DEDICATION: The new athletic facilities at Poly are dedicated to one of Poly’s greatest coaches, Ben Hammerschmidt.
By Matt Kaye, Staff Writer
The new football turf, synthetic track and ball fields bring out Poly pride while motivating Poly athletes to achieve excellence. These upgrades to Poly’s athletic facilities, as well as those of other schools in the district, are a result of several voter-approved initiatives. These initiatives, such as measure B, raised over 40 million dollars for improving the athletic facilities, and thereby the athletic success, of the schools. Along with these great facilities, teachers and coaches have played an integral role in ensuring students’ success.
One of Poly’s greatest motivators was Coach Ben Hammerschmidt. Hammerschmidt was a teacher and a coach for football and baseball at Poly during the 1970s and 1980s. His coaching mentality prioritized respect above all else, which led his teams to many victories. He was not only a man who coached his athletes to success, but also a life-coach. He instilled lessons in his students and athletes that they could carry with them into all walks of life.
On October 19, several district board members, including Poly’s trustee area member Kathy Allavie, Poly alumni and family members attended a ceremony honoring Hammerschmidt. Many spoke about Hammerschmidt’s contributions to the success of Poly and its students. “I can’t think of another coach that impressed and helped so many young athletes,” Poly alum Nick Tavaglione said at the ceremony. Hammerschmidt was a driving force in making Poly a prestigious athletic competitor, but he was more than just a sports coach. He taught lessons and gave valuable wisdom that extended beyond his coaching and the sport. “If you lost a game, if something went wrong, if something wasn’t right, he was committed to making it right, and you didn’t go on to the next thing until you made it right,” his brother, Allen Hammerschmidt, said.
After everyone remembered the value Hammerschmidt brought to Poly, it was time to unveil a memorial plaque. In his honor, the plaque was placed on the wall of the new football and track stadium. It lies next to the Honor Walk, a strip of sidewalk dedicated to Hammerschmidt. Athletes will pass the plaque daily, while going to practice or competitions. It acts as a reminder of Hammerschmidt’s influence. The plaque reads: “respect, leadership, integrity, commitment, dedication,” which were just a few of the qualities that Hammerschmidt taught. “Coach Hammerschmidt’s legacy is what remains behind with his students and players. It is the legacy of leadership, and it has profoundly influenced thousands of students. As such, he definitely deserves this inaugural place on our Poly Honor Wall,” Allavie said.