LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Campo inducts three players at 13th annual Hall of Fame Dinner


From left: Brett Stephens, Griffin Piatt, Kevin Macy and C.J. Toohey Photo provided

After a year's hiatus due to the coronavirus, head coach Kevin Macy and the Campolindo football program celebrated it's Hall of Fame Dinner Aug. 7, inducting three players: WR/FS Griffin Piatt, class of 2012, QB Brett Stephens and OL/DL C.J. Toohey, both from the class of 2013.

Besides celebrating their excellence, the evening focused on the 10th anniversary of the Cougars victory over Marin Catholic in the NCS championship, the 2019 team's victory in the Honor Bowl ("played in honor of those who sacrifice to protect our freedoms") and the 2021 victory over Acalanes, which Macy felt was so important because "after nearly two years, when we were told that we couldn't celebrate or have fun, we needed this win and the inspiration that moved us forward."

Toohey, a commercial real estate broker in Denver, Colorado was All-East Bay and the Team MVP in 2012. Stephens works for Morgan Stanley in San Francisco and was the League MVP and All-East Bay in 2012 and was named All-State Quarterback for small schools in 2011. Piatt, an analyst for The Blackstone Group in NYC, was the League MVP, All-State and the U.S. Air Force/MaxPreps All-American in 2011.

Campolindo had two consecutive 5-6 seasons before the 2011 team's 14-1 turnaround. Many attributed it to the chemistry that came to the fore on that team. "We were just a bunch of guys that enjoyed being around each other playing football," Piatt said. "That year we bought into something, and it came out of nowhere and though it kind of shocked us, at the same time, it wasn't a surprise to us because we all just loved playing."

Stephens also attributed the team's success to the team's chemistry: "We had a good group that really worked hard and enjoyed each other, and it clicked. We had good players and good coaches and we all loved each other."

Toohey gave much of the success that year to the unexpected performance by the offensive line. "Our offensive lines the prior two years were not up to par," Toohey said. "Coach Macy then took charge of the line and we ended up with a stellar offensive line. Even though we were young and undersized, we were technically highly coached, and incredibly tough."

In the NCS championship game played at the Oakland Coliseum, Campolindo was considered the underdog to Marin Catholic which was led by quarterback, Jared Goff, who five years later would be the first player taken in the NFL draft.

"You look back and can say it was exciting to play against a future NFL player like Goff," Toohey said. "I recovered two of his fumbles and it was a great time. How did that even happen and how did we get there and almost cap off a perfect season with a close loss (21-16) to Washington Union?"

The win came down to a 21-yard field goal attempt by a sophomore, Christian Antezana, on the last play of the game. Did Piatt close his eyes or turn his back prior to the field goal attempt in order to relieve the tension? "I was the holder, so I didn't want to close my eyes," Piatt said. "Prior to the kick on the sidelines, I said to Christian, `Cookie, you got this.' That's all I said. After that, all I had to do was to put the snap down and he did the rest. It was incredible."

Toohey shared how so much of what he learned under Macy has carried over to his life and career. "The one concept that's been the most helpful to me has been the idea of buying into a program. It means putting your best foot forward and taking full responsibility for the outcome of a rep, a practice, a play, and a game. I found the best way to succeed is giving a full faith effort and discussing the process. It's putting those in the trenches with you before yourself and playing with integrity. All this I learned under Coach Macy and his staff and I'm forever grateful for it."

Piatt gave some perspective to the current Campolindo players: "I remember coming to one of these dinners as a freshman and looking at the players that were being inducted and thinking, `Those guys are old.' Now I'm up here and I'm just so thankful to be here."

Stephens also took the opportunity to provide his own advice to high schoolers. "Cherish this time in your life," Stephens said. "This all meant a lot to me, and I know that it means a lot to you but trust me, it goes quick. Cherish every moment and every practice. It truly is an amazing time of your life. Do it with a smile on your face and for the guy next to you. You're not going to have as much fun than you're having now. I'm sorry to be so cynical (laughter). I hope you recognize how special all this is and how you are in such an amazing program. Have a blast."