Yuma High School Athletic Hall of Fame inducts 15th class

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Yuma High School celebrated its athletic history Saturday, welcoming its 15th Athletic Hall of Fame class and honoring six individuals, one team and four community partners.

Among this year's inductees was former teacher and coach Jackie Bruno, who spent more than a decade at Yuma High from 1968 to 1981, coaching volleyball, basketball, softball and tennis.

Bruno also played a key role in expanding opportunities for female student-athletes following the passage of Title IX.

Bruno called the induction a major honor, especially being recognized alongside so many people she taught and watched grow throughout the years.

“This is a very big honor. Very, very big. And it's joining so many of the people that I got to teach or watch over the years,” Bruno said.

The class also included 2005 graduate Lisa Stratton, who excelled in four sports during her high school career before continuing her softball career at Arizona Western College and Lubbock Christian University.

After more than two decades, Stratton returned to her hometown to receive the recognition, crediting the people who supported her athletic journey.

“It's such an honor to come back and be honored in this way. Joining just an incredible community of athletes and contributors to the Crimson program,” Stratton said.

Other individual inductees included Billy Fregozo, Carlos Gonzalez, Bill Mead and Tish Malone. The 1939-40 state championship boys tennis team was also recognized.

The inductees' accomplishments will be preserved with plaques in the East Wing of Palace Gym, continuing a tradition that began with the Hall of Fame's inaugural class in 2008.