Bill Redell’s big day

Oaks Christian field is renamed for coach who started football program



 

 

The longtime leader of the Lions’ football team received the ultimate honor from Oaks Christian School on Aug. 28.

Oaks Christian dedicated its home field within Thorson Stadium to former head coach Bill Redell, who helped the Lions capture seven CIF-Southern Section titles and a 2006 CIF State Championship in his 13 years at the helm. The Lions will now play all their home games at Bill Redell Field.

“It’s a very humbling experience,” Redell said at a private reception on the school’s campus. “I think it’s a tribute to the coaches who coached for me and the players that played for me.

“I’ll tell you what, if we went 10-90, they wouldn’t be throwing this whole thing. It’s a real honor.”

Laughter filled the air in Dallas Athletic Center on campus while Redell rattled off a flurry of quips and thanked dozens of friends, family members and former players.

“The whole thing is a big positive memory,” he said. “With the people I’ve met, it’s been such a positive experience. Even some of the parents have been good.”

Redell’s former teammates from his playing days at San Marino High, USC and Occidental College attended the ceremony.

Bill Bolton played alongside a young Redell at San Marino. Bolton said the legendary coach was a phenomenal athlete.

“He was All-CIF first team twice in football,” Bolton said of Redell. “In baseball, he was All-CIF three years as a second baseman. I still think that first one he won was mine. I always tell him that.”

Brian Kennedy, who was Redell’s roommate during their time together with the Trojans, had a front row seat to Redell’s brilliance on the high school football field when Kennedy suited up for San Gabriel.

“I played against him in high school and our team was no match,” Kennedy said of Redell. “I think (San Marino) beat us 48-0. Redell is one of a kind. He was a man among boys—I mean sensational.”

As a player, Redell led Occidental College to two Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles in 1962 and 1963 as the team’s quarterback, defensive back and kicker. He played six seasons in the Canadian Football League before pursuing his coaching career.

Former Lions’ players had nothing but kind words to say about Redell.

Richie Harrington, quarterback for the 2010 CIF-Southern Section champions, said Redell helped him receive a scholarship to play at Oregon State after high school.

“He cares about how you develop as a football player and as a person,” Harrington said. “He’s always looking out for your best interests. . . . I’m back here to support him because he supported me throughout my years at Oaks to help me get to where I wanted to go.”

Redell helped 2009 Oaks Christian grad Brian Owusu earn admission into Harvard University. Owusu, who played four years of football for the Crimson, said Redell always stressed the importance of academics.

“He really pushed us academically to make sure we were doing the best we could in the classroom, not just on the field,” Owusu said. “He always called colleges on our behalf. He helped with recommendations and anything else he had to do to help us get ready for our future. He taught hard work, discipline and commitment.”

Redell is currently the director of football operations for Oaks Christian, but he summoned a little motivational magic during the Lions’ 41-34 season opening victory on Aug. 28 against Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks.

Oaks Christian senior wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. snagged his third touchdown of the game, a game-winner in the back corner of the end zone with 20 seconds left in the game. Pittman then ran over to Redell, who was watching from the sideline.

“We had a deal,” Pittman said of the exchange with Redell. “If I scored three touchdowns, he’d give me a coach’s shirt. I’m going to pick up my shirt.”

Surrounded by the people who love him most at the ceremony, Redell couldn’t help cracking one last joke.

“It’s nice,” he said with a mischievous smile. “My next big event I probably won’t be at.”


MANY RIVERS TO CROSS—Oaks Christian director of football operations Bill Redell, left, and head coach Jim Benkert embrace.

MANY RIVERS TO CROSS—Oaks Christian director of football operations Bill Redell, left, and head coach Jim Benkert embrace.

SERENITY NOW, INSANITY LATER—Bill Redell, above, is deep in thought before addressing a crowd at a reception to rename the Oaks Christian High football field in his honor. Above left, Redell and his wife, Cheryl, walk on the field during the dedication ceremony Aug. 28.

SERENITY NOW, INSANITY LATER—Bill Redell, above, is deep in thought before addressing a crowd at a reception to rename the Oaks Christian High football field in his honor. Above left, Redell and his wife, Cheryl, walk on the field during the dedication ceremony Aug. 28.

PIGSKIN POWER—Oaks Christian wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., above, hauls in a game-winning touchdown catch with 20 seconds left in the Lions’ 41-34 win against Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks on Aug. 28 at home. Pittman is on the cover of the Acorn’s Pigskin Preview special section. At right, players wait for the next play on the newly christened Bill Redell Field. Redell went 160-22 in 13 seasons leading Oaks Christian.

PIGSKIN POWER—Oaks Christian wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., above, hauls in a game-winning touchdown catch with 20 seconds left in the Lions’ 41-34 win against Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks on Aug. 28 at home. Pittman is on the cover of the Acorn’s Pigskin Preview special section. At right, players wait for the next play on the newly christened Bill Redell Field. Redell went 160-22 in 13 seasons leading Oaks Christian.

 

 

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