Former Monarch Julio Gramajo Passes Away at 46
A member of two championship football teams and former department staff member, Julio Gramajo passed away October 2 at his home in Guatemala of a heart attack.
A product of Reseda High, Gramajo arrived at Valley College in 1995, where, under the tutelage of Head Coach Jim Fenwick, number 69 served as defensive lineman, playing a huge role in sending the teams to both the Strawberry Bowl (1995) and No Fear Bowl (1996).
Following graduation, Gramajo played for Western New Mexico University where he earned a degree in Criminal Justice. After a brief time away, Gramajo received a warm welcome when he returned to Valley College to join the athletic staff as the academic athletic support program coordinator, assisting athletic counselor Reggie Reed.
“I serve as a trouble-shooter in this innovative .jpg?width=225&height=290)
program,” Gramajo noted at the time, “which aims to improve the communication between the coaches, the faculty, and the athletes. I want to make sure that the student-athletes understand the academic process so they can maintain a satisfactory grade point average.”
Former athletic director Chuck Ferrero remembers Gramajo as one “the athletes loved.”
No funeral arrangements are available at this time, however, plans are to return the ashes to the United States in the near future.
Hall of Fame Ceremony Postponed
In response to the uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hall of Fame ceremonies originally scheduled for June 27, 2020 have been postponed for one year and have been rescheduled to June 26, 2021. The decision is based on both precautionary recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control as well as the need to address concerns expressed by numerous individuals needing to make both travel and hotel accomadations in advance. We look forward to seeing everyone in 2021.
We Wear the Crown Links with Valley Pride
An athletic promotion of the the Monarchs'
athletic program showing Monarch Pride.