HRVHS inducts 'legendary' athletes

Individual honorees who received recognition for sports achievements included Dana Huseby (Class of 2000), Bethany Pendleton (2000), Jeff Mansur (1988), Bob Thomas (1968), David Jensen (1965), Ron Jensen (1963) and Ken Ayers (1984). Community sports leader Willard Shilling, who died in 2004, was inducted posthumously into the Hall of Fame with family members accepting the award.

Huseby of Hood River, is a three-time girls track and field state champion in pole vault (1997-99). Pendleton, is a two-time state champion in 2000 in girls swimming (50 and 100 free). Pendleton continued a stellar career while competing on the University of Wisconsin Badgers women's swim team. She qualified for the Olympic trials in 2004 and advanced to the finals at Long Beach, Calif.

"When I got a phone call from Mr. (Keith) Bassham (HRV Athletic Director), I was surprised when he told me about being selected and I really feel honored," said Pendleton of Portland, who works as a nurse at Providence Hospital. "It's great being back here and seeing all the wonderful support from the community was just a phenomenal experience. I spent time with some friends here and we went jogging together in the sunshine, which is something you can't do to often in Portland, so that was very nice."

A slide show presentation by Shawn Meyle displayed photos of the honorees during the era of their high school athletic careers.

All were introduced by Master of Ceremonies Mark Bailey, "The Voice of the Eagles" along with a round of applause from the appreciative crowd of HRV fans. Commemorative plaques, medals, hats and achievement certificates were presented to them by Keith Bassham, one of many event organizers. Memorabilia items on display included school yearbooks, photos and newspaper articles.

"This was one of our fundraising events and we raised a total of $2,400," said Bassham. "It was a great reason to bring people back here that we haven't seen in awhile, such as Bob Thomas. He hasn't been around the area much recently, so it was nice having him here and being such a big part of this special event. It was nice seeing people, some of whom I met for the first time, who had a legendary athletic career, so that was lots of fun."

Thomas of Tigard, was one of six attending members of the 1968 Wy'East High Wilco League champion boys basketball team that had a 22-4 record and advanced to the state tournament in Portland.

Others honorees included Portland's Dave Jensen, the 1963 boys track & field state champ in javelin and shot put at Cascade Locks High. His brother Ron, the 1965 shot put champion, was honored but was unable to attend. Mansur of Camas, was a pitcher on HRV's 1986 and 1988 state champion baseball teams.

Eight members of the 1964 Hood River High state final football team attended. Those members included Richard Halvorson, David Schlosser, Lloyd Jones, Dave Farley, Bob Level, Mike Vaughn, Rod Keizur and Tom Gaulke.

The 1972 HRVHS state champion skiing team was inducted, including Dan Bickford, Dan Sheppard, Brian Hukari, Brian Raasch and coach Roy Nellermoe of Odell.

The squad was the first ever state champion at HRV, which opened in 1970.