Monarchs for Marines

The Mater Dei Monarch Football Team has dedicated its 2007 season to the Marines and Sailors of Camp Pendleton, dubbing the program, Monarchs for Marines, “M4M”. The M4M program was conceived through a process of reflection, prayer and a desire to support US troops and their families. This program is not about war, it is ALL about lending tangible support and raising the morale of Marines, Sailors and their families; men and women who are selflessly serving us and our country with bravery, commitment and sacrifice in monumental ways which few of us can fully comprehend.

»Watch the M4M Video Time: 06:04 (11.7MB Quicktime)
»Download The Blue Diamond (Vol. 1 No. 24) The Official Newsletter of the 1st Marine Division

While the primary goal of the M4M program is to support the troops of the First Marine Division, stationed at Camp Pendleton, the program goals include the hope that the service and association with the Marines and Sailors might be a source of growth and inspiration for our Mater Dei student-athletes. The Marine Corps tenets – sacrifice, commitment, courage, pride, brotherhood and teamwork are essentially the same qualities Coach Bruce Rollinson has strived for 20 years to instill in all Mater Dei Monarch football players, summed up in the Monarch call to Pride, Poise and Courage.

There are several activities related to Monarchs for Marines. Key events include:

Spring Leadership Meeting: Camp Pendleton Marines met with the Varsity Football Team to present the Marine history, tradition and values, as Coach Rollinson and Les Barkley led the team in officially kicking off the M4M Program.

Camp Pendleton M4M Day: On July 21st, with support and cooperation from Camp Pendleton personnel, the varsity football team, dance team, coaching staff and numerous parent volunteers provided an action-packed, fun-filled day at Camp Pendleton. The days’ activities included over 400 man hours by the varsity football players in beautifying three base youth centers which serve the children of the Marine Corps personnel. Coaches worked side by side with their football players who laid their pads and helmets aside to brandish hoes, rakes, picks and shovels to install new volleyball and tetherball courts, to paint murals and improve the facilities with significant landscape work. The day also included a football clinic for Marine Corps Football League players and coaches, who under the direction of Coach Rollinson and staff, practiced with the varsity team and then participated in a light scrimmage. The football team and dance team also ran a youth football camp and dance camp, respectively, for more than 400 children of Camp Pendleton personnel. There was also a “Lil Marine” Camp which involved whimsical face and hair painting, as well as fun bounce houses for the tiny tots.

The day’s events culminated with a closing ceremony which featured performances by the dance camp participants, followed by words of mutual gratitude from First Marine Division Commanding General Richard Mills and Coach Rollinson. On behalf of Mater Dei, Coach Rollinson presented a Monarch helmet and framed jersey to General Mills. The jersey has the number “1” for the First Marine Division and it bears the Guadalcanal Patch. General Mills expressed his gratitude for the service of the young men and women from Mater Dei. He said that “for so many at Camp Pendleton that are so far from their own home town, we now have a new home town team, the Mater Dei Monarchs.” Upon his command, a detail of young marines individually presented the revered Guadalcanal Patch to each Monarch player and coach. In a rare honor, and as a demonstrative sign of the Monarch dedication of the season to the Marines and Sailors of Camp Pendleton, the patches are being worn this season on the Monarch game jerseys. In his closing remarks, Coach Rollinson said, “General, we cannot guarantee victory, but we can guarantee that we WILL wear the Marine Guadalcanal patch with Pride, Poise and Courage” Upon concluding his formal remarks, Coach Rollo stepped down from the podium to lead the varsity football team in their famed “Pride Drill.” There, Coach Rollinson, in his characteristic, fiery, impassioned tone, called to his players to “never, never forget what happened here today, never forget who it is that you are playing for this season!”

A Salute to the Marines and Sailors of Camp Pendleton – November 9, 2007. On the eve of the 232nd anniversary of the Marine Corps, Mater Dei will honor the Marines and Sailors of Camp Pendleton during its final league game vs. Servite at Anaheim Stadium. The event activities will include a pre-game BBQ hosted by Mater Dei football, complimentary admission for active Marines, Sailors and their families and a special half-time tribute.

In addition to the many activities, we are actively raising funds to benefit the Marines, Sailors and families of Camp Pendleton. If you would like to make a donation or help in this effort, please contact Les Barkley at les.barkley@cox.net.