Eric Elegado
Marauders Class of 1982

Eric Elegado and his sisters and brother were raised in Mira Mesa, and graduated from Mira Mesa High School.  Eric graduated in 1982, got his real estate license when he was 18, and became a prominent businessman in the community. He has always prided himself in giving back to the community where he grew up.

Over the spring and summer, the Marauders and football boosters renovated the old Metal Shop as a new weight room and training facility, putting in over $50,000 of improvements. The football team recently moved into the facility which had lain dormant for a number of years after the metal shop program was cancelled. The space had been used as a storage area.

The new spaces include 13 Olympic weight stations, each set up for a different routine, a classroom facility, and a computer/video room.  In August a video server, several computers, projectors and a large screen plasma TV were installed.

The Marauders started using the facility and were getting ready for the season, when the unthinkable happened the weekend before their season opener.  The facility was burglarized and much of the computer and TV equipment was stolen. Although the police are working on the case, it's doubtful that any of the equipment will be found or returned.

This was literally devastating to the coaches, players and parents who had worked so hard to put the new facility together. It's a crime against the kids and the community.

Eric heard about the theft, and immediately came forward and wrote a check for $10,000 to cover the cost of replacing the stolen equipment.

In appreciation, Coach Gary Blevins invited Eric out to the field to see the facility and meet with the boosters, coaches and players he helped. The event was covered by KUSI.

Eric was excited that he could step forward and help his alma mater. When asked about his donation, he indicated that it was his way of making things right again for the players, that he liked helping out where he can. Later, when he was introduced to the Varsity squad, he received a round of applause in appreciation. Thanks Eric for helping out in true Marauder fashion!!!!!!