Gary "Papa Bear" Rawlings

Named Riverside's Citizen of the Year in 1996, Gary Rawlings was know around town as community activist and athletics booster.  Many Riversiders benefited from Mr. Rawlings' donations and activities over the years, including Riverside Poly Football.  For his generosity of spirt and time, Gary Rawlings earned the name, "Papa Bear" both on and off the Poly football field. Papa Bear hosted steak dinners for over a decade for the football players, that was the team meal. The kids would walk from school to his home every Friday afternoon.  He owned a painting company and had the weight room painted. He has an 8’ Bear topiary in his front yard that was given to him by the Poly Football players of past years.  

Barry Meier, former Poly footbal coach, shared how this came to be.

  "In early 1976, after my first year as Head Football Coach at Poly, a man approached me with an idea.  He expressed that he thought that it would be better for the football program if the Football parents and supporters divorced themselves of the Overall Athletic Booster Club and formed their own separate group.  Being he Football Coach, I thought this was a great idea.  At that time, the football parents supplied most of the work and support for Poly Athletics.  A meeting of the overall booster club was held and the plan to secede was laid out.  There was some concern expressed by parents of others sports but the group held fast and that evening marked the birth of the Green and Orange.  Gary Rawlings was the man with the idea and he was also the man that organized and orchestrated the early goings.  Under his leadership, the Green and Orange quickly flourished (as well as the Football Program) and they became the epitome of high school booster groups not only in the Inland Empire but also the State.  The participation of so many people and the monies raised were totally unprecedented.

  Gary Rawlings was an outstanding man.  He was a man that was successful in his life and truly gave back to the community.  He was involved in many, many organizations and gave freely of his time and money.  But, his true love was Poly H.S. and the Football program in particular.  He was so generous and caring and keep in mind that he did this without a son in the program.  He didn't want recognition, he was not after pats on the back and most of the time any help he gave remained anonymous-he took great pride in making things better.  I think it only fitting that a man that gave so much throughout his life is still giving in his death with the Papa Bear Award.  The recipient of this award should be very honored and proud because it is made possible by the greatest Poly Bear of all time - Gary Rawlings aka Papa Bear."

Barry Meier
RCC Athletic Director
Former Head Coach Poly High School
1976 -1986

In Memoriam, The Green & Orange have set up a Papa Bear Scholarship, the player is selected by the coach each year, and announced at the Football Banquet.

The Riverside community was both shocked and saddened when Papa Bear passed away due to complications from heart bypass surgery on Aug 16, 2008 at the age of 80. 

Gary Rawlings was a vital part of the Riverside Community, and to Riverside Poly football.  Everytime a Poly player takes the football field, it is a tribute to the time and dedication of this great man.  He will be greatly missed, and always loved. Special Thanks to his family and Barry Meier for continuing to support Poly Football.