It was standing room only at the last meeting of the YMCA Quarterback Club for 2022. Held on Nov. 8 at the Oakmont Country Club, supporters of the Club and the athletes they followed were on hand to recognize and celebrate key players for their dedication to the sport of football on the high school and community college level.

In addition to players and their families, several football enthusiasts attended the luncheon. They included Rick Dinger, Fr. Anthony “Tony” Marti, Pete and Mike Smith, and principals from the local schools. Dignitaries were on hand to offer congratulations as well. They included GUSD Superintendent Dr. Vivian Ekchian and State Senator Anthony Portantino. The senator offered the inspiration that centered on the importance of voting. As the luncheon was held on Election Day, comments were was particularly apropos.

“Our voices matter especially at the ballot box,” Portantino said before thanking veterans for their service in recognition of Veterans Day on Nov. 11.

The main event was the celebration of key student athletes from local schools. The coaches from each of the seven schools that are supported by the YMCA Quarterback Club were on hand to recognize players at the junior varsity and varsity levels and present each with a plaque commemorating their performance on the field. In addition, scholarship athletes received a scholarship of $1,000.

Athletes recognized from Crescenta Valley High School were varsity player Shade Schaefer, junior varsity player Tyler Matsuda and scholarship athlete Alexander Barseghyan. From Glendale High School were varsity player Daniel Autrey, junior varsity player Brady Aldrete and scholarship athlete Mateo Gutierrez. From Hoover High School were varsity player Daniel Rangel, junior varsity player A.J. Francisco and scholarship athlete Andrew Torres. From La Cañada High School were varsity player Corey Cheung, junior varsity player Sohan Garg and scholarship athlete Mateo Gallegos. From St. Francis High School were varsity player Jack Jacobs, junior varsity player John Sanders and scholarship athlete Logan Collazo. From Village Christian School were varsity player Rudy Perez, junior varsity player Cadan Craft and scholarship athlete Brayon Crawford. From Glendale Community College were varsity player Nick Garcia and scholarship athlete Emilio Valdez.

The QB Club will hold its kickoff to the football season in August 2023.