NHHS alumni celebrate Homecoming Game with 3rd Annual Tailgate and special recognition of John Gust Football Award on September 29

The entire Newport Harbor High School (NHHS) community is invited to the 3rd Annual Homecoming Tailgate on Friday, Sept. 29 beginning at 5 p.m. at the Environmental Nature Center (ENC) next door to Davison Field.

Join the Sailor family for food, drink, old friends and football on the beautiful patio at the ENC for dinner from TK Burger and a full selection of beverages. Kick-off for the game is at 7 p.m., and everyone will head over to cheer on the Sailors against Huntington Beach and enjoy the homecoming fun.

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Photos courtesy of NHHS

All are invited to the NHHS 3rd Annual Homecoming Tailgate

There will be a reserved section of seats on the 50-yard line, and football alumni can stand in the endzone for the game. Parking is available in the NHHS 16th Street Junior lot.

The evening will also feature a meaningful tribute to 50 years of the John Gust Football Award. This award was established in December 1973 to honor John Gust, Class of 1974, an outstanding football player and wrestler who was killed in an auto accident on a skiing trip. As a junior, Gust played JV guard, but was determined to become a varsity starter his senior year.

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Senior John Gust in 1974

Through hard work and determination, he achieved his goal at center for the 1973 championship season and was selected as All-Sunset League, All-Coast, All-County as well as “Most Improved.” Following his example, each year this memorial award is given to the NHHS player who exemplifies perseverance, purpose and teamwork.

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John Gust in the 1973-1974 football team photo. Gust is #69 in the second to last row.

This season will recognize the 50th anniversary of this award, so the tailgate will include a special presentation to celebrate this milestone. All Gust Award winners, as well as John Gust’s family, friends and teammates will meet at Davidson Field at 4:45 p.m. before the tailgate for a group photo. Past winners are encouraged to fill in this form by clicking here.

Tailgate tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

Advance Price: $90 Adult, $45 Child and Student

Price at the Door: $100 Adult, $50 Child and Student

For more information about the event, contact Newport Harbor High School Alumni Association at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or leave a message at 949.515.6376.