RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame’s ninth annual induction ceremony on Sept. 14 at Rancho Cordova City Hall featured 13 separate honorees, including two teams, in what was a first for the organization.

The list includes the 1965 RCLL All Stars Little League baseball team, the undefeated 1977 Cordova Lancers football team, rugby coach Jerry Ahlin, football/basketball coach Ron Belka Sr., basketball standout Nikkia “Kia” Davis, baseball pitcher Mike Dolan, administrative assistant Catherine Fidel, Paul and Mary L. “Dayo” Hagan, baseball player/coach Harvey Hargrove, football playmaker Pat Lashinsky, hard-hitting football safety Arnold Laws, basketball standout Samantha Uding-O'Boyle, and multi-sport athlete Mike Willeford.

Rancho Cordova Mayor David M. Sander, Ph.D. opened the event with a speech to the hundreds in attendance, followed by a surprise appearance by the Cordova Lancers varsity football team and cheerleaders, who brought an influx of energy. Rancho Cordova's very own Ken Rudulph, a news reporter who now resides in the Los Angeles area, hosted the event as the Master of Ceremonies.

Each inductee received individual recognition with video highlights put together and narrated by Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame committee chairman Michael Marando. Each member of the 2024 Hall of Fame class received a commemorative medal as well. The event went off without a hitch, with those in attendance enjoying the trip down memory lane as each person/group were honored.

Following the event, Marando spoke about what makes the city's Sports Hall of Fame so unique.

“Every class is special,” Marando said. “But this is the first time we've inducted two teams with the 1965 Little League team and the '77 Lancers, in between over 12 well-deserving Hall of Famers. We're never short on Hall of Famers because Rancho Cordova is steeped in history and the tradition of excellence in athletics.”

The honorees all spent time after the ceremony taking photos and mingling with friends, family and well-wishers. Many in attendance hadn't seen each other in decades, which made the proceedings even more meaningful.

“That part has been so cool. There are guys here that I haven't seen in 46 years,” said former Lancers All-League linebacker and 1977 team member Mike Valentine. “Some weren't at reunions but seeing them here tonight was so cool.”

For some, being honored in front of their longtime friends, family and supporters was the most important aspect of the entire event. Their journeys were aided by the backing of those around them.

“It means a lot,” Hargrove said of being honored in front of his friends and family in attendance. “My brother surprised me yesterday when he snuck into town from Maryland. I also have some people here that I coached with and went to high school with that showed up. I didn't expect them to come and they showed up. It's been a blast.”