Full Circle

Javier Covarrubias has been the athletics director at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad's Village Branch for four years. But more than two decades ago, he was just one of the many kids who hung out there.

"I grew up in this neighborhood," Covarrubias, 33, said. "I started coming here at age 5. I learned how to swim, play basketball, football, baseball."

The Club was his after-school hangout and it made an imprint on his life. That's why today he not only is the athletics director; he's a coach, friend, role model and father figure to the hundreds of children who belong to the Club. n "My favorite part about being a club kid was the camaraderie," said Covarrubias, whose daughter and two sons are club members.

"He's a good coach," said Jacob Hodges, 10, who calls him 'Javi.' "He's really nice and I like the way he helps us." The Buena Vista Elementary student said he's been going to the club for a year and looks forward to hanging out there after school, playing basketball with Covarrubias and meeting other children. "You get to do more (here) and it's better than just laying on the couch and watching tv," Jacob said.

Covarrubias led about a dozen boys and girls in a basketball game on a recent Friday afternoon in the club's indoor gymnasium, which features flood lights, bleachers and an authentic ubzzer. The children took turns passing the ball back and forth, shooting free throws and practicing layups. When they're playing, the children are like any other group of kids getting out their energy after a long day at school. The minute Covarrubias commands their attention, though, they stop what they're doing and huddle around him. their respect is evident.

When asked what he likes most about working at the club, Covarrubias said it's working with the vchildren. It takes a lot of patience, but it's worthwhile, he said. Monday is his day off, but it never ceases to amaze Covarrubias when the boys and girls ask him on Tuesdays where he's been.

The Boys & Girls Club keeps children on the right side of the tracks. Covarrubias said. "If they're not involved in some type of activity, they're going to be out on the street getting into trouble," he said. According to the club's board President Patrick Casinelli, the hours of 3:00-8:00 pm are the times when children are most likely to commit a crime or be a victim of one.

The club offers a $25 annual membership for children ages 6 to 18. It also offers shuttles that pick up children at school for an additional charge. On an average day, 125 boys and girls charge through the club's front doors around 3 pm to play on the courts, hang out in the teen center or swim in the center's pool. For information about the Village Branch or the La Costa Branch, call (760) 729-0207.