The Innocent Victims of 9/11 - I believe that we are called to respect and remember the innocent victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City. My mother worked as manager of the 'Windows of the World' restaurant at the top of the World Trade Center when I was a child growing up in New York, hence the strong emotional connection to these two historic buildings. I also lost a close friend who was in one of the buildings the day they collapsed. My heart goes out the the families and friends of the innocent people that were injured or lost their life on September 11, 2001...We Will Never Forget +

Paul Reyna - Paul was one of my close friends and teamates' during my high school years at Bishop Amat Memorial High School. Paul was one of the most outgoing and caring people I have ever known and while his 6 foot 5 inch presence was noticed wherever he went, I believe it was his spirit that always seemed to be felt. He was both fierce and competitive in whatever sport he was playing, but was also dedicated to his faith, serving faithfully at his parish of Saint Martha's Catholic Church.

All of Paul's hard work paid off as he earned a football scholarship to The Boise State University in the fall of 1999. During his first week of preseason practice, Paul hit his head on the hard artificial turf surface and passed away a few days later from a severe blood clot in his head. Paul touched so many lives in the short time he was given on this earth and is missed dearly by his family, friends, past teamates, and his courageous mother Carolyn.

I miss you my brother and can't wait to see you in Heaven and laugh with you again.

Your Spirit lives on.......#95

Devaughn Darling - Devaughn was a teammate of mine as well as a friend. We came intogether as part of the Class of 2004 at F.S.U. and while I did not know Devaughn for a long period of time, he made an impact on my life that will last forever. Devaughn past away while participating in an off-season workout session with my teammates and I during the spring of 2001. He will always be missed by his family at Florida State and is constantly in our thoughts as well as on our hearts.

His brother Devard continues to carry on his legacy in the National Football League.

We miss you D.D......#53.

Joseph "Sparky" O'Connor - Sparky was a coach of mine at Bishop Amat Memorial High School. I will forever remember his warm and humble spirit as well as his calm and cool approach to coaching. His style was indeed refreshing in an age where coaches are almost expected to intimidate their players. Coach O'Connor was just the opposite…he coached with love.

When Joe O'Connor retired from coaching at Amat in 1999 he spent several years as a volunteer at Queen of the Valley Hospital in West Covina, CA, Santa Teresita Hospital in Duarte as well as the City of Hope in Duarte, CA. He was also well-known at St. Joseph's Parish in La Puente, CA where he taught in the CCD Program and worked at the parish in various capacities.

He is survived by all eleven children, twenty-seven grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren! He is also survived by his faithful dog "Domer" named after the golden dome at his beloved Notre Dame University where he attended college.

You will always be remembered…as the 'Spirit of Sparky' lives on!

Doug Smith - Coach Smith was a coach of mine at Bishop Amat Memorial High School. I will always remember the impression that Coach Smith made on me in such a short time. He taught me a lot about the game of football and the game of life.

As track and field coach at Arcadia High School, Smith built one of the top programs in Southern California and was one of the founders of the Arcadia Invitational track and field meet. The Invitational is now the biggest high school activity which is run by a single school, in the United States. In 2008, the meet gathered nearly 500 high schools. Coach Smith's organizational skills were so renowned that he was given the title of Competition Facilities Coordinator for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Doug was a long-time assistant football coach for Dick Salter at Arcadia High School and later served as an assistant for Tom Salter at Bishop Amat where I had the blessing of playing for him. He also coached later with Tim Salter at Upland High School. Coach Smith will always be regarded as a true legend in the coaching field of Southern California. However, I will remember him most as a mentor and loyal friend.

I will never forget the honor and privilege it was to be one of four players spanning four decades to speak at Coach Smith's retirement celebration in 2002.

You impacted many lives Coach, including mine and you will be greatly missed…Apache and Amat Pride forever.