Staff Report
The Greenwave Hall of Fame will celebrate its eighth induction class this fall, honoring standout athletes, legendary teams, a respected coach, and key contributors whose dedication shaped Fallon athletics. The three-day event will be held Sept. 25–27.
“It is with immense pride and excitement that we announce the eighth induction class into the Greenwave Hall of Fame,” said Hall of Fame president Steve Heck. “This year's class embodies the very best of our athletic history with accomplishments spanning multiple decades and sports. From state championships and record-breaking performances to dedicated coaching and invaluable support, these inductees represent the enduring spirit and success of Greenwave athletics.”
The 2025 class includes four individual athletes: Thomas Diaz Jr., Elizabeth Lewis, Rileigh Ricken and Ali (Tedford) Connors; three state championship baseball teams from 1966, 1967 and 1971; coach Anne Smith; and contributors Orval “Sonny” Fowler Jr. and Kenneth Norcutt.
Team Inductees
1966 Baseball: Coached by Bob Nistler, the team finished undefeated in conference play (10-0) and clinched the AA state title with a doubleheader sweep over Carson. Assistant coach Wint King, managers Larry Evans and Rusty Andreasen, and players Bill Felices, Dave Kalousek, Carl Dodge, Joe Madraso, Bruce Markert, Steve Ward, Larry Eyre, David Thomas, Dale Jensen, Deon Skinner, Irvin Baldwin, Bruce Risi, Dave Munoz, Eugene Pritchard and Tom Rhodes led the charge.
1967 Baseball: Under new head coach Frank Guisti, Fallon defended its state title, edging out rivals Carson and Hawthorne. Assistant coaches Wint King and Tony Klenakis, along with manager Rusty Andreason, helped guide a team that included many returning champions: Eugene Pritchard, Dave Munoz, Jon Pace, Mike Doyle, Ray Ferguson, Mike Luce, Tom Rhodes, Bob Dudley, Glen Hooper, Mark Winans, Fred Hall, Mike Jack, Ron Holmes, Jim Mackedon, Bruce Markert, Steve Vicks, Jack Beach, Bill Felices, Joe Madraso, Dave Thomas and Joe Thompson.
1971 Baseball: Coached by Wint King, who also led the Greenwave to a basketball title that same year, the 1971 team overcame an opening loss in a best-of-three series to Hawthorne before winning a doubleheader to secure the state championship. Assistants Gary Imelli and Brent Heath supported a roster that included Ernie McKenzie, Ken Tedford, Doug Maupin, John Lewis, Dave VanMeter, Don Filmore, Kurt Dix, Steve Atkinson, Clyde Miller, Jim Lufrano, Frankie Gonzales, Kerry Huffman and Charles Bliss.
Coach Inductee
Anne Smith: Smith coached Fallon girls basketball to a 164-52 overall record and a dominant 101-14 conference mark. She led the Lady Wave to three consecutive state championships from 2017 to 2019, defeating Lowry in back-to-back title games before edging Moapa Valley 45-42 in 2019 for the three-peat.
Contributor Inductees
Orval “Sonny” Fowler Jr.: A passionate supporter of Greenwave athletics, Fowler contributed to youth and high school wrestling from 1973 until his passing in 2020. He donated cattle for the rodeo team, hosted practices for student athletes, and even drove a school bus in his youth. Fowler was a regular presence at football, baseball and wrestling events.
Kenneth Norcutt: A four-year member of Fallon High School’s Rodeo Club, Norcutt specialized in bull riding. In 1963, he placed third at state but went on to win the National High School Rodeo bull-riding title, besting competitors from 22 states. His 331 points earned him the title of "The Top National Bull Rider."
Athlete Inductees
Thomas Diaz Jr. (2005): Diaz captured the 2005 Nevada state wrestling title at 152 pounds and amassed a 126-30 high school record. He was named Northern Nevada Middle Weight Wrestler of the Year and earned first-team all-state honors.
Elizabeth (Liz) Lewis (2005): A four-sport athlete, Lewis lettered in volleyball, softball, soccer and basketball. She earned all-state honors in basketball as a junior and senior and was named the Lahontan Valley News Female Athlete of the Year in 2005.
Rileigh Ricken (2014): Ricken powered Fallon to three state softball championships while setting school records for most home runs in a game, season and career. She was twice named League MVP and earned First Team All-State and All-Region honors.
Ali (Tedford) Connors (2015): Connors lettered in volleyball, basketball and softball, earning First Team All-State honors in both basketball and softball. In 2015, she recorded 76 hits and 19 doubles, ranking among Class 3A leaders. She helped lead Fallon to three state softball titles.
Induction Events
The celebration kicks off Sept. 25 with a social mixer. On Sept. 26, the Class of 2025 will be recognized before the Greenwave football game. The official induction dinner and ceremony will be held Sept. 27.
Team inductees or family members are encouraged to contact the Hall of Fame committee at [email protected] for event details. More information is available at www.greenwavehof.com.
The Greenwave Hall of Fame was established to honor the tradition, excellence, and history of Greenwave athletics dating back more than a century. Each year, the committee selects deserving individuals and teams who have left a lasting legacy.
Comment
Comments