SEAU BOOSTS SPORTS COMPLEX
LA MESA -- Gary Clasen didn't know what to expect when he and other members of this city's Parks and Recreation Foundation set up a meeting with Junior Seau to ask for Seau's help in building a new sports complex for kids.
Clasen knew that Seau lived on Mount Helix years ago. But he was unsure if that would be enough to get the Chargers' Pro Bowl linebacker on board.
"There was a lot of anxiety surrounding whether or not we should confront him and ask him to do this," Clasen said. "But I'll tell you what, he couldn't have been more enthusiastic about it. He was almost coming over the table."
Seau disclosed why he was eager to get involved in the $8 million project yesterday during groundbreaking ceremonies at Parkway Middle School. He told city officials, foundation members, local parents and wide-eyed kids how his two children were born in La Mesa. Then he talked about making a difference.
"The family unit in today's world is suffering," he said. "But what I see out here today -- kids sitting on the laps of moms and dads and throwing footballs and enjoying themselves -- that's what life's about.
"It's not about the touchdowns, it's not about the sacks, it's not about the Super Bowl rings. It's what you implement; it's what you leave behind for others to benefit from. That's what I care about."
To that end, Seau said he will donate proceeds this year from his "Sacks for San Diego" program to the project. More important, he said, he'll continue to use his name and energy to turn a community's dream into a lasting reality.
The first phase is a sports complex to be named for Seau at La Mesita Park and Parkway Middle School. A football field and two grass softball/baseball fields will replace the dirt and gravel fields now in use, and there'll be lights, a multiuse soccer field, a skateboard park and an expanded YMCA facility.
The second phase will feature improvements to Briercrest Park, which eventually will be the new home of the Challenge Center, a physical fitness center for people with chronic illnesses.