By Wes McCurtis
Cypress College has built one of the most notable athletics programs in the state over its 50-year history. The Chargers now have that history on display with the unveiling of their brand new Hall of Fame in the Gym II Foyer.
The college successfully revamped its Athletics Hall of Fame with the first ever formal induction ceremony during the campus's 50th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, April 1, 2017. The Athletics Department invited its Hall of Fame members, new and old, to attend the event, which included a breakfast, Mimosas and Mary's, and Hall of Fame induction ceremony. With over 180 guests in attendance, the Chargers formally honored 23 of their Hall of Fame members with commemorative medals and certificates of recognition from the State Assembly.
The 23 members included in the Hall of Fame class of 2017 are the first inductees since 2008, bringing the Cypress College Athletics Hall of Fame to a total of 66 elite level student-athletes, coaches, supporters, and administrators.
The 50th Anniversary Celebration also included the college's reinvention of the mascot, Charlie the Charger, and a special pregame ceremony at the baseball game against Golden West College.
Dean of Physical Education/Athletics, Dr. Richard Rams, will lead the effort to ensure that the Cypress College Athletics Hall of Fame becomes a fixture on the campus as the department plans to celebrate a new induction class every odd year consisting of a formal program and grand celebration of past and present inductees.
According to Dr. Rams, "To celebrate with those who were part of the college the day it opened in 1966 and revel in the successes over the first 50 years of our programs was inspiriational. I expect that the next 50 years are going to be special for Cypress Athletics and the entire Charger family."
The next call for nominations will take place in 2018 for induction in 2019, please see the newly revised Hall of Fame Induction Guidelines for additional information.
For any questions regarding the Cypress College Athletics Hall of Fame, please contact Wes McCurtis, 714-484-7356 | wmccurtis@cypresscollege.edu.
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