As reported this week by The Tribune, an early Sunday morning car crash on Highway 1 in Cambria tragically claimed the lives of Nik Kwasny and Darac Goodwin. Kwasny graduated last year from Coast Union High, while Goodwin was a senior this school year. Both were athletes for the Broncos — Kwasny played baseball and basketball, and Goodwin played football. I’d like to use this forum to discus the type of athletes and the importance they had on their respective teams at Coast Union. If you’re looking for background on the car crash and the ripples the indecent left throughout the community, I’ve attached two stories published this week by Tribune writer
A look at Nik Kwasny and Darac Goodwin, the athletes
Kwasny, a 19-year-old southpaw, had just transferred from Cuesta College to Allan Hancock College to play baseball. He was a member of the SLO Rattlers summer collegiate baseball team, where he appeared in eight games (four starts), pitching in 21 1/3 innings and posting a 5.48 ERA and an 0-1 record.
In high school last spring, Kwasny went 3-5 for the Broncos with a 1.59 ERA over 61 2/3 innings. He struck out 107 hitters and walked 34 en route to earning second-team honors on The Tribune’s all-county team. The Broncos finished 9-14.
Kwasny did not play basketball his senior year but he was on the team as a junior. From the forward position, he averaged two points and two rebounds per game during the 2006-07 season. The Broncos finished 14-11 and were eliminated in the first round of the CIF-Central Section Division IV playoffs.
Goodwin, 17, was an offensive and defensive lineman. This season, he finished with 36 tackles (30 solo) and was named a first-team defensive end on the West Sierra League all-league team. On offense, he was part of an offensive line that helped the Broncos rush for 1,773 yards — running back Sam Rivera had 951 yards before suffering a season-ending injury in week seven. The Broncos posted a 2-8 record this fall. In 2007, Goodwin finished with 57 tackles (43 solo).
6 responses so far ↓
1 J // Jan 6, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Though they were great athletes, they were even better people. Everyone at school is going through an extremely tough time right now. It’s like losing part of your family since we’re such a small school. There will be a memorial on Friday on the football field. The time should be in the Cambrian on Thursday. Any donation you can make to each of the families would be very helpful. Thank you
2 Beach Goat // Jan 7, 2009 at 3:21 pm
I have watched this highway eat our children for decades. It is a tragic & stupid part of life here. We all need to be aware of how fragile life is, and how quickly the ones we need for the future of our community can be erased. Look twice, stop twice, come home safe.
3 Sarah // Jan 7, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Their deaths come as a big loss to everyone, friends, family, fellow athletes and sports fans alike.
4 Chris Kwasny // Jan 8, 2009 at 11:28 am
Nik was my newphew and friend. I often would take the train from San Juan(where I live) to watch his performances on the field and just to spend some time with Nik and my brother Jeff & Nik’s mother Sue. I loved him like a son. I will never forget all the enjoyment that he gave me & his two cousins.
5 Dean Goodwin // Feb 15, 2009 at 2:56 pm
Darac was my son, my best friend, my biggest insperation. He was truly a leader on the field and off. He held his family together with his love while we were going through some very hard times. He started at defensive end his sophomore year, weighing in dripping wet at 125. He made 2nd team all-league that year. His junior and senior years, Darac was name first-team all-league. Darac was a true team player and fierce competetitor. His coach put him through hell his senior year, yet Darac refused to be bullied and wouldn’t quit on his teammates. Though Darac dedicated three-years of his life to varsity bronco football, his coach didn’t even have the decency to speak at Darac’s memorial service, or for that matter, pick up the phone or send a letter of condolence. This is not the kind of man who deserves to be given our trust when it comes to our children.
6 JoVahna Estrada // Apr 5, 2009 at 12:40 pm
I love Darac very much. He has this special place in my heart that was there even before his death. For those who did not know him, his spirit brought you to a higher level of happiness. Not only with the words from his mouth but the look in his eyes and the feeling you got when you hugged him. I love him dearly and miss him with all my heart. If i were to help you imagine him… i would say for looks always think handsome… put his beautiful mother and handsome father together and you have beautiful darac. Imagine a selfless person filled with strength and love.
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