In 1969 I turned my families B/W TV on. It was then that I seen two skaters that I was to forever remember. It was SF Bay Bomber Joan Weston and Bad Girl Anna Theresa Calvello. I always thought Annie was of African American descent. It wasn't until the first time I seen her skate live at the Sacramento Memorial Aud that I found out she wasn't. Annie was a sun worshipper. She took in every second of the sun that she could.
I used to HATE Ann Calvello when she skated against my beloved SF Bay Bomber team. It was funny because before every game Ann would be approachable for all us fans. She would take photos with everyone and would sign autographs too.
During my first pro game I was #23 opposite of Annie with the IRSL's Northeast Braves. I was scared. I told Annie and she whispered to me "it'll be OK, just follow my lead". I could not believe I was skating with my childhood idol. That was wonderful!
It was then that we began our friendship. In 1998 when I drove for Odwalla Juice Co there was a shipping receiver at the Safeways in Millbrae that was really mean. He was disrespectful and mean. I told Ann about him. She grabbed my wrist and marched to the rear of the store with me and said "Dave is like a son to me. When he comes here to deliver his product you'd better treat him well". And that was it because from that day forth he was a gentleman to me.
In 1999 when I drove for MUNI I would drive the SF 49er fans to Candlestick Park. Not being a football fan myself I would go to Ann's gate, which if memory serves me correctly was #11 and chit chat with her prior to going into the game.
Ann was always a true friend. She spoke her mind and didn't hold back. I just attended her private services this past weekend and even then I could not believe she was gone. She will be truly missed by millions of fans from all over the world.
Dave Marez
dave_marez@yahoo.com
