Winner Who Never Quits

Stadium by the Sea Press Box Named after Pali High Football Supporter Joe Spector 

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

Life experience coach Joe Spector has witnessed his share of thrills over the last 35 years at Stadium by the Sea, but none have been greater than him standing at midfield as the press box above the bleachers was named in his honor—a tribute to his tireless commitment to the Palisades High football program.

“I’ve had so many health problems recently and I’m so thankful I’m alive and able to enjoy this night,” said the ebullient 79-year-old, who has not let kidney dialysis three days a week deter him from attending practices and games and organizing the team’s pre-game meals from Gladstone’s­—a tradition he started  in 1987 when his son Todd was the Dolphins’ senior left tackle.

“He’s certainly dedicated a lot of time and energy to the kids and he’s made a positive impact on a lot of people over a long period of time so I’m glad there’s something to memorialize him at the stadium,” said Todd Spector, now a 52-year-old father of two and a family practice physician who lives two minutes from his father in Santa Monica. “He genuinely loves these kids and does everything selflessly, not looking for any credit or recognition. We went to the City 3A finals my last season. We had a great team. Dad would invite my teammates over for dinner all the time. I still probably go to see one game a year.”

Shortly before kickoff of last Friday’s homecoming game, Spector was presented a framed certificate with his trademark saying “Quitters never win and winners never quit”  and posed for a picture with his son,  Pali High Principal Pam Magee and the charter school’s Director of Development Michael Rawson.

“It’s fitting as Joe was personally responsible for raising the funds to renovate and remodel the original structure,” Rawson said. “We’re still getting bids on the press box. Joe raised over $36,000 for the renovation and we’re looking at all options.  We intend to put up a permanent sign in his name when completed.”

To date approximately 6,400 meals have been served to an estimated 1,800 players since Spector fostered the relationship with Gladstone’s three and a half decades ago, however he is equally proud of another  customary function he performs—handing out the Joe Spector Award to the varsity’s Most Valuable Player  at the team’s postseason banquet.

The first player to win the award twice was Bryan McElroy, a center on offense, a guard on defense and the long snapper in 1988 and 1989 under then-coach Jack Epstein.

“Joe and I talk all the time and he’s like family to me,” said McElroy, who lives in West Hills but works as a realtor in the Palisades. “I was stoked when I heard they were going to honor him because Pali football runs through his veins. He’s always said he’s wealthy not from money but because of the amount of kids he’s able to help. After graduating I went to Santa Monica College and then UTEP and I remember one time we were warming up for a game at Colorado State and I hear a voice, turn around and Joe’s right there on the field! He said he wasn’t going to miss seeing me play. He’s always been in my life, it’s like we’re related. That’s the kind of man he is.”

Another previous winner who has been profoundly moved by Spector’s generosity is Preon Morgan, the Dolphins’ quarterback and senior captain in 2009 on a squad that went 1-9 in its third and final year under Kelly Loftus.

“I still have the trophy­—winning that was a big deal to me, especially  coming from him,” said Morgan, a proud 30-year-old Pali High alum and walk-on cornerback at Arizona State who watched the first half of Friday’s game on the sideline standing next to Spector. “We’ve stayed in touch over the years. He even got me my first job at the Jonathan Club doing beach security and valet parking. He still calls me twice a year to see how I’m doing. One time he even drove to Inglewood to see me. He’s always making the effort. I wrote a letter to the committee on Joe’s behalf a while back so I’m glad to see them do this while Joe’s able to be part of it.”

Back in the fall of 2019 Spector was recognized at Kehillat Israel for his longtime support for the temple and its youth, many of whom have participated in athletics at Pali High.

Spector is perhaps most beloved for flying in a private helicopter to blow dry the field the morning of a playoff game against Locke in 1987.

“It had rained really hard the night before and the field was flooded,” he recalled. “The guy didn’t charge me any money because he knew I was concerned about the teams’ safety.”   

Spector shook hands with the officials before tossing the coin Friday and, naturally, the Dolphins won.     

“He’s an inspiration to the kids,” head coach Chris Hyduke said. “The players love listening to what he has to say before and after the games. His speeches always fire them up.”