Burbank High Inducts 2016 Sports Hall of Fame Class

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Photo By: Edward Tovmassian

Burbank High inducted yet another impressive class to its 2016 Sports Hall of Fame over a two-day weekend of festivities.

Headed by longtime athletic director Fred Cook, Burbank inducted nine individuals, two teams and also gave out a Distinguished Service Award.

Photo By: Edward Tovmassian
Photo By: Edward Tovmassian

Cook, who initiated the Hall of Fame and has made the entrance to the school’s gymnasium look like a sports museum, was also honored for his contributions to the school  that have included thousands of hours of research.

Dave Thompson, who is in his 32nd year of teaching at the school, received the Distinguished Service Award.

Cesar Zepeda, who graduated in 1986, led Burbank’s boys’ soccer team to the CIF Southern Section 3-A championship match. He scored 33 goals as a senior and was named the CIF Offensive Player of the Year.

Steve Shafer, who graduated in 1959, spent 35 years coaching football, including 20 in the National Football League. He was the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, which won the 2001 Super Bowl.

Photo By: Edward Tovmassian
Photo By: Edward Tovmassian

Barbara Browning, who graduated in 1960, was an elite tennis player and doubles partner of Billie Jean King. She even faced then World No. 1 Maria Bueno at the U.S. Open  in 1960.

Brian Gaddy, a member of the class of 1962, was a three-year varsity athlete in golf and basketball. He went on to compete in both sports at USC.

Lon Simmons, who graduated in 1940 and played baseball and football at the school, went on to becoming a longtime announcer for the San Francisco Giants and 49ers. He won the Ford C. Frick Award for baseball broadcasting, which is part of the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

Spencer Hess, who graduated in 1986, was an all-American swimmer in the 200 Individual Medley and 100 Butterfly. He won a CIF title in the butterfly, competed at the University of Iowa and now works for the City of Burbank.

Jeff White, who graduated in 1961, still holds the school record in the 400 meters in track. He also played football at Texas Tech University and was later drafted by the Green Bay Packers.

Nena Manriquez of the class of 1982, was a star distance runner who went on to compete at Cal State Northridge. She also lettered in basketball and tennis at Burbank.

Also honored was the 1970 CIF champion boys’ cross country team that was coached by Frank Kallem. The 1971 CIF “B” championship team was also honored.

Photo By: Edward Tovmassian
Photo By: Edward Tovmassian

 

 

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