It is that time of year again, and we have exciting summer camps for both high-school aged boys and girls on the UCSB campus this year. Please click here for more details!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Rest In Peace Barbie!
In January 2007, another Gaucho was taken too soon. Jonathan "Barbie" Kendall died tragically in a car accident in the Bay Area with his girlfriend Angela Nguyen. His youth team, the Pleasanton Cavaliers have just presented an award in his honor.
"Congratulations to CJ on being selected by his peers to receive the first Jonathan Kendall Award. The award was given for the individual who demonstrated the most heart, desire and espirit de corp; traits we feel are more important than physical ability.
The memorial award was presented by Jonathan's parents. A transcript of Mr. Kendall's speech is here:
“My fondest memory of Kendall was watching him play his first rugby game. Coach Giles and I were afraid that you would get hurt because you were so small; however, you showed us your true nature by hitting a player twice your size, and getting up for more. After the game you came out all smiles because you found the sport that matched your personality. You are a model for what desire and tenacity can make up for.”
About Jonathan and why he liked Rugby –
Jonathan was adventurous, and had a huge appetite for life. He was interested in doing unusual things and refused to let limitations such as age, size and the opinions of others get in the way. He got our entire family to learn Scuba, and as a result we went diving off the coast of northwestern Malaysia and the Great Barrier Reef. When we biked through the Cotswolds in the U.K., often 30 plus miles a day, Jonathan, age 12, refused to bring up the rear. As a teenager, he saved his allowance and worked summer jobs to buy a motorcycle and pay for his insurance. He even went skydiving, though he didn’t tell his family until after the fact.
Jonathan also believed in quality: he wanted to do well at whatever he attempted, whether it was academically, socially, or in sports. He trained rigorously with plyometrics, sprints and weights to improve his agility, speed and strength. He took Rugby very seriously. I think he was interested in Rugby because it is an unusual and manly game that combines speed, strategy and physics. Also, Rugby emphasizes good sportsmanship.
Jonathan continued to play rugby at U.C. Santa Barbara, whose team reached the national championship play-offs both years he attended. Owing to his thin and lanky build, his Tri-Valley Vikings teammates had nicknamed him “Gumby.” At UCSB he earned a new nickname at the season-opener team meeting. He introduced himself as “Kendall,” which his teammates heard as “Ken Doll,” as in “Barbie Doll” and “Ken Doll.” His teammates had a laugh and in that good-natured rugby fashion, he was christened “Barbie.” He loved the fellowship of the team, the tough physical conditioning, the thrill of playing on a winning team and, of course, the social life unique to rugby players. He pushed his limits: after a long day at practice he’d study a bit then hit the gym for a demanding weight training session. He built muscle and bulked-up. He ended the day with a twilight plunge in the icy Pacific waters -- his remedy for sore muscles and banged-up elbows. Jonathan toured New Zealand with the UCSB team and played several exhibition matches there. To his great delight, he met a few players from the revered New Zealand All Blacks.
"Barbie" with USA Captain Mike Hercus
We, Jonathan’s family, were and continue to be inspired by him. If he were here tonight, I think he would tell you that you will attain your goals when you put your pure heart, your enthusiasm and effort into whatever it is you want to accomplish. We hope you will all live your dreams, and we know Jonathan is watching over you.
"Congratulations to CJ on being selected by his peers to receive the first Jonathan Kendall Award. The award was given for the individual who demonstrated the most heart, desire and espirit de corp; traits we feel are more important than physical ability.
The memorial award was presented by Jonathan's parents. A transcript of Mr. Kendall's speech is here:
“My fondest memory of Kendall was watching him play his first rugby game. Coach Giles and I were afraid that you would get hurt because you were so small; however, you showed us your true nature by hitting a player twice your size, and getting up for more. After the game you came out all smiles because you found the sport that matched your personality. You are a model for what desire and tenacity can make up for.”
About Jonathan and why he liked Rugby –
Jonathan was adventurous, and had a huge appetite for life. He was interested in doing unusual things and refused to let limitations such as age, size and the opinions of others get in the way. He got our entire family to learn Scuba, and as a result we went diving off the coast of northwestern Malaysia and the Great Barrier Reef. When we biked through the Cotswolds in the U.K., often 30 plus miles a day, Jonathan, age 12, refused to bring up the rear. As a teenager, he saved his allowance and worked summer jobs to buy a motorcycle and pay for his insurance. He even went skydiving, though he didn’t tell his family until after the fact.
Jonathan also believed in quality: he wanted to do well at whatever he attempted, whether it was academically, socially, or in sports. He trained rigorously with plyometrics, sprints and weights to improve his agility, speed and strength. He took Rugby very seriously. I think he was interested in Rugby because it is an unusual and manly game that combines speed, strategy and physics. Also, Rugby emphasizes good sportsmanship.
Jonathan continued to play rugby at U.C. Santa Barbara, whose team reached the national championship play-offs both years he attended. Owing to his thin and lanky build, his Tri-Valley Vikings teammates had nicknamed him “Gumby.” At UCSB he earned a new nickname at the season-opener team meeting. He introduced himself as “Kendall,” which his teammates heard as “Ken Doll,” as in “Barbie Doll” and “Ken Doll.” His teammates had a laugh and in that good-natured rugby fashion, he was christened “Barbie.” He loved the fellowship of the team, the tough physical conditioning, the thrill of playing on a winning team and, of course, the social life unique to rugby players. He pushed his limits: after a long day at practice he’d study a bit then hit the gym for a demanding weight training session. He built muscle and bulked-up. He ended the day with a twilight plunge in the icy Pacific waters -- his remedy for sore muscles and banged-up elbows. Jonathan toured New Zealand with the UCSB team and played several exhibition matches there. To his great delight, he met a few players from the revered New Zealand All Blacks.
"Barbie" with USA Captain Mike HercusWe, Jonathan’s family, were and continue to be inspired by him. If he were here tonight, I think he would tell you that you will attain your goals when you put your pure heart, your enthusiasm and effort into whatever it is you want to accomplish. We hope you will all live your dreams, and we know Jonathan is watching over you.
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