Luncheon to Draw Men of Letters

WESTLAKE VILLAGE â€”  It would be a college football recruiter’s dream, except for one thing: all the players who will show up to eat at the Westlake Village Hyatt next week will already be taken.

Buena High Coach Rick Scott and Westlake Coach Jim Benkert have organized a luncheon for 11:30 a.m. Wednesday--the first day of the NCAA football signing period--at which all Ventura County players signing letters of intent will be invited to do so together.

The idea is to add formality to a significant day in the life of a high-school football player. Most players sign their letters of intent in the high school coach’s office or at home on the kitchen table before school.

“This is a very important part of their lives,� Benkert said, “and even though they’ve been at enough banquets this year, the real highlight of their playing time is to earn a college scholarship.

“I think that day is real important and we are going to do as much as possible to add pomp and circumstance.�

Scott was in charge of getting the players there, Benkert the facility and catering.

Because this is the first year of the event, no sponsors were arranged. The cost is $12 per meal for the players, their parents and guests.

Benkert said Westlake players were being sponsored by the football booster club, and he hoped other schools’ booster clubs would support their players, too.

Because the luncheon falls in the middle of a school day, however, Benkert was unsure if all the players signing would be able to attend.

The headline player this year is Westlake All-America receiver Billy Miller. Miller is expected to add drama to the luncheon by announcing his college choice. He will sign with UCLA, USC, Washington or Colorado.