A Charge To Keep

As we kickoff the fourth season of the Charge To Keep podcast, there are countless blessings to reflect on. The 16 time Southern Section Champions are coming off back to back titles and a loss in the State Final by 1 yard. The one question to be asked of the Rio Program is: Are You Satisfied? Head Coach Mark Carson helps us kickstart another season of Rio Hondo Football with some insight into the summer schedule and the expectations moving forward this fall. In somewhat of a surprise ending to today's show, we reveal some special messages to Coach Carson from family members, former players, and current coaches as he celebrates his 50th birthday this weekend.

Rio Hondo Prep will take on University High School from Irvine in the CIF Southern Section Finals this Friday morning at 10:00am. Although RHP is the designated home team, the Trojans will feel right at home with the game being played at Deanna Manning Stadium just 3 miles from their campus. The Kares reached the Championship Game only one previous time 46 years ago back in 1979. The 2025 squad could potentially make history and hang a new type of banner in the very crowded rafters of the Stivers Center back in Arcadia. Our special guests today are Juniors Janna Taflinger and Madison Burl who both possess the energy, enthusiasm, and humility that embodies the true meaning of what it is to be a Kare. It is up to the faithful fans and passionate alumni of Rio to get out to support these young women early on Friday morning as they represent the proud tradition that is Rio Hondo Prep.

For the first time in 45 years, Rio Hondo Prep is back in the CIF Softball Semifinals. Rio's best finish ever was as a Runner Up back in 1979 as well as a return trip to the Semis in 1980. After three big wins this postseason, the 2025 Kares are among the final four teams standing in the Division 6 Southern Section Playoffs. Rio Hondo is coming off a dramatic 12-11 win over Katella in the Quarterfinals that displayed just how gritty this team truly is. Joining us today are Ryen Covey and Allie Scott who are Team Captains that have demonstrated tremendous leadership all throughout the season. They are poised to continue this magical postseason run and give the RHP Faithful something amazing to cheer for. Rio Hondo Prep travels to Adelanto High School this Saturday at 3:15pm to determine who will advance to the Finals.

The Rio Hondo Prep Girls Basketball Program is ready for its Postseason appearance after another successful year on the hardwood. The Kares are a young group consisting of only Juniors and Freshmen. Rio is led by Tara Riley who has been a standout in all RHP Athletics for the past 3 years. Tara is our guest today to tell us a little bit about herself as well as shed light on the Rio Hondo experience. In other big news, the Rio Boys Soccer Team has been selected to the CIF-SS Playoffs for the first time in school history. Be sure to get out to these big games this week and support our incredible student athletes!Wednesday- 3:00pm Boys Soccer vs Loma Linda Academy (Kare Park)Thursday- 7:00pm Girls Basketball vs El Rancho High School (Away)

The California Division 3A State Championship was an Instant Classic and came down to the final play in Overtime to settle the score. Vanden from Fairfield defeated Rio Hondo Prep 42-41 after the Kares were stopped at the 1 yard line on their 2 Point Conversion attempt. The game featured countless lead changes and was full of drama. Vanden threw the ball all over the field while Rio Hondo ran wild inside and outside. Both contrasting styles of offense scored 35 points in regulation were the only teams out of the 15 State Matchups this weekend that went to OT. Head Coach Mark Carson joins us for one final time to recap a truly heroic effort from his team that unfortunately ended in heartbreak. It's difficult to say goodbye at the end of a season, but we will do our best to thank countless people as we wrap up the third season of the Charge To Keep podcast. Thanks to all of Rio Hondo Prep past, present, and future for always being humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Merry Christmas to all and may you continue to Dream On……

Rio Hondo Prep has won 16 Southern Section Titles throughout its illustrious history. On Saturday night at Long Beach City College, the 2024 Kares (13-1) will compete for a chance to capture its first ever State Championship and will do so against the Vanden Vikings (12-2) who are making the long trip down from Northern California. Both teams are riding 8 game winning streaks and are polar opposites on the Offensive side of the ball. The Vikings love to throw it; the Kares love to run it. These two very different styles will collide on Saturday at Veterans Stadium for a 7:00pm Kickoff to see whose brand of ball can shine brightest in the Golden State. Getting us ready for RHP playing on their biggest stage ever is our guest Casey Clevenger. He played in Rio's first ever Southern Section Final back in 1972 and has been a Teacher there for countless decades while keeping a close eye on the football program he loves dearly.

Rio Hondo Prep overcame some significant adversity early on in Saturday night's Division 3A Regional down in San Diego. The Kares were tied with the host Poway Titans 7-7 at Halftime and eventually pulled away for a 28-14 gritty victory to advance to the school's first State Championship Game in their illustrious history. Rio Hondo is one of only thirty teams in California that get to play football next week out of nearly 1,300 schools in the Golden State. Head Coach Mark Carson recaps the emotional win and how his team continues to answer the bell with every challenge set before them. We also have Junior DB Calogero Chico on the show who made a few huge plays for a Rio defense that continued their rough and tough performance throughout this memorable Postseason.

After winning the school's 16th CIF Southern Section Championship last week, the Rio Hondo Prep Kares (12-1) will travel 120 miles down to San Diego County to take on the Poway Titans (6-7) in the California Division 3A State Regional. The Titans have caught fire in the San Diego Section Playoffs scoring 18 touchdowns in their final two games. However, the Kares bring a staunch defense into December having only allowed six touchdowns the past four postseason games. Something has to give when both teams kickoff on Saturday with dreams of a State Championship Game appearance so close they can taste it. Dayna Rivera is an RHP graduate whose husband Colby is Rio's all time passing leader that won CIF-SS Titles in 2011 and 2012. Her father, Richard Sanchez, is a Coach on Poway's staff. Dayna joins us briefly to react to the very unique matchup for her family and the various emotions going into the big game. Additionally, we are joined by Brian Reed-Baiotto from 210 Prep Sports for an extended conversation on the Rio Hondo Prep Football Program.

Don't tell the Rio Hondo Prep Kares they can't compete with someone. For countless generations, Rio has outperformed their expectations. The Kares showed on Friday night that they back down to absolutely nobody as they defeated Warren High School 43-16 in the CIF-SS D7 Final to capture the school's 16th Southern Section Championship. This game will be immortalized as a night where RHP stood up to the new playoff format, the impossible odds, and the literal giants from a very large school. The accomplishment for Rio Hondo was as eye opening as it was dominant. The small school in Arcadia made its biggest statement in their illustrious history that their program is not only unlike any other but also a consistent championship contender wherever, whenever, or against whoever when battle lines are drawn. Sophomore TE/DB Elias Har recaps the big night and Head Coach Mark Carson also shares some insight on his team's back to back Championships.

Rio Hondo Prep has slayed countless Goliaths over their 57 year history on the gridiron. The Warren Bears from Downey are a giant among giants and the biggest challenge RHP has ever faced. The 3,635-120 enrollment discrepancy is the elephant in the room, but the Kares enter the 2024 CIF-SS Division 7 Finals with the brotherhood, toughness, and discipline that is unmatched throughout Southern California. Year in and year out, when Rio Hondo is counted out, they deliver results that no script writer could come up with. Let's see what the program that has withstood the test of time can stand up against when it matters most just one more time...... our special guest today is Mark Herrera who is better known on social media as "Mark The Shark." Herrera does team rankings and player watch lists all throughout the now year round coverage of high school football. Shark first took notice of Rio after they beat his nephew's Charter Oak team in 2021, and he also took in his first game at Kare Park last week in the Semifinals. Mark The Shark reacts to Rio Hondo Prep's eye opening win in person last week and why they are now among the elite programs in the San Gabriel Valley. I also take some phone calls from alumni to wrap up the show and set the stage for the most significant Rio Hondo football game in any of our lifetimes. HAPPY THANKSGIVING

The Rio Hondo Prep Kares are headed back to the CIF Southern Section Finals. Rio defeated the West Torrance Warriors 42-21 in front of a capacity crowd at Kare Park in Irwindale after six consecutive Playoff Games on the road dating back to last season. The Kares played with a violent passion and deadly execution that can only be described as "Rio Hondo Football." Head Coach Mark Carson discusses the iconic win that will send his team to their 22nd Championship Game in the school's history as they pursue a 16th Banner. Junior RB/DE Nathaniel Shine makes a return to the show from his previous appearance after last year's Semifinal to share how he and his teammates are locked in with laser focus. Rio Hondo Prep has one of the smallest enrollments around but the presence of the alumni from various decades is something unmatched by any other program, and it will be needed again next week with a continued Championship Effort.

Rio Hondo Prep (10-1) will host West Torrance (10-2) in the CIF-SS Division 7 Semifinals after six consecutive postseason games on the road over the past two years. This is arguably the biggest home playoff game in school history and the most significant moment at Kare Park since Rio began playing their home contests there in Irwindale. Our special guest is Chris Fore who is the Principal at Mojave HS in Hesperia. Twenty years ago, Fore was the Head Coach of a Linfield Christian team that took on the Kares in RHP's first ever 11 Man Semifinal in a game he will never forget. That night Coach Fore learned just how special the small school in Arcadia truly was, and he has been a fan of RHP ever since. Chris Fore has written multiple books on successful coaching and continues to be a major advocate of high school football in California through many different avenues. Learn more about Coach Fore and his Eight Laces Consulting program at www.eightlaces.org

For the second consecutive week, Rio Hondo Prep traveled to Riverside and took down the home team in the CIF-SS Playoffs. The Kares played their sixth consecutive postseason game on the road and defeated Martin Luther King HS 28-7 to advance to Division 7 Semifinals which will now be arguably the biggest home playoff game in school history. The Never Say Die Rio Hondo defense was phenomenal all night long while the offense was led by Noah "Noahvember" Penunuri with over 200 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns. Head Coach Mark Carson recaps the big night from his team and the excitement for next week's home game. We are also joined by Junior OL/DL David Reyes who is a shining example of the mental and physical toughness that this team carries with them into battle.

Rio Hondo Prep (9-1) will travel back to Riverside in consecutive weeks to take on King High School (8-3) for the 2nd Round of the CIF-SS Division 7 Playoffs. Both the Kares and the Wolves are coming off of 1st Round upset wins on the road in which both defenses not only shutout their opponents but also caused a plethora of turnovers. Rio Hondo is on the road for their 6th straight Postseason game and are relishing the opportunity to reach the Semifinals in the highest division they've ever competed in. Tim Lunney is our guest this week who is not only a teacher at Rio but also gives of his time on game days to capture all kinds of great photographs of RHP Football. Tim's father was the late great Defensive Coordinator Gary Lunney who we all loved dearly for his humorous yet intense approach to coaching up the Kares.

Rio Hondo Prep completely dominated Ramona High School in Riverside for a decisive victory in the 1st Round of the Division 7 CIF-SS Playoffs. The Kares played extremely physical on defense and executed their offense to near perfection as they frustrated the previously unbeaten defending State Champion Rams. Ramona suited up more players than Rio has boys in the entire high school and yet the Kares refused to back down from the highly anticipated fight. Head Coach Mark Carson recaps the gutsy performance from his team as they will travel back to Riverside in the 2nd Round to take on the MLK Wolves. Junior OL/DL Elijah Gavia also stops by to discuss the big win and what it means to play Rio Hondo Prep Football.

Rio Hondo Prep (8-1) will travel to Riverside for the 1st Round of the CIF-SS Division 7 Playoffs to take on the Ramona Rams (10-0). The game features two Southern Section Champions from last season in Division 9 and 11 respectively. The Rams also won a State Title and are a very balanced football team. Rio is an underdog on the road once again and wouldn't have it any other way. Our alumni guest is Ryan Westervoorde (RHP 2002) who was a two time CIF Champ in 2000 and 2001. Ryan is a dedicated fan of his alma mater who almost never misses a game in person. We need every man, woman, and child to match his energy this Friday out in the Inland Empire for some Playoff Football! Win or Go Home........ Let's load up our slingshots and run out to meet Goliath on the battlefield. FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!

It is Selection Sunday for the CIF Southern Section Football Playoffs! We react in real time as the brackets are released with Head Coach Mark Carson. The Kares will travel to Riverside for a 1st Round matchup with 10-0 Ramona High School. The Rams not only won a Division 11 Southern Section title last season but were also crowned State Champions as well. Rio Hondo has a tremendous challenge in front of them but are enthusiastic about the incredible opportunity. We are also joined by Senior Captain OL/DL Ivan Tkach to chat about his experience playing football at Rio.

The regular season is in the books as Rio Hondo Prep defeated the Brentwood Eagles 42-22 to capture the Gold Coast League Championship and an automatic bid to the Southern Section Playoffs. Rio will enjoy a week off as they patiently wait to see what division they will be placed in on Selection Sunday next weekend. Head Coach Mark Carson recaps the big game from Friday as well as the season as a whole. His team is poised to make another magical run similar to what we witnessed last year. Recently inaugurated Academy President Nate Curtis stops by to talk about his memorable 4 years of Varsity Football and how he is hungry for one more title run as a Senior Captain WR/DB.

It has been 1,106 days since Rio Hondo Prep has defeated the Brentwood Eagles. The past 2 seasons have been a humbling experience for the Kares when they have lined up against their league rivals from West Los Angeles. In the last game of the regular season, RHP faces BHS one more time with the Gold Coast League Championship on the line as well as the only automatic bid to the CIF-SS Playoffs. Former Rio great Alex Tayco joins the show to talk about the 2 Championship Teams he was on in 2008 and 2011. Alex is currently an Ambulance Operator and has also served as a Firefighter in the Forest Service as a Hotshot in the past. The Tayco family name is one of the most iconic in Rio Hondo history, and Alex is the perfect guy to get us in the right mindset for the biggest game of the season.

Homecoming is always a special night at Rio Hondo Prep and this year was no different. The Kares were victorious over the Viewpoint Patriots 54-19 as Kare Park in Irwindale was filled to capacity with fans and alumni. The Halftime Show included an enthusiastic performance by the girls of Kare Youth League as well as a humorous Snow White themed skit by recent graduates to reveal the Homecoming Court. In order to keep the party going, we are joined by Senior Homecoming Queen Sam Montez, Senior Defensive Back Josh Curtis, and Head Coach Mark Carson. It has been a memorable season thus far but now all eyes and attention shift to the incoming clash with the Brentwood Eagles in the regular season finale.

Rio Hondo Prep (6-1) welcomes the Viewpoint Patriots (5-2) into Kare Park for Homecoming and the Gold Coast League opener after both teams had a Bye last week. With only 1 automatic qualifier from the 3 team league, it is fair to say that the Playoffs unofficially begin right now. Ryan Wiley is a rather distinguished RHP alumnus who not only won two football championships in 2011 and 2012 but was also the leading scorer on Rio's first ever basketball title in 2013. Wiley continued to play hoops in college and now works as Behavioral Health Specialist down in the Temecula area. Let's see as many Kare fans as possible the next two weeks for the final home games of the season!

Rio Hondo Prep made the 360 mile trip to Northern California and came away with a 24-0 victory at The King's Academy up in the Bay Area. The Kares and the Knights played a very physical game after some pleasantries and fellowship the night before. The Rio defense played their best game of the season as they forced 3 turnovers and recorded 3 sacks in a shutout performance. Head Coach Mark Carson fills us in on the unique road trip and how Rio Hondo played in their final game before league play begins. Additionally, Senior OL/DL Zach Burl (AKA Big B) joins the show from his hotel room at the Embassy Suites to talk about a memorable football weekend on the road.

In a battle of Northern California vs Southern California, Rio Hondo Prep (5-1) will travel 360 miles up to Sunnyvale to take on the King's Academy Knights (1-3) in a game that will be the furthest RHP has traveled in their history. The Kares look to rebound immediately following their loss to Torrance last week and are poised to get back on track. Many players, coaches, and families will also be attending the Cal game in Berkely on Saturday as Ryan McCulloch and the Golden Bears host the #7 ranked Miami Hurricanes. Our guest today is 2000 Rio graduate Matt Heady who was a Football Champion in 1998 and Baseball Runner Up in 1999. Heady shares some fond memories from the past and why it is a "great time to be a Kare."

Rio Hondo Prep fell to 5-1 on the 2024 Season with a 28-21 loss to the Torrance Tartars at Louis Zamperini Stadium down in the South Bay. The game featured two defending champions who did everything they could to not give up their Title Belt. Rio battled mightily all the way to the end and appear to be ready for any fight that comes their way down the road. Coach Carson reacts to the first loss of the season and what it means in the big picture for his program. Junior RB/LB Noah Penunuri also swings by to discuss where the team is at and where they want to go.

Rio Hondo Prep takes their 5-0 record into Louis Zamperini Stadium on Friday night to face the 4-0 Torrance Tartars. The two schools are both defending CIF-SS Champions from Division 9 and 10 respectively. The matchup has the drama, buildup, and storylines of a massive Title Fight with the Unification of Championship Belts on the line. Rio legend Mike Whiteside joins the show to share some memories from a very special era at RHP and the close life long relationships that resulted from it. Whiteside was one of the very best athletes in Rio Hondo history and is the perfect guy to get us ready for a showdown with a well respected opponent. Ring The Bell

Rio Hondo Prep improved to 5-0 with a 44-6 victory over the Bellflower Buccaneers. On Senior Night, the Kares honored their 4th year players with starting spots and a ceremony before kickoff. Rio scored in all 3 phases of the game, and it was once again won with key contributions from the entire roster. Coach Carson talks about the near flawless performance and presenting a game ball to dedicated fan Dave Heersema on his 70th birthday. Senior Quarterback Landry Johnson also joins the show after throwing a touchdown pass and catching a touchdown pass in last night's win.

Rio Hondo Prep is 4-0 and firing on all cylinders. The offense has scored at will and the defense makes big plays when they matter most. The challenge this week is to avoid any kind of letdown against the 0-3 Bellflower Buccaneers by possibly looking ahead to future opponents. The regular season is half over; where did it go? Our guest today is 2001 Rio alum Jon Echevarria who was a shifty Tailback for the Kares and won a CIF Championship in 2000. Jonny Ech reminisces about the end of the 8 Man Football era and how exciting it is to bring his young son to see the current team. Only three home games left so let's see some alumni out at Kare Park soon!

Rio Hondo Prep played their first Friday night game of the season and came away with a 53-19 win on the road at Marquez High School in Huntington Park. The Kares improved to 4-0 and played a very physical brand of football against the host Gladiators. Head Coach Mark Carson discusses his team's victory and the many different contributions throughout the evening in South Central Los Angeles. Junior LB Rainn Pollock stops by to chat about his big "Pick 6" against Marquez and the memorable week his family has had in regard to the various fires around California.

Rio Hondo Prep travels to Huntington Park for their first Friday game of the season as they face off against the Marquez Gladiators. The environment should be rather electric and a true tough test on the road for the Kares. Dean Sloan is our featured guest this week and shares his thoughts on how Rio Hondo Football sets itself apart in many ways. Mr Sloan is a successful businessman, former Army Ranger, and major contributor to KYL/RHP. He was awarded the 2024 Kare Service Award which is presented to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the organization. Dean Sloan is also on the Board of Directors for Kare Youth League and provides a unique perspective in doing so. Our prayers are with the many Rio graduates who are now Firefighters battling the blazing infernos across Southern California.

Rio Hondo Prep dominated the visiting Maranatha Minutemen 56-14 to improve to 3-0 on the season. The Kares were nearly flawless on both sides of the ball as they rushed for over 400 yards and stifled their opponent with intense physical play. Six different Rio players scored the team's eight touchdowns on the night. Head Coach Mark Carson reacts to the great RHP win and Senior RB/LB Caeden Holcomb joins us to talk about the early success this season building towards big goals down the road.

Rio Hondo Prep (2-0) hosts Maranatha (2-0) at Kare Park this Saturday night in a highly anticipated matchup. The two schools have not played each other since 2008 and while Rio has won three of the five contests in 11 Man Football, the Minutemen have been victorious the past two times they met. Our special guest today is Maranatha Head Coach Rand Holdren. He discusses building his program from the ground up and how excited his team is to take on the defending Division 9 CIF Champions. We will get both fan bases fired up for this one with some great crossover talk and analysis of two great undefeated football programs.

Rio Hondo Prep dominated Pasadena Poly on Saturday with a 65-19 victory. The Kares improved to 2-0 and seven different players scored touchdowns in the blowout. Rio has now won 6 straight against their rivals while both programs appear to be going in opposite directions. Head Coach Mark Carson joins us to talk about the big win and the upcoming matchup with Maranatha next week. Additionally, Senior Andy Xu stops by to discuss his final game against Poly. Xu scored his first 2 touchdowns ever at the varsity level yesterday and did so on both sides of the ball.

Rio Hondo Prep takes on their rivals Pasadena Poly for an early morning showdown in a continued matchup that has withstood the test of time over five decades. The Panthers and Kares will compete once again in one of the best small school rivalries in Southern California. Play by play broadcaster Clark Bolinger joins us to talk about the RHP Program he once played for and how the weekly game production on the NFHS Network has evolved over time.

Rio Hondo Prep opened their season with a 55-28 over Francis Parker to kickoff the 2024 Season. The Kares received Presidential treatment with an escort from campus to Kare Park courtesy of the Arcadia Police Department and 1993 Rio alum Sergeant Wally Ashby who was teammates with Coach Carson back in the day. Rio Hondo wasted no time making huge plays on both sides of the ball and looked like the defending 2023 CIF Champions. Head Coach Mark Carson discusses his team's start to the new year and what they can work on going forward. Junior Quarterback Yanick Diaz joins us for the player segment of the show and chats about being the Field General for the Rio Hondo Prep Football Program.

The kickoff of a new season has arrived. The Kares open their 2024 campaign with the visiting Francis Parker Lancers from San Diego this Saturday night. It has been a summer full of anticipation and the wait is finally over. Joining us today is long time football official Bob Gordon, who will discuss some points of emphasis this year in regard to the rules. I had the privilege to work many games with Bob in the past and this will be his 50th season on the gridiron. Another guest we have is RHP alum Evan Foor, who led Rio to its first ever Baseball Championship in his Senior year of 2019. Evan is currently an All Conference Pitcher at Oklahoma Wesleyan University and shares fond memories of his experience as a Quarterback at Rio Hondo Prep from just a few short years ago. Happy New Year!

Rio Hondo Prep held their Meet The Team event on Friday night for families, fans, and alumni to get their first look at the 2024 squad. Kare Park in Irwindale was in midseason form as spectators flooded the concourse to take in one of the best high school football environments around even it was a week early. We tried our first remote podcast right on the field to bring you all the sights and sounds of the evening. Kyle Horton, Josh Taflinger, and Colby Johnson all stopped by for short discussions about the new season and continued high expectations of the program. You get to meet each member of the team individually as they get in front of the camera for their player profiles providing some brief information about them. The 2024 campaign is officially underway, and our first pregame show will air this Thursday.

Rio Hondo Prep wrapped up their first week of Fall Camp with a practice in full pads on Saturday. We have you covered for the sights and sounds of the boys back on the grass at historic Kare Field. Head Coach Mark Carson also gives us a tour of some of the facilities at RHP. Our post practice interviews include comments from Ivan Tkach, Yanick Diaz, Landry Johnson, and Caeden Holcomb. In closing, Coach Rocky Seto gave the team a passionate speech that is sure to give you goosebumps and get you ready for some high school football.

As we enter the month where football officially begins, Coach Mark Carson joins me to recap the summer and look ahead to getting back onto the field. He talks about the skills and contributions of our final three seniors Andy Xu, Winston Yang, and Dominick Yang-Lim. Coach and I go down memory lane a little bit with some memories of my mother Diane Heersema and some fun times in his brand new Toyota Carolla back in the day. We also discuss the upcoming practice schedule and how the team can avoid a let down this season with complacency versus staying consistent with the way Rio Hondo handles business.

As we continue our interviews with the families of our Seniors, we are reminded of just how special Rio Hondo Prep is and the many different ways that people around the world happen to stumble across 5150 Farna Avenue. Joining us today are three more amazing families who are cheering on their boys going into their final season. The proud parents of Caeden Holcomb, Marco Chan, and Ivan Tkach share their experiences and offer up more reasons why more families should consider RHP as a home for their children as a conduit for a purposeful life.

Do you remember what it felt like going into your Senior year? Were you sad, nervous, or excited? You work your whole life to get to this moment, but it also arrives before you ever feel truly ready for it. As we continue our tribute to the new Seniors and their families, we are joined by the proud parents of Zack Burl as well as those of Nate and Josh Curtis. Both families seem to have a deep connection that goes far beyond football and are shining examples of the incredible parent support at Rio Hondo Prep that is second to none.

As we soon kickoff another football season, we now have a new batch of Seniors that will begin their final year at Rio Hondo Prep. The instant promotion to Senior is full of serious responsibilities and final possibilities. Over the next few weeks, we will be joined by the proud parents of the young men who will lead the way for Rio going forward. One thing we can all agree on is that it will be over in the blink of an eye, so you should cherish every second. Our guests today are the parents of Diego Householder, Landry Johnson, and Derek David. They will share their memories from watching their sons over the past few years as well as their excitement for what is to come in this final chapter.

Happy 4th of July! Major Bill Lee spent 20 years in the United States Marine Corps and completed multiple combat deployments to Iraq. He is a proud alumnus of Rio Hondo Prep and won a CIF Championship back in 1990 alongside one of his brothers. Bill embodies the giving spirit of the great Lee family in their life long service to others. Back in 2005, Bill was the Strength and Conditioning Coach as well as the Offensive Line Coach for Rio Hondo Prep's first ever 11 man championship. Coach Mark Carson considers Major Lee one of his closest friends and a shining example of what RHP graduates can become. It is truly an honor to have a humble hero like Bill Lee as our very special guest to celebrate another Independence Day. Thank you to all who have served and protected us throughout our history.

Rod Heaton was one of the fiercest football players in Rio Hondo Prep history. His intimidating presence and intense athleticism put him amongst the all time greats to ever wear the crest on their helmet. Back when I was in 4th grade, Mr Heaton was in his 20s and served as an assistant coach of mine that had a tremendous impact on me and my Gator teammates. He would pick us up for Church and take us on all kinds of fun unique outings. I used to love hearing stories from his high school playing days as we rode around in his pickup truck listening to the latest movie soundtrack music. Mr Heaton was a joy to be around, and I smile often when I think back to some of the best times with him when I was a kid. I really wish I could have seen him play on the field. Rod's team made it to the 1987 Title Game in his senior year. Unfortunately, he and his legendary teammates such as Dave Carson and Randy Johnson finished their incredible careers as a Runner-Up. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a-charge-to-keep/message

Wally Ashby is a Patrol Sergeant with the Arcadia Police Department and a proud graduate from Rio Hondo Prep in 1993. Back when he was a Senior at Prep, Wally coached me and my 2nd grade teammates on the Gators in Kare Youth League. The first time I ever went to a Rio football game was to watch Coach Wally on the gridiron. We chat about the impact on KYL kids when they go watch their assistant coaches play for Rio Hondo and then dream about following in their footsteps. Wally has also been a high school basketball coach with successful stops at St Lucy's and Bishop Amat as well as La Salle where he currently coaches. Back when I was in 2nd grade, I wanted to wear the Rio Hondo Prep uniform someday just like Coach Wally. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a-charge-to-keep/message

Greg Bolinger was one of the original founders of the Glendora Gators in Kare Youth League. He was also a member of two championship teams at Rio Hondo Prep in 1977 and 1979. Mr Bolinger was my first Leader in KYL back when I joined the program in 2nd grade. We reflect on some great memories at Wingate Park and his playing days at RHP. I attended my first Rio football game for a Gator team Outing as has become a tradition for many clubs over the years. Mr Bolinger has a deep connection to Rio Hondo Football. His son Clark is the play by play broadcaster on the NFHS Network, his daughter Darcy is the Cheerleading Coach, and his late father-in-law was the legendary Coach Randall Johnson. Greg Bolinger also made one of the biggest tackles in RHP Football history in the 1977 Title Game. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a-charge-to-keep/message

Gary Shintaku was my Leader for most of my time in Kare Youth League. He coached me in 3rd-5th grade on the Gators and taught me more lessons than I can count. His attention to detail and ability to challenge our teams at such a young age absolutely prepared us all for bigger things down the road. Mr Shintaku played in the famous 1977 CIF Championship against Montclair Prep that is nearly unanimous as the greatest Rio Hondo Prep game ever played at Kare Field. We discuss his teammates from that incredible era of RHP Football and why the great tradition has stood the test of time. Gary Shintaku is one of many coaches I had in Kare Youth League that sparked my passion for Rio. Hundreds of kids from KYL over the years have gone on to play at RHP themselves after watching their heroes from the bleachers with wide eyes and eager anticipation. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a-charge-to-keep/message

In this Spring Sports Special, we acknowledge all three Rio Hondo Prep teams that will be competing in the CIF Playoffs at the same time. It will be an exciting Tuesday with the Softball Team hosting Southlands Christan at 3:15pm followed by a home game at 6:00pm for the Volleyball Team which takes on Samueli Academy. The Baseball pairings will be announced Monday morning, and we could very likely have all three of our teams playing on the same day. Joining us today are three members from each of our spring teams to make the postseason. Volleyball Captain Landry Johnson discusses the two Playoff wins from last week. Additionally, Junior Third Baseman Diego Householder shares moments from the baseball diamond where Rio needed two wins in the final week just to qualify. Finally, Senior Leadoff Hitter Avery Pollock reflects on her final year at RHP and how the competitive greatness in her Softball teammates has them poised to make one final run. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a-charge-to-keep/message

In this special edition of the podcast, we are promoting a big fundraising event for Kare Youth League that is just one month away. On April 20th, KYL is hosting a Topgolf Tournament and Awards Luncheon Fundraiser in Ontario, California. Topgolf is located right next to Ontario Airport for easy access to those interested from out of the area and is truly a fun environment for all who participate. Joining me today is Dan Kirby, one of the event coordinators as a Director of Development for Kare Youth League. We talk a little Rio Hondo Prep Football but mainly focus on the great opportunity to contribute to the best and most unique youth sports organization in the entire country. For more information, please visit kyl.org/topgolf --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a-charge-to-keep/message

It's postseason time once again for the Rio Hondo Prep Girls Basketball Team. The 17-7 Kares are headed to Whittier this Thursday night to take on the 13-14 La Serna Lances in the 1st Round of the CIF Southern Section Division 3A Playoffs. Our special guests are Emma Carson and Sydney Diaz who are both Seniors and Captains on this RHP team. They were also Homecoming Queen and Senior Princess back in the Fall on the Homecoming Court. The ladies talk about the contributions from their teammates and the overall team chemistry their special group has in playing together. They are all excited to keep their journey going into the Playoffs, and we the Rio Hondo Family can't wait to get out and support them. Go Rio! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a-charge-to-keep/message

Rio Hondo Prep's magical season came to a close up in Central California in the Division 4-A State Regionals. The Kares fell 29-14 to Mission Oak of Tulare in a back and forth game that could have gone either direction. The 210 Prep Sports media outlet named Head Coach Mark Carson as its Coach Of The Year; it also named Noah Penunuri and Nate Curtis as Co-Players Of The Year. Coach Carson makes one final appearance to recap the season and honor the Seniors from his team. We also discuss what lies ahead for the program and some thoughts on next season. It has been an honor to write the lyrics for the incredible music that the program has produced over the past few months. May we continue to create more melodies and harmonies in the future forever. Merry Christmas to you all and thank you to everyone in the RHP Family! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a-charge-to-keep/message

Rio Hondo Prep is 13-1 and won the CIF Southern Section Division 9 Championship last week and was selected into the Division 4-A State Playoffs this Saturday. The Kares will travel 185 miles to Tulare, CA to take on the 9-5 Mission Oak Hawks who were the CIF Central Section Division 3 Champions. A victory would send RHP to its first ever State Championship Game. Todd Carson is our featured guest and joins us from way up north in Weed, CA. He coached many years at Rio Hondo and is the brother of Head Coach Mark Carson. Todd shares his excitement from the big championship win last week, his joy for where the Rio program has grown, and his fond memories of the 1991 basketball team that made a historic run in the State Playoffs. Have a safe drive up north everyone. Embrace the Adventure! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a-charge-to-keep/message