A Thanksgiving message from the Pirates
Hello Pirates,
This week is traditionally a time of year when people come together and give thanks for a wide range of topics. While this year may limit the amount of people that you gather with, the spirit of giving thanks continues. Outside of the occasional Zoom meeting, our Pirate Family hasn't been able to gather as we all continue to work from home. But this time has magnified the need to show gratitude for this hardworking group that supports all of our student-athletes.
As I was sitting at home this past weekend, gearing up for the holiday season with my wife and two daughters, we began to play our holiday records as we decorated our house. One particular lyric caught my attention as Dustin Kensrue sang, "What is a ship without its crew?" in his song "Christmas Blues." That sentiment rang true with me as I know our ship wouldn't be able to move forward without its crew, and they deserve a big "thank you" for all that they do.
Whether we're in the midst of a competition season or finding ways to support our student-athletes remotely during a pandemic, our "crew" is always up for the task and makes the OCC Athletics Department the special place that it is. So, as I give thanks this week, I ask all of our current and Forever Pirates to join me in thanking the people that keep the ship moving forward.
To our Athletic Training staff of Isabel Carpio, Chaz Kekipi, and Mike Nakahara – THANK YOU! To our Division Coordinator, James Shepard – THANK YOU! To our Eligibility & Compliance Specialist, Ashley Rippeon – THANK YOU! To our Equipment Managers, Chastity Dutro and Tony Magana – THANK YOU! And last, but certainly not least, to our Sports Information Director, Tony Altobelli – THANK YOU!
This "crew," members of our Pirate Family, are instrumental in all aspects of what we do in the Athletics Department and we owe so much of our success to this group. So, when we're able to gather again, please be sure to extend a "thank you" to this amazing group for all that they do to support all of our student-athletes!
Thank you,
Jason Kehler
Athletics Director
