Courtesy: CIF Southern Section
LOS ALAMITOS, CA – The CIF Southern Section is proud to announce the 41st class of inductees into the Section Hall of Fame.
Eight impressive and deserving educators will be honored at a luncheon at The Grand Conference Center in Long Beach on Tuesday, October 21, beginning at 11:30 a.m.
Additionally, five outstanding individuals will be honored with a CIF Southern Section Distinguished Service Award for years of dedicated contributions toward the student-athletes of the CIF-SS.
“It will be an honor to induct the class of 2025 into the CIF Southern Section Hall of Fame and to recognize our Distinguished Service Award winners,” said CIF Southern Section Commissioner of Athletics Mike West. “Our Hall of Fame inductees have set a standard of excellence over their career that is matched by few. And our Distinguished Service Award recipients have demonstrated tremendous support for education-based athletics throughout their career,” added West. “We are proud of each and every one of them.”
Media members interested in attending must RSVP by Thursday, October 16 to Alex Lagos ([email protected]).
CIF SOUTHERN SECTION DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS – 2024–2025
Randy Bell
Randy Bell’s leadership and dedication make him an exceptional selection for this award. He consistently credits those behind the scenes, always mentioning his Athletic Office Assistant, Amanda, first. He is consistently present and supportive. In critical moments—whether involving student injuries or complex incidents—schools always trusted Randy to resolve matters effectively. His ability to “Always Be There” is an invaluable quality that will be missed.
Roles and Achievements: League Manager, Valle Vista League (2023–2024); League CIF Representative (12 years); League Manager at Monrovia HS (15 years); Athletic Administrator Advisory Committee member since 2015.
Joe Conte, Sr.
Joe Conte, Sr. has been involved in sports all his life—as a player, coach, and official. He began officiating in 1969, working football, basketball, and baseball games, and also officiated softball and volleyball. Joe was one of the founding fathers of the San Gabriel Valley football, basketball, and baseball units, serving as president of each, as well as of the softball unit. He has been the Instructional Chairman of the San Gabriel Valley Football Unit for more than 10 years. Joe has also served as CIF Liaison for San Gabriel Valley, Past President of the California Football Officials Association, and Past Secretary of the California Basketball Officials Association. In his 43 years of officiating, he earned the respect of partners, coaches, athletic directors, and spectators alike.
Dave Farmer
At 90 years young, Dave Farmer continues to inspire as one of the CIF Southern Section’s most dedicated officials—and is believed to be the oldest active high school referee in the nation. A University of Redlands graduate (Class of 1956), Dave spent 38 years teaching physical and driver’s education while coaching multiple sports.
As an official, he has worn the black-and-white stripes for more than six decades across football, volleyball, basketball, and softball. Known for fairness, consistency, and integrity, he remains a fixture on Inland Empire fields and courts. Off the field, Dave’s devotion extends to family and community—he runs a small landscaping business whose proceeds now help support his great-grandchildren’s futures. His work ethic, upbeat spirit, and lifelong commitment to sport make him an extraordinary example of perseverance and passion.
Jon Hamro
For more than three decades, Jon Hamro has been a pillar of leadership in the CIF Southern Section. As Athletic Director at San Clemente High School, he managed one of the section’s largest athletic programs with professionalism and fairness.
He was deeply involved in league governance, playoff coordination, and eligibility reviews, and collaborated closely with CIF officials on initiatives supporting academic accountability, athlete safety, and equity. As Head Coach, he led San Clemente’s football team to a CIF Championship appearance in 2012. Jon’s mentorship of new athletic directors and his commitment to ethical leadership have left a lasting legacy throughout the Southern Section.
Rich Shearer
Rich Shearer joined the CIF Southern Section in 2019 following a successful career as teacher, coach, and athletic director at Citrus Hill High School in Perris (14+ years). A UC Riverside graduate, he previously taught and coached basketball at Norte Vista High School, earning Press-Enterprise Riverside Basketball Coach of the Year (2000).
He was named Citrus Belt Area Athletic Director of the Year (2011), California Coaches Association AD of the Year (2019), and inducted into the Citrus Belt Area AD Association Hall of Fame (2019).
At the CIF-SS, Shearer helped expand girls’ wrestling with four new dual team divisions, modernized the Masters Wrestling Qualifier, added two new baseball divisions, and implemented competitive equity playoff divisions in football—transforming postseason structures across multiple sports.
Bob Walton
For more than 30 years, Bob Walton has been a valued member of the CIF-SS Boys’ and Girls’ Tennis Advisory Committees. He has served as tournament director for the CIF-SS Individual Tennis Championships and has long been a steadfast supporter of team tennis events. In addition, Bob coached tennis and basketball at several CIF-SS schools and has been a key resource for tennis knowledge and development across the section.
HALL OF FAME AWARDS – 2024–2025
Mark Calentino – Wrestling Coach, San Clemente High School
Served 31 years (1991–2022) as Varsity Boys’ Wrestling Head Coach, compiling a 426–98–2 record. Guided teams to 6 CIF-SS Championships, 2 runner-up finishes, and 18 league titles. Founded the Girls’ Wrestling Program in 2015.
Honors: Orange County Wrestling Coach of the Year (2005, 2021), South Coast League Coach of the Year (15×), inducted into the Orange County and National Wrestling Halls of Fame (2023).
Alan Clinton – Wrestling Coach, Servite High School
40-year career (El Modena HS, 21 years; Servite HS, 19 years). Founder of Servite wrestling program.
Achievements: 16 league championships, 6 CIF-SS titles, 4 CIF-SS Dual Meet titles, 10 CIF-SS runner-ups, 149 league champions, 37 CIF-SS champions, 6 Masters champions, 42 state medalists, 5 national All-Americans.
Honors: National Wrestling Hall of Fame (2016), California Wrestling Hall of Fame (2018), CIF Model Coach of the Year (2011), NFHS National Coach of the Year (2018).
Fred Di Palma – Football Coach, Santiago & Garden Grove High Schools
46 years coaching football, including 26 as head coach (Santiago, Savannah, Katella). Over 150 career wins and CIF-SS Championships at Savannah (1993) and Katella (2017).
Honors: CIF-SS Division 6 Coach of the Year (1994), OC Register Coach of the Year (2017), Head Coach – OC All-Star Game (1994, 2015).
Ken Drain – Football Coach, Rio Hondo Prep High School
Served 1989–2021 as coach and athletic director. Head Football Coach (2001–2017), also coached basketball and baseball, and even drove the team bus.
Record: 150–50 with 5 CIF-SS football championships (2001, 2005, 2008, 2011, 2012), 1 CIF-SS basketball title (2013), 11 league titles, 6 Coach of the Year awards.
Eddie Hackett – Track & Field Coach, Ganesha High School
Drafted by the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings (3rd Round, 1971). Began coaching at Ganesha HS in 1975.
Achievements:
- Girls’ CIF-SS Team Champions: 1982–1984
- Boys’ CIF-SS Team Champions: 1984, 1985
- 400m Relay CIF-SS Champions: 1981, 1982, 1984
- 1600m Relay CIF-SS & Masters Champions: 1981–1985
Myron Miller – Football Coach, Tustin High School
Career record: 206–105–6 (158–76–1 at Tustin).
Highlights: 11 league titles, 10 CIF-SS semifinal appearances, 4 finals, 2011 CIF Southwest Division Championship. In 2008, Tustin had six alumni in the NFL—the most of any U.S. high school.
Honors: OC Coach of the Year (2011), CIF-SS Southwest Division Coach of the Year (2011), LA Times and OC Register Coach of the Year (1993).
Gwen Ritzau – Swim Coach, Riverside Poly High School
Among the first female CIF-SS swimmers post-Title IX, Gwen returned to coach her alma mater (1984–2018).
Achievements: 25 consecutive undefeated league seasons (1984–2008), 26 league titles, 1 CIF-SS Championship (2002), 8 individual CIF-SS champions, 5 league titles in golf, 41 total league championships. Served on CIF-SS Coaches Advisory Committee until retirement (2013).
Bob Timberlake – Golf Coach, Mira Costa High School
Founded program in 1992; coached 22 years (354–72 record, 83% win rate).
Achievements: 12 league titles (10 straight, 2002–2011), 3 CIF-SS Division Championships (2004, 2006, 2010), 4 CIF runner-ups, 7 league individual champions, 8 CIF finalists, 24 college golfers (16 Division I, 8 HBCU).
Honors: 10× League Coach of the Year, multiple city honors, 10 years on CIF-SS Golf Advisory Board.
