A true 'Warrior' off the court

Aaron Hern is flanked courtside by his sister Abby, mother Katherine and father Alan

Photo by Tod Fierner

Boston Marathon survivor Aaron Hern honored at Warriors game.
By Sports in the Bay Staff

Last month on April 15th he experienced the most terrifying experience of his life, this week he celebrated his 12th birthday and watched his local team, The Golden State Warriors advance to the second round of the playoffs.

However, Aaron Hern of Martinez is uncomfortable with all the attention and feels he doesn’t deserve it. While waiting for his mom Katherine Hern to cross the finish line of the Boston Marathon the second of the two explosions hit exposing his bone from the shrapnel that hit him.

“Something like this certainly changes your world,” said his father Alan Hern.

His family is still determining when or whether he’ll return to Martinez Jr. High School. “We’re still determining when that best time will be,” said the elder Hern.

During a timeout he wass acknowledged by the Warriors with a loud round of applause from the fans.

The resilient pre-teen is ready to head back to school and get his life back on track and back into sports.

We wish him a speedy recovery!

Warrior coach Mark Jackson grades his Rookies for the 1st round playoff series

Video by L. Murdock

Women holding down their sections

Warriors fan 'Toni' brought the noise for each Warriors home playoff series.

Photo by L. Murdock

Rather in a group or alone, female Warriors fans are loud and proud

Sports in the Bay Staff

A sea of yellow in solidarity representing their team was the order for the Golden State Warriors at 'ROARACLE' Arena during the playoff series and they surprised many by finishing the Denver Nuggets 4-2 to advance to the second round of the playoffs.

The nearly 20,000 sell-out crowd included entertainers, former Warriors greats and local MLB and NFL stars; however fans like ‘Toni’and Alise are two of the team’s biggest fans.

Sitting in Section 119 alone, ‘Toni’ couldn’t have been more spirited throughout every ebb and flow of the game, watching her team squeak out a 92-88 victory.

A resident of Oakland ‘Toni’ has been a Dub fan since 1993, the year drafted Chris Webber.

“It’s something to do, I like basketball,” she said. A three-year season ticket holder along with her 24-year old son Landry, on this night, Landry was in another section cheering with friends but ‘Toni’ didn’t need the company, she was her own cheering section yelling out plays and using her balloon sticks to rally the crowd.

No doubt it’s a different look to see a women sitting alone or in pairs at a professional sporting event but ‘Toni’ was like a coach on the court, gesticulating and shouting out player substitutions during all four quarters.

Vocal about her likes and dislikes (glad to see Don Nelson go, loves current head coach Mark Jackson) she’d like to see more of center Andris Biedrins and lists Warriors guard Stephen Curry as her favorite player.

“I was told I was crazy for supporting the Monta (Ellis) trade.” “Curry is a humble team player and everyone seems to like each other, plus he plays well,” she said with a wry grin.

Clear across the arena in Section 105 Alise Levine is no different; she’s been a passionate season ticket holder for 22-years strong. Levine shares seats with a girlfriend, also a huge Warriors fan.

A native of New York and a big sports fan as a whole, Levine has seen the good and bad and can’t wait for each season to roll around to watch her beloved Warriors.

“I love NBA basketball, the games, the social aspect, the players, it’s just good fun,” who also lists Curry as her favorite Warriors player.

Whether in the comfort of your home, the rafters or courtside, this is what a Golden State Warrior basketball is about, loud, strong and faithful.

This story was previously posted. The Warriors will travel to face San Antonio on Monday.