RC Sports Hall of Famers Get Together for Annual Celebration

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - “Go home and play with your Barbie dolls!”

Those were the kinds of jeers, K.C. Clark endured as Rancho Cordova’s first female Little League Player. She not only showed her doubters how wrong they were in the early ‘80s but continued to be"'like the night’s other Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame inductees - an inspiration for years to come. Clark was just one of the many stellar inductees honored Saturday, September 18 at the 6th Annual Induction Ceremony held at City Hall.

Clark’s Little League experience dovetailed with the Rancho Cordova Athletic Association (RCAA) Chairperson and City Councilmember David Sander’s words about the city as a place “where every kid gets to play!” Sander humorously but pointedly sprinkled this message throughout his words during the ceremony (which drew a crowd of roughly 275 attendees).

The full list of honorees who were chosen for displaying greatness in both their athletic (youth, school and beyond) and personal lives included the aforementioned Clark, Vicki Baugh, Don Boardinghman, Tanya Smith Chappell, Melinda Garcia Craigie, Bill Evans, Marcus McCauley, Bill Mikelson, Rich Rose, Angie Smith Rodriguez, Scott Sellner, Greg Uding, Erin Wachter, Mickie Weekly and Jeff Yurtin as well as the 1973 Cordova High Cross Country Team and the Rancho Sports Club. Dario Ondina was honored posthumously.

The night"'which has become one of the city’s hallmark events and was canceled last year due to COVID-19"'began with hors d'oeuvres and drinks as former classmates, team members, coaches, teachers and other assembled guests mingled remembering old times on the field, court, track etc.

After the “pre-game”, Cordova Community Council Executive Director Shelly Blanchard and Sander welcomed everyone in the American River room where The Cordova High Lancer Cheerleaders energized the audience with a routine to the Beach Boys’ ode to one’s alma mater “Be True to Your School.” The revelry was infectious enough to get event organizer Shelly Blanchard to join in on the song’s bridge.

Long time Master of Ceremonies Ken Rudulph returned once again to emcee the awards with a mixture of humor, reverence and a clear love for the area where he grew up and competed. The news anchor and actor gave a strong “thank you” to teachers, coaches and fellow players who helped shape his life.” At one point, he lightly ribbed his former U.S. Government teacher for not paying attention.

The inductees were each celebrated with heartfelt video tributes created by Nathan Schemel and warmly narrated by former Sacramento River Cats stadium announcer Mike Marando. After the videos were completed"'to the sound of much audience whooping and clapping"'the inductees walked up to the stage to collect their awards and pose for pictures.

David Sander closed the event asking for the audience to help “inspire others” "'specifically the next round of athletes"'by contributing as a coach, umpire, or even a simple day of volunteering. He joked a monetary contribution wouldn’t hurt either. He also couldn’t resist throwing out his possibly tenth reference to Rancho Cordova as a place “where every child gets to play”.

Organizer Shelly Blanchard deemed the night a success. “Rancho Cordova has an incredible sports legacy that deserves to be preserved and celebrated,” said Blanchard.  “Everyone stands on the shoulders of those who came before them, and achievements of those who have been inducted into the Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame can certainly be a compass for those who will follow.  It’s always a great night in Rancho Cordova when the Hall of Famers are in one room.”

The 2020-2021 inductees were nominated by the public as well as a panel of local sports experts. The Hall of Fame was started by the Rancho Cordova Athletic Association, an entity whose goals include improving relationships and collaboration among youth organizations, providing a united presence before governmental decision makers to secure funding for facility improvements, elevating youth coaching techniques and preserving and celebrating the city’s rich athletic history.

And.. say it out loud… ensuring every child gets to play!