The Big Kahuna Scholarship Fund was established by the Meridian Football Booster Club with the
intention, as Coach Bob Ames puts it, to help send one of our own out into the world. First and
foremost, Mr. Ames is an educator, and this Scholarship Fund is meant to honor his contributions, both
on and off the field, to the Meridian School District and our Community.
In the summer of 2008, Mark Simmons (Class of 2002) approached Mr. Ames with the idea of a Golf
Tournament fundraiser, to help offset the rising costs of operating a top notch football program
at Meridian and insuring Coach Ames wish that all players leave the program having had a great
experience. This was also an opportunity for Mark to honor his grandfather, the late Frank G.
Castaneda, who was Coach Ames friend and supporter; contributing 11 players to the program. In June
2010, with the help of many volunteers and sponsors, the tournament became reality.
The Meridian Football Boosters decided to allocate funds from the Golf Tournament to establish the Big
Kahuna Scholarship and initially fund it.
Mr. Robert Ames, the Big Kahuna, began teaching and coaching at Meridian High School in 1974,
bringing with him a new standard in discipline and technique. His dedication to the Family of Troy
and our football program has produced three State Titles, two 2nd Place finishes, four Semi-Final
appearances and 15 League Championships.
Coach Ames has committed himself into preparing young boys into becoming successful young men; as
a player, I can say that he cares more for his players off the field than on. Personally, he has inspired me
to be part of a cause that is bigger than myself. I am honored he has given me the opportunity to assist
in coaching the young men of Troy, and grateful for the man he has helped shape me to be.
-Mark Simmons, Class of 2002
Assistant Coach & Former Player