Number one fan

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief

October 26, 2012

Mr. and Mrs. Gunderson stand on the field in front of the football team as they practice after school on October 22, 2012, in preparation for the homecoming game. Mr. Gunderson attends all home games and nearly every away game.

While parents and students socialize in the stands at Friday-night football games, a dedicated fan scrutinizes the plays down by the sideline. Dave Gunderson, father of Downey High’s Statistics teacher, Michelle Gunderson, has been attending varsity home games since the 1970s. It all started when he began dating his current wife, Vicki Todd, who was attending Downey High School at the time.

The family recollects that the accidental tradition began when the couple started going to church together. The youths in their congregation played varsity football, so Gunderson watched the games avidly, seeing as his main form of entertainment has always been sports.

“I think I like high school sports more than anything else,” Gunderson said. “It’s fun to see them very excited, it’s intense.”

While he admits to enjoying pro sports as well, Gunderson feels that sports at the high school level are played more genuinely. As a teenager, he played for Bellflower High School and he understands what it means and how it feels to be part of the ream.

“I’m not surprised [that he still attends the games],” wife Vicki said. “I was never very involved in school but I did go to all the games. I thought it was great he went too.”

For this husband and wife couple, high school never came to an end. They started dating in 1971 during their final years of high school, however they did not hang out at school as much until after they graduated. Once they were married with the children, the sports just kept on coming. Since their daughter Michelle Gunderson became a track star, Dave Gunderson and his family have never left the stadium.

“I remember there was a guy my age who played at one of the Downey- Warren games,” Gunderson said, “he got a concussion—he doesn’t even remember playing!”

Over the years, Gunderson has witnessed many unforgettable moments on the field. His family and friends have grown up playing sports; for him to be able to enjoy what he loves with who he loves is a great coincidence.

“I’ll keep going to the games as long as they [his wife and daughter] let me,” Gunderson said. “It’s something to do…I enjoy it”

Dave Gunderson can be spotted down at Allen Lane Stadium during varsity games. For this sports fan, the last quarter never ends.

About the Contributors

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief of The Downey Legend, stepped into the world of journalism as a junior, as she carried on the challenge of the Arts and Entertainment Editor as her first position. The young writer was hesitant when first applying to join the staff, and doubts of acceptance crossed her mind. “I was kind of scared to join,” Suarez said “I didn’t think I would be much good.” Nonetheless, the hopeful student took the risk and was happy when she received the news of being selected as A&E Editor. She quickly adapted to the hectic environment and filled the newspaper room with her humor, as well as adding a sense of warmth and kindness. After successfully filling her section editor position, Suarez did not fret when the opportunity of E.I.C. was presented to her. She quickly grabbed the new title, and felt confident taking on the new role that was attached to more responsibilities. “I felt capable of handling the job well,” Suarez said. The leader was comfortable being promoted to a more prestigious position, and held her ground. While college years are ahead of her, the student is savoring the moments she has left in high school, taking in her senior year and trying to make the most of it. The Downey Legend editor is an active member in the school marching band, playing the clarinet and euphonium. The senior also enjoys spending time reading while having 3^rd Street Coffee in hand, and listening to indie bands and artists such as The xx and Lana del Ray. Once she graduates, the ambitious writer hopes to build a successful career as E.I.C. of her own magazine, making newspaper a foundation for her future endeavors. She anticipates stepping foot into the real world, attending the USC Annenberg School of Communications or FIDM. The young and talented individual has prospered as a writer and leader; providing the staff with a model of success, she leaves big shoes to fill.

Lauren Montano, Co-Copy Editor

Senior Lauren Montano is an aspiring photographer for The Downey Legend. As a cheerful photojournalist, she is inspired by her settings when taking images of the everyday life of Downey High’s students. For Montano, anything that captures the vibe of a certain place should be photograph-worthy. Her main source of inspiration comes from National Geographic, since the magazine depicts both professional and amateur photographs. This exuberant student hopes to one day be employed by this magazine. Montano regularly checks Vanity Fair and The New York Times for their visually enticing photographs and in-depth articles. Personally, the vivacious photographer prefers to take black and white photography, since it is more timeless and isn’t set in one period. Montano finds pleasure in listening to music, discovering new artists, and reading. “Books give a unique perspective of the world,” Montano said. Author Zora Neale Hurston has had a huge impact of Montano’s life, allowing her to appreciate the writing style of an American author. In her free time, traveling and discovering the world also satisfies Montano, reaching destinations as far as Spain. As an interested Liberal Arts major, Montano hopes to attend Arizona State University or The University of Denver. Whatever Montano chooses to do in life, all she needs is a little inspiration from her colleagues to make her dreams come true.