Big night at Roosevelt: Roughriders, past and present, come together

Drive for new athletics complex gets a boost before visiting Cleveland wins the football game

By Steve Brandon

The Portland Tribune, Oct 23, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009

L.E. BASKOW / THE PORTLAND TRIBUNE

Roosevelt High supporters are raising money to build a new grandstand and install artificial turf on the football field, among other projects on campus, all of which would be available to the community.

It was a special night at Roosevelt High, regardless of the final score.

The Roughriders’ football team remained winless with a 38-0 loss to Cleveland, but the Riders were scrappy and didn’t make things easy for the Warriors.

And the large homecoming crowd came early and stayed late as school and community officials kicked off the next push in Roosevelt’s drive to raise $2 million for a new athletics complex.

A pregame bonfire and barbecue included music, speeches and cheerleaders.

“It’s been an incredible day,” Roosevelt principal Deborah Peterson said. “We had our best, best assembly ever. It was the first time our marching band has played in public — they learned to read music at summer school this year. And we’ve never so many kids wearing black and gold (the school colors).”

Roosevelt pride and newfound optimism surrounded the events in front of the school in the hours before Friday’s kickoff on the football field.

School and community leaders have been raising money to not only build a grandstand to replace the one that was condemned last year and torn down but to also bring a new track and artificial turf for Roosevelt football, soccer, baseball, soccer and more.

The vision — a Theodore Roosevelt Athletics Complex that would be used by all ages of athletes and residents in the North Portland area. The complex also could include tennis courts and a jogging path around the campus.

Peterson and other administrators are stressing academics, along with athletics.

“There’s a close relationship between the two,” Peterson said. “If all you focus on is athletics, you’re doing a disservice to your students. But if you couple athletics with character, discipline and academic achievement, then we’re giving our kids a shot.”

Fundraising co-chairmen Norm Daniels (Roosevelt, class of 1966) and Michael Schrunk (’60) were among the key organizers on hand for Friday’s events.

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