The Yuma High School Hall of Fame Committee will enshrine five individual members and one team into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame.
The class of 2022 includes athletes Edward Allen Diaz Jr., Track, Cross Country, and Soccer (1997); Charlie Primus, Basketball and Track (1961); Jim Rang, Swimming and Football (1965); Larry Reed, Track, Basketball, Football, and Baseball (1967); Jeff Welsing, coached Wrestling and Football (2004-20); and the 1954-55 state-champion Gymnastics team.
The group will be formally enshrined on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022. The enshrinement ceremony is held in the Yuma High School Cafeteria at 11:30 a.m. followed by the presentation of their Hall of Fame inductee plaques at the Palace Gym at 1 p.m.
The ceremony is the final portion of a three-day celebration for enshrinees, including a gathering at Lute’s Casino in downtown Yuma on Thursday, lunch on campus, a tailgate barbeque and reserved seating and recognition during the Oct. 28 Yuma High football game versus Chino Valley High School.
The 2022 class is the eleventh inducted into Yuma High’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Beginning with the inaugural class in 2010, each member has been honored with a plaque in the east wing of the Palace Gym.
The Hall of Fame was organized to maintain the rich heritage and tradition of successful athletic programs at Yuma High School. It recognizes, preserves, and honors the athletes, coaches, and individuals who have made significant contributions to Yuma High athletic programs. Many individuals have been influential in the “Criminal Tradition” of excellence and have had exemplary accomplishments in the school’s athletic programs.
The Hall of Fame honors the contributions and accomplishments of those individuals who are worthy of recognition and have set examples for others to emulate. Nominees for the Hall of Fame must exemplify the highest standards of sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and moral character. All candidates are judged on their significant and/or long-term contributions to athletic endeavors.
There are 131 individuals and nine teams enshrined in Yuma High’s Hall of Fame, including members of this year’s class.
Here is a full list of the 1954-55 Gymnastics team: Coach: Bill Manes; Team: Joe Koenigs, Steve Pope, Dick West, Frank Hankin, Don Watson, Dale Holmes, and team captain Morris Arbini.
