Saturday night was a time for family and friends to get together to reminisce and honor those who have made “significant contributions to the athletic legacy of Weed High School.”
Close to 250 people attended the Weed High School Hall of Fame banquet at the Sons of Italy Hall. This year the Hall of Fame Committee added 13 athletes, one coach and two basketball teams.
Inductees expressed their appreciation of the honor in words and emotion. “I’m truly honored to be in the WHS Hall of Fame,” said Mel Soletti.
Gary Rossi said, “I’ve been on great teams, and I’m on another great team tonight.”
Michael Cunningham, accepting the award for his father, Jim Cunningham, who passed away about 20 years ago, said, “This is a wonderful way to honor my father. I know he would be very proud to be here today.”
Many of the inductees shared stories and fond memories of their time at WHS. “It was a great time in my life,” said Melvin Soletti. Roxanne Dawson Akers said WHS was a great place to grow up, stay safe and make “great friends.” Ken Broughton said, “I’ll never forget the time I spent at WHS, and I’ll never forget the people.”
Jim Wilson talked about the influence Al Shipman had on him in the classroom and as a coach. He finished saying, “I’m here because “Ship” happened.”
Others also mentioned the positive impact WHS coaches have had on their lives.
Committee member Mike Carpine said it takes a lot of time and effort to put the annual Hall of Fame event together, “but it’s well worth it.” In a phone interview, he said the research for athletes takes almost a year using yearbooks and newspaper articles. He said the banquet, “is definitely an inspiring and rewarding event.”
Through a donation made by Martin Garcia, the first Hall of Fame ceremony was held in 2008 with 18 athletes, two coaches and one team inducted. In 2009, the committee added 16 athletes and one coach to the Hall of Fame.
Carpine explained that the committee looked for eligible athletes from the 1920s through the 1990s. Because the Hall of Fame is only three years old, they want to add about 14 or 15 inductees a year to “eventually get as many as possible.”
To be considered for induction, athletes must meet at least one of the following criteria: All-county or all-league, most valuable player, four-year letterman (lettered in four sports in the same year), played a sport at the varsity level for three years, teams attaining record status or state recognition. Any individual or team winning a state championship is automatically inducted after 10 years. An individual or organization who has demonstrated long-term support and commitment to WHS athletics and coaches who have given at least five years of service. Athletes are not eligible for nomination until 10 years after graduation. Carpine said athletes must have demonstrated outstanding ability during their high school athletic career.
