'Friend-Raiser' Saturday to Induct Athletes in Hall of Fame

An annual “Friend-Raiser” held by the Friends of San Clemente Beaches, Parks and Recreation Foundation will induct the first four of nine athletes into their Sports Hall of Fame wall Saturday at the San Clemente Aquatics Center. 

The athletes will be receiving this honor into the Sports Hall of Fame because they have proven to be leading role models in their sport and/or have contributed to the betterment of youth sports in the city.  

Sue Enquist, eleven-time winner of the women’s softball National Championship, is the foundation’s leading athlete and inspiration for the wall. She acted as head coach to the UCLA Bruins softball team for 27 years and, in doing so, obtained the highest percentage among all Division 1 coaches. 

Other inductees include Bob Lutz, a professional tennis player ranked among the top 10 players eight times with the highest rank as number 1 in 1974, and Karch Kiraly, three-time Olympic Gold Medalist in women’s volleyball. Kiraly was also appointed as the head coach for the 2016 American Women’s Olympic Volleyball team after exemplary leadership as assistant coach for the 2012 London Olympic games. 

Last, Colin McPhillips will also be inducted into the Hall of Fame for his prestige as an international surfer. 

The wall will be composed of hand-painted tiles designed by San Clemente artist, Kathryn Stovall-Dennis. 

The event will be a night of recognition and ultimately a night to raise awareness on becoming a “Friend” of the foundation, which benefits all sorts of park projects in the city.