The Viking: Volume 7, Issue 2

Page 42

CHATTING Dan chats with Victor Hatziefstratiou (‘13) in the big gym during the volleyball senior night game. cused on his positive support for the students. “It made me forgetful and kept me from being overcome [with] self pity and [falling] apart,” Starrett said. “It [helped me] get over it very quickly and get on with life and [Paly games] gets me off [myself] and into things again.” According to Starrett, his favorite sports at Paly are cross country, track, water polo, swimming, soccer and lacrosse. However, he is witnessed at almost all the games for most of the sports at Paly because he wants to make sure he shows support for all of the athletes. Starrett often sticks around after the games to congratulate the players on their success or just to socialize with them. Zac Rosenbaum (‘14), a player on the varsity boys’ lacrosse team, recognizes Starrett’s enthusiasm in the sport of lacrosse. According to Rosenbaum, even parents love Starrett and will sometimes offer him a snack after the lacrosse games. “Dan’s always a really supportive guy: a good

42 | T H E V I K I N G |

influence on the sidelines,” Rosenbaum said. “He likes to go around and give us high fives before the games and listen to our pregame speeches. A lot of the time the coaches will say, ‘Try to win it for Dan.’” Starrett’s support not only extends to home games, but also to away games as far as 2-3

ing the season. According to Gerould, Starrett not only cheers for the players, but also gives them advice such as “aiming for the gap” when they’re up to bat. Starrett also goes to some of the away baseball games and has traveled the two hour drives to Carmel and Campolindo to cheer on the Paly baseball team. “Dan is easily our most supportive fan,” Gerould said. “He is at every game and even went so far as Carmel to watch us last year. Most parents didn’t even do that. He always has something nice to say about us after each game.” In appreciation of his constant presence at Paly baseball games, the team invited him to attend their end of season baseball banquet at the Gerould family’s home. Gerould thought he deserved the invite and was glad to have him at their dinner. “It meant a lot to him,” Gerould said. “I’m glad he came. It was nice to have him there and it was the least we could do for his ongoing support.”

Dan is easily our most supportive fan. He is at every game and even went so far as Carmel to watch us last uear. Most parents didn’t even do that. hours away. “He’s a die hard fan,” Rosenbaum said. “He goes to all our away games.” Rosenbaum also believes that his teammates find joy in seeing him at all of their games. “My team always greets Dan when we see him and thank him when he wishes us good luck,” Rosenbaum said. “We even take photos with him sometimes.” Bowen Gerould (‘14), player on the varsity baseball team, is also impressed with the amount of baseball games Starrett attends dur-

w w w. v i k i n g s p o r t s m a g . c o m


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.