memories and Inspiration
 
Chuck Erdeljac 
  Oakmont High School 1969

AUGUST 2023