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I've been told by a few folks involved in the rescue efforts that much of the deaths are being hidden. Unconfirmed reports from these eyewitnesses say there will be a much larger death toll in Orange County than originally thought, perhaps in the 300-400 range. People were (and still are) being pulled from their houses for hours on end beginning Saturday, both dead and alive.

We had our meeting with the school superintendent this week. He agreed to present the idea to the school board; then it's up to the school board to hear our plea. BCISD currently has a policy in place that prevents landmarks from being named for living contributors, only the deceased. As backwards as the policy may seem, it remains an obstacle. Please keep up the support.

As already posted on the baseball board, the online petition to have Bridge City High School's baseball field renamed for longtime head coach Chuck Young is now up to 285 signatures. Thanks for all your support, and please continue to pass along the word! If you haven't signed already, visit our petition site at the following address: [Hidden Content] And as a quick update to those keeping track, I will be meeting with BC's superintendent in the month of October, so keep up the support! Thanks again, Frank Giarratano BC baseball 1996-98

Now up to 285 signatures; don't let it stop there. Continue to pass along the news of our petition. This is being presented to the superintendent next month; let's put our best foot forward! Thanks to everyone who has posted already -- now go tell two friends, and tell them to do the same!

So as not to confuse any of you who know me, I am not "now a coach himself near Houston." Just an error in the article.

Thanks to Julie Shehane, chief editor of the Penny Record, for providing me the article. It should hit their website within the next week or so. I've pasted it below: -------------------------------------------------------------- He built it, literally from the ground up. And his 30 year leadership of the Bridge City Cardinal baseball team has given Coach Vernon "Chuck" Young legendary status in high school coaching that stands strong, even after his departure more than 10-years-ago to coach at a Texas City high school. Considered one of the best area high school baseball programs in the area for the past six years, and a solid, strong team for more than three decades, several former Cardinal baseball players have come together to launch a movement to have the high school baseball field renamed after Young. "His dedication to the team was something you don't see very often. He and Coach Charles Miller were the face of the Bridge City Cardinals for generations of student athletes," said Frank Giarratano, a Bridge City Cardinal from 1996-98, who is now a coach himself near Houston and is leading the movement to rename the field. "As focused as Young was on developing his guys into successful ball players, grooming successful people always took precedent. His players learned the game, but more importantly, we learned about accountability, discipline, teamwork, hard work, and fortitude." Since built by a group of coaches who wanted to start a baseball program at the school, the ball field has always been referred to as the Cardinal Baseball Field. But an online petition has been launched to change that, officially calling the Bridge City High School field, "Chuck Young Field." The petition gives former players, colleagues and members of the community, a chance to help in the ongoing effort. And since its creation, the petition has already been signed by nearly 250 people - each remembering Young and his "legendary" coaching ethic. Former players signing the petition describe Young as a man of honor. "I played for him in the late 60's. He was a heck of a coach. If that field is named after anyone, it had better be him," said former player and petition signer A.J. Lemoine, Jr. "There (is not enough room) to fully describe the impact Chuck Young has had on my life," said another player, Jason Richards. "I feel it is the least we can do to honor a great man of integrity and the best baseball coach southeast Texas has and will ever see. Lets get this done, no matter what it takes." Even players on opposing high schools teams have jumped on board to support both Young, and the effort to rename the field. "I played at West Orange from 1974-1976. I always envied the guys on the Bridge City team, because Coach Young and his players always had a lot of class," recalled Kenny Richard. "I wish I could have played for him." Baseball officials are also aware of the lasting impression Young left on the Bridge City Cardinal team, as well as his continuing successes with his Texas City team. "I am a high school umpire with the TASO organization and I met Coach Young a couple of years ago, while I was calling a game at Texas City," wrote Terry Aston. "You can tell there is something special about him, the moment you are on the field with him. He is one of the really class guys in uniform. He is still very proud of his time in Bridge City and he is one of my favorite coaches of all time." Young returned to the Bridge City area in March, to take part in the celebration of the 1992 state finalist team, who played under his leadership. Young is somewhat shy and reserved about being honored publically, because he credits all of his accomplishments to "a team effort." But family members say the honor is more than deserved. "Not until my own children began to play competitive sports, did I understand my dad's true gift and how rare it is to find someone other than yourself who cares, believes in, and always demands the best for and from your children," noted Beth Young McCracken. "For him to be able to take a group of boys and bring out the best, not just competitively, but in their spirit and be a part of turning them into men, is a gift and a calling. I don't know if my dad will ever retire, for this is what he lives and breathes. Helping kids find their best, not just on the baseball field but in life. Recently he was counseling my oldest daughter who is 17 and making plans to attend Junior Olympics this summer for her competitive volleyball team. She was concerned with every game being the 'last' time she would play and his words of wisdom went something like this: 'Erin, no matter what sport you play, at some point it is everyone's last game. Whether you are a high school player, college, professional or even a coach like me, we all at some point are faced with our last game. Play like every game is your last and when you are finished, whether through injury, circumstances or just time, know you gave it 100 percent, know you did your best every time you stepped on the field." "Words cannot express my relationship with my daddy and how proud I am to be his daughter and how blessed being a part of our family," she continued. "He loves Bridge City, it will always be our home. I appreciate the way you all feel and how much he means to each of you." Petition organizers said that Coach Young manned the home dugout at Cardinal Field for nearly 30 years, building a legacy matched by few. And he has since carried the magic over to the Texas City Stings, who have reached the playoffs numerous times since Young's arrival. "Chuck Young Field sure has a nice ring to it," said Giarratano. "He was honored at the 15 year anniversary of the 1992 team, but let's not let his legacy end there. Please sign the petition and help us get the field named in his honor." For more information on the petition, visit ww.ipetitions.com/petition/ourcoach/signatures.html. For more information on the ongoing effort, contact Frank Giarratano via Email at [email protected]. The Bridge City Cardinal Baseball team is now under the leadership of Head Coach Billy Bryant. --------------------------------------------------------------

According to my family back in the Golden Triangle, the Penny Record published an article about our cause. If anyone has online access to this article, please pass it along as I am unable to get my hands on the paper itself. A big thanks goes out to the Penny Record for helping to keep the awareness up; we've seen a good spike in signatures since last night. Thanks, FG

After a valiant run to the state playoffs, Texas City ran out of steam in the semifinals. What an amazing run by the Stings. Let this be a reminder of Coach Young's endless string of accomplishments, and for anyone who has yet to sign our petition, please do so: www.ipetitions.com/petition/ourcoach Thank you, FG ------------------------------------------------------- Chuck Young's career stats: - 31 times qualified for playoffs - Approaching 700 wins - 2 state tournaments -1992, 2007 - 6 regional semifinals champions - 10 regional quarterfinals champions - 15 bi-district champions - 15 District Championships

BC's up against a team that hasn't lost a game all season. Would they have a better chance at having one good night or two? Lightning can strike once, but rarely does so in the same place again. Just think about it -- it's pretty simple.

Hey Orangeboy, looks like things are going pretty well for the petition. Keep it alive! RedbirdBaseball

- 30 times qualified for playoffs - Approaching 700 wins - 1 state tournament -1992 Finalist - 5 regional semifinals champions - 9 regional quarterfinals champions - 14 bidistrict champions - 14 District Championships It's amazing to think how much he's accomplished on the field. Please continue to support our movement to have BC's field named for him. www.ipetitions.com/petition/ourcoach

With BCISD in transition mode after losing its current superintendent, this petition is aimed at getting this done during the 2008 spring baseball season. Thank you to all who have signed the petition thus far, and we ask that you continue to help us spread the word. www.ipetitions.com/petition/ourcoach (Now at 212)

Now at 205, please continue to support the movement.

Do not question the Oompa-Loompa!

Look for an article in the Penny Record in the coming weeks. [Hidden Content]