New effort to name field after Coach Parks New effort to name field after Coach Parks (November 17, 2004)

The superintendent of the Sequoia Union High School District has authorized a committee to explore naming the Menlo-Atherton High School football field in honor of longtime coach Ben Parks, according to Marc F. Rogers, who is chairing the committee.

If the school board approves the request, the field could be named in the spring at graduation, Mr. Rogers said.

In conjunction with the field naming, Mr. Rogers recently announced the forming of a "community outreach scholarship/endowment fund for Menlo-Atherton High School families in need."

"This is in keeping with Coach Park's longstanding commitment to helping kids stay in school by helping their families with a wide variety of support," said Mr. Rogers, who graduated from M-A in 1975.

Mr. Rogers said he has pledged $10,000 to start the fund, and the initial goal is $100,000, with fund earnings going to help the families.

"We will be getting help from Ronnie Lott, Keena Turner, Eric Wright and other past 49rs, along with many other local notables," said Mr. Rogers, a financial consultant in San Jose.

A fixture at M-A for at least 35 years, Coach Parks has also helped professional athletes, including star 49ers, with conditioning and training. He has coached the varsity football team and wrestling, taught physical education classes, served as adviser for the Key Club service organization, and led fitness and conditioning classes after school hours for adults as well as students.

Other members of the committee are: Dr. Richard Greene, past team doctor at M-A; Jim Byrnes, longtime workout student of Coach Parks; Pam Wimberly, athletic director at M-A; Eric Hartwig, former principal at M-A; Tom Stern, a longtime M-A benefactor; Dick Dorst, a former school board trustee; and Les Dewitt, a longtime community fundraiser.
Policy changes

Naming school buildings and facilities after people has been an uphill battle in the Sequoia district. In June, Eric Hartwig -- then principal of M-A -- tried in vain to convince the school board to name the football field after Mr. Parks. Some months earlier, his effort to name the new library also went nowhere.

The school board -- which encourages permanent displays to honor significant individuals -- revised its facility naming policy in August, perhaps reflecting a desire to get out from under what trustees in June called a time-consuming responsibility.

The board has reduced its role, but it still makes the final decision and there are hurdles to cross. Backers must pay for 25 percent of the facility's construction cost, or a donate a "significant" piece of land, or create a "substantial" financial endowment that "supports the district's mission."

As for the honoree, the policy requires a reputation for lifelong community service that will not diminish with time. Preferred honorees are those for whom time is no longer important, as in "deceased."

The policy makes exception under "extraordinary circumstances," which may apply for Mr. Parks, whose work in fundraising, coaching, leadership, and setting an example has "inspired, changed, and healed thousands of lives," according to a biography on the Web site of M-A's Sports Hall of Fame.

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