Ten inducted into Eagle HOF

There’s a saying among many Boulder City High School alumni and that’s, “Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.”

That feeling was on full display Saturday during the 13th annual Boulder City High School Golden Eagle Hall of Fame luncheon.

Longtime BCHS athletic director Bob Northridge, who served as the master of ceremonies, created the Hall of Fame, with the first class of inductees being named in 2000. Originally, the award was given annually but beginning in 2003 it became biennial and to date, there have been more than 100 inductees. Nominees, who are voted upon by a panel, include athletes, coaches and community contributors.

Once Northridge retired, the Hall ceremony was passed on to Regina Quintero and then to the school’s current athletic director, Alex Moore.

“I remember talking to one of our Hall of Famers, Ron Resler, who was a legend here. He’d always talk about the great athletes who came through here, so I thought, why not have a hall of fame?” Northridge told the audience, which included families of the inductees as well as alumni and past recipients. “We started it and it took about two years to get it off the ground but we had our first class in 2000. It’s been a great thing.”

Each recipient was asked on stage to say a few words, some often holding back tears when discussing their families, coaches or teammates.

Once the ceremony ended, the recipients posed for photos and answered one question from the Review, “How do you feel about being a new member of the Hall of Fame?”

■ Troy Hare (Class of 1989. Basketball, tennis, track): “It’s an honor and a privilege.”

■ Thad Simmons (Basketball, football, cross country coach 1984-1990): “At this point in my life, it’s one of the best days I’ve ever had. So, thank you.”

■ Bleu Huxford (class of 2011. Football, wrestling, golf, track): “I just feel very grateful to this community, which has helped get me to where I am today.”

■ Justin Barrow: (Class of 2002. Cross country, baseball, track): “I’ve spent most of my life standing outside rooms, wondering if I belonged inside. The Hall of Fame is no different. I’m not sure I belong here, but I’m incredibly honored they opened the door and invited me in.”

■ Richard Welch (Wrestling, cross country, track coach 1978-2024): “Boulder City has been a big part of my entire life, so I’m very happy to get this award.”

■ Peter Fava (Class of 1982. Tennis and bowling and team student manager for track, football and wrestling): “I’m grateful for being selected and it’s a highlight of my life, aside from being retired from the military.”

■ Tony Wells: (Class of 1986. Football and track): “I’m very grateful and I’m honored to have been a part of Boulder City High School.”

■ Paxton Fleming Kaposta (Class of 2010. Softball, volleyball, basketball): “I’m thankful and honored. Never give up.”

■ April Denning Acosta (Class of 1997. Track, cross country, basketball): “I’m just grateful and thankful that my coaches never wanted to change who I was.”

■ Mark Pippin (Class of 1994. Football, basketball, baseball): He was not in attendance due to being at a college football reunion in North Dakota. “BCHS gave me opportunities, friendships, and memories that have stayed with me throughout my life, making this recognition especially meaningful,” he told the Review when the inductees were named in June.