By Ken Jackson
Sports Writer

Had Joe Day attended Thursday’s ceremony at Archie Gordon Park in Buenaventura Lakes, he probably would have wondered what all the fuss was about, and would think it wasn’t necessary.

But, to his devoted wife Beverly, the hundreds who gathered at the fields on a hazy, sticky afternoon formed his spirit.

“This is our family,” she said at the conclusion of a moving dedication to her late husband.

Through a joint effort between the Osceola Family Sports Association, the Board of County Commissioners and the county parks service, the Joe Day Recreational Fields were dedicated in honor of the OFSA founder, who passed away Feb. 21 at the age of 58 due to complications from an earlier heart attack.

A permanent sign now adorns the back of the scoreboard of the park’s primary football field, plain as, well, day, for all to see from the parking lot.

In 2002, the Days took out a loan to start OFSA   and purchased equipment and rented fields.

It wasn’t a money-making venture — he spent as much time seeking sponsors to pay the debt down as he did registering players. Day was trying to find a better influence for at-risk kids than they might find on the streets. Stories abound of him driving neighborhood streets before and after practices to pick up players because they had no other ride.

“These kids are like fish — you have to get them in the boat to clean them up. Sports is the bait to catch the fish,” he was quoted as saying.

The Osceola Panthers of OFSA became a model association of the 44-club Mid-Florida Conference, which stretches from Orange to Polk counties, winning numerous youth “Super Bowl” titles.

OFSA Vice President Mike Gomez said that Day’s departure still leaves a void, not just in Buenaventura Lakes, but across the conference.

“Joe’s impact on the community transcends sports and politics,” he said. “He was a friend, a leader and someone for all the kids of the community to look up to.”

County Commissioner John Quinones, who defeated Day and two other candidates for the District 2 seat in 2007, said it was important for the community to maintain a link to Day’s legacy because of all of the good he did for local youth.

“What impressed me was the lives he touched beyond our community. He will go beyond his name on a sign in a park,” Quinones said. “He will always have a place in our hearts. We feel the pain of his loss, but this is a day of celebration.”

Beverly Day closed the short memorial before OFSA players broke up into their teams and began a conditioning practice. She told stories about her husband of 35 years that players, parents and coaches could all relate to, ones that brought both smiles and tears from the ever-expanding Day family — grandchild No. 8 is due soon.

“He looked at people not at their faults but at their potential,” she said. “He was a humble man who didn’t desire recognition, and that’s why this day is so special.”

And, in a sign of what Day would have thought was really important, his son Josh, who has assumed most of his father’s duties as President of OFSA, reported that there are still openings on the Panthers’ flag and Mighty Mite football teams (ages 5-8).

Registration is $75 per child and forms are still being accepted at Joe Day Recreational Field on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-7 p.m. For information, call Josh at 407-873-8991.