'Obie' retiring after 30 years at De Anza

By Dick Sparrer

His name is Dave Obenour. But everyone simply knows him as "Obie." And "everyone" just might not be an understatement.

The popular athletic trainer at De Anza College in Cupertino is well known throughout the Santa Clara Valley, and that's exactly why organizers of his retirement dinner expect a packed house when they host the event for Obie on June 5 at Lou's Village.

Obenour will retire after 30 years as the athletic trainer at De Anza. But his talents go far beyond just mending the sprains and strains of De Anza athletes over the past three decades.

Obie's resume is impressive.

Besides caring for the Dons over the past 30 years, he worked as the first trainer for the San Jose Earthquakes; he worked in AYSO youth soccer and Little League baseball programs; he worked with a number of Olympic and World Cup athletes; he helped to organize the popular Hot Stove Banquet that honors top baseball players in the Santa Clara Valley; and he was named a Cupertino Distinguished Citizen during the 1980s.

But Obie's contributions transcend his résumé. It has been his friendly, caring demeanor that has made him such a treasure at De Anza through the year.

Obenour learned his trade from Sam Nakaso at San Jose City College and the late Henry Schmidt at Santa Clara University. He joined the staff at De Anza in 1970 and spent three decades there caring for the school's athletes in many ways.

Certainly he mended their injuries, but he also demonstrated his caring for the Dons with his friendship, counsel and sense of humor.

Obenour's wife of 34 years, Margaret, is a financial-aid assistant at De Anza with an emphasis on scholarships. They have three children: Cory, a restaurant owner and chef in San Francisco; Mark, an account manager for Payment Processing, Inc.; and Beth, a junior liberal arts major at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Obie will be honored at the June 5 retirement dinner at Lou's Village. The cost of $35 includes dinner and a gift. For information, call Sylvia Hooks in the De Anza physical education department at 408.864.8411.

The dinner will honor Obie for his contributions in 30 years as the athletic trainer at De Anza College. And for so much more.

Sheriff's Report

DeCinzo: Eucalyptus Tree Nightmares

Photo Page: It's a dog's life

Saratoga Stereopticon

Sports Briefs

Alejandro Runs to Fourth at CCS

'Obie' Retires After 30 Years at DeAnza