The induction celebration was held at Arrowhead Country Club where many alumni who had been outstanding athletes during their years at the school gathered to renew old bonds and be inducted in the brand new Sports Hall of Fame. Those who were selected to be part of this historic event flew in from all parts of the United States, and many had not returned to the school since their own graduation. The evening was filled with welcoming and tearful speeches, and each recipient received a 12 inch engraved glass award as well as a patch to add to their old letterman jacket.
This first ever hall of fame ceremony began Friday, October 23 when those who were to be in attendance were welcomed back to the school with tours, and then given VIP seats for the homecoming football game.
Aquinas already has awards for the alumni, but nothing for those who participated in sports. Thus, the construction of the sports hall of fame began to take form through a committee composed of Principal Chris Barrows, Mike Riddle, Coach Chris Ybarra, Brandi Williford, and many others.
Those recipients chosen came from a wide variety of sports and graduating classes. Among those inducted were Matt Hoar, who represented the 1973 CIF championship boys basketball team, Justin Wells, graduate of the 1999 class and member of the 1998 CIF championship boys soccer team, Kathleen Takaishi, the head golf coach at the University Reno and graduate of the class of 1994, and finally Josh Henderson, head coach of the 2000 and 2005 CIF champion football teams.
“All of the inductees were ecstatic to be back to see Aquinas and gave very moving speeches that glorified their whole team, not just themselves,” reflected Barrows.
Overall the night was a huge success and a great start to a new tradition and a family of people who have helped Aquinas to achieve greatness for 60 years. Students, faculty, members, and future inductees will be happy to hear that a hall of fame memorial is in the plans to be built adjacent to the gym. Construction is scheduled to begin after the second phase of the gym has been completed and will be a testament to those men and women who have helped make Aquinas the best school in the Inland Empire through its athletic greatness.