Longtime Downey High supporter, Scott Stroud, Sr., memorialized

Scott Stroud, left, with former Downey Principal Allen Layne in a photo from November 2021. Stroud passed away March 8 at the age of 60.

DOWNEY — A well-respected Downey High School supporter, Scott Stroud, passed away recently and was memorialized at his beloved alma mater Tuesday, March 25, in the Performing Arts Center.

The Celebration of Life was held before a large gathering of friends and former travel ball baseball players that all had been coached by Stroud.

Stroud, 60, died March 8.

He graduated from Downey in 1982 and wrestled and played football for the Vikings.

“He had a special relationship with Downey and spent his whole adult life with the school,” said his son Scott Stroud, Jr. “It was a special culture at Downey.”

“He was an inspiration and helped guide young men,” Scott, Jr. said. “Downey High was an obvious choice to celebrate his life at his alma mater.”

Players, from age 10 to the 30’s were there to honor the man who helped teach them life lessons and how to better themselves in sports.

Scott, Jr. said it was good to see so many players come to pay their respects for their former coach.

“He was so loved,” Scott, Jr. added. “He had a special relationship with Downey, which had a special culture.”

Scott, Sr. was also a part of the football program under current head coach Jack Williams.

“Jack took him in to be on the sidelines,” Scott, Jr. said. “It just blossomed. Dad would often say, ‘I have got to get to the game tonight.’” It took him a little bit back to his high school days. He was the mental coach for Jack.”

Williams reflected on his memories of Scott, Sr.

“Scott changed many lives in his time.” he said. “You can see that as we gathered in the theater at Downey high. He had an influence on many of those players.

“He helped me become a baseball dad instead of a football coach, yelling at his son over a strikeout. He was there helping me on how to approach or address issues with my son.

“I witnessed Scott first-hand build my sons’ approach, skill, and confidence.

“Scott would often say, ‘It’s a mental game Jack. Instead of yelling at him about striking out, who cares, move on. This isn’t football. Baseball is all mental and we need his mind right.’”

Williams concluded: “He was so proud of the people who he helped in life,” he added. “He was so proud when he was talking about them, like they were his son.

“He was also at every Friday night football game and helped with the equipment for the last 20 plus years. I’m going to miss him.”

Keith Durflinger contributed to this report.