Five legends of the field and a renowned local TV broadcaster were inducted into the California Sports Hall of Fame during a gala event at the Ontario Convention Center Sunday night, June 25.
The six joined more than 100 other inductees who have been honored as California Sports Hall of Famers since the Hall was founded 15 years ago by former NFL star Christian Okoye, former all-pro running back for the Kansas City Chiefs.
The evening began with the posthumous induction of the late UCLA football coaching legend Terry Donahue, whose award was accepted by his friend Carl Peterson, former president and general manager for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Other inductees were:
o Former Los Angeles Laker and Clipper Norm Nixon
o Former UCLA and NFL standout Kenny Easley Jr.
o Former Major League Baseball pitcher and team executive Dave Stewart
o Former soccer star and World Cup hero Alexi Lalas
o Retired Southern California TV reporter Rick Lozano
“These inductees were chosen not only for their outstanding performance in their respective fields, but also for the impact they have had in their communities,” said Okoye, who serves as president of the nonprofit California Sports Hall of Fame.
Plans are underway for a physical structure near the Toyota Arena in Ontario to memorialize each of the inductees from over the years.
The California Sports Hall of Fame is operated by the Greater Ontario Sports & Entertainment Authority, was founded by Okoye, with support from some of the biggest names in sports from the State of California. The organization was formed to honor our sports heroes, support struggling athletes, highlight California sports history and more importantly, promote education through sports.