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Golden History

Told by Founder, Duane Gomer

The North Valley Golden Bears was started in 1969. Several of us had been at the Northridge Knights and I did not like the fact that several young boys were "cut" because there were not enough uniforms. We wanted to start a group that had the mantra, "No one left behind". If they did not have enough money for fees, that money would be found somewhere, and it was. If more people signed up, get them uniforms.

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We started with a Mighty Mite and a Peewee team. There were about 60 other players and they played six man football at Alemany High School. Everyone played.

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The Mighty Mite team that I coached had superb talent. In the first year we went undefeated and won the Championship. Soon we were fielding teams in all divisions with two teams in some of the lower divisions. Cheerleaders were everywhere. Basketball followed with track and field next. We always tried to foster the theme, "Let's Make It Fun".

 

"There is nothing like a Golden Bear party." Golden Bears could cook and Golden Bears could dance. We drew young people from Granada Hills to Sylmar, from Sepulveda to San Fernando. Such a gathering.

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Then, so many great people came on, including the legendary  Joe Kelly, and continued and improved the legacy.

 

Go Golden Bears. See you in 2069.

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-Duane Gomer

Founder, North Valley Golden Bears

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