Bits and Pieces for Christmas Week
Nothing jolly here, but interesting sports briefs
This week’s Bits and Pieces nabbed its marquee item on Sunday. Here are the brief stories for your perusal.
TEAGAN DOES IT AGAIN
The NFL’s Houston Texans are at the bottom of the league standings, still stuck on just one win after 14 games. However, former Oregon State and Sprague High School standout Teagan Quitoriano continues to make strides as a rookie.
Teagan capped off an opening 80 yard drive for the Texans—catching an 8 yard TD pass from quarterback Davis Mills—to put the Texans up early in a battle with signal caller Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Quitoriano had just the one catch in the game, but his stock on a team struggling for wins has got to be increasing. The six foot, six inch tight end now has four catches for 30 yards and two touchdowns in his first NFL regular season. He also is a reliable blocker for the Texans’ ground game.
By the way, Houston kicked a late field goal to force overtime against the Chiefs. But KC running back Jerrick McKinnon sprinted 26 yards for a touchdown midway through the ten-minute overtime period, giving the Chiefs a 30-24 victory.
KC is now 11-3; Houston falls to 1-12-1. Houston travels to Tennessee next week for a game with the Titans on Christmas Eve, December 24th. Kansas City also plays Saturday, hosting the Seattle Seahawks.
THE BIG CHEESE HONORED
Those that know 73 year old John Witherspoon in the Salem-Keizer area swear that he is one of the most selfless volunteers they have ever known.
The man known lovingly as “Cheeseburger”—for his eating exploits as a teenager, and his pledge to provide said cheeseburgers years ago to Little Leaguers in the Four Corners area—is being honored at an event on Thursday, December 22nd at the B2 Taphouse and Brewery at 1170 Boone Rd in South Salem. It begins at 6:00 pm, running until 9:00 pm.
The get together is a relaxed, informal tribute to Cheese to thank him for his four decades-plus of coaching, umpiring, officiating, and whatever he could do for kids at Four Corners Elementary School, as well as the youth in east side Little League programs, and active members of the Boys and Girls Club—among a longer list of individual assistance that Cheese, er, Witherspoon would rather not talk about.
Cheeseburger recently received the Spirit of Salem award from the Salem Area Chamber Board for all that he has done for kids. The Chamber estimates that Witherspoon has impacted the lives of 38 thousand children.
Neil Johnson is co-organizer of John’s tribute. He says he hopes that more people will show up than the 15 who have confirmed they are coming to wish Cheeseburger well. This is a drop-in event, but Johnson is encouraging people who want to come to drop him an email at neiljj@comcast.net so he can plan for space and inform the cooks about potential orders for food.
The motivation for coming to An Evening with Cheeseburger is simple, according to Johnson.
“We just want to say ‘thank you’ to him for all he does in our community. Would love to see a lot of his peeps in attendance.”
FOR SOME WHO DO BETTER WITH A DIRECT INVITE—HERE ARE THE PARTICULARS:
Thursday, December 22, 2022
6 PM-9 PM
An Evening With Cheeseburger
B2 Taphouse and Brewery
1170 Boone Rd SE
Salem, OR 97302
https://www.b2taphouse.com
Those of you who had John Witherspoon play a big role in your life should find time to show up and thank him personally. It’s what Cheese would do.
A GREAT TEAMMATE
The McNary Celtic football team is coming off a prep football season with little to cheer about, finishing the year without a victory. But the Oregon National Guard helped to change the downward mood by giving McNary senior Hunter Roberto a “Teammate of the Year” award. The actual presentation is slated for January third.
Roberto was selected for the honor based on the recommendation of McNary head football coach Connor Astley.
“Hunter has the type of character that is unquestionably great,” says Astley.
“Every person that he comes into contact with knows him as a great person first and then a great football player.”
Ruberto—an honorable mention all-Special District One linebacker, also ran the ball effectively for McNary—recording 278 yards on 52 carries (5.3/carry) in seven games, including a season high 95 yards on just seven carries vs. South Salem.
Astley says Ruberto also shines off the field.
“Hunter volunteers with our Special-Ed department, helping with those students, and just overall being a great mentor to all students here at McNary.”
The January third ceremony for Roberto will include a trophy presentation by guard members, who will also present some Natiional Guard “swag.” Hunter will also have a chance to win a $1000 college scholarship.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone.
Merry Christmas 🎄
& Happy New Year🎉
Merry Christmas 🎄
& Happy New Year🎉