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Wasco Athletic Hall tribute to champions

The Wasco Union High School Athletic Hall of Fame inducted its Class of 2024 with an intimate dinner and ceremony on Saturday night. The gathering in the school cafeteria honored those who have left a lasting impact on Wasco's sports legacy, bringing together family, friends and former teammates to celebrate their achievements.

The 2024 inductees include Sherril Boyett, recognized for her achievements in football, basketball and track; Beth Holtermann, a standout in volleyball, basketball and golf; Mike Johnson, who excelled in football and wrestling; and Sean Medley, known for his contributions in football and wrestling. Also inducted was Coach Rusvel Prado for his dedication to football, along with Veronica Sanchez for her success in cross country and track, and Kayla Wilburn for her excellence in volleyball and basketball. Rounding out the class is the 2012 football team, celebrated for their exceptional season.

It was a special evening to pay tribute to loved ones, and Karen Holtermann was there for her daughter Beth, who passed away in 2019 of cancer. "This is great. I wish she could be here for this honor. She took no prisoners. She strived to be the best, whether in sports or academics, and she wanted her teams to do their best. She was a sports junkie-football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and she loved hockey and golf. She started sports at six years old with the Wasco Recreation and Parks. Then, they opened the Wasco Valley Rose Golf Course, and we would go as often as we could as a family. Sports were always a family affair, and she loved them."

Beth's best friend from college, Kay Hoey, attended from Temecula. "It's nice remembering her. She was a strong person and touched so many lives. Even during her hardships, she kept a positive outlook and loved everyone so deeply. I'm beyond grateful to be here tonight."

Coach Jeff Wedel and his son, quarterback Kyle Wedel, were honored as part of the 2012 football team. Jeff shared, "Working with Kyle has always been special because we broke down film every night preparing for games, studying our opponents. By the time he became a senior, he knew what I was going to call, and over the three years, our record was 33 and three. All those years of work resulted in Wasco High's first Valley Championship title."

Another coach of the 2012 Football Team, Donnie Johnson, spoke of the bonds he formed with the players. "A lot of the kids I coached when they were young, so we grew together and built strong relationships year after year. We were a family. Many of them are here tonight. It feels good to see young men grow into adults. I made an impact in their lives, and they also made a strong impact on mine."

Wasco High School Principal Rusvel Prado was inducted for his significant impact as a coach. His brother, Hector Prado, praised him, saying, "It is a great pleasure. A wonderful memory. A great blessing. A blessing for the Prado family and the Wasco, California, community. A young man with strong opinions, deeply involved in sports. I saw great talent in him, a big heart and a determined fighter – and today we see the result: a great man and a great leader."

 

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