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Weston Ranch JROTC presents colors prior to Raiders contest
pic wrhs colors
Brianne Bochenek, 13, of San Ramon, performs the National Anthem at the O.co Coliseum prior to the Arizona Cardinals-Oakland Raiders preseason game Aug. 29 accompanied by the Weston Ranch High color guards.

By VINCE REMBULAT

Bulletin reporter

It was only an exhibition game.

But it was a memorable pregame occasion with a local flavor.

The Oakland Raiders were playing the Arizona Cardinals Aug. 29 at the O.co Coliseum in front of an announced crowd of 50,500.

Performing the Stars Spangled Banners was Brianne Bochenek. The 13-year-old girl from San Ramon was joined on the field by the Weston Ranch High color guard.

This was the second time in the preseason that WRHS team presented the colors at a Raiders game.

The Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp cadets were there under the guidance of advisor Sal Reyes and coach Mike Hale.

The color guards consisted of cadets’ Nancy Aguilar, Teresa Novoa, Corbin Holdcroft, Steve Watan and Jose Revuelta.

As for Bochenek – she goes by “Breezy,” according to Eddie Paskal of Raiders.com – she’s persevered at a young age.

At 9, she was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma. This rare life-threatening bone cancer left her with an amputated left leg.

This hasn’t stopped the eighth grader. She’s remained active, competing in four triathlons with another coming up.

Bochenek later said that singing the National Anthem was tougher to do considering the size of the crowd. 

She received words of encouragement from Raiders quarterback Derek Carr as well as other members of the team.

To contact reporter Vince Rembulat, email vrembulat@mantecabulletin.com.