On Sunday, Feb. 22, Healdsburg High’s Athletic Hall of Fame will hold an “induction” celebration, sponsored by the high school, HHS Boosters, American Legion Post 111, the Healdsburg Kiwanis Club and the Key Club, to welcome new members to the prestigious list, founded in 1992.
Six former Greyhound student-athletes will be named to the school’s Hall of Fame (HOF), and one “honorary” member in Sue Hardaway, who was a successful Healdsburg High girls basketball coach (and avid local golfer).
This year’s inductees represent HHS athletics from as far back as the class of 1974 with Brian Herman into the previous decade Cassidy Jourdan (Class of 2012) and Helen Ann Haun-Smith (2013). In between are Chalmers “Bebber” Fitzpatrick (Class of ’88), Hector Delgado (Class of ’88) and Jordan Bugarske (Class of ’96).
This year a new feature will be introduced—the awards ceremony will be accompanied by a Legends Ball, billed as the “1st Annual,” to help give the significance of the event the status it deserves. The seven inductees, including the honorary member, Sue Hardaway, will be recognized on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 22, with drinks, a catered dinner, entry into the ceremony and access to the auctions. Cost of admission is $106 (including fees), which grants one a seat at the table as history is made.
“HHS needed to hold a fundraiser to offset constant rising costs to operate sports,” said the school’s athletic director, Brian Osborn. “Hopefully this year will be a success and something the community can look forward to for years to come.”
Richard Bugarkse will again emcee the ceremony, having produced a slideshow to introduce the new members. He notes that his son Jordan joins older brother Aaron as a member of the HOF, but they are not the only siblings represented. “Chal Bebber Fitzpatrick will be joining her sister, Lainie Bebber Walling. Helen Ann Haun-Smith will be joining her dad, Graham Haun,” he said.
“I have always felt that athletics, broadly defined, should be part of growing up for all young folks,” said the senior Bugarske, a former Windsor and Healdsburg teacher and administrator who has announced Greyhound athletic games and events since 1989.
“It can build self-confidence, self-discipline and help build community when athletes and families share a common experience,” he added. “We celebrate academic, community and athletic excellence in many ways, and our Healdsburg High Athletic Hall of Fame is a part of those celebrations.”
The HOF currently has 61 members including four honorary members; this year’s class will bring the total to 68. Oldest on the list is Ralph Rose, a multiple Olympic medal winner in shot put, discus and hammer throws from the Class of 1904. The first shot putter to break 50 feet, his 1909 record of 51 feet lasted for 16 years.
Doors open at 1pm for check-in; the ceremony itself lasts from about 2-4pm, during which the former student athletes will be introduced by their sponsors. An hour-long silent auction and “mingle” follows, with the catered dinner by Agave Restaurant starting at 5pm. Silent auction results will be announced starting at 6:30pm, with 100% of the proceeds going towards HHS athletics.
A roster of previous athletes can be found at healdsburghighhalloffame.org. For tickets, go to gofan.co/event/5124449.
