Five alums inducted into GHS Sports Hall of Fame.
GILROY – As Gilroy High alumnist Bob Mazzuca finished his thanks to the Gilroy community after being inducted into the Gilroy High Hall of Fame, he handed Athletic Director Jack Daley the ball that he so dearly cherished.
It was the ball from the very same game that broke the Mustangs’ Prune Bowl losing streak in 1954 against the Hollister Haybalers, a game that he will never forget.
Friday night was filled with excitement as five of Gilroy’s finest were inducted into the Gilroy High School Hall of Fame. Ron Jones, Tony Vigna, Bob Mazuka, Julian Agilar, and Richard Kretz were all honored between the junior varsity and varsity football game. They were all present, with the exception of Richard Kretz, whose award was accepted by his sons Rick and Robert as well as his grandsons Nathaniel and Brian.
Each candidate was announced by Daley and then them to the crowed. The men each gave their thanks to those who made the honor possible and were presented with a plaque and a sweatshirt. Their close family and friends accompanied the men.
Ron Jones worked at the high school from 1964-1997 as a teacher and a coach. From 1964-1973 Jones was an assistant for the varsity football team and he also coached J.V. boys basketball. His biggest role was when he served as Gilroy High’s golf coach from 1969-1978 and from 1987-1997. During these years, his teams received eight league titles and he was chosen as the CCS Honor Coach for golf for the school year 1989-1990. Not only did Jones coach and teach, but he also worked as the athletics director from 1969-1973 and from 1979-1982.
“To me it means the many, many years I worked here in sports and with the students, I will always remember,” said Ron Jones.
Tony Vigna is a member of the graduating class of 1954. He played varsity basketball and baseball for three years. All three years he recieved honors in both sports. In his senior year, he was chosen for the Northern California third team and the All North Coast first team in basketball. That year he was also the MVP of the Carmel Tournament and received an athletic scholarship in both basketball and baseball to Stanford.
“The Carmel Tournament in 1954. We weren’t supposed to win that year. It was very special,” said Vigna about their win.
Richard Kretz is also a member of the class of 1954. He was a four-year varsity letterman in football, basketball and track. Kretz was selected to the All League team once for basketball and three times for football. As a senior he was the MVP in football. and was elected to play in the North/South Shine High School football game in 1954. He was a member of the south team and the first player from Gilroy to play in this game. In track, he held the school record for the 180 and 120 low hurdles. He received a scholarship to play football and attended the University of Southern California.
Bob Mazzuca is a member of the class of 1956. He received a varsity letter for football (2 years), basketball (three years), and baseball (four years). He also received all league honors for tow years in football, one year in football and four years in baseball. When Mazzuca finished college, he played one year for the A.F.L with the L.A. Chargers.
Julian Aguilar is the final honoree. He is a member of the 1957 class. While at Gilroy High, he played three sports and earned varsity letters for all three. In football he received three, in basketball he received two and in baseball he also earned two. For three years in football and one year each for baseball and basketball, he was chosen to the All League team. In 1957 he was the MVP for both football and basketball. Along with Mazzuca, Aguilar was part of the 1954 team that broke the losing streak against the Haybalers.
The induction takes place once a year provided there are nominees. This year there were five nominees and each one was voted as a hall of famer.
“They were chosen by groups of coaching staff with input of other hall of famers,” Daley said.
