Virgen: Another great Bub-A-Que

I’m not much of an Angels fan. And, because of my job as sports editor at the Daily Pilot I can’t really be a fan of Estancia High.

But at the Bub-A-Que fundraiser and tailgate party at Angel Stadium on Saturday that didn’t seem to matter.

I was greeted with a hug by most people, including Rick Kapko and his wife, Nancy. They were both happy to see everyone gather for the 11th annual event named for their son Brian “Bubba” Kapko, who died in a tragic car accident in 2005, when he was 19.

If you were at the Bub-A-Que, you were part of the family. And, this family likes to have fun. There was money raised too for charity, which is great. Yet, this day was more about a memorial, as well as a reunion of sorts and just a cheerful gathering of good people. About 200 of us.

What a great way to honor such a special person, Bubba Kapko, who was also a football player at Estancia.

Bubba Kapko and Angel Stadium have a unique connection in addition to the annual Bub-A-Que. When young Bubba was 5, he attended the stadium for Little League Appreciation Day. He was accidentally left behind by trip chaperons.

Kapko made the most of the situation, as he never became scared. He chose to wander around the stadium, schmoozing with food vendors and ushers who stayed after the game.

The Estancia High folks also had a good time at Angel Stadium on Saturday. The Angels beat the Mariners, 4-2, but the Eagles and their friends were winning long before that.

In the parking lot, just to add to the atmosphere, some of the Estancia cheerleaders performed an impromptu dance to Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae) bringing smiles to everyone and causing most to hit record on their camera phones.

Every year the Kapkos are happy to organize the event because of moments such as the cheerleaders’ dance routine.

The event is a time for fun.

Sure there were conversations about the recent controversy with the Matt Leinart Flag Football League and other discussions about who will win this year’s Battle for the Bell in football, but Saturday’s event was mostly about family and fun. It was a great time.

Nancy Kapko took to Facebook to show her gratitude.

“The Kapko Family wishes to thank everyone who came out for the 11th annual Bub-A-Que at Angel Stadium. We love seeing you and appreciate all the support. We sold 170 tickets to the game and had close to 200 for the tailgate!” she wrote.

The post, that included a Kapko family photo at the game, generated over 150 likes and several comments.

John Ursini, the owner of Newport Rib Company, which caters the event, chimed in.

“Thanks for always including Newport Rib Company. It’s always an honor to be the ‘Que’ in Bub-A-Que,” he wrote.

It’s also an honor for me to be part of the event, to be included in a wonderful family. I’ll wear my Bub-A-Que T-shirt with joy, and pride.