Foley Cultural Center

Foley Cultural Center, GVRD’s largest center, provides a beautiful view of Lake Chabot and surrounding Dan Foley Park.

The Vallejo Sports Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving and honoring the people, events, and memories of our ongoing sports

heritage. To submit any donations please contact the GVRD main office: 395 Amador St. Vallejo, CA 94590

Foley Cultural Center

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Vallejo Sports Vallejo Sports hall of fame hall of fame

Class of 2013 The Hall of Fame Committee Class of 2014 The Vallejo Sports Hall of Fame Committee is comprised of a Harry Diavatis Pat Hughes diverse group of volunteers who represent the various high schools in Vallejo as well as a range of eras. Collectively they Mike Kollar Demetrius Davis comprise an institutional memory of over 6 decades of athletes and athletic endeavors. They meet several times a year to Gent Davis Jim Davis consider various candidates proposed by the committee as well as other interested people. John Eaton Royan Hammond

The Committee is comprised of the following members: Julie Gonzalez Rusty McManus

 Mike Kollar  Anthony Kenaston  Justin Saroyan Bob Herlocker Roni Sparrey  Jim Hunt  Henry Thorpe  Ceola Corella  John Stevens  Ernest Meyers Jerry Hinton Cliff Stroughter

Joe Rasler If you are interested in joining the Hall of Fame Committee, please Barton Williams contact Anthony Kenaston at 707-648-4611. Don Wouda John Baptista Selection Criteria Abe Hobbs Bob LaBelle The following criteria is considered for inclusion in the Vallejo Sports Hall of Fame: 1964 St. Vincent Men’s 1960-61 Vallejo High Cheer Squad Team ATHLETE 1956-57 Vallejo JR College Team  Must have attended a Vallejo school. M.C. for 2013  Must be out of high school a minimum of 5 years prior to Steve R. Mortara induction M.C. FOR THE EVENING  Must have demonstrated leadership and good citizenship Steve R. Mortara  Must have been an outstanding athlete competing at a high level of achievement.  Must have earned exemplary honors in their sport(s) such National Anthem as All American, All State, All Conference, MVP, Capt., etc. American Idol Contestant Torri Langfitt  Must have coached at a Vallejo School (grades 7-12) for a minimum of 10 years.*

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Vallejo Sports Vallejo Sports Vallejo Sports Hall of Fame Hall of Fame Hall of Fame

Class of 2010 Class of 2011 Class of 2012  Must have dedicated himself/herself to the development of Wes Gibson Jay Bozman Bob Albrecht the complete athlete, to include leadership, citizenship, and George Anderson sportsmanship, in addition to athletic ability. T.R. Buchanan Ricky Lee Campo  Teams must have competed successfully at the highest level Wes Matthews Michelle Domagas Gary Coronado possible. Frank Milo Larry Everingham *An exception may be made for a coach who is a product of Harold ‘Fast Mail’ Joel Hall Vallejo schools and has distinguished himself/herself in the Johnson Sonny Hatsme coaching profession elsewhere. James LeDoux Joe Jones Katie Layne TEAM Robert Reed Hank McGraw Al Manfredi  Must have attained excellence on regional, state, or Bill Nunes international level. Dave Marshall Coke Morrison Spring Dawson  Must have compiled an outstanding winning record or have Mike Minahen Ed Sowash achieved other equally outstanding accomplishments. MC Hurd  Teams are to be selected based upon their achievements Robert “Peanut’s” Bobby Russell Harold Steinback during a season, or over an extended period of time. Smith Lou Sanders  Consideration for this award must include the level of 1987 St. Vincent’s 1936 Vallejo High integrity, sportsmanship and character exhibited by the Men’s Football Team School Roger Sturgeon nominated team.

Football Team Joe Tavalero M.C. for 2012 SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT 1965 Vallejo High Steve R. Mortara While the recipients of this award may have been athletes or School 1962 Hogan High coaches at one time, the award is intended to recognize the Football Team School Football Team recipient’s other contributions to the Vallejo sports experience. M.C. for 2010  Must have promoted, sustained, or added significantly to Harry Diavatis 1999 Vallejo High the experience of Vallejo athletes and the local sports scene. School Track Team  Must have given unselfishly of their time and resources for M.C. for 2011 the betterment of the Vallejo sports scene. Beyonka McDowell  Must have demonstrated exemplary leadership and/or citizenship characteristics.

VALLEJO SPORTS HISTORY RECOGNITION  Must have enriched the Vallejo sports scene through actions, records, character, history, lore etc.

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Vallejo Sports Vallejo Sports Vallejo Sports Hall of Fame Hall of Fame Hall of Fame

Class of 2007 Class of 2008 Class of 2009

Leo Bellutini Shawn Campas Tricia Allen Our Sponsors John Bohnet Anthony Daigle Frank “Ping” Bodie Alex’s Catering, Tom Pezzuto Elmer Boyden Dan Dion Jim Doyle Markstein Beverage Jerry Causey Joe Grove Don Gleason Bob Edgar Mario L’Esperance Vernon Higbee Silent Auction Contributors Walter Highbaugh Bob Mansfield Billy Himes Vallejo Tint Shop Freddy Manuel Jim Marsh Cedric “Mud” Howard Sac’s Hot Dogs Mike Scrivner Neil McCarthy Clarence Marshall Jack Anthony’s 7 Flags Car Wash Bud Smith Willis McJunkin Beyonka McDowell Paul Stanley Admiral Ray Smith Dennis Myering Kathleen Joseph Myers Chipper Jones Norm Tavalero Dick Nettleton Dave Parsons MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa Jim Upchurch Joe Wardlaw Joe Rapisarda Cache Creek Casino Resort Albert Vidaurreta Richie Williams Bob Salinas Sonoma Raceway 1969 St. Vincent’s 1918-1919 Martin Wyatt Oakville Winery Women’s Basketball Mare Island 1947 Vallejo Junior Football Team Henry Thorpe of Vallejo Insurance Associates Winged V’s College Football Team 1960-1961 M.C. for 2007 St. Vincent’s Football M.C. for 2009 Cheryl Hurd Mark Lowe Golden State Warriors M.C. for 2008 Kevin Gleason Jeff Gordon Racing Mr. C

The Good Guys

Mike Kollar

Karol Heppe

CC Sabathia PitCCh In Foundation

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Vallejo Sports Vallejo Sports Vallejo Sports Hall of Fame Hall of Fame Hall of Fame

Class of 2004 Class of 2005 Class of 2006

Ted Albrecht Dave Beronio Bob Coronado SPSV Volunteers and Bill Craft Dick Bass Dick Biama Spencer Davis Norm Bass Jerry Bradley Doc Hollister Police Activities League: Ken Williams Vic Bottari Bobby Campo Lyston Johnson Bill Corbus Edie Chavez Frank Mixon The Vallejo Times Herald: Fred Faucett Charlie Fuller Joe Mortara Sr Hall of Fame Logo design by Ruth Schneider Augie Garrido Ted Gebhardt Joe Mortara Jr Fulton Keykendall Nikki Gianulias Steve Mortara Matt O’Donnell – Sports Editor Colon Kilby Jeff Gordon Dave Ostercamp Dante Magnani Larry Himes Bill Posedel Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum: Jim Kern Tug McGraw DL Hurd Norm Tanner Dante McKinley Earsell Mackbee Tuffy Williams Event Coordinators: Justin Saroyan, Anthony Stan McWilliams Glen Odale Tom Zunino Kenaston, Ceolla Corella Mike Merriweather Dave Plump 1991 Vallejo High Danielle Mitchell Sid Rich School Baseball Team Biographies: Jim Hunt Mark Munoz Bob Rodrigo M.C. for 2006 Martin Wyatt Sid Nickolas George Souza Program Printing: Steven Salmon (VCUSD) Bob Patterson CC Sabathia Bruno Pellegrini Dave Thomas Trophy Maker: Michael’s Engraving Jack Renfro Frank Wetmore Marilyn Smith-Ifland The 1949 Vallejo High GVRD Board of Directors: Liat Meitzenheimer, Football Team Jeff Wilson Gary Salvadori, Karol Heppe, Sheryl Pannell The 1954 Vallejo High M.C. for 2005 Lea, Wendell Quigley Football Team Martin Wyatt M.C. for 2004 Martin Wyatt 32 5

Winning the Coast Conference Championship with a record of 11 wins and 1 loss, the Redskins overall season record of 30 wins and 5 losses enable them to not Steve “Raider Mort” only be named the #1 team in Northern California but also Mortara granted them a spot into the State Jr. College Basketball Champion- Our host tonight was born and raised ship being held in San Jose. in Vallejo. He attended St. Basil’s Grammar School he scored 23 points a Clad in their Red and White uniforms, the Redskins made it game in basketball with a high of 36. In through the first two rounds of the state championship by defeat- baseball he threw three no-hitters & one ing Oceanside J.C. 90-69 and San Diego J.C. 80-63, before losing perfect game with a 12-2 pitching record, batted 468 with 8 home runs in the championship game to Allan Hancock Jr. College out of winning MVP honors in both sports. Santa Maria 82-77. At St. Vincent’s High School he was Captain and MVP of the basketball team for 2 years. He led the league in scoring two years in a row with a 25 point per In addition to being named the #2 team in California, three game average, with a high of 45 points. He was All-League, North Coast Section members of the team, Richie Williams, D.L. Hurd and Gent Davis Player of the Year, 10th leading scorer in Northern California, and a member of were awarded numerous state honors for their play on the court. the All Northern California Team. Eight members of the team including Coach McWilliams are In baseball he made the varsity for four years. His senior year he led the team in the Solano College Sports Hall of Fame: Richie Williams, Gent in hitting 333 and made All-League . At the Spring Awards Banquet Davis, D.L Hurd, Ken (Cowboy) Pierson, Augie Garrido, Joe Jones he was named MVP in basketball, top hitter in baseball, and won the prestigious Ryan Award for Athletics & Academics. and Otis Grimble and six are in the Vallejo Sports Hall of Fame: Stan McWilliams, Richie Williams, Gent Davis, D.L. Hurd, Augie At San Jose State he was on a Division I basketball scholarship. While there Garrido and Joe Jones. he was recruited by football Head Coach Harry Anderson to play safety. He was recruited by baseball coach Gene Menges to play infield. He was recruited by Recognized as the greatest basketball team in the school’s the legendary Bud Winter to the 440 with history, anyone who was fortunate enough to have witnessed the Olympic Champion Lee Evans, and was offered a Redskins in action, will never forget how much fun and exciting tryout with the NCAA Champion Water Polo Team they were to watch and also how much pride they brought to the by Coach Lee Walton but because of the high draft City of Vallejo. number and his IIS deferment he opted for one sport. COACH: Stan McWilliams Mortara was involved in two of the biggest sports upsets in school history. On February 28, 1968 as a PLAYERS: Gent Davis, Doug freshman starter at point guard, he scored 18 Grant, Richie Williams, Clark points, dished out ten assists, four rebounds, four Milholland, D.L. Hurd, Augie loose balls, and two steals and the 1-1 with ten Garrido, Jim Dehn, Dave Gillis, Sherman Lee, Otis Grimble, Ken Pierson, Joe Jones, Dick McNeely

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seconds left to beat the undefeated California Golden bears (21-0) 89-85 in front of a packed 19561956--57Vallejo57Vallejo JuniorJunior CollegeCollege house at Spartan Gym. On the San Jose State Varsity, On February 21, BasketballBasketball TeamTeam 1969 he played 35 minutes of the 50 minutes played in a -overtime victory win 73-69 When Stan McWilliams was named over the undefeated (21-0) #2 team in the head basketball coach for the Vallejo Jr. country, The Santa Clara Bronco’s. He dished out 8 College Redskins in September of 1956, assists, got four rebounds, four loose balls, two he really didn’t know what to expect, blocked shots and hit the front end of a 1-1 to ice especially since this was going to be his the victory with four seconds left, in the second first year of being a basketball coach. overtime on a regional televised game. This game was voted the best College Basketball game in the The ex- , who history of the Silicone Valley history by the San Jose Mercury News. Mortara was now teaching at the college, was also graduated with a double major in business management and physical concerned with the fact that the Redskins were being moved from the education, double minor in social science and business education, a Master’s in Golden Valley Conference to the Coast Conference which at the time exercise physiology and a California state teaching credential. was known as being one of the toughest conferences in California. On his retirement after winning the 1979 Martin Luther King basketball Championship in Vallejo as a player-coach for Hughes Lincoln-Mercury, These feelings of concern however would turn to joy for Mortara known as the “Machine Gun” was the 8th all-time leading scorer in McWilliams, as soon as he saw the names on the sign-up sheet for tournament history and a member of the all-time class team. the new season. With eight members returning from the 1955-1956 “Mortara’s Outside jump shot was considered by many old-school players and Redskins team (which posted an overall record of 26 wins and 5 coaches as one of the best in city history”. In 2001 he was inducted into the pro losses and capturing the Golden Valley Conference Championship), football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio as the top Oakland Raider fan in the McWilliams could hardly wait for this new season to begin. United States. He was selected to the Vallejo Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. The 12-man roster, all of whom were from Vallejo High School, had all the ingredients that would help make them champions. Possessing excellent work habits to go Jim Hunt along with individual skills, the fast and high flying Redskins were next to The Greater Vallejo Recreation District impossible to beat. would like to thank Jim Hunt for volunteering his time and efforts in writing the biographies Averaging over 80 points per game on the athletes being inducted into the Vallejo during the overall season, the Redskins Sports Hall of Fame. would also shoot over 51% from the field and 67% from the line. In addition, four Jim has been a member of the Hall of Fame of the five starters for the team, averaged committee since August of 2003 and out of the in double figures when it came to 164 inductees in the hall, Jim has written 150 scoring. biographies. A 1963 graduate of Vallejo High School, Jim has lived in Utah since 1978. 30 7

LaBelle now centered his attention on coaching the PatPat HughesHughes American Legion Post 550 baseball team, which he did for two years and working for GVRD, which If auto racing was a passion of yours during the 1960’s and 1970’s, the one place where you would he had done for the last six years during the have wanted to be was at the old Vallejo Speedway summer months. located north of Vallejo on the Napa-Vallejo Graduating from Chico State in 1967, LaBelle Highway. accepted a teaching and coaching position at Drawing nightly crowds of over 6,000, many Agoura High School in southern California and local drivers as well as drivers from throughout the would stay there for the next 20 years. Bay Area would show up with their race cars every weekend from May thru September. Racing fans like While at Agoura High School LaBelle would Pat Hughes of Vallejo could watch the stock cars coach varsity baseball for 7 years, football for race on Friday night, followed by the modified hardtops on Saturday 8 years and basketball for 12 years. LaBelle’s night and on occasion the midgets on Sunday afternoon. teams were always very successful and because of this he would be Born and raised in Vallejo, Hughes named league “Coach of the Year” numerous times as well as CIF became interested in car racing when he Southern Section “Coach of the Year” on two other occasions. would attend the races with his family and friends. Car racing however wasn’t Earning a Master’s Degree in Administration from Pepperdine the only thing Hughes was interested in. University in the mid 1980’s, LaBelle would spend the next 20 years An all-around athlete, at Hogan High as an administrator in the California school system, before retiring in School, Hughes was a in baseball, 2006. a guard in basketball and an offensive guard and defensive end in football. During his career, LaBelle also worked as an umpire at the NCAA Named All-City and All-North Bay League in football, Hughes graduated Division One level. From 1975 to 1998 LaBelle has officiated hundreds from high school in 1970 and began working on Mare Island in the sheet of college league games as well as conference championships and post- metal trade. season tournaments.

Still interested in going to the races on the weekends, Hughes decided Beginning in 1998 to the present time, LaBelle serves as a NCAA that he would like to drive and in 1972, he started his racing career by Regional Umpire Observer in the western United States overseeing the driving stock cars at both the Vallejo and Petaluma Speedways. five major Division One Conferences, the Pac 12, the Big West, the West Wanting to compete in the modified hardtop division in 1974, Hughes Coast, the Western Athletic and would purchase a hardtop and by the the Mountain West. time the 1974 season ended, Hughes because of his driving skills behind LaBelle is also one of four the wheel would earn him “Rookie of National Observers with duties the Year” honors. to select all-post season umpires for Regional, Super Regional Hired in 1975 by Vern Kornbrust, and the College World Series. who was looking for a driver for his car, Hughes at age 22 and Kornbrust

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at age 21 made them the youngest team at the track. BobBob LaBelleLaBelle Named the most improved driver in 1975, Hughes would drive for Kornbrust for three Born and raised in Vallejo, Bob LaBelle years in three different car like so many other kids first became involved divisions. The modified hard- in sports by playing in all the recreation tops in 1975, the super programs that were offered by the Greater modified in 1976 and the Vallejo Recreation District. sprint cars in 1977. It was during this time LaBelle would soon In 1976 Hughes at the age of 23 was the youngest driver to ever win develop a passion for both basketball and the Winged Super Modified Championship by winning 11 main events baseball and by exhibiting a natural talent, it in 23 starts plus he also held the track speed record for 1 lap, 4 laps, 10 wouldn’t take him long to excel in both sports. laps, 25 laps and 50 laps. Moving up to the Sprint Cars which were running out of the West Attending St. Vincent’s High School, LaBelle Capital Speedway in Sacramento, Hughes was gaining confidence with played both basketball and baseball for the every race and was becoming one of the top drivers on the California Hilltoppers. As a center on the basketball team, circuit, when in August of 1977 he would suffer serious injuries when LaBelle was known for his defensive skills and he crashed his car at the Calistoga Speedway. Suffering two broken as a baseball player, he could , catch and arms, broken ribs plus numerous other injuries, it would take a year for play both third and first base as well. Hughes to recover, but once he did, he returned to racing until 1980. Graduating from St. Vincent’s in 1962, From 1980 to 1985, Hughes raced amateur motocross for therapy LaBelle enrolled at Vallejo Jr. College and once and trophies. Also in 1985, Hughes was asked to once again drive a again because of his athletic skills, he was able sprint car, he did, and it didn’t take him long to set the track speed to help the Falcons in capturing three Coast record at San Jose before he decided to retire for good. Conference Championships, one in basketball and two in baseball. In addition, LaBelle’s Still wanting to stay active in racing, but not as a driver, Hughes was abilities helped the Falcons to play in three California Jr. College the head Sprint Car official at Marysville and Grass Valley Speedways in 1990, 1991 and 2004 and from 1995 to 2004, Hughes worked as an Championship Tournaments. instructor at the Jimmy Stills Sprint Car Driving School in Marysville. Graduating from Vallejo Jr. College in 1964, LaBelle enrolled at Named as one of the most exciting drivers in the Northern Auto Chico State, where he Racing Club (NARC), Hughes was planned to continue his also the top vote getter in the baseball career, but due “Legends of Vallejo Speedway” to an earlier back injury, Hall of Fame. his playing days were Vallejo Speedway where it all force to come to an end. began for Pat Hughes is now long Still wanting to stay gone, but his memories of those active in the sports field, days makes it seem like it all just happened yesterday. 28 9

skills as a , his teams would win 19601960--6161 VallejoVallejo HighHigh championships in 1973 and 1974. CheerCheer SquadSquad Following graduation from Sacramento State in 1974, Baptista was ready to begin his baseball If you were one of the 7,000 in coaching career. Coaching first at the high school attendance for the 1961 high school level, Baptista’s leadership produced 3 champion- basketball Tournament of Champions ships for Del Campo High School, 2 Monticello held at the University of California’s Empire League Championships plus a South Sac Harmon Gymnasium in Berkeley, you Joaquin Championship for Hogan High School and knew right then you were going to 3 District Championships for the American Legion be in for a treat, not only for the Post 550 baseball team. action on the court, but also for the Following two years as a scout for the Kansas performance in the stands. City Royals and two years with the Philadelphia Even though the Vallejo High Phillies in the same capacity, Baptista resumed his School Apaches went down fighting in the championship game coaching career this time however, in the college ranks.

49-42 against the 6-time champion McClymonds High School out As a member of the coaching staff at the University of Arizona, of Oakland, it was the well-rehearsed, well-disciplined and spirited Baptista’s coaching helped the 1989 Wildcats win not only the Pac 10 cheering section of 750 Vallejo High School students that was the Championship, but the West Coast Regionals as well. In addition, in talk of the town during the 3-day tournament. 1993, Baptista’s coaching also helped Yavapai Community College, Requiring nineteen chartered buses to transport the students from out of Prescott, Arizona, in winning the state championship as well as Vallejo to Berkeley for each night of the tournament didn’t seem to the National Junior College Championship. bother the students, for the colorful Apache cheering section showed Baptista also coached for two summers in the Alaska Collegiate up every night ready to perform. Summer League, where his 1991 team The cheering section was so impressive captured the state championship and a that while passing out cheering competition second place finish at the National Baseball awards at the end of the 8-team tournament, Congress World Series in Wichita, Kansas. the master of ceremonies said, “I don’t want With other coaching stops at Kansas State, to slight previous cheering groups, but this the University of San Francisco and St. year’s Vallejo High School cheering section is Mary’s College, Baptista in 2004 returned the most remarkable one in the 15-year to Hogan High School to once again coach history of the tournament.” baseball and be the school’s Athletic Director. Neat and trim in their white shirts or Capturing championships as a player and blouses and dark trousers or skirts, each championships as a coach, John Baptista student not only wore a white Indian head- could do it all.

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JohnJohn BaptistaBaptista band with a red feather, but also carried red and white pom-pons As a young boy growing up in Vallejo, playing as well. football, basketball and especially baseball were As a San Francisco newspaper all part of John Baptista’s daily routine. reporter said in praising the Clearly, Baptista’s best sport or at least the students; “the five yell leaders one in which he received the most recognition (Steve Gaylord, Dick Roach, Gary was baseball. Starting as a player in the East Fong, John Parks and Mike Houston) Vallejo Little League program up through the controlled the entire section like League, Baptista was an all-star at they were sound engineers. When they said yell, the roar was each level. deafening, when they said stop, the sudden silence was shocking.” Entering St. Vincent’s While the guys in this unique all-male cheerleader group were High School, Baptista was a quarterback in the face of it all, it would never have happened without the work of football, a guard in basketball and a pitcher in many others, including school administrators and advisors such as baseball. As a sophomore pitcher for the varsity Al Siegler, Virl Swan, Peg Merrill and especially Keith McDonald baseball team, it didn’t take Baptista long to executive director of the Greater Vallejo Recreation District, who was show what he could do, for he would throw a a yell leader for three years while he was attending the University no-hitter and two one-hitters during the course of Washington. of the season. Holding numerous rehearsals at Corbus Field, McDonald was the Transferring to Hogan High School as a biggest “moving force” behind the accomplishments of the Apache junior, Baptista continued to play all three cheering section. sports and during the summer months was a Carol Saal led the pom-pon girls, which included Sharon Tweedy, starter on the American Legion Post 550 Marilyn Morris, Cheryl Bonner, Diane Broksell, Nancy Thompson and baseball team. Graduating from Hogan Joyce Ottolini. High in 1970, Baptista enrolled at Solano College, where he was a two-year starter While it was a tremendous show of school spirit, even more in football and baseball. Transferring to important was the great example Sacramento State in 1972, Baptista’s pitch- of discipline and sportsmanship ing skills helped lead the Hornets in displayed by the students. The capturing the 1974 Far Western Confer- students were a credit to their ence Championship as well as a second school and as one person said, place finish in the NCAA Regionals. “it was one of the finest public During the summer months of college relations jobs ever done for the and after, Baptista was also pitching for city of Vallejo.” various semi-pro teams and because of his

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in 400IH - Won 8 California Colle- DemetriusDemetrius DavisDavis giate Athletic Association (CCAA) Conference titles and set 4 Conference When the coaches at Vallejo High Records in the 4x100 relay, 400m, School first saw Demetrius Davis as a 200m and the 4x400 relay. In addi- 10th grader, they knew immediately tion, Williams was World Ranked for he would be a star in whatever sport 4 years and US Ranked for 5 years in he would choose. the 400IH. A member of the Cal Poly CCAA Conference Championship Team and the Cal Poly NCAA Division II Born and raised in Vallejo, Davis Championship team, and in the All-Time list for the 400IH, Williams was was a two-sport athlete for the ranked in the top 10 in the United States and in the top 20 in the World. Apaches. As a 6’4” 220 pound tight end on the football team, Davis was A member of 10 USA National Teams, Williams was able to travel the known not only for his excellent World participating in games such as the Pan-American Games and the blocking skills but also for his pass World University Games. In 2001 Williams was named assistant coach for catching abilities. the USA National Team in the World University games in Beijing, China where he coached the Named All-City, All-Monticello Empire League and All- men’s hurdles and the horizontal jumps. County, Davis helped lead the Apaches to – two Monticello Maybe Williams’ biggest achievement was Empire League Football Championships as well to the schools being named to the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team. only Sac Joaquin Section Division One Championship. Unfortunately for Williams who was the first As a basketball player for Vallejo athlete from Vallejo to ever be named to an High, Davis playing from his power Olympic team, President Jimmy Carter decided to boycott the games in Moscow after the Soviet forward position would help lead Union had invaded Afghanistan. the Apaches to two more Monticello Empire League Championships. A When his athletic career was over, Williams strong rebounder, Davis was at his returned to Vallejo and started coaching track and cross country at Contra best when hitting the boards and as Costa Jr. College in addition to coaching at Vallejo High School, Rodriguez a senior his play on the court helped High School, Benicia High and Jesse Bethel High. lead the Apaches to an undefeated Having success at all stops, in his 34 years of league season as he averaged 14 coaching Williams has sent numerous athletes to points and 14 rebounds per game. the State Championships and has won numerous team Championships as well. For this, he was named Monticello

Empire League “Player of the Year”. Barton Williams has been inducted into three Receiving scholarship letters from colleges throughout Hall of Fames: NCAA Division II Track & Field the country, Davis chose to attend the University of Nevada. Athlete Hall of Fame, Cal Poly Sports Hall of Fame, Starting as the Wolf Pack’s tight end in his sophomore year, and Cal Poly Track & Field Hall of Fame.

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Davis would finish his collegiate career at Nevada with 83 catches BartonBarton WilliamsWilliams for 1,296 yards and 13 touchdowns There’s certain individuals that no matter and was named second team All-Big what sport they participate in, you just know Sky as a senior. by watching them you could tell they were going to be a star. That’s the feeling you felt Selected by the Oakland Raiders when you watched Barton Williams in action. as the last pick in the 1990 NFL

draft, Davis became an instant celebrity because of the selection. Born on Mare Island in 1956, Williams By being picked last in the draft, Davis qualified as the guest of attended Farragut Elementary School and honor at the 15th annual Mr. Irrelevant festivities. Vallejo Junior High before arriving on the campus of Vallejo High School in September Thanks to the good humor of the of 1972. Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach California, Davis was crowned A football and track star for the Apaches, Williams in his senior year decided to concentrate more on track and as Mr. Irrelevant and would spend one time has shown it was the right decision, for he is now recognized week being wined and dined and as the greatest track star to ever come out of Vallejo. entertained by the Los Angeles and Hollywood jet set. As a member of the Apaches track team, Williams’ record in the 330 low hurdles, the mile relay and the 440 is amazing. Setting numerous With the media following his every individual records and winning numerous titles for Vallejo High, step, Davis enjoyed every minute of the Williams’ also set records in the same events in North Bay League and week as he would play in two Redwood Empire competition as well. tournaments, visit Las Vegas and Disneyland, conduct 15 radio and 10 TV interviews, plus rub elbows with the likes of Mickey Leading the Apaches to – two North Bay League Championships Williams also appeared in two high school state meets, running the mile Mantle, Craig Nettles, Jim Everett, Merlin Olsen and Jack relay final in 1974 and the mile relay and 440 in 1975. In addition, Youngblood at a celebrity roast with Davis being the roastee. Williams was ranked in the top 5 in the nation, in the 330 low hurdles. Davis never appeared in an NFL game, but that would not Following graduation from Vallejo discourage him as he would sign with the Barcelona Dragons High in 1975, Williams accepted a of the World Football League and scholarship to Cal Poly and almost when his career was over he would immediately started setting records. be the team’s all-time leading Some of his accomplishments from receiver. 1975 thru 1979 are 9-time Division II All-American and 1 time Division 1 All- Those who had the privilege of American, Cal Poly School Record Holder knowing Demetrius Davis will all in the 400IH, 400m, 4x100 relay, 4x400 agree, you could not have asked for relay and the Distance medley relay - a better teammate or a better friend. NCAA Division II National Record Holder

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Graduating from college in 1984, JimJim DavisDavis Stroughter in 1985 left for England to play football for the Nottingham Hoods of If one was asked to make a list of great the British League. As all-around athletes to have ever come out of a running back for the team, Stroughter Vallejo, you can be sure that the name Jim in his second year would set records the Davis would be one of the names at the top Guinness Book of World Records just of the list. might be interested in.

Born in Louisiana in 1933, Davis and his Averaging family would move to Vallejo when he was over nine yards per carry, Stroughter rushed for eleven years old. Growing up in the Chabot 3,104 yards while scoring 51 touchdowns for the Terrace area of the city, Davis soon developed season. Rushing for 404 yards in one game and a passion for sports by participating in all the scoring 8 touchdowns in another, Stroughter was programs that were offered by Lyston Johnson selected to the 1986 All Great Britain Team as well and the Greater Vallejo Recreation District. as receiving the Most Valuable Player award. Showing outstanding athletic skills as a Returning to the United States following his member of the famous Whizzers Athletic outstanding season, Stroughter would play for the Club of the late 1940’s and early 1950’s, San Diego Chargers for three years before return- Davis and his teammates would win ing to Contra Costa Junior College, where he numerous GVRD Championships in Division helped coach track and football for eleven years. One football and Division One basketball. As a student at Vallejo Junior High, Davis Despite all the years playing football, Stroughter never gave up on was one of the school’s star athletes. A martial arts. Competing in his fifth decade, Stroughter has fought in as quarterback and defensive back in football, many as 20 to 30 fights per year. Competing heavily in Kajukenbo a guard in basketball, an infielder in baseball, Davis was also the Tournaments, which is a martial art that combines Western Boxing, Judo, high jumper on the school’s track and field team. Jujutsu, Kenpo Karate, Eskrima, Tang Soo Do and Kung Fu, Stroughter has multiple wins and several Grand Championships. In addition Stroughter Using the old style Western roll as he has won several Tae Kwon Do Championships including the California th high jumped, Davis as an 8 grader, placed State Championship in 2004.

third in the state, when he cleared the bar In 2013 Stroughter completed in the RSDI at 5 feet 10 inches. Open Martial Arts Tournament, which is Entering Vallejo High School, Davis considered the best of the best, the 52 year old continued to demonstrate his athletic skills. Stroughter captured 1st place in three major Able to play all the positions on the basket- divisions, the 25-35 age Division, the 35-45 ball court, Davis was the Apaches leading age Division and 45-55 age Division. scorer and rebounder as he led the Apaches in capturing the 1952 North Bay League A champion in everything he does, Stroughter Championship. For his play on the court, is currently active as a Kajukenbo instructor and a fitness instructor here in Vallejo.

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Davis was twice named 1st team CliffCliff StroughterStroughter All-North Bay League and 2nd team All-North Coast. In addition, as a Born in Louisiana in 1961, Cliff Stroughter baseball player for the Apaches, Davis moved with his family to Vallejo in 1967. was one of the team’s leading hitters While growing up in Vallejo, two things as he once again led the Apaches in Stroughter liked to do more than anything else capturing two more North Bay was BMX racing and studying martial arts. League Championships.

Living across the street from the building Considered the best high jumper in Northern California, Davis that housed the martial arts school, Stroughter would finish his career at Vallejo High when he tied the school record with a jump of 6 feet 4 inches. would take his first lesson at the age of 12 and

by training 2-3 hours a couple of nights per Graduating in 1952, Davis enrolled in Apprenticeship School on week, he would obtain his first degree black Mare Island and as an Apprentice, the Vallejo School District allowed belt by age 17. Davis to continue his education in the school system, including sports participation. Playing for the Vallejo Junior College Redskins, Davis Entering Hogan High School in September of 1977, Stroughter would continued to high jump and play baseball and as a basketball player, play football for the Spartans as a running back on offense and a linebacker Davis was twice named 1st team All-Golden Valley Conference as he on defense, before transferring to Vallejo High School in the middle of averaged over 16 points per game.

th 10 grade. Having to sit out his junior year due to a sports injury, Stroughter returned to action in his senior year and was immediately Graduating from both the Mare Island recognized as one of the great football and track stars in Northern Apprenticeship School and Vallejo Junior Col- California. lege in 1956, Davis began his 38 year career working on Mare Island. As an employee, A running back on offense and a linebacker Davis was involved in the Nuclear Submarine on defense for the Apaches, Stroughter was Program, first as a Nuclear Pipefitter, followed named All-City and All-Monticello Empire by promotions to a Test Inspector, a Repairs League in addition to being picked to play in Estimator and finally an Administrator.

the High School East-West All-Star football Wanting to stay active in baseball and game. As a member of the Apaches track team, basketball, Davis during his off hours from Stroughter competed in six events during the work, would play semi-pro baseball and AAU course of the season. (Discus – Shot Put – 100 basketball for many years before retiring from yard Dash – 330 Low Hurdles and was a sports in 1965.

member of the 440 and the 4x1600 yard Dash Relay Teams) Recruited in 1974 by fellow Vallejo Sports Hall of Famer Joe Grove, Davis joined the North Bay League Officials Association. From 1974 Graduating from Vallejo High in 1980, thru 1981, Davis officiated numerous high school basketball games as well as the local city leagues and because of his skills and Stroughter went on to star in both football knowledge of the game, Davis was rated one of the top officials in and track, first to Contra Costa Junior College and then to the University Northern California. of Illinois.

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Graduating from Vallejo High School in RoyanRoyan HammondHammond 2000, Sparrey accepted a four year scholar- ship to Cal Poly where she continued to show Most people who travel to England, her skills and talent on the diamond. France, Germany, Argentina, Korea and As a sophomore for the Mustangs, Sparrey led Thailand normally go for a vacation, not so the team in RBI’s and stolen bases which with Royan Hammond, he went to those earned her All-Big West Conference second countries to beat people up. team honors. As a junior Sparrey repeated as Born in Oakland, California in 1962, an All-League player and as a senior she led Hammond at the age of eight would move the team with a .373 batting average, 3 home to Vallejo with his family. Attending Elsa runs and 26 RBI’s, which earned her 1st team Widenmann Elementary School, Hammond All-Big West and 1st team All-West Region. first became interested in boxing by watching Muhammad Ali on television as well as wanting to learn how to protect himself During her four year career with the against any school house bullies. Mustangs, Sparrey had a career batting average of .298 with 203 hits in 682 at bats. Signing up at the age of nine for boxing lessons through the The 203 hits places her first all-time on the Police Activities League (PAL) was the Cal Poly career hits list. first step for Hammond in becoming a champion. Learning and training Along with her .298 career batting under Sonny Hatsme, JB Reed and average, Sparrey also posted career totals of Skip L’Esperance plus many others, it 7 homeruns, 68 RBI’s, 29 stolen bases and would only take a couple of years for 32 doubles. Hammond to not only capture the Graduating from Cal Poly in 2004 with a PAL Regional Finals but the Western Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Administration, Sparrey accepted a PAL Boxing Championship as well. softball coaching position with Cal Poly in 2005 and 2006 followed Graduating from Vallejo High School in 1980, Hammond by other coaching positions at Cal continued to fight and was soon drawing attention from through- State Northridge from 2007 thru out the country for his skills and 2010, St. Mary’s College in 2011, success. and Dominican College in 2012.

Winning 89 fights as an Returning to St. Mary’s College amateur while losing only 5 with in 2013, she remains there today 29 of the wins coming by way with the hopes of helping the Gaels of knockout, Hammond was also to a successful softball season. winning many championships

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such as the 1981 Nevada State Golden RoniRoni SparreySparrey Gloves Championship, the 1982 Diamond Belt Championship and the 1982 California Mention the name Roni Sparrey to any Vallejo Regional Golden Gloves Championship. In sports fan and the first thing they will tell you is addition, Hammond was also the Bronze that the Vallejo Times Herald 1998 “Female Athlete Medalist in the 1982 National Golden of the Year” was one of the greatest softball and Gloves Championship. basketball players to ever come out of Vallejo. Named the 1982 Pacific Association Born and raised in “Boxer of the Year”, Hammond was also the Vallejo, Sparrey first became only American to win a Gold Medal at the interested in sports as a little 1983 Kings Cup Championship in Bangkok, leaguer playing in the East Vallejo Little Thailand. League program. Still wanting to play as her Known for his quickness in the ring along with his left jab and little league playing days ended, Sparrey dangerous right hand, that if you were ever hit with it – it’s a pretty would turn her attention to Girls Fast Pitch safe bet you first wouldn’t see it coming and second you wouldn’t softball. remember it when you woke up. Playing for various travel teams out of After training with the 1984 Olympic team in Colorado, Hammond Vallejo, Fairfield and San Jose, Sparrey decided to turn pro. Fighting in arenas all over the country including through her hard work and dedication the famous Madison Square Garden, Hammond was also featured on would begin to show the skills that would ESPN and on one occasion he defeated Luis Santana who at the time one day make her a star. was the North American Boxing Federation Welterweight Champion Playing for St. Patrick’s High School as a in a non-title bout. freshman, sophomore and junior, and Vallejo Retiring in 1997, Hammond’s overall boxing record as an amateur High School as a senior, Sparrey’s accomplish- and professional shows 106 wins, ments while in school were amazing. 12 loses with 35 wins coming by During her four year career as a starting way of knockouts. outfielder and middle infielder in softball, Currently employed by the Bay Sparrey was named 3-time All-City, 4-time Area Rapid Transit (BART), st 1 team All-League, 1-time MVP and a 2-time Hammond is also a personal member of the All-State team. Sparrey was also trainer and teaches boxing four a 4-year starting point guard in basketball and nights a week with the PAL because of her talent on the court she was named 2-time All-City, organization in Vallejo. 2-time 1st team All-League and 2-time MVP.

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completion. Leading the league in total RustyRusty McManusMcManus passing yards and touchdowns passes, McManus helped the Apaches in Named the starting quarterback at every capturing the 1965 North Bay League level of football he played from junior high Championship. though college, Rusty McManus is considered one of the greatest signal callers to ever come Named the best quarterback in the out of Vallejo. North Bay League “in the past ten years” by the 1965 NBL selection committee, Born and raised in Vallejo, McManus McManus was also named the Apaches attended St. Vincent’s Grammar School thru co-MVP as well as 1st team All-City, 1st the 7th grade before transferring to Vallejo Jr. team All-Redwood Empire, 1st team All- High. An excellent student in the classroom, North Coast and unanimously 1st team All-North Bay League. McManus also showed what he could do on the athletic field as he helped lead the school as a 9th grader to three Graduating from Vallejo High in 1966, McManus enrolled city championships with a 6-0 record in football, a 6-0 record in on the campus of Solano Jr. College where he continued to show basketball and a 8-1 record in baseball. his quarterback skills. Throwing four touchdown passes in one game and three in several others, by the time his playing days Entering Vallejo High School with the Falcons were over, McManus would hold 17 school in September of 1963, McManus passing records. continued to excel in all sports. As a sophomore, he not only Enrolling on the campus of San Jose State in 1968, McManus quarterbacked the Apaches JV would transfer to San Francisco State in 1969 and was the football team to an undefeated starting quarterback for the Gators before a knee injury in his season, he was also named to the fourth game ended his career. varsity basketball team and the JV baseball team as well. Following graduation in 1970, McManus began his 39-year career in public education at the secondary level. Thirty years as As a junior, McManus quarterbacked the Apaches to within one a teacher and coach and nine as an administrator. play of capturing the North Bay League Championship as well as directing a last minute come from behind victory over cross-town As a high school varsity basketball coach at Redwood High rival Hogan High School. To top off the season, McManus also had School and later at Rancho his name entered into the Apaches Cotate High, McManus’s teams record book when he launched a 58 would win several league yard touchdown pass into the end championships, in addition he zone, breaking the old school record would be named “Coach of the for longest touchdown pass in the air. Year” on four separate occasions in two different leagues and his For his senior season, McManus teams would win 233 games completed 57 percent of his passes, during his 14 years of coaching. while averaging nearly 30 yards per

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