Culver City High School assistant football coach Greg Goodyear has faced many challenges on and off the football field.
This time the former record- setting Centaur quarterback hopes to win the game of life.
Diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer last November, doctors are giving him five years to live.
“I feel good right now, considering all that I have been through the last seven months,” said Goodyear.
“I am trying to stay positive, to stay strong in the face of adversity.
“I told the doctors that I am going to beat this.”
At first the doctors thought the situation was manageable.
Further testing, however, revealed the cancer had spread to his bones. It had started to disrupt his kidney functions.
After taking hormone therapy treatments, Goodyear’s kidneys began returning to normal.
He started chemotherapy five weeks ago. He has treatments every three weeks. “I am starting to lose my hair, which makes me look like a scarecrow,” Goodyear said with laugh. “I am still trying to live my life to the fullest.”
He was one of the great quarterbacks in Culver High history in the late 1960s and early ‘70’s.
He continues to support the football team as a coach and college recruiter. “I still get up early every day and try to get kids scholarships to play college football,” said Goodyear.
He has been involved in the Centaurs’ football program as a player and coach for over 45 years. His father, Del, was a coach at Culver City. The campus gym carries his name.
Goodyear moved to Long Beach four years ago from Culver City, and now he is living in a new townhouse overlooking the water.
“Looking at the water every day helps me relax,” he said.
“It is good therapy.
“Right now I need to be strong, a role model to kids who may be having problems.
“If they see me going through this with a good attitude,” Goodyear said, “hopefully they will be strong when they have problems in the future.”
Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com
Hi Greg
I’m sending postive energy and love for your good health and oceans of happiness for your strong spirit. It’s sounds to me you have the right attitude to carry you through this healing process.
Beast Wishes
Debbie
Lots of prayers and many,many thoughts behind those prayers re. all
you have given to CC youngsters, Greg!
Kay Kemp ….retired CCUSD teacher
Hello Greg, my heart and prayers go out to you my friend… your positive attitude will take you far… continue to stay strong… the best to you…
Graciela Cricca Saffon (1970)
Good outlook brother,that’s the same way your pop would have handled it.Give me a shout out when you feel up to it..
Hello Greg,
I know it has been many years since we talked at our last reunion. I am sorry to hear you are fighting the battle of your life right now.
It’s the 4th quarter you have the football in your hands, there’s no one open and you have to run. I have seen you run that football back in the late 1960’s, now it’s time to run that football over the goal line for that winning touch down once again.
I am praying long and hard for you and this time with Our Lord by your side your going to win this game over the cancer.
Stay strong my high school friend, we are all praying with you.
If you need to talk you have my e-mail now.
Your old friend
Brian “The Red Head” Slater
Dear Greg,
So sorry to hear about your illness. I too believe anything is possible so with faith, doctor care, nutrition, meditation, and determination: you can beat it. It wouldn’t hurt to go visit Grace Lutheran too. I know how important the church was to your mom.
My family and I are wishing you all the best. Your courage and strength are inspiring. If anyone can beat this, you can!
Hi Greg,
I remember you and your Dad. You both seemed like good guys. Best wishes.
http://www.cancerresearch.org/our-strategy-impact/people-behind-the-progress/scientists/dr-carl-june-offers-pancreatic-cancer-patients-re
To my friend, Greg..I have known you many many years and I know how positive you have always been and will continue to be…you are in my thoughts, my prayers….You have given so much to so many…Keep living your life…you have so many people who support and Love you…I am here for you….and so are your Culver City classmates! warm hugs…
Stay tough Greg! We learned how to coach from your Dad and others like Coach Ramsey, who taught us through respect and discipline. I’m sure you carried on that tradition and have influenced hundreds of young men, just like your dad, ,my dad (Bones) and other coaches of that era influenced us.
Hang in there buddy ! You can beat this….. thinking of you.
Frank C. ’78
So touched reading of your fight, determination and positive outlook! I remember you from school, though we were not friends. I will keep you in my prayers Greg!
Hi, Greg. I remember watching you play many times! I am sending good vibes your way….and thank you for doing so much for Culver City kids, making us proud, Greg!
Greg, you were our hero then and remain our hero now. Fondly remember the great times, great teammates and friends for life.
God Bless You xxxxxxx
Hello Greg :
Prayers and good thoughts for you, Greg. You have the right attitude.
I will keep you in my prayers.
Take good care, fellow CCHS’er!
Greg, you were looked up to you then and still are now. Keep the faith, you are loved and prayed for daily. Cherie
you can do this Greg! I was you babysitter but you really didn’t need one!
Just remembered how precious life is and I am thankful for the blessings I have been given. I like your attitude Greg. Think about all those people that are pulling for you and all the kids that have you pulling for them.
Hi Greg,
Sending you lots of positive thoughts and prayers in your fight. Your dad was one of my very favorite teachers and he would be so proud of your strength and determination that is so inspiring.
Stay strong,
Amina (Naccachian) Crane
Class of ’76
greg we all are with you, as all ways the line man culver city foot ball 72 # stein on the line love and peace coach,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Greg! Many fond memories of some fun times together – like going to see ‘Woodstock’ with you, and your help with my freshman football team! As a cancer survivor myself (kidney) I know how scary it all is. You’ve always had an upbeat attitude, and attitude is half the battle. Feed off of all the positive energy of your friends and all of the people whose lives you’ve touched. You’re golden man!
Coach Goodyear:
I am Marquel Carter’s grandmother.
You are like a family member to us.
Stay strong, stay positive & keep that same victorious spirit you gave to all the kids that’s passed your way.
God has the last say! His report says you are healed! Claim your healing!!
Hi Greg, I’m so sorry to hear that you are battling cancer. If anyone can beat this crap, it’s you! Stay positive and keep believing you will win in the end!
You have been a great neighbor and role model to me when I was growing up and I will be praying for you and sending positive thoughts your way from here on the East Coast.
You are in my prayers… If it wasn’t for Goodyears hard work my son Kevin Beacham wouldn’t be at Indiana State with a full scholarship… You help make dreams come true for these boys…
Praying for you Greg! You’re a fighter with focus! You can do this! Many of our boys owe their college careers to you! Thank you for always supporting the School and being a Legend! We love you!
The Cowden Family
Hey coach Goodyear your story is truly awe inspiring and a testament to people truly from a better era and proof that it is possible to live life to the fullest through any adversity I believe in you and know you can overcome thins like the champ you are !!
-Jay Coller 06
Greg it was nice talking to you last Monday…give me a call here in Vegas…(702) 271-2963
Greg, Hoping somehow you can beat this. Have enjoyed watching you contribute to the team and your support that you have given so many young men. Will continue to root for your successful recovery. Sending positive vibes.
Hi Greg,
You may not remember me. I had a class or two maybe with you not sure now, but you were one of the boys in school that seemed so decent, friendly and humble. You would always smile. I always wondered what happened to you. Reading all these comments sent your way says so much. I am So very sorry you are ill. Wish I had more words that would encompass all that you have meant to others, frame it and hang it next to that window you look out over the water. You are loved, admired and respected, always.
Hi Greg,
So sorry to hear you are not well. We were not close but had Mr Helwicks class at same time. You were very kind and always smiled. I have read over all these comments left for you. Says so much about you and just how much you have given to others, your community and the next generation. God bless,