The legacy of Oakland head coach John Beam continues to be celebrated, even weeks after his death.
Saturday afternoon featured a special screening of the award-winning documentary series Last Chance U. The auditorium was packed with people influenced by its star.
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“During our 10th anniversary, we were in the middle of the Great Recession and the financial crisis. Our 20th anniversary was during COVID. So, we weren’t going to have anything. It wasn’t until Coach Beam left that we said, ‘Hey. We need to do something,'” said organizer Charles Lassey, a 2000 alumnus.
Skyline High School’s Class of 2000 hosted a viewing party to honor Beam. They invited generations of former Skyline High School students. The event also raises funds for the Class of 2000 Teacher Appreciation Fund.
RELATED: Public memorial held in Oakland for legendary football coach John Beam
“First and foremost, his beard! I was like, ‘Man, he always had a beard,'” said Christina Macalino, also a 2000 graduate.
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During her senior year, Maccarino asked Beam to be her physical education teacher. She said he was tough, but added that tough love helps bring out the best in students.
“He was supportive, encouraging. He brought out the talents of his students and nurtured the talents he saw in his students. He believed in the Oakland community,” Maccarino said.
Beam taught and tutored in Oakland for 45 years, first at Skyline High School and then at Laney College. He coached more than 20 athletes, all of whom went on to play in the NFL.
Beam was shot and killed in November at Laney College, where he was the athletic director. He was allegedly shot dead by a former student. Oakland police said it was a targeted shooting.
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RELATED: Coach John Beam’s family releases statement: ‘We are so grateful to the Oakland community’
Mark Stauffer, a 1978 graduate, has known Coach Beam for decades. He said he was a father figure to generations of students, including his sons.
“He cared deeply about everyone’s development. He pulled people out of the gutter and turned them into Pro Bowlers,” Stover said. “He was a father figure to a lot of people.”
Eric Romero, a 2017 graduate, had never been coached by Beam. He’s here to show support for a man who always stands up for Oakland.
“He saw more than just the student-athletes. He saw them as a person. He just wanted to make sure they were taken care of,” Romero said. “I think it just shows the support he continues to get from the community.”
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