Through thick and thin, better and worse, the California football team can always rely on the community's support. Now, with the help of the program's booster club, the Pintos have a chance to show their appreciation.
The Quarterback Club is holding a meet-and-greet with California players and coaches from 5:45 to 7 p.m. Thursday in the high school commons area. The event, which is free and open to the public, allows community members to meet the Pintos, get autographs and photos, and, most importantly, wish them good luck.
California (13-0), ranked No. 2 in Class 3, faces Oak Grove (11-2) at 7 p.m. Friday in the state semifinals. It will be the Pintos' first road game since playing at Warsaw in the regular-season finale Oct. 17. They hosted all three district games and the state quarterfinal.
After Thursday's practice and team meal, the meet-and-greet will begin. For more information on the event, contact AnJanette Volkart at 573-796-2700.
"It's a great opportunity for the team to mingle with people who've supported them all season," said J. Gump, president of the Quarterback Club. "Things like this really help the kids build morale and team spirit. It's also great for little kids in the community. Some of them could end up playing here one day."
Friday's game will be California's third consecutive trip to the semifinals. The winner advances to the state championship game at 1 p.m. Nov. 28 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.
The weather, which has been well-below the freezing mark in recent days, is expected to warm up slightly. Friday's game-time temperature in Oak Grove should be around 40 degrees, with a 20 percent chance of rain. The winds are expected to blow around 9 miles per hour from the east-southeast.
Oak Grove is approximately 110 miles from California, depending on your route. The suggested directions are: Highway 87 North to I-70 West (toward Kansas City). Take Exit 28 toward Levasy/Oak Grove. Turn left on MO-F/MO-H/S. Broadway St. Go less than one mile and turn left on SE 12th St. The high school, located at 605 E. 12th St., is on the right.