From LBPOSTSports.com: There’s no other event in Long Beach sports like the annual Century Club Banquet—bringing together athletes, coaches, and administrators from high school, both the city’s colleges, and those who have moved on to the professional ranks, the banquet is like Long Beach sports’ Oscars. Where else will you find D. Mo and Vic Cegles mingling just feet from LBCC’s Susie Witmer, and Jordan’s Scott Meyer and John Timu? For the 53rd time, the Century Club awarded the best high school athletes in the city, the best LBCC athletes, the best from Long Beach State, and inducted new members into its ever-growing Hall of Fame.
To see all the inductees and awardees, check out the video that JJ put together by clicking here.
A few highlights from the Hall of Famers induction speeches: former LBSU AD Perry Moore said, “I’ve gotten a lot of credit over the years, but it belongs to the coaches and staff who did all the work.” Wilson grad and surfing legend Jericho Poppler, the first surfer inducted into the Hall of Fame, told the audience she considers herself, “Property of Long Beach, and so proud to be honored in my own city.” The Century Club once helped Poppler travel to Hawaii as a high-school freshman, so she could compete in a tournament there.
Jim Walker spoke on behalf of his mother, golfing great Marty Walker, who was being retroactively inducted along with her husband, Del. “It was an oversight on our part not to include her with Del,” said master of ceremonies Dan Gooch. Said Jim: “My parents were one, and I’m sure mom is up having ice cream, making some birdies, and trying to beat dad out of a quarter.”
Softball legend Lisa Fernandez got the crowd going when she said, “I’m very proud to have been born in Long Beach, raised in Long Beach, married in Long Beach, and still living in Long Beach. I’ve given my all and my best on the field for you guys, and I hope I’ve made you proud.”
After the party that the Century Club threw for our athletes last night, it would be hard not to be proud. Club President Bob Hoyt, and former President Bill Baca, handed out dozens of plaques to well-deserving honorees, as well as a check for $2,500 to the Special Olympics. Not that we’re surprised by either, but the excellence of our local sporting community, as well as the generosity of the Century Club, were on full display Tuesday night.
By LBPOSTSports.com managing editor Mike Guardabascio