Menlo College football coach Speckman resigns

By Nadia Le’i, Oak Staff

Photo courtesy of MercuryNews.com

Where one door closes, another is opened. For head coach, Mark Speckman, the Menlo College Football Program door closed after he accepted a contract with Canadian Professional Football Team, the Montreal Alouettes.   

    

Born without hands, Speckman upended the standards of football and inspired many as he made his way to the top as a linebacker, playing for Menlo from 1973-74. He continued his college football career at Azusa Pacific University where he earned honorable mention for All-American NAIA.

Although he has only led Menlo Football for one season, the Menlo community will not forget the exciting season he brought to the school. Speckman turned the program around, reminding Menlo what it feels like to believe in a team.

 “Coach Speckman started to really change our program. He got all the players to buy into something bigger than ourselves. He really started to get the team excited and got us working harder than ever,” said sophomore defensive tackle, Mata Tagaloa. “He received an offer that doesn’t come around often and he chose to seize that opportunity. He will be greatly missed.”

Menlo Athletic Department has yet to release a statement detailing what their next steps will be in finding a new head coach for the upcoming season. Until then, the team workouts and meetings will be headed by Coach Vic Brankovich.

Speckman will leave Menlo with a memorable season where he was able to inspire students past athletics and beyond the football field. He leaves behind him the start of stronger and more unified football program.

Click here to read the letter sent by President Jim Kelly to the Menlo Community about Coach Speckman’s departure.

Mika Mendoza, Stephanie Wertz and Amy Takano contributed to this story.

Valentine's Day at Menlo College: On Campus

By the Menlo Oak Staff

It was really romantic. It was the night before Valentine’s Day. The place, Russell Center on Menlo College. The event, an on-campus romantic dinner for Menlo students. Menlo students.

It was “Date Night,” a special event to start the Valentine celebration. Chef Rob Adan created a three-course meal—salad, an entrée choice of either Parmesan chicken or Fillet of Sole and dessert of chocolate-dipped strawberries.

"The food was amazing. I honestly think Sodexo should hire Rob Adan to cook in the cafe. Besides the food though, I had a really nice night with my girlfriend. It was romantic and best of all free,"  said Mata Tagaloa

The serving staff consisted of students and faculty members.

Later that evening, in the Fireside Lounge, Menlo students gathered for “Valentine’s Day Prep.” It was an all-out DIY session, with flower making, cupcake decorating and chocolate writing.

There were lots of Menlo men making bouquets for their girlfriends. There were also lots of singles making Valentine’s for them.

"Love makes me realize a lot of things I didn't know about myself. Sometimes love makes me realize that I'm really really bad at surprising my girlfriend on Valentines Day by going to the smallest campus in the world and making a flower bouquet that my cheap...couldn't afford," stated Kaimi Haina.

Menlo's men were the only ones creating floral arrangements. Lots of women were creating floral designs, too.
"These flower's are for me. I guess Jordan can have one too if he wants," Anu Gabrie said.

Yes, romance was in the air at Menlo College. Click here to see a photo slideshow of the people at the campus events.

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Menlo Oak Staff members Nadia Le'i, Mika Mendoza, Stephanie Wertz, Amy Tanako and Josh Waller-Weinberg contributed to this story.

Valentine's Day at Menlo College: Off Campus

Image Courtesy: Valeriea.com

Yes, there were a lot of Valentine's Day activities on campus, but sometimes couples just want to get away. There were lots of options, many close to campus.

A romantic dinner. A movie. Even pizza with friends. All, just a few minutes away.

Here is a photo slideshow by Amy Takano of some of the popular spots for Menlo students going off campus as they celebrated Valentine's Day.

Valentine's Day Movie: 'Safe Haven'

She's a woman with a secret. He's a widower who wants to make a new start.
They meet on a small island off the coast of North Carolina.

When it looks as if these two lonely people will get together and make a life together, the woman's past catches up with her.

Julianne Hough, Josh Duhamel and a strong cast star made "Safe Haven" the perfect Valentine's Date night movie for Menlo College students.

Watch the trailer.

New Month, New Stories from Around the World

By Stephanie Wertz
Oak Staff

February means Valentine’s Day, Super Bowl Sunday and commercials. Super Bowl XLVII was the main attraction this weekend when the San Francisco 49ers took on the Baltimore Ravens in New Orleans.

During the first half of the game the Niners were nowhere near the Ravens. It was frustrating for the Bay Area to watch. However, after Beyonce’s amazing halftime performance and after the lights went back on, the 49ers kicked into gear and turned the game around making a great comeback. There was a chance for the Bay Area team to come back and beat the other Harbaugh brother. Unfortunately, the San Francisco 49ers lost to the Baltimore

Ravens, 34-31.
Aside from the excitement of the most watched game on television, the commercials, both humorous and serious, were also a big hit.

Click Here To Read Steph's 7 Stories in 7 Days.