Kofa unveils new wall, celebrates 4th annual Athletics Hall of Fame induction weekend

Nine new inductees round out the 2023 Athletics Hall of Fame class added to new wall

YUMA, Ariz., (KYMA, KECY) - Kofa High School celebrated a nostalgic weekend by going back in time and flipping through the record books - all part of a special gathering.

The weekend was simple. It was a unique opportunity to come together as a community with lots of laughs and memories to honor some of the best faces to walk the campus, and athletic arenas, in the school's storied existence.

Families close and afar showed up to Yuma this past week. For some, it was a normal trip. For others, the first time stepping foot back to their old stomping grounds since the moment they left.

But a similar sentiment was felt by all: pride and honor of being a King.

"It's a tradition we started about four years ago. We got the wheels in motion and it's been awesome every year," said Kings Alumni Association President, Billy Laguna. "It really is pretty fantastic for everyone to see who was here before them, what they did and how they've gone on for success."

This marked the fourth Hall of Fame class which began in 2019 (the 2021 & 2022 class were combined). The new class featuring eight individuals and one team, consisting of five players.

At the top of the list was none other than Dr. Ernest F. Rillos - who's name is etched into the place where the new Wall of Fame sits: Ernest F. Rillos Gym.

Dr. Rillos was a 1974 Kofa alum who volunteered his time as the schools' team physician for many years and had a positive impact on many student-athletes over the years. Several members of his family represented him this past weekend and accepted his honor on his behalf after passing away in 2009.

Next to be honored was the lone team on the list - the 1969 state champion boys golf team. The team was made up of Mike Curtis, Steve Bell, Rad James, Bill Spear, Frank Townsend and coach Gary Richardson.

The late Barney Cushman was next - representing one of the three-sport athletes for his excellence in football, basketball and baseball. In 1965, Cushman was awarded Kofa's "Male Athlete of the Year" along with the Yuma Sun's "Baseball Player of the Year" before moving on to play ball in college for Arizona Western and Northern Arizona. He also held Kofa's home run record for 33 years.

Speaking of baseball, the next honor went to one of the best ever to suit up in crimson and white: Greg Steen. Steen was an All-State player for Kofa before moving on to Arizona Western College. After that he won a National Championship with Arizona State University in 1981, before going on to be drafted by the California Angels in Major League Baseball.

On the court, Michael Cheatham was a three-year letterman with an outstanding career on the floor and in the classroom for Kofa. The 1988 graduate was a two-time All-Conference selection and went on to play at Seattle University where he set the career assists record in 1991 and 1992.

Another three-sport athlete recognized was Josh Stanley, a 1990 graduate. Stanely shined on the football field, in the soccer net as a goalie and as a swiss-army knife in baseball where he starred in almost every position. Stanley was named the first ever Yuma Sun/Yuma Rotary Male Athlete of the Year.

Representing the soccer program was Marc Dudley, who is considered one of the best soccer players to every play for Kofa, graduating in 1996. He was a captain for two years and earned team MVP in his senior season. He was also an All-Arizona and All-State selection, leading to his time at Yavapai College where he led the Roughriders to two championship game runs, including winning the title in 1997.

Rounding out the field were two individuals part of the proud wrestling program. Blaine Blanton and Ivan Felix shined in the early 2000's as state champions. Blanton brought home the hardware as a champion in 2006 as a senior. Right behind him was Felix who won state titles in 2006 and 2007.

The festivities kicked off Friday evening with a get together at Lute's Casino before heading back to Kofa High School, where the new inductees would be introduced to a crowd of people in attendance for Kofa's girls and boys basketball games against Yuma.

Following the thrilling finish to the varsity girls game, ending in a one-point Yuma win, all of the inductees were escorted one-by-one to the court at Ernest F. Rillos Gym before the start of the boys game.

"We always do it for the Kofa-Yuma game. We know it's going to be a great crowd. It's always a great game," said Laguna. "It's just the perfect setting for this to happen."

There, the inductees and their families were treated to another incredible game - ending in Kofa surviving Yuma in another one-point finish when Joaquin Anaya laid the ball up and in at the buzzer for the win.

A perfect way to start the Hall of Fame weekend.

Saturday was then the cap to an amazing weekend, all beginning in the cafeteria where inductees, their families and others came together for lunch. Opening remarks were made by Athletic Director Joe Daily and Kings Alumni Association President Billy Laguna to get things started.

Following that, all of the inductees were given their fair share of time with stories, memories and accolades listed off.

The day ending with a walk over to Rillos Gym to unveil the new plaques on a new wall.

As the plaques were unveiled, a loud applause filled the hallway outside of Rillos Gym. A representation of the proud history and accomplishments all of these individuals brought to Kofa High School.