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

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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

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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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Through Opening 13