Football Team Copes With the Death of Teammate - Central Coast News KION/KCBA

Football Team Copes With the Death of Teammate

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By Ricardo Navarro - email

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - Tonight the Stingrays football team said goodbye to their teammate - Joey Mendoza. The Stingrays had their first season game next Saturday, and Joey was planning on starting. "He got robbed of that opportunity, that chance," said Joey's mentor, who does not want to be identified.

At only 13 years old police say Joey had hid run-ins and hung around gangs, but according to his mentor, it wasn't what defined him. The two spent everyday together. His mentor helping Joey, talking to him, and even giving Joey some football tips. He said Joey was an inspiration to anyone involved in gangs.

"Seeing the kid trying to make something of himself, trying to do something better for his family. He was doing so good."

For the past two months, Joey went to Harvey West Park to practice football everyday. His football coach said just yesterday he was laughing and having a good time. The coach was so impressed with how much he was improving.

Joey's mother comforted by family and friends remembered her son at his memorial. The place he was shot. "I wish I had the last few seconds with him, but I couldn't," said Irma Reyes.

His coach said the team has a saying "One team, one family, we work together with everything we do"

Together the team will remember Joey Mendoza.  

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