Pasadena Quarterbacks ‘Huddling’ in the Shadow of the Rose Bowl for 70 Years

“Some have thought, over the years, if you didn’t like the quarterback you had, come to a Quarterbacks’ meeting and pick one out. Likely though if you attended you are more likely to hear from one, rather than find one with any eligibility left!”

Pasadena Quarterbacks has met continuously, since 1945, during the college football season, on Fridays at noon. Meetings have typically been held at Brookside Golf Club 1133 Rosemont Avenue, Pasadena. Quarterbacks begin arriving at 11:30 AM, and at noon, with announcements, followed by an update from a local high school coach and a couple of his players.

Chris Griffiths continues his second term as president of Pasadena Quarterbacks. Randy Boal remains as treasurer.

The Fall 2014 season kicks off on September 5, with Dodger Stadium peanut man Roger Owens. The one and only master of the under-the-leg, behind-the- back two-bag toss. Roger has been ‘working for peanuts’, charming and amazing peanut lovers for 45 years at Dodger games, and for 50, if you count tosses to Bruin and Trojan fans at the Coliseum, 1958 through ’61. And who can forget his appearance on The Late Show with Johnnie Carson?

Next up is Leigh Steinberg, the super sports agent from Newport Beach. He represents many of the greats in sports, with a reputation of ‘being fair’ and a history of insisting his athletes to give back to their colleges and communities. Leigh’s talk will be at the University Club of Pasadena (175 No. Oakland Avenue, Pasadena), as Brookside has a conflict.

The rest of the 2014 slate is: Chris Roberts, voice of Bruin football and basketball; Dr. Art Bartner, USC band director; Chris Foster, UCLA beat writer for the Los Angeles Times; Geoff Strand , long-time alumni cheerleader at home games; Willie Lowery, defensive end at USC; Pene Talanaivao, 4-year starting defensive lineman, Utah; Willie Tuitama, former Arizona quarterback; John Papadakis and Sam Cunningham former ‘SC players; and Pat Barnes, former Cal QB.

Roberts is retiring after the 2014-15 seasons, having given over two decades of service to the Bruin faithful.

Papadakis and Cunningham played in the 1970 ‘SC – Alabama game in Birmingham…pitting an integrated team against an all-white team. Some have said ‘that game did more to integrate the South in one hour, than any marches, sit-ins, or fiery oratory ever did”. Papadakis and Cunningham have since authored the book Turning of the Tide, How One Game Changed the South. That book became the basis for cable TV specials on HBO and Showtime.

The Crosstown Rivalry Friday, November 21 meeting will feature inside scoop from former quarterbacks: Trojan Brad Otton, and Bruin Patrick Cowen.

Membership is open to the entire community, although annual memberships are available for $75. Lunches are $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Randy Boal offers Season Pass and Gold Club Memberships with additional benefits associated with each. Corporate Memberships are likewise encouraged. Applications are on the website and can be sent to PO Box 60861, Pasadena, CA 91116-0861.

Chris Griffiths has substantially updated and included more relevant information and history about Quarterbacks. Further information is available on pasadenaquarterbacks.org and from Bill Payne, Club Secretary, at bill.payne10@gmail.com and (626) 252-9505.

Quarterbacks is a Sec. 501 (c)(3) nonprofit charity. Proceeds are distributed to the programs of the local high school coaches that speak, to Pasadena College football, and to a National Football Foundation scholarship.

For more information, visit http://pasadenaquarterbacks.org/.