Fontana, CA—On Sunday, March 10, 2019, one of the most prestigious programs that recognizes outstanding scholastic High School Senior athletes in all of San Bernardino County, returned to the City of Fontana.  Brian S. Arrington and Eddie Talbert, Jr. of FOX Sports 1350AM along with John Romanili, Head Basketball Coach at Summit High School—all of whom make up the Executive Board of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Inland Valley Classic.  We’re excited to once again host the Thinkwise Credit Union Inland Valley Sports Hall of Fame HONORS Gala at the Jesse Turner Center.

Eddie Talbert, Jr. an Inland Empire native spoke on why this event is so important, “this event not only recognizes student-athletes based on excellence in athletics, but on their academics and character as well.  Each student that we honored tonight was selected by their school administrators or coaches.” Brian S. Arrington added, “The baseline for this award was a 3.6 GPA, and community involvement, and we are proud to honor these future leaders.” 

There was a total of nine students-athletes honored during the ceremony.

Another amazing element that showed the growth of this year’s event included notable figures in the City coming out to honor these fine student athletes.  Students and parents alike were moved by keynote speaker City of Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren, whom delivered an inspiring speech. The Mayor addressed the struggles of life and mental health as well as, hitting on the drive to continue to be active and involved and not taking for granted parents advice and love.

Aquinas High School Naya Alkhouri, who is a part of the girls’ basketball team, was the first up to receive her recognition, she requested that her mom introduce her for the award. Jackie Alkhouri (Mother), and Naya both emphasized her faith as being a strong influence throughout her high school career to reach the highest level. Not only was she a stellar athlete, but she also was a Sunday school teacher at her church.

Sam Tsou received his honor and delivering the speech on his accomplishment was John Romagnoli. Romagnoli. He talked about Tsou’s work ethic and commitment as being the strongest qualities that made him deserving of the award.  He will further his education next year at CSUSB and majoring in the nursing program at San Bernardino.

Matt Castellanos also of Aquinas was represented by Aquinas baseball coach Richard Gallardo. Castellanos is a very active and involved in his community. Not only is he enrolled in AP and honors classes throughout his high school career, but he also volunteers at Redlands family service, is a former Boy Scout of America, and feeds the needy plus he’s involved in the making and distributing of the clothes as well.

Evanne Turner, is a young woman of many accolades and has been a outstanding basketball player throughout her high school career. Her brother Everett Turner, named a few of these accolades during her Honors introduction.  He mentioned she received 1st team all-Baseline League and CIF this year and broke their family record of nine 3-pointers with 12, surpassing her brother Everett for the most 3-pointers made in a game.  She will be attending and playing basketball at UC Davis this upcoming fall as she received a full-ride scholarship and aspires to be a doctor.

Terrell Allen had his long-time basketball head coach Gerry Alvarez of AB Miller, whom has coached Allen from AAU to high school, deliver his Honors introduction.. He spoke about longevity being a special bond that has grown with each other because they have seen each other grow and be in the position they are at. Allen was awarded 1st team All-League and will be graduating in the top five of his class.

Baseball player Ethan Moore from United Christian Academy chose his stepfather and former Chief of Police Bob Ramsey who gave an entertaining speech to introduce Moore. Moore is a person that is very involved at his school and at his church and looks to hang up the cleats and get involved with politics. He is in several clubs like the debate team where he describes it as his passion and has gone on missionary trips to Guatemala.

Morgan Diaz of Pacific High School request that her Honors introduction was done by her coach Teresa Gonzalez. Diaz is not only a phenomenal tennis player that went 40-0 in her first season, but she also helped create a girl’s tennis team at Pacific. Diaz hopes to be web developer and animator and wants to work in the movie and television industry so she can bring cartoons and movies all families can enjoy.

A young man that dropped 75 points in one game which broke his school’s record. Trayvon Davis of San Bernardino High School was represented by the school’s principal, Antoinette Gutierrez. Davis aspirations is to be a police officer, he is enrolled in the police cadet program and always seeks to lend a helping hand.

Mikayla Mays from United Christian Academy is another student-athlete credited for being the reason her school has a cross country program. She was represented by her coach Charles Mounday who said she is the type of person that leads by example and loves to go the extra mile to push herself and make her teammates better. The Runner of the Year winner and league champion is as humble as can be as she never takes credit for anything, she said that all glory goes to God from everything that she has been able to accomplish.

These are the type of student-athletes that go the extra mile and show everyone that you can be more than just an athlete. Not only are they good in school but they are active in their communities and want to make it a better place. Families and student athletes were to attend at no cost and donations were collected to assist the Inland Valley Classic scholarship fund.

All the student-athletes that were honored at this amazing event included:

NAYA ALKHOURI, Aquinas High School, San Bernardino

SAMUEL TSOU, Summit High School, Fontana

MATT CASTELLANOS, Aquinas High School, San Bernardino

EVANNE TURNER, Etiwanda High School, Rancho Cucamonga

TERRELL ALLEN, AB Miller High School, Fontana

ETHAN MOORE, United Christian Academy, Rancho Cucamonga

MORGAN DIAZ, Pacific High School, San Bernardino

TRAYVON DAVIS, San Bernardino High School, San Bernardino

MIKAYLA MAYS, United Christian Academy, Rancho Cucamonga

IE Sports Net Intern Staff Writer

Cameron Winston