Seventh Annual AHS Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Banquet
Alameda Elks Lodge
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Business attire
Schedule
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5:30pm – No host cocktails
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6:30pm – Catered dinner and induction ceremony
Tickets
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$78.75 credit / $75 check (in advance)
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$90 (at the door – if available, check only)
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$52.50 credit / $50 check (children – 10 & under)
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$630 credit / $600 check (reserved table of 8)
Reservations for the 2025 Hall of Fame Banquet are now open. You may print and complete the form and mail in a check, or register online below.
Printable forms
Online options
The Alameda High School Hall of Fame is funded primarily through generous donations from attendees and from the community. These funds allow us to continue to honor outstanding athletes of yesteryear by purchasing the plaques which are displayed in the Hornet’s Nest, hosting the yearly celebration for inductees, and providing complimentary invitations for past inductees to join us and to stay connected with Hornet High.
In the Fall of 2016, Alameda High established an athletic Hall of Fame (AHSHOF). A committee of eight volunteers has taken on the task of meeting regularly and combing through endless articles, websites, and nominations to find the most qualified athletes. The committee has decided to induct ten new members each year. They have uncovered spectacular athletes in numerous sports.
The preparation begins in the Fall – potential candidates are discussed, nominations are made to the Nomination Committee for both individual athletes and teams, then the twenty to thirty nominations are given to the Selection Committee. Ten individuals are selected early in the new year. Then the national search is on to notify the recipients and family members. All of this culminates in a banquet and induction ceremony in early June.
Plaques summarizing the accomplishments of each inductee will be displayed in Alameda High School’s New Gym – The Hornets’ Nest.
This is a labor of love and long overdue – GO HORNETS!!
If you prefer to complete a paper form, download the Athlete nomination form here.
If you prefer to complete a paper form, download the Team nomination form here.
Thank you to our 2024 sponsors!
Many thanks to our sponsors!! The AHSHOF is only possible through the many community-minded individuals and organizations who sponsor our yearly program.
FRIENDS OF HORNET HIGH
1400 Bar & Grill
The Weeden Family
Asena
Dudum Financial
Alameda Police Officers Association
Baseline Design, Inc.
Preferred Financial
Second Home Consignments
Alameda Vipers
Richard Tabor, DDS
ALUMNI
Erick Bell, CPA
Jane Watson of Edward Jones
Diamond Tool & Die
Alameda Orthodontics
AVT Integration, Inc.
Dragon Rouge
Don & Marie Ratto in memory of Gar Henderson
Engine Works
Alameda Podiatry Group
Kaz Consulting
Selenbacher Jewelers
Alameda Firefighters Association, Local 689
Barry Parker
Steve Cressy – Realtor
Kevin Kennedy -Wealth Management
BENEFACTOR
Walnut Creek Toyota
Bill Dal Porto
Joe Restagno
Friends of the Park
Pacific Financial Corporation
Leamington Florist
John Maiers
Randhawa Dental
Alameda Business Machines
BACK IN BLACK
Eric Cross
Don Maroney & Friends
Anjel Martinez
PURE GOLD
Frank Ghiglione
Inductees
Choose the year above to learn more about all the inductees.
Dick Bartell – Baseball (1926)
Dick Bartell was the Cal-Hi State baseball player of the year while at Alameda High school in 1926. He signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates and played his first game in the major leagues at 19. By 1929 he was a star shortstop for the Pirates with a .302 average, 184 hits and 40 doubles. In 1930 he led all shortstops in the league in total chances and hit .320, but was traded to the Phillies after feuding with management. Bartell was known for his hyper-aggressive play with the Phillies, and was chosen to start the very first All Star game at shortstop, reflecting his status as a top player. During his four years with the Phillies he had three seasons with 40 doubles and 100 runs scored. After four years he was traded to the New York Giants, and helped them win two National League pennants. Bartell hit .381 in the 1936 world series in a losing effort to the powerful New York Yankees. In 1937, the Giants again won the pennant with Bartell hitting .306; and he was chosen to be an all star again. After one year playing with the Cubs, he was traded to the Tigers in 1940 and helped lead them to a pennant. Bartell was known as “Rowdy Richard” because of his fiery attitude and aggressive style of play. Although only 5’ 9” and 160 he was often involved in fights and was known to never back down from anyone. He was accused of spiking players on the base path and was traded six times in his career. During his 18 year big league career he amassed an impressive 2165 hits with an excellent lifetime batting average of .284. Dick Bartell is a member of the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame, and the baseball field at Lincoln Park in Alameda is named in his honor. He passed away in 1995 at age 87 in Alameda.
Robert “Bob” Blomberg – Golf (1963)
Bob was a lifelong Alameda resident attending Otis, Lincoln and Alameda High Schools, graduating with the class of 1963. Upon graduation, he turned his sport to ‘professional’ and over the next three years served as an assistant golf pro at both The Presidio Golf Club and Sequoyah Country Club. His request to regain amateur status was granted by the United States Golf Association (USGA) in 1968. As a newly reinstated amateur, Bob wasted no time by winning his first amateur event, capturing the prestigious Oakland City Championship in 1968. From that point on, he excelled at the local, regional, national and international levels where his golf accomplishments were significant. The collection of Northern California Golf Association (NCGA), USGA, and other prestigious medals that Bob won over the years are a site to behold (his NCGA medals alone count up to 18)! In 1999, he was presented the California Sports Writer’s John Swanson “Good Guy” award. In 2001, he was honored by the NCGA with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his 30 years of stalwart play and great golf sportsmanship, characteristics that exemplified the true spirit of the dedicated amateur golfer. Over the course of his career, he was also invited on five occasions to participate in the highly regarded Bing Crosby Pro-Am Tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Bob’s involvement at the Alameda Golf Course is legendary, where he would regularly help out the Alameda High School golf teams by offering sound advice and/or swing tips. Without a doubt, Bob was Alameda’s ambassador to golf and a true gentleman golfer.
Patricia Canning Todd – Tennis (1940)
Pat Canning Todd was one of the top women tennis players of the post World War 2 era. There were no women sports teams at Alameda High School during the 1930’s, but she brought great honor to Alameda High as an age group national tennis champion in singles or doubles in 1935,1937, 1938 and 1939. She married Richard Todd in 1941 and gave birth to a daughter, Patricia Ann, in 1943. In a very unusual move, she resumed her amateur tennis career as a young mother and steadily improved into a top 10 ranked player in the world in both singles and doubles. Pat was at her tennis peak in 1947 and 1948. In 1947 she won the French open singles championship. Teaming with Doris Hart, Pat also won the Wimbledon doubles championship in 1947. She lost in the finals of the US Open in doubles In 1948 she was a singles semi-finalist in the US Open and Wimbledon and won the French Open in both doubles and mixed doubles. She very nearly won a third title at the French in 1948. After winning both doubles and mixed doubles, she was competing in the singles as defending champion and favorite. She was asked to move her match from center court to court 2. She refused, because there would not have been a complete set of line officials, so she was defaulted in a controversial and very unusual decision. She reached the semifinals in singles at Wimbledon in 1950 and 1952; and the finals in doubles at the US Open in 1949 and 1951. She was a finalist at Wimbledon in the mixed doubles in 1950. Pat was a member of the winning Wightman Cup team from 1947-1951, and was 4-1 in doubles against the Great Britain team. Pat Canning Todd was ranked in the top 10 from 1946-1952, with a highest singles ranking of #4 in 1950. In 2010 she was inducted into the San Diego Tennis Hall of Fame, and in 2011 was inducted into the Southern California Tennis Hall of Fame. She passed away September 5, 2015 at age 93.
Eric Cross – Football (1969)
Eric Cross was a three sport star at Alameda High School and is widely considered the finest football player ever for the Hornets. In 1967 he was first team All-ACAL as a Junior, but he was just getting started. The 1968 Hornet football team was undefeated and untied, and finished the season ranked #1 in California and #8 in the United States. In 9 games Eric scored an incredible 25 touchdowns despite being gang tackled on every play. The 25 touchdowns and 150 points are school records. He was selected to play in the North-South All Star game and set a then record of 4 touchdowns against the best competition in California. Eric played collegiately at Stanford, and was a member of two Rose Bowl winning teams. He led the Pac 8 in receptions during the 1972 season with 53. He established a Stanford team record with 14 receptions in a game against the University of Hawaii. His 172 receiving yards in that game still ranks 11th all time . He was a game breaker at both punt returner and receiver is still remembered for his 41 yard run on the first play against Ohio State in the 1971 Rose Bowl. In the 1970 season opener against Arkansas on a nationally televised broadcast, he returned a punt 61 yards for a touchdown.
Willie Davis – Basketball (1954)
Willie Davis is arguably the greatest two sport athlete in Alameda High School history. In basketball, he was a Tournament of Champions all-star selection and chosen All-Northern California in 1953, his Junior year. He averaged 19.8 points per game. His senior year he averaged a record 27.8 points per game and set the single game record of 46 points. He was first team All-Northern California and selected the Cal-Hi State Player of the year in 1954. Willie was an excellent sprinter in track, and placed second at the North Coast section meet in the 100 and 220; beaten both times by his teammate James Jackson, the national leader in both events. The Hornets won the NCS team championship, and more was to come. At the 1954 state track meet, Willie Davis and James Jackson teamed up with Hosea Harper and Bob Thompson to win the 880 yard relay. Jackson had already won the 100 and 220 individual events, so the relay victory clinched the team state track championship for the Hornets.
Christine Fairless – Basketball (1985)
Christine Fairless holds the single season scoring record in women’s basketball at Alameda High School. In 1985 she was the leading scorer in all of Northern California with 26.7 points per game. She was selected 1st team All Bay Area, Northern California Player of the Year and All State. She holds the Alameda High School record (male or female) for most points in a single game with 54. This was before the 3 point line was established. She also holds the single season record of 26.7 ppg; and most accurate free throw percentage for a season at 87.2%. Christine continued her prolific scoring at the University Of Wyoming. She is the all time leading scorer there with 1933 points and averaged 19.5 points per game for her college career. She also ranks first all time for the Cowboys in single game field goals (17), single season field goals (243), and career field goals (865). Her free throw percentage for single season (94.6%) and career (87%) are also school records. Her college coach called her the best pure shooter (male or female) he had ever seen and watched her make 500 consecutive free throws in practice. She was inducted into the University of Wyoming Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002.
James Jackson – Track (1954)
James Jackson put on one of the most electrifying performances in California prep track history at the 1954 State Championships, held at U.C. Berkeley. In the qualifying rounds of the 100 yard dash, James tied the long-standing national record of 9.4 seconds, held by the great Jesse Owens. James then beat a strong field in the finals of the 100, winning in 9.6. He then won the 220 championship in 21.2; after setting an NCS record of 21.0 the previous week. In both races he beat Leamon King, who would tie the world record of 9.3 two years later. To finish the meet, he anchored the Alameda High 880 yard relay to an unexpected win in 1:28.7. Those three state championships clinched the team California state championship for the Hornets. It was the first time any school from northern California had won the state track championship. The 1954 state meet is widely believed to be the greatest collection of prep track talent ever. Monte Upshaw broke the national long jump record with an incredible jump of 25’ 41/4”. Don Bowden set the national prep record in the 880 and later became the first American to break the 4 minute mile. Rafer Johnson won the 120 yard high hurdles, and later set the world record and won the gold medal in the decathlon. Charlie Dumas got second in the high jump, but later became the first high jumper to clear 7 feet. In a meet filled with stars, the star that shone most brightly was James Jackson from Alameda High School.
Steve Markey – Wrestling (1979)
Steve Markey is the most decorated wrestler produced by Alameda. He started his wrestling career competing as a youth wrestler with the Bay Area Wrestling Association. He was followed in the BAWA by his two younger brothers, and then his sister, Tiffany,broke the gender barrier by becoming the first girl to wrestle for the BAWA. Wrestling for Alameda High School in 1979, Steve won the NCS championship to qualify for the state meet. There he barreled through the 138 lb class and won the 1979 California state championship. In the finals he dominated, winning by a majority decision 12-3 to cap an undefeated season. During his prep career as a Hornet, Steve was 112-6, was 2 time team MVP, 3 time League champion, North Coast Section and State Champion. Steve continued his wrestling career at Chabot Community College. In 1981 he captured the California Community College championship at 142 lbs. At Chabot, he compiled a record of 62-6, was team MVP, and 2 time Nor Cal champion as well as state champion. After he graduated from Chabot, he was recruited by NCAA Division II powerhouse Cal State Bakersfield. Steve was a natural 142 lb wrestler, but CSU Bakersfield had another great athlete at that weight. In order to help the team. Steve was able to cut weight down to the 134 lb. class, four pounds lighter than he wrestled in high school; a herculean feat. His sacrifice and hard work paid off at the 1984 Division II National Championships. In the finals, Steve won by a majority decision 11-4 to be crowned national champion in the 134 lb class. His teammate Jesse Reyes followed by winning the 142 lb crown. Those two national champions helped lead Bakersfield to a second place finish in the team competition. While at Bakersfield, his record was 35-5 and he was selected team MVP. Steve Markey is one of the very few wrestlers who was able to dominate at every level. He competed in high school, community college, and NCAA; and at each level he was crowned the ultimate champion. He was elected to the Chabot athletic Hall of Fame and is now a member of the inaugural Hall of Fame class at Alameda High School.
Whitney Reed – Tennis (1950)
Whitney Reed won the North Coast Section tennis doubles championship in 1947,1948, and 1949 while at Alameda High School. In 1949 and 1950 he was the California state age 18 doubles champion. In 1950, he won the junior national championship in singles. He then won the national hard court mixed doubles championship in 1951, and again in 1959. He won the California state singles title in 1956, 1957, 1962, and 1963. While a student at San Jose State, Whitney won the NCAA Intercollegiate singles championship in 1959. Five times he was ranked in the top 10 players in the United States, including #1 in 1961. Three times he was selected to be a member of the United States Davis Cup team to compete against international teams. In this era of amateur tennis, with little or no money for the best players, Whitney was famous for his prodigious appetite for alcohol and a lively social life . Despite his lack of conventional training, he defeated nine members of the International Tennis Hall of Fame in his career, including Rod Laver, who is arguably the greatest player of all time. Whitney Reed is a member of the San Jose State University Hall of Fame; and the United States Tennis Association Northern California Hall of Fame. He passed away at age 82 in 2015.
William Frank Weeden, MD – Swimming (1937)
Bill Weeden was an accomplished swimmer for the Hornets in the 1930’s and the first of four brothers who would dominate swimming at Alameda High School and then Stanford over a 15 year period. Bill finished fourth in the 100 yard freestyle at the NCS championships in 1935 as a sophomore; third in the 200 yard freestyle as a Junior; and in a dominant senior year won the 100 yard backstroke and the 150 yard medley relay, leading the Hornets to the team championship. After graduation, Bill competed at Stanford in both swimming and water polo; and was twice elected team captain in each sport. In 1938 he broke the national record for the 300 yard medley relay; and in 1939 was the Pacific Coast Champion in the 150 yard backstroke and 300 yard medley relay. In 1941 he was an NCAA All American in the 300 yard medley relay. He earned his medical degree at Stanford and served his country as a medical corpsman in World War 2 in Panama and Tokyo. After the war, he returned to the Bay Area and set up a private medical practice in Oakland. He eventually served as President of the Alameda County Heart Association and Chief of Medicine at Samuel Merritt and Peralta Hospitals. Dr. Weeden and his three brothers became trustees of the Weeden Foundation in 1963, a charitable trust established to help support biodiversity on the planet. The foundation makes grants in excess of $1,000,000 each year. The Weeden family was also the biggest donor and driving force behind the construction of swimming pools at Franklin Park and Lincoln Park in Alameda. After a long and eventful life, Dr. Bill Weeden passed away in Oakland in 2014 at the age of 94.
Eddie Fry – Golf (1943)
Eddie Fry was the top-ranked junior golfer in the United States during the early 1940’s. He won the Alameda Commuters, as well as the city championships of Alameda, Berkeley, and Richmond while a student at Alameda High School. He was the Northern California Open Champion in 1943, and won both the Northern and Southern California Junior Championships. At age 18 he enlisted in the army and was tragically killed in action in 1944.
Dave Haber – Track (1974)
One of the top track and field athletes ever at Alameda High School, Dave Haber still holds two school records set in 1974. His high jump of 6’ 10” and triple jump of 47’ 4” were in the top 20 nationally that year and have never been approached since. He was a three time NCAA Division II national champion in the high jump at Cal State Hayward, tying the national record for Division II with a jump of 7’ 4”. He led his college team to the national championship in 1977. Haber is a member of the Cal State Hayward Hall of Fame, and was elected to the NCAA Division II Track Hall of Fame.
Dorothy Head – Tennis (1942)
Dorothy Head was a state and national under 18 champion in tennis while attending Alameda High School. From 1943-59 she was ranked in the top 10 players in the United States ten times and top 10 in the world five times. In 1955 and 1957 she was a finalist in singles in the French Open, and in 1956 she and her partner Darlene Hard narrowly lost the French Open Doubles Championship. Dorothy won the U.S. Women’s Clay Court Championships in 1951, 1955, 1958, and 1960. She is a member of the Northern California Tennis Hall of Fame.
Jim LeMoine – Football (1963)
Jim LeMoine was an All-League and All Northern California football player for Alameda High School in 1962. LeMoine led the Hornets to a perfect 9-0 record and the #1 ranking in Northern California. He was selected as Northern California Lineman of the year and chosen to play in the North-South Prep All-Star game, earning All-American Prep Honors in 1963. Jim played football for Chabot College and Utah State, and was picked in the second round of the NFL draft by the Buffalo Bills in 1967, and played for the Houston Oilers in 1968-69 as a tight end and guard. He is a member of the Chabot College Athletic Hall of Fame.
Linda Read – Track (1979)
Three time State Meet Qualifier in the discus (1977-79). 2 time NCS champion (1978-79). She placed 3rd in the California State Track Meet in 1978, and 2nd in 1979. Read placed 4th in Junior National championship in 1979, and still holds the AHS record in the discus with 150’ 2”. Competing for CSU Hayward in 1981, she was a College All-American in both Track and Swimming, and was a 3 time qualifier for the National Championships in the discus.
Mikhaila Rutherford – Swimming (2006)
Rutherford was a record-setting swimmer in International Paralympics competition. In 2002 she set a world record and won gold in the 100 backstroke and repeated as the gold medal winner in 2004. Also in 2004, she won gold in the 200 Intermediate Medley, setting a national record, and silver in the 100 breaststroke, setting a US record. She then anchored the 400 relay to the gold in another national record. Over two international championship meets she set four national records and one world record.
Chris Speier – Baseball (1968)
Chris Speier was the second player selected in the 1970 Major League Baseball draft, starting a 19 year career in the Majors. He was a three time National League All-star shortstop (1972-74) for the San Francisco Giants, and played for five different teams 1971-1989. Nicknamed the “Alameda Rifle”, he was a sterling defensive player with a lifetime .970 fielding average. After his playing career ended, he was a coach for the World Champion Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001, and was also a Major League coach for the Cubs, Reds and Nationals, last in 2017.
Andrea (Thieme) Jorgenson – Basketball (1995)
Four time Lady Hornet Basketball MVP. 4 time 1st Team All-League. 3 time ACCAL scoring champion. 2 time Alameda Prep Athlete of the Year. 1995 Times Star Prep of the year. All Bay Area 1st team 1995, as well as a Cal-Hi All State selection. Andrea still holds the school records in career scoring and steals. Andrea earned a full-ride scholarship to CSU Fullerton. Also a brilliant softball player, she was team co-MVP and All-ACCAL 3 times, batting .583 in 1995.
Thai Tu – Tennis (2008)
Four time NCS champion in tennis (2 singles and 2 doubles). Ranked #1 in USTA Junior Tennis for Northern California for 14, 16, and 18 year olds. Won 32 USTA Juniors titles, including 2 National Championships; and 13 USTA doubles championships, including 3 National Championships. 2008 Alameda Journal Athlete of the Year. All West Coast Conference First Team Singles for USF in 2010. Two time MVP for USF Men’s tennis.
Alan Weeden – Swimming (1941)
Four time County and NCS Swimming Champion in the 100 Backstroke (1938-1941) while a student at AHS. Set National records in 500 Backstroke and 300 medley in 1947 while competing for Stanford. 2nd place in NCAA in 150 Backstroke in 1947 and selected All-American. Alan is the current US record holder in the 50 yard Backstroke (90-94 age group) set in 2014. He was CEO of Weeden & Company until 1981 and has served as President of the Board of the Sierra Club, Director of the Federation of Immigration Reform, and Winner of the Stanford Golden Spike Award for volunteer service.
Andy Carey – Baseball (1949)
Third Baseman – made major league debut with New York Yankees in 1952 at age 20. Played 11 seasons in the Major Leagues and won two World Series Championships with the Yankees (1956, 1958). Led the American League with 11 triples in 1955. Career .260 hitter with 64 home runs and 350 RBIs.
Nicole Carroll-Lewis -Track and Field (1986)
Competed in shotput and discus throw at AHS, but discovered the javelin in college, winning the conference championships at College of San Mateo and Fresno State. She was a two time All-American in the javelin at Fresno State. She was a two-time national champion (1996, 1998) with a best of 205’ 10”. In 1996 she won the US Olympic trials with her last throw and represented the US in the Olympics in Atlanta. Nicole qualified for the World Championships in 1995 (Gothenburg) and 1997 (Athens). Ten times ranked in the top 5 in the United States. She competed in twelve national championships and four Olympic trials. She is a member of the College of San Mateo, Fresno State and Peninsula Sports Halls of Fame.
Dan Lufkin – Basketball (1959)
Three sport star in Basketball, Baseball, and Football at AHS. Student Body President. Played basketball 3 years at Cal (1961-64). Team captain in 1964. Held Cal records of 31 consecutive made free throws and 89% free throw accuracy that lasted 40 years. After Cal he enlisted and was and All-Army basketball player (1964-67). Wounded in Vietnam during the Tet offensive and won the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Distinguished career in the Army, attaining rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After the Army, he used his Master’s degree in Mathematics to teach High School Math at Foothill High School for 27 years.
Angel Martinez – Cross Country (1973)
All-League and All NorCal first team Cross Country 1973. 4th place finish at Meet of Champions. Still holds AHS record in 1600 (4:18.4). All American at UC Davis in both Cross Country and Track. A highly successful businessman, he helped build Reebok into a national brand and became CEO of both Rockport and Deckers.
Charlene Murphy – Tennis (1977)
Played #2 singles for AHS on the Men’s tennis team (no women’s team in the 1970’s). Won the League doubles title with her brother and was team MVP in 1976. Won two national age group tennis titles while at AHS. Girls’ national doubles finalist four times. All Conference singles and doubles at BYU and selected All-American 1979. National Indoors Doubles Champion in 1980. Ranked #6 in US in 1980.
Grace Na – Golf (2011)
First individual Golf state champion in AHS history (2010), leading the Hornets to 4th place in the state team competition and a NorCal championship. Four time WCC player of the year at Pepperdine. Four time All-American, twice First Team. Tied NCAA record for low round of 63. She holds Pepperdine record for lowest average score (72.17). In 2016 she qualified for the LPGA by finishing second in the LPGA qualifying tournament in Florida.
Dr. Barry Parker – Swimming (1961)
NCS champion in 50 freestyle in 1959 (23.1). Ranked in top 10 nationally in 100 freestyle at AHS (49.7). For a comparison, Johnny Weissmuller held the world record for 17 years with a time of 51.0. Held school 50 freestyle record for 11 years and 200 relay record for 31 years. Top five finish at Masters World swimming championships in 1988 in 45-49 age group.
Herb Turner – Track (1952)
Placed second in the California State track meet in the 220 as a sophomore. As a junior he placed fourth in the state in the 220. Senior year he won the 100 (9.9) and the 220 (21.6) at the state meet, leading the Hornets to 3rd place in the team competition. He set the record in the West Coast Relays for the 100 in 9.7. His high school bests of 9.6 in the 100 and 20.9 in the 220 are surpassed only by James Jackson in AHS history. His AHS time of 49.3 in the 440 has not been beaten since 1952. Turner later ran for Fresno State and the US Army, setting a stadium record in the 440 relay in Athens at 41.8.
Sarah Walker – Soccer (2001)
Four times All-League in soccer, 2 time MVP. One of the top multi-sport athletes in AHS history, she earned 12 Varsity letters in four sports. Four times All-League in Cross Country and 2 times Captain; twice All-League in softball as shortstop. Sarah led her team to League Championships in Soccer, Cross Country (twice) and Softball. Three times selected as the Alameda Journal Prep Athlete of the year. At Yale she was the captain of the Soccer team and voted All-Ivy and team MVP and led her team to the NCAA tournament. After graduation from Yale she played professionally in Sweden.
Rich Zecher – Football (1961)
All-League and All-NorCal lineman in 1960. Named as an Honorable Mention Sporting News All-American. Played in North-South All Star game in 1961. Still holds the AHS record in the shot put (53’ 10 3/4”). Played collegiately at Contra Costa Community College and Utah State. Played in East/West Shrine All Star Game in 1965 and All American Bowl. Played three years in NFL with Raiders, Dolphins, and Bills.
Mike Amos – Football (1969)
Starred for undefeated and #1 state ranked 1968 team. First team All-ACAL as wide receiver, second team defensive back. All-East Bay first team specialist (kicker). Selected to Alameda/Contra Costa All Star Game, played both offense and defense. 1969 AHS Block A Athlete of the Year. Played wide receiver, defensive back, punter and punt returner for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. 1971 All-CCAA First Team wide receiver, honorable mention Little All-American. 1972 All-CCAA First Team, Little All-Coast, Little All-American defensive back. Elected to Cal Poly Athletic Hall of Fame 2011.
Robert E DeCelle, II – Track (1963)
Outstanding middle distance runner, setting school records in 880 (1:58) and mile run (4:20). His 880 time still in top five all-time at AHS. As a captain in the US Army in Vietnam, he was critically wounded in battle but managed to fly his helicopter back to base. He died in 1971 in Bien Hoa at age 25 due to his injuries. Awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star with 5 palms, Air Medal with 7 oak leaf clusters, National Order of Vietnam, and 2 Purple Hearts.
Patrick Foster – Swimming (1993)
Four year varsity starter and four years All-East Shore Athletic League in both swimming and water polo. First team All NCS and All-American in water polo junior year. 4th in 200 IM and 5th in 100 butterfly at NCS Junior year. 2nd in 200 IM and 1st in 100 butterfly at NCS senior year. All-American in 200 IM. Undefeated in all league races, including relays, in high school. 19 event All-American at U.C. Davis 1994-97. Division II national champion in 800 Relay 1994. 4 year starter in water polo, including, 3rd place finish In NCAA 1996. 2007 elected to U.C. Davis Athletic Hall of Fame in swimming and water polo.
James Hahn – Golf (1999)
Won over 20 junior golf tournaments by age 12. Four year varsity golfer at AHS. Received golf scholarship to UC Berkeley, graduating in 2003. Two wins on the Canadian Golf Tour in 2009. One win on the Web.com tour in 2012, and earned his PGA card in 2013. Currently in his eighth season as a member of the PGA. Won the Northern Trust Open in 2015 for first PGA victory, winning a playoff against Dustin Johnson and Paul Casey. Second PGA win in 2016 at Wells Fargo Championship, also in a playoff. Has played and made the cut in all four PGA major championships, including a tie for 13th at the 2017 PGA Championship.
Herman Pete – Basketball (1934)
Outstanding multi-sport athlete from 1930’s. Four year starter in basketball, team captain, post-season All Star in basketball. Four year starter in varsity football. Three year starter in varsity baseball. Played football at College of Marin as a triple threat (run, pass, kick), honorable mention for All-Conference. After college, he went to work at U.S. Steel, becoming a respected union official and union organizer. A lifelong lover of music, including jazz, opera, and classical.
Ann Ratto – Track (1983)
Greatest female track athlete in Hornet history. Broke school records in 200, 400, 800, 1500, 1600, and 3200. She is currently top two all-time in all those events. Won Meet of Champions in 3200 in 1983 in 10:46.1, still a school record. NCS champion in 1600 in 5:01.4 in 1982. Chosen Outstanding Girls Track Performer at Oakland Invitational Track Meet 1982. 2 time NCS champion in 3200. Won Varsity letters in 4 sports (track and field, cross country, tennis, soccer). Won Jack Clark Award as top Prep Athlete 1983.
Trini Sanchez Blumkin – Basketball (1984)
Outstanding multi-sport athlete of the 1980’s, was selected first team All-ACAL in volleyball, basketball, and softball a total of nine times. Selected team MVP eight times in those three sports Over a four year varsity career in basketball, she averaged 22 points and 10 rebounds per game, scoring over 1,300 points. At CSU Hayward she was a three year starter in softball and selected first team All-Conference twice. She ranks in the top 10 in five offensive categories and was selected to the Hayward Hall of Fame for Softball in 2002. She also was a two year starter in basketball at Hayward, and second team All-Conference in 1986.
Dorothy Stolze – Baseball (1941)
Played professional baseball from 1946 to1952 for four teams in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, memorialized in the movie “A League of Their Own”. Considered one of the most versatile utility players in the league, she played every position except pitcher in her career. She was a career .247 hitter with an excellent fielding average of .963. After retiring from baseball in 1952, she returned to college to earn her degree and became a physical education teacher and girls’ softball coach until she retired in 1991.
John “Frenchy” Vergez – Baseball (1925)
Starred for the 1925 AHS baseball team which sent eight players to professional baseball, winning league and NCS championships.. Played 18 seasons professional baseball (1926 to 1943), including parts of six seasons (1931 to 1936) in the major leagues. Smashed 46 home runs for Oakland Oaks in 1929 despite standing only 5 foot 8 and weighing 165. As a rookie third baseman for the New York Giants in 1931, he played in 152 games, batted .278 and had 81 RBIs. During his major league career, he hit .255 with 52 home runs and 292 RBI’s. After his career in the big leagues ended, he played eight more years in the Pacific Coast League, including five years as player-manager for the Oakland Oaks. He later scouted for the Giants and became head baseball coach at Saint Mary’s College, where he tutored future MLB third baseman and fellow AHS Hall of Fame member Andy Carey. Member of Saint Mary’s Athletic Hall of Fame.
Marta Westernoff Barker – Soccer (1993)
One of the top dual sport athletes in Lady Hornet history. Four year varsity starter and Four time All-League in soccer. Team Captain and co-MVP 1993. Member of Olympic State Soccer Development teams 1989-92. Also four year varsity in tennis. #1 singles player three years and three time team MVP. NCS doubles champion 1992, runner-up in 1993. Selected “Athlete of the Year” for 1993 by the Bay Area News Group. Four year starter for Saint Mary’s College varsity soccer team. 1994 led Saint Mary’s to round of 16 in Division I championships. Elected team captain and most inspirational player in 1996. In 2014 she became the first female Fire Captain in the 153-year history of the Redwood City Fire Department.
Marie Bertholdt – Basketball (2013)
Marie Bertholdt was a four year starter in basketball at AHS, All-League three times and three times team MVP. She remains the school record holder in rebounds (game and season), blocked shots, and free throws made. She is second all time in career charges drawn, rebounds and free throws attempted. During her dominant senior year she averaged 19 points and 12 rebounds. She was the premier defensive player and a supportive team mate. She then became a four year starter at Santa Clara University and was All-Conference her last two years. She started 115 games in college and finished as the #3 rebounder all time. She has played six years professionally in Germany and was chosen for the German national basketball team, playing in sixteen games, including the European championship qualifying game. Marie was chosen as the team captain in high school, college and professionally.
Carly Childs – Golf (2012)
Joe Griffin – Track and Field (1954)
Stu Inman – Basketball (1944)
Kris Moe – Golf (1979)
Lou Nova – Boxing (1931)
Jim Psaltis – Football (1946)
Erik Schullstrom – Baseball (1987)
James Triolo – Swimming (1931)
1954 Men’s Track Team
Coached by Lew Jolley, the undefeated 1954 track team won the ACAL, NCS, and then won the California State Track meet. James Jackson tied the national prep record of 9.4 held by Jesse Owens for the 100 on the way to winning state titles in the 100 & 220 (20.7 PR). Close behind was Willie Davis with a time of 9.9 in the 100 and 22.0 in the 220. Joe Griffin set a school and NCS record in the 120 HH (14.5) and finished fourth in the state meet. Dick Cobb set a school record 22’ 9 ¾” in the long jump to finish fourth at state. The 880 relay set meet records at ACAL, NCS and West Coast Relays with a sizzling 1:28.7 and capped the season with a dominant win at the state meet.
The 1954 state track meet might have been the greatest collection of prep track talent ever. Monte Upshaw set a national prep record in the long jump, Don Bowden set a national record in 880 and later became the first American to break the 4 minute mile, Rafer Johnson won the 120 HH and later set a world record and won the 1960 Olympics in the decathlon. Charlie Dumas became the first American to high jump 7 feet. James Jackson defeated Leamon King to win the 100 (King set the world record two years later). On a night filled with super stars, the Hornets reigned supreme.
Don Bell Jr – Track and Field 1957
Don Bell Jr was the top discus thrower in AHS history. He won the ACAL championship in 1957 and followed that with a victory in the NCS championship. He culminated the season with an amazing win the the CIF State Championship, throwing the discus a state meet record 173’ ¼” for a school record that still stands. He is the latest state champion at AHS, and won the final championship for his coach, fellow Hall of Famer Lew Jolley. He competed at Stanford University on a track scholarship. At Stanford he set the Freshman record in the discus with a throw of 162’ 4 ¾” with the heavier college discus. He was chosen by Track and Field as an All-American and later became co-captain of the team, with a top collegiate throw of 171’ 11”. As an army officer he was chosen to coach the All-Army Track team and after his service he had a long career in education, culminating as principal of Leland High School in San Jose from 1986-1995.
Samantha Esguerra – Golf (2011)
Mike Floyd – Football (1979)
Mike Floyd was Co-Captain and MVP of the Division 3 #1 state ranked 1978 Hornet Football team. He was first team All ACAL, East Bay Player of the Year, and All Northern California as a running back. He rushed for 1,691 yards, averaging 8.7 yards per carry, leading the undefeated Hornets to the NCS championship. This followed an excellent Junior year, when he rushed for 782 yards with a gaudy 9.2 yards per carry. After graduation he played on championship teams at Chabot Junior College (Golden Gate Champions, Bay Bowl Champion) and San Jose State (PCAA Champion, California Bowl). Mike also has Hall of Fame credentials in Track. He broke fellow Hall of Famer Joe Griffin’s long standing school record in the 120 High Hurdles (14.4), and established the school record in the 330 Hurdles of 39.5. He won NCS in the 70 High Hurdles with another school mark of 9.2. Mike earned the team Captain and High Point Awards for the 1979 Track season. Mike’s winter season sport was wrestling, and he was All-ACAL at 167 lbs. He won the El Cerrito Tournament and the Clear Lake Tournament in his weight class (1979). Mike Floyd ranks as one of the very finest multi-sport athletes in Alameda High School History.
Randy Horton – Diving (1969)
Randy Horton was undefeated for four years in 3 meter Diving and won the NCS championship with a record score of 447.95. He was a high school All-American and was chosen AAU diver of the year. He received a four year scholarship to North Carolina State. In 1970-71-72 he won the ACC championships in both the 1 meter and 3 meter diving, setting the ACC record in the 1 meter with 474.5 points. He finished 5th in the national AAU championship, and 8th in the NCAA in the three meter springboard, and was chosen an All-American in Diving. In both 1971 and 1972 he was the Eastern Seaboard Intercollegiate Champion in the 3 meter and in 1972 he was a finalist in US Olympic trials, finishing 11th.
Lew Jolley – Track Coach (1923-1957)
Lew Jolley is the most decorated coach of any sport in Alameda High School History. He coached Track and Field for 35 years and during that time won eight NCS team championships. The pinnacle of his career was winning the 1954 State team championship. That year James Jackson tied the national record in the 100 yard dash with 9.4 and won both the 100 and 220 at the state meet, and anchored the winning 880 relay. He also coached six individual state champions, one relay state champion, 33 individual NCS champions, and six NCS relay champions. His final year he coached Don Bell Jr. to a state championship in the discus.
Maddy Lewis – Softball (2015)
Maddy was twice first team All-WACC shortstop while starring for the Lady Hornets, as well as First Team All-East Bay (2015), Second Team All-Metro (2015), Second Team all NCS (2015) and Second Team All State (2015). She led the Hornets to the League Championship in 2015, and was chosen Queen of the Mountain Tournament Best Defensive player her senior year. She was a four year starter at UC San Diego at third base with a .311 career batting average in 201 collegiate games. She was All California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) First Team in 2016, 2018, and 2019. Maddy was honored as the CCAA Freshman of the Year and was a finalist for National Freshman of the Year in 2016. The Conference Commissioners Association (CCA) selected her to the All West Region First Team (2016) and chose her as Freshman of the Year. She was a two time All-American Scholar Athlete (2016, 2018). She was team MVP and defensive player of the year in 2019 after leading her team to the league championship during the regular season. The culmination of her college career was an appearance in the NCAA DII national championship round, the first time for UCSD since 2012. She is currently listed in the top six all time at UCSD in five different batting categories. After college, Maddy was a member of the USA Women’s National Team Development Baseball Program. In 2022, Maddy was selected to the Israel Women’s Softball National Team and won the Maccabiah Games Gold medal that year. Her team finished 6th place in the 2022 European Championships, and 5th place in the Canada Cup International Softball Championship in 2023. Maddy will represent Team Israel in the 2024 European Championships in September hosted by the Netherlands. Maddy was also an outstanding basketball player at Alameda High School. She was a four year letter winner, Freshman of the year, two time first team All WACC, team MVP (2015), and a member of the 1000 Point Club.
Mark Scates – Tennis (1988)
Mark Scates was team captain and four year team MVP in tennis and had a four year singles record of 74-2 in high school. He won the NCS doubles championship in 1987, and won the NCS singles championship in 1988. The Hornets were #1 ranked 2A tennis team in the state. He received a scholarship to Baylor University and competed in the South Pacific Games representing Samoa. He won the mixed doubles Gold Medal, the Singles Bronze Medal, and his Samoan team won the Bronze Medal.
Dick (Sai) Towata – Baseball (1924)
Dick Towata was the shortstop and cleanup hitter for the 1924 Hornet baseball team that won the Northern California Championship for legendary coach Otto Rittler. His teammates included AHS Hall of Famers Dick Bartell and Johnny Vergez. After the season was over, both Bartell and Vergez were offered professional contracts, and Bartell had an 18 year career in the Major Leagues. Due to the strict ban on players of color, Towata was denied the opportunity to play professionally. He later played semi-professionally in the Japanese American league for the Alameda Taiku-Kai. In 1998, the Oakland A’s honored thirteen outstanding Japanese-Americans who never got a chance to play in the Major Leagues, including 92 year old Dick Towata.
Paul Yazolino – Cycling (1957)
Paul Yazolino was an avid weightlifter at Alameda High School, who competed in Powerlifting for 10 years, culminating in a Silver Medal in the US Powerlifting championship in 1967. He set the US record in the bench press of 500 lbs at a body weight of 220 that year. He then began competing in Bodybuilding and in 1979 won the USA Masters competition. After opening a fitness equipment store in 1983, he decided to publicize the store by training to carry a 300 lb barbell up the steep Lombard Street in San Francisco, something he accomplished at age 45. Remarkably Paul then switched his competitive efforts to cycling and became the first 50 year old to cycle up Mt. Diablo in less than an hour in 1988. In 1993 he won the first of multiple masters World Championships in Sprint Cycling, setting a world record in the 200. More US championships followed in 1994, 1996, and 1998 in distances from 200 to 500 meters. His final US Masters championship was at age 70 in the 200 meters and 500 meters, including an age group world record in the 500 meters. Paul Yazolino is unique in becoming a national champion in three entirely different and highly competitive disciplines.
1956 Football team
9-0 record with the most dominant defense in Alameda High history. The team was voted #1 in Northern California by the SF Examiner and outscored opponents 271-20, giving up only three touchdowns all season and shutting out six opponents. The team was anchored by Chuck Morehouse, a two way tackle chosen first Team All-NorCal on both offense and defense. Irv Nicolai was All NorCal second team as a two-way end. Glen Harridine was second team All-Metro as a back. First Team all ACAL selections were Morehouse, Nicolai, Harridine, quarterback Rick Dobbins, defensive back Dick Bertero, and defensive back Dan Rueda.
2024 Inductees
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Don Bell Jr. – Track (1957)
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Samantha Esquerra – Golf (2008)
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Mike Floyd – Football (1979)
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Randy Horton – Swimming & Diving (1969)
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Lew Jolly – Track Coach (1923-1957)
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Maddy Lewis – Softball (2015)
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Mark Scates – Tennis (1988)
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Dick Towata – Baseball (1924)
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Paul Yazolino – Cycling (1957)
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1956 Football Team
2023 Inductees
- Marie Bertholdt – Basketball (2013)
- Carly Childs – Golf (2012)
- Joe Griffin – Track (1954)
- Stu Inman – Basketball (1944)
- Kris Moe – Golf (1979)
- Lou Nova – Boxing (1931)
- Jim Psaltis – Football (1946)
- Erik Schullstrom – Baseball (1987)
- James Tiolo – Swimming (1930)
- State Championship Track Team (1954)
2020 Inductees
- Mike Amos – Football (1969)
- Robert E DeCelle, II – Track (1963)
- Patrick Foster – Swimming (1993)
- James Hahn – Golf (1999)
- Herman Pete – Basketball (1934)
- Ann Ratto – Track (1983)
- Trini Sanchez Blumkin – Basketball (1984)
- Dorothy Stolze – Baseball (1941)
- John “Frenchy” Vergez – Baseball (1925)
- Marta Westernoff Barker – Soccer (1993)
2019 Inductees
- Andy Carey – Baseball (1949)
- Nicole Caroll-Lewis – Track & Field (1986)
- Dan Lufkin – Basketball (1959)
- Angel Martinez – Cross Country (1973)
- Charlene Murphy – Tennis (1977)
- Grace Na – Golf (2011)
- Dr. Barry Parker – Swimming (1961)
- Herb Turner – Track (1952)
- Sarah Walker – Soccer (2001)
- Rich Zecher – Football (1961)
2018 Inductees
- Eddie Fry – Golf (1943)
- Dave Haber – Track (1974)
- Dorothy Head – Tennis (1942)
- Jim LeMoine – Football (1963)
- Linda Read – Track (1979)
- Mikhaila Rutherford – Swimming (2006)
- Chris Speier – Baseball (1968)
- Andrea (Thieme) Jorgenson – Basketball (1995)
- Thai Tu – Tennis (2008)
- Alan Weeden – Swimming (1941)
2017 Inductees
- Dick Bartell – Baseball (1926)
- Robert “Bob” Blomberg – Golf (1963)
- Patricia Canning Todd – Tennis (1940)
- Eric Cross – Football (1969)
- Willie Davis – Basketball (1954)
- Christine Fairless – Basketball (1985)
- James Jackson – Track (1954)
- Steve Markey – Wrestling (1979)
- Whitney Reed – Tennis (1950)
- William Frank Weeden, MD – Swimming (1937)