During this time of year, it is gratifying to see all the different activities at Culver City High School.
On any weekday afternoon, you may see the simultaneous use of the many fields by the CCHS baseball teams, softball teams, boys lacrosse teams, girls lacrosse teams, soccer teams, little league teams, youth lacrosse teams, Middle School softball and the track team.
At the conclusion of track practice or a meet, you will see many community members walking and running the Balkman Track.
For those who stop to observe, there are three monuments that were constructed to honor major contributors who made that track possible. Nike Inc, the Amateur Athletic Foundation (now Olympic 84) and the Balkman family.
In addition, you will see a fruitless mulberry tree standing strong in a triangular area surrounded by the track, baseball and softball fields.
That tree is in tribute to the late City Councilman/businessman Mike Balkman for his efforts to make the track project possible.
With his wife Flor leading the way, they took a negative and turned it into a positive.
After their son was injured on the old dirt track, they took the high road and dedicated themselves to make the situation better for many people, then and now. The end result was the construction of a new synthetic surface track.
Flor wrote the grant proposals and Mike worked hand in hand with many influential people to make the project happen. Their efforts are felt on a daily basis by our young people and the entire Culver City community. We hope that no one ever takes for granted what sacrifices were made to allow for this nice facility.
On the Night Before
Many of us remember the Monday night of April 15, 2001, as a monthly meeting of the CCHS Booster Club with President Mike Balkman running the meeting.
We remember his direction that night as to how many other great projects we could accomplish with the help of many.
What we also remember is the next morning, Tuesday, April 16, 2001 when we heard the news that Mike had died. It was only a few days later that the tree was dedicated to Mike and placed adjacent to the track.
So for those who use the track and other facilities at CCHS, especially our young people, take a little extra time as you pass the tree to say thank you.
Mr. Chabola, the athletic director at Culver City High School, may be contacted at jerrychabola@yahoo.com
