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Updated May 7th, 2009
Letters to the Editor
Barden Was ‘Remarkable’ Story
Thanks for The Outlook’s story
on Ramses Barden (April 30 issue).
Well done. Your reference to the
“Flintridge Prep Family” is so perfect
on many levels.
As you know, Brooks Kirchheimer developed his passion
for journalism and sports back at
Prep. He was arguably the 2003
championship team’s No. 1 fan. He
did video work for the coaches during
games, and has continued his
dedication to writing, sports reporting
and game announcing all
through college. A remarkable
young man.
While many of the 2003 coaches
have moved beyond Prep, we all
made it a point each year while Ramses was at Cal Poly San Luis
Obispo to get to many of his home
games to support him. Glen Beattie,
Ken Fisher and myself are still at
Prep, as well as one of (Barden’s)
math teachers, Vatche Hagopian,
but Marty Konrad is at West Ranch
High School; Doug Esparza, who
knew Ramses as a middle school
student, now teaches and coaches in
the Palos Verdes area; Jim Ransford
is now retired; and Ben Moran is
still influencing young boys and
girls at Sequoia. We regularly reconnected
with Ramses’ parents at
games, and I had the distinct honor
to attend Ramses’ graduation ceremony
this past December. A college
degree from a very busy prospective
professional athlete; that’s something
Flintridge Prep can be proud
of considering our mission of
achieving and fostering excellence
in diverse interests, whether it be
academics, performing arts or athletics.
Thanks again for your coverage
and support of Flintridge Prep. This
is indeed a remarkable story of
determination, character, hard work,
courage and talent. It couldn’t have
happened to a better person than Ramses Barden.
Tom Fry
Flintridge Prep staff
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