November 22, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

LOOKING BACK: Segerstrom players stepped up before playing of National Anthem

Segerstrom football players No. 56 Angel Berrum with help from No. 51 Marco Velarde hold the flag before a game last season. (Photo courtesy Mark Bausman, For OC Sports Zone)

Free-lance photographer Mark Bausman recalled a moment before a high school football game this season when Coach Joseph Tagaloa’s Segerstrom team was playing on the road.

Bausman described what happened:

“This one isn’t about the photo but the story behind it. The team I shoot for had an away game. The boys always carry an American flag. The group carries it as they run through the banner with the crowd cheering. As the announcer asked everyone to rise for the playing of the National Anthem, we all scoured the field for the flag. They either didn’t have one, or the spotlight was out. Realizing the situation, our player decided to raise the flag. As the anthem played on, I believe his arm began to burn. Notice the player to his right. He reached out and supported his elbow. Respect.”

Editor’s note: Mark Bausman also contributes photos to OC Sports Zone. Before sports hopefully resume, we are taking a look at some of the memorable moments of the 2019-20 season.

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com