Luigis Warehouse hosted Bakersfield Colleges sports alumni night and athletic hall of fame event on Oct. 16.
The event was dedicated to honoring current and new hall of fame inductees on their hard work and dedication towards their atheletics and accomplishments. Not only were the inductees honored, but the 1976 BC football team.
The 1976 BC football team had an 11-1-win record, along with the title of junior rose bowl and national champions. They were recognized and inducted for their winning season.
Each inductee and section of the event was presented by a televised interview recording prior to the event, and a follow up speech along with a plaque. The on screen interviews gave insight into the lives of the former student athletes and how they became the people they are today.
All speakers at the event told stories, reminiscent of their times playing or competing for BC. Their speeches set a nostalgic and emotional tone for the remainder of the night.
BC instructor Cathie Wilson Jones was the only female inductee for the night. She attended North High and was an all-around track athlete. She also competed in the California Regional Junior Olympics and won the 100, 200, and 440 low hurdles. Jones continued her career at BC
and later transferred to Fresno State University, where the javelin became her signature event.
In 1987, she was involved in a car accident that could have prevented her from ever competing again. However, she came back stronger than before and nearly qualified for the U.S.Olympic team in 1992. Jones thanked her family, coaches and team for their love and support on her career.
A common theme in many of the speeches presented was what it meant inductees all detailed their experience at BC as life changing and a time to grow. All athletes are still proud to call themselves a Renegade.