On the morning of March 30, emotions were running high at the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held on campus in the Gym II foyer. The event announced the new names entering Cypress College’s Hall of Fame while friends and families of the inductees celebrated beside them.
Dr. Richard Rams, the Dean of Athletics, acted as host, welcoming the audience to the ceremony. “This is pretty elite company, athletically and academically,” stated Rams, who then proceeded to thank the staff who were able to make the event possible, such as Cypress College President Dr. JoAnna Schilling, Director of Sports Information and Marketing Wes McCurtis, and the head coaches a part of the CC Athletics staff.
Rams also gave special recognition to Head Athletic Trainer, Scott Tucker, as he was awarded the California Community College Athletic Association Athletic Trainer of the Year.
President Schilling next spoke a few words about Cypress College’s athletic program and athletes. “I am so honored to be here and be able to honor all of our Hall of Fame candidates here… we honor our traditions, we honor those who come here,” stated Schilling.
Schilling reminisced about her own childhood, growing up with hockey as a large part of her father’s life. “My life is completely changed because my father went to college for athletics,” said Schilling. “I’m extremely proud of our athletics here, our coaches, so grateful for the organization who put this together today. I want to thank our coaches for inspiring our athletes.”
David Soto announced the inductees, starting off with Jackie Boxley, former Cypress College softball athlete who was the MVP of the State Championship winning team in 1991 and a two-time All-Orange Empire Conference Second-Team selection. Boxley led the Chargers to a 28-14 record, three consecutive state championships, and was named the Orange Empire Conference Coach of the Year for her success. Boxley is also the winning head coach at Citrus College. “I truly wouldn’t be where I am without Cypress, I wouldn’t have made it through without you guys,” Boxley shared as emotions overcame her.
Former Charger, Sam Fandrich, was also inducted for his swimming career, where he was the 2010 Free Style Champion, Five Time All American Champ, broke seven school records- many of which still stand today- and was on the Dean’s List for both seasons. “I love Cypress, I love my time here. I have a Bachelor’s and a Master’s but my associate degree I got here is what I am most proud of… my life is drastically better today because of my time here,” explained Fandrich.
The next inductee who had memories to share of her time as a soccer athlete was Alie Nunez. Nunez attended national and state conferences, led the Chargers with a record of 52-1-1, with all of her records still standing today. During her speech, Nunez took time to thank Cypress College, “I am very humbled to be inducted into the Cypress College Hall of Fame… I would like to thank my Cypress College teammates, our friendships will never be forgotten- we shared great moments.”
As the ceremony came to an end, Rams congratulated the inductees and honored their time here at Cypress College. Families and friends clapped for the new faces apart of the Hall of Fame and the celebration ended.
Those inducted into the Hall of Fame included:
Jackie Boxley, Softball ’92
Mike Cosgrove, Baseball ’96
Ron Davis, Men’s Basketball ’79
Sam Fandrich, Men’s Swimming ’10
Ray Haas, Wrestling and Women’s Soccer Coach ’91
Craig Kuzmic, Baseball ’97
Sam Lopez, Wrestling ’90
Alie Nunez, Women’s Soccer ’00
Rosalyn Omoruyi, Women’s Basketball ’05
Cory Sullivan, Baseball ’99