Alumnus helps foot the bill for Chaparral High soccer team

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014 | 2 a.m.

Danny Welsh read a news story saying his alma mater had fallen on tough times.

Former students had organized a fundraiser at a bar in his old neighborhood, asking supporters to bring reams of paper because teachers at Chaparral High School didn’t have the basic supplies they needed to run a classroom.

Welsh was shocked to learn of the difficulties. When he attended Chaparral, it was one of Las Vegas’ best schools.

He was inspired to help return the school to prominence.

That day, Welsh donated a box of paper, bought a few shirts from the alumni association and made a promise. He was going to make a difference.

He has made good on his word.

Welsh, one of eight children in his family to attend Chaparral, created the Chaparral Alumni Soccer Association two years ago to help the program he played for in the early 1990s. He was part of the school’s 1993 state championship team, which didn’t lose a game and was ranked No. 3 nationally.

More recently, the team struggled for wins. Even worse, students weren’t graduating and often were ineligible to play.

“I couldn’t believe Chap was one of the worst schools in the district,” Welsh said.

Welsh organized former players to return to Chaparral each summer for a charity game against the current team. Graduates bring their checkbooks too, donating $7,000 in August and $5,500 in 2013. The money has paid for uniforms, gear and two scholarships.

“Some of the kids have it rough at home. This is an escape,” Welsh said.

Welsh frequently stops by during practice and attends most games, sending updates to alumni through social media. He asks players and coaches what they need to make the program work, often dipping into his own pocket.

Last season, Chaparral had enough money to purchase game jerseys but not shorts. Players were asked to provide their own black shorts for game days, which meant mismatched bottoms.

When Chaparral made the playoffs, Welsh bought game shorts for the players and had them shipped overnight in time for their first postseason game. They beat Western, the favorite to win the state championship.

The victory was nice, but the program’s greatest achievement last season was having all seven graduating seniors commit to attend four-year colleges. They said the soccer program helped them stay on track.

One of the scholarships is named after Welsh, and worth $500.

“He takes time to build a relationship with the boys,” Chaparral coach Eric Rolwing said. “Whenever Danny shows up at an event, all eyes go to him. When he shows up, everyone knows Danny is here.”

Editor’s note: Ray Brewer and Welsh played soccer and graduated together from Chaparral High in 1994.