Grants Pass High School - Toka Yearbook (Grants Pass, OR)

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Our Best Handicap Doesn’t Slow Enthusiasm Some people use a handicap as an excuse for not reaching certain goals. Others, like George Russell, refuse to let it stand in the way. George moved from the San Fernando valley in southern California to GP in 1965 At the time of the move he was a scout for the Clevland Indians and spent his weekend working with ball players. Two things prompted his move to Oregon: “Down south it was getting too crowded. It was hard to find a field to workout on, and it was getting too smoggy,” George said Also, one of his sons was playing ball with the Portland Beavers and he went to Portland for two weeks. “On my way to Portland I was im pressed with Grants Pass and the area “ In 1972 he got involved with baseball again; this time it was with Thurmon Bell in coaching American Legion teams. George did this for the next four years until he got too weak to continue. Amyotrophiclateral sclerosis, more com monly known as the Lou Gehrig’s disease, has been a part of his life since the 1950 s. The disease, which deteriorates the muscles, in many cases is fatal. After some abdominal surgery in 1976, the doctors gave him about two years to live. At 6’4“ and weighing only a 127 pounds, George felt too. that he would not have long to live. After the surgery, George’s weight began to increase, but his breathing worsened A tracheotomy was then in order, and George was well on his way to recovery In spite of George’s physical condition, he continues to lead a very active life He is president of “Make Today Count”, he is an ever-present supporter of Grants Pass High athletics, and he still manages to find the time and energy to give individual help and instruction to baseball players Varsity in fielder Phil Marchant says. “George’s love for the game is phenomenal and his knowl edge unsurpassed. He has helped me to see just how good an athlete can be with a great coach. George is that great coach. George feels that attitude is an important aspect in life. He feels you must have a good attitude and most of all a good sense of humor. “If you can’t laugh, you’d better flip it in. Laughter can fight off any disease Opening 11

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Giving It Spirit Week | Shows Pride What causes students to dress up a little strange over Spirit Week, scream at the top of their lungs at pep assemblies, and devoutly show up at athletic contests? School Spirit! The driving force behind school spirit is pride, being proud of all you are part of. Having pride makes you give a little extra in whatever you do that’s important to you. “If it’s important to you, you’ll succeed,” said Jackie Tarentino. Freshman Scott Nave agreed but had a different perspective: “If you take pride in something, you know you’ll do your best.” The pride we had for our school was bottled up during Spirit Week only to be all let out in the Medford football game, as many hoarse students came away a little upset and possibly angry at a narrow 17-14 loss. Activities during the week included 60’s day, hat and pin, western, and beach bum day. The week ended, of course, with Blue and White day and our regular pep assembly. All week long students were garbed in strange outfits, disregarding strange looks to express their spirit. Circle. No she’s not trying out for the tin man part in Wizard of Oz but Reene Prior does model her tin collection for day four of Spirit Week. I. To promote a good feeling of departure. Cavers rally round the gridders to wish them well at their playoff game with Lebanon. 2. George Russell doesn’t let a wheelchair slow him down when it comes to athlet ics. He has been a supporter of Caveman sports and part-time volunteer coach for 18 years. 3. As the freshmen class officers sing the fight song for leadership, they think to themselves, “I didn’t know this was part of the job when I ran for my office.” 4. Beth Brashears asks, “Do I have to do that just because I’m a freshman?” as she praises the seniors at freshman rally initiation. 5. Even though no Senior Powder Puff Rally showed for competition, the Junior Powder Puff Rally gives their best in their debut performance during Spirit Week. 10 Opening

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1. As a sincere “thank you”. Mrs Taylor recieved a bouquet from the Varsity Rally for her help and advising. 2. Caught in a rear view mirror, the buses are lined up in roll call fashions to deliver students home after the day. 3. Custodian Max Scott performs the traditional lowering of state and national flags at dusk to signal the end of another day at Grants Pass High. 4. A Club Crater” headband and a little creativity prompt Jim Her mens to be the masked spirited avenger. 5. To create the perfect spirit poster. Ron Southwick is pulled from the crowd by Varsity Rally member Debbie Smith to help with football game art work Circle. Freshmen Rally members aren’t sure how they made it through their early childhood years as they choke down baby food at the year’s first assembly. Pride Shines