Kofa Announces 2026 Hall of Fame Class, Community Celebrations Planned

The Kofa Kings Athletic Hall of Fame Committee has named the members of its 2026 class, officials announced this week. Inductees include individual honorees Carol Davie, Coach David Givens, Moses Camarena, Jerry Paulin, Scott Baker, Edgar Ramirez, Andrea Renteria and Alyssa Rhodes Schlichter, alongside collective honors for the 1962 Kofa cheer leaders and song leaders and the 1989 state champion soccer team. The class will be formally introduced at a Kofa basketball game on Friday, January 23 with a community meet and greet scheduled beforehand at Lutes Casino. A Hall of Fame banquet will follow on Saturday January 24, beginning at 11 30 a.m. with the ceremony starting 30 minutes later.

Billy Laguna, president of the Kings Alumni Association and chairman of the Athletic Hall of Fame, outlined a multi stage nomination and voting process that culminates in a points based evaluation to determine eligibility. The committee has applied that system to compile the 2026 slate, drawing from decades of school history and local athletic success. The inclusion of teams from both 1962 and 1989 highlights how organizers are reaching back across generations to honor long standing contributions to Kofa athletics.

For Yuma County residents the ceremonies are more than recognition. They provide occasions for alumni reunions, school spirit at winter sporting events, and economic activity for local businesses that host gatherings and fans. Community recognition of coaches and teams also underscores the role of high school sports in youth development and public health by encouraging physical activity, teamwork and social connection.

The selection process raises questions about equity and representation in how achievements are recorded and remembered. Transparent criteria and broad outreach to underrepresented alumni can help ensure that recognition reflects the full diversity of Kofa athletics over time. As plans proceed for the January events, organizers have an opportunity to center accessibility for older alumni and families, and to use the ceremonies to highlight investments in school programs that support youth well being and equal opportunity in sports.