On October 18th, the Sammamish Totems host Juanita for its 2013 Homecoming Game. We will be paying tribute to Mark Tevelde by presenting Mark’s parents with a commemorative game jersey at halftime. We will also be honoring each member of the 1986-'87 team in attendance for their historic victory over Juanita, which snapped the Rebel's 32-consecutive games winning streak!

This year's Homecoming game has special significance. The spirit of uniting and reuniting all Totems, and honoring the historic achievements of our 1986-'87 football team, extends well beyond a football game. This year, we also honor a fallen friend, leader, and OUR Quarterback, Mark Tevelde, by shining light on mental illness -- an affliction that took his life just less than 10 years after he led our team to that legendary victory over Juanita at our 1986 Homecoming game.

We have lost far too many Totems in the years following our graduation day. By honoring Mark Tevelde, we also remember all classmates who are no longer with us. Remembering Mark began with a group of 1988 grads honoring their 'brother' by playing basketball in his name before their 10 and 20-year reunion events. Every year since, remembering and honoring Mark has become an annual "tribute" event for a growing number of Totems (class of '88 and beyond!): friends, family, parents, teachers and coaches.

Last year we raised enough money to install a bench -- in Mark's name and memory -- at Spiritridge Park in Bellevue, a place where Mark spent countless hours playing basketball and football. We then gave all of the remaining funds to Mr. and Mrs. Tevelde, to donate to the charity of their choice. WE ALL MADE IT HAPPEN! At one of our first Tribute meetings for 2013, we thought: "We will never top the bench!" WELL ... here we are ... UNITED TOTEMS ... MAKING IT BIGGER AND BETTER by sharing our dear friend Mark's story, with hope that his legacy will continue to make a positive difference in the lives of many, many others ... Totems and beyond.

For those who did not know Mark, he was an All-American boy-next-door. He was tall, dark, and handsome, with nearly perfect grades, and a STAR athlete! He was the quarterback -- OUR Quarterback -- who led Sammamish to its historic 1986 Homecoming Game victory over nationally-ranked and back-to-back state champion Juanita HS, breaking its 32-consecutive games winning streak! That thrilling, overtime win remains one of the greatest sports moments in Sammamish High School history. Mark was also one of the sweetest guys you could ever meet, and everyone loved him (ESPECIALLY the girls!).

Mark was diagnosed with Schizophrenia shortly after his Senior year in high school. Tragically, his condition was so severe, he took his own life in October 1996, at the way-too-soon age of 26.

On October 18th, the Sammamish Totems once again host Juanita for its Homecoming Game. On that night, we will pay tribute to Mark by presenting his parents with a Totems football jersey, in his name, at halftime. We will also honor and celebrate our 1986-'87 team's historic performance!

Last, but certainly not least...
In the spirit of "giving back," our mission also includes outfitting this year’s Totem Football team with NEW uniforms -- at NO COST to the school -- that will be unveiled for the first time at the Homecoming game! The jerseys, featuring a patch honoring Mark and the '86 win over Juanita, were designed by Saiphs founder and CEO Scott Weeden – a Sammamish alum and close friend of Mark.

Please go to Saiphs.com to purchase your own, customized game jersey (the same as the players will wear), polo, and/or athletic t-shirt. ALL proceeds from EVERY purchase go toward purchasing uniforms for the 2013 team! This is a completely non-profit cause, so ALL proceeds collected above the new uniforms' cost will be donated to the Mark Tevelde Fund for Mental Health Ministry.

1. To purchase Totems apparel (game jerseys, athletic t-shirts &/or polo shirts):
http://www.saiphs.com/site/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=67&products_id=146

2. To donate to the Mark Tevelde Fund for Mental Health Ministry directly:
https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/cZfk5

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!!! 

We chose this be an "OPEN" event, which means you may invite people we may not know or were unable to contact. Please help fill-up our stadium and cheer for OUR team to BEAT JUANITA on October 18th!

PRE~GAME at 4pm at the Goose.
GAME STARTS at 7pm.
AFTER PARTY at the Bellevue Brewery.