“Teammates Forever” was originally a story written many years ago. That old newspaper article featured one of our closest teammates who was battling the devastating illness, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) .

Over thirty years ago, in the summer of 1982,  Jeff was our standout offensive tackle. Together with quarterback, Steve Beuerlein, wide receiver, Brian Salerno, and me, a defensive lineman, our efforts helped our football season achieve a 13-1 record, with the only loss coming against the #1 team in the county that year, Moeller of Cincinnati, Ohio. Proudly, we ranked #4 in USA Today, and #1 in the state of California. 

The bond of brotherhood created on the football field during high school years makes for long lasting friendships and teammates forever. Young men come together as a team to train and prepare for their up coming season. Early practices, two a days, summer camps, and the constant strive to getting bigger, faster and stronger with the common goal of winning. Although we lost Jeff Sherer to ALS many years ago, he will not be forgotten by his teammates. 

Fast forward to today, and the bonds that were created on the football field back then are still important relationships in my life. In fact, as I write this, I am lucky to have both Steve Beuerlein and Brian Salerno, and their sons up to my cabin for the weekend.

Although Steve, Brian, and I all took different paths in life, we have enjoyed sharing stories from both the young and the old of our group this weekend, which brought back memories of feeling invincible. Together, we reminisced as we watched the old VHS video of the Mater Dei and Long Beach Poly games. We talked about our parents and how lucky we were that they were so committed to our athletics and overall development.

Ironically Steve was the Angelus Player of the Year, Brian was the Offensive Player of the Year and I was the Defensive Player of the Year. Although we have all suffered some injuries that still haunt us today, we would not change a thing. We understand that sports teaches life lessons, and is so much more than about simply wins and losses.

“My high school sports experience was as critical a part of my journey as any other aspect of my career path. The lessons learned and the bonds formed still impact me today.” ~Steve Beuerlein

Many of you may know Steve Beuerlein as a successful NFL quarterback. Steve is a Super Bowl winner, a former #1 draft pick in the 1995 NFL expansion draft of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and an All Pro Quarterback. Brian Salerno is a successful business owner, and entrepreneur who plays a mean game of golf. I myself, have worked in the fitness industry, sold high end real estate, became an outdoorsman and social media influencer, and am currently a Head Scout for NCSA (National College Scouting Association).

“The brotherhood and teammate experience from high school is something I carry throughout my family and business life each and everyday.” ~ Brian Salerno

No matter what game you play, sports changes lives in many ways. To be a part of a team, or to compete in a sport as an individual, sports prepares young athletes for the most important game – the game of life.

Obvious health benefits from being active, learning to work as a team, and the hard work ethic that carries on forever. These qualities start early in life and the lasting relationships and connections from playing high school and college sports build and continues for the rest of your life. It’s great to see that the true purity of competition at the high school level continues to produce young men and women who go on to make a difference both in their communities and back at home.

It’s the intangibles of character, perseverance, and humility that are learned through participation in sports that truly make the biggest difference in life.  Whether or not players make it to the college or NFL level, isn’t as important as the lessons learned and friendships formed that will make you teammates forever.

***Interested in taking your game beyond the high school level? Let me help you get a college scholarship! Contact me at chris@coachchris99.com, Head Scout for NCSA. National Collegiate Scouting Association® ~Chris Burget

(NCSA) was founded in 2000 to help student athletes and their families navigate the cutthroat, competitive, and often confusing world of college recruiting. Our team of former college athletes, coaches and scouts, our network of 99% of American college coaches, and our custom technology and tools give you the edge you need in the most important game of your life.