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From: san francisco, california
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That's a beautiful tribute...and what a big life he led in such a short time. He dealt with more serious stuff than many people experience over an entire lifetime. I hope you're able to stay in touch and give support to his boyfriend...
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From: Los Angeles
Member No.: 100,106
Anthony was my team mate on many saturday afternoons and at the Gay Games in Chicago. As much as my opportunities in life were more fortunate than the hardships he had been dealt, I envied him a great deal. The spirit he had about himself, his sexuality, and his participation in sports were rare. He was a kind soul and you could see in his eyes that his heart was open to new people, new ideas, and to the possibilities of the future. On a long train ride back to our hotel after the championship game at the Gay Games, Anthony sat with his boyfriend and gently traced his fingers back and forth on his partner's forearm as the train wheels chunked rhythmically underneath us and the setting sun sparkled off the chrome of the window pane. Gradually, he fell asleep. The gold medal around his neck shone. This is how I will always remember him.
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From: Saco, ME
Member No.: 1,684
I'm sorry that you lost a friend and that we lost an out and proud young jock. As I read about him it reminded me of the fun/silliness I experienced joining Boston sports teams in the latter half of the seventies and how cool it was to have found these people, many still among my best friends.
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Jim I am really sorry for the loss of your friend. My sympathy to you and all the guys from the team. I am so jealous that he was able to be so out and comfortable at such a young age.
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From: Central Valley in CA
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Your friend is so incredibly young and it's always a great tragedy when someone so young is taken from us. By your tribute, I feel as though I would know him and have experienced some sense of your loss. It feels as though I have lost out by not knowing him personally. Thank you greatly for allowing me to see your friend Anthony through your eyes. That was very emotionally moving! My condolences are with you.
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Albert Einstein: "Great ideas often receive violent opposition from mediocre minds."
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From: Texas USA
Member No.: 99,492
What a wonderful tribute to such a courageous, classy young man. I'm so sorry for your loss. As well as the loss to the gay sports community. Anthony seems like a pleasurable person to know. And what a life he led, in such a short time. I admire how he was so out and proud. May he rest in peace.
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From: Saskatchewan, Canada
Member No.: 2,302
A tragic loss and I offer my sincerest condolences to those who's lives were touched by this terrific young man.
As I learned when my Dad passed away four and a half months ago, the hurt never goes away but you eventually learn to make friends with it. That tribute piece that you wrote was beautiful, and it gave me an opportunity to really understand the impact he had on those around him. It's that love and passion for sport, and most of all, his determination to be true to himself, that we can take away through this difficult time. Remember those good times, and take the qualities he showed and use it to better those around you.
I know it's really soon, but perhaps your Gay League or Team can consider creating an award in his honour...for most dedicated player. A great way to honour him.
Be strong, and just know that he's in a better place.
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Member No.: 100,108
Jim...I'm so sorry for your loss. Sportsfate...your words were so eloquent and paint a beautiful portrait of a young, out, gay man.
Having read the tribute to Anthony, it sounds as though his death was a loss for all us...the gay community sorely needs men with Anthony's courage and integrity...and from the looks of the pictures, he was a sexy thing too! I hope it is some consolation to you and your teammates to know that you brought joy and comfort to Anthony during his short life. May he rest in peace.
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What a great loss! Only the good die young!
I LOVE your tribute. You're very fortunate that you got to know such a beautiful young man. He was also lucky to have you guys for your love and support. Your article touched my heart. I'm glad that you've chosen to share Anthony with us.
Are you thinking of opening up a fund or donating to an organization that supports gay youth in memory of Anthony Castro?
My sincerest condolences to all the friends and family he has left behind. May he rest in peace!
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From: Philadelphia
Member No.: 4,000
Jim, let me stand among the fellow O/Sers when I offer my deepest condolences. It appears that Anthony was taken away too soon, but had a profound impact which will last in perpetuity. May he rest in peace.
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2008-09 PITTSBURGH PENGUINS: STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS!
2008 PITTSBURGH STEELERS: SUPERBOWL CHAMPIONS!
2009 PITTSBURGH PIRATES: HEADED FOR 16 CONSECUTIVE LOSING SEASONS! Oh, well...two outta three ain't bad!
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Wow, what a loss.
My condolences to you Jim, to Cody, to his family, to 'sportsfate' and the rest of his teamates on the Outsports and LA Motion family.
I played football at tournaments that Anthony also played at (though my team never played his), and feel sad for not having gotten to know him. From your words it is clear that he was a special man, full of life, love, integrity and cajones.
Jim, I hope you and Cody are getting the support and connection you need. I hope those close to you stay close, share stories about his life, and offer you the space to grieve.
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From: The Fens, Boston
Member No.: 12
Jim's tribute is linked from Andrew Sullivan's blog as well as Gay.com/the Advocate. It's wonderful that Anthony's life is being honored so widely. We lost a great kid.
This post has been edited by fenwayguy: Jan 27 2007, 10:04 PM
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QUOTE
The driver, Shawn Cody Mariscal, 24, of Riverside, was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence. He was backing down a ridgeline in an off-highway area when he lost control of the truck and it rolled down the ravine, the California Highway Patrol told reporters
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From: San Diego & Joshua Tree, CA
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QUOTE(Maddog @ Jan 29 2007, 10:59 PM)
Heartbreaking.
Yikes, Jim...............heart-rendering..............I drive thru Banning just about every other month on my way to my ranch in Joshua Tree. Who would ever know there was a budding Gay Games player there, yearning to get out of a small town, to the big city, to play football.
Oh, so young, so sad.............you have all my sympathy.
May I send a note to the family?
TRL
(Thomas R. Long, San Diego & Joshua Tree National Park)
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[font=Century Gothic]Seeking springboard & platform divers competing in Masters, IGLA, Gay Games VIII
A tribute to my friend
Jan 24 2007, 04:43 PM
