The Dixon High School 2024 Hall of Fame inductees enjoy dinner together, in preparation for the awards ceremony.

DIXON, CA (MPG) - The Dixon Athletic Association hosted the Dixon High School Hall of Fame Nov. 9, commemorating the talented athletes that have graced Dixon High School’s hallowed halls over the decades. The event saw the honoring and inducting of Juanita Mills (Class of 1915), Frank Lopes (Class of 1945), Pete Wadsworth (Class of 1957), Bradd Brown (Class of 1964), Danny Cerna (Class of 1971), Sergio Martinez (Class of 1983), Tina Johnston (Class of 1993), Mary Murray (Class of 2000) and Jaida Aikens (Class of 2013).

“I think it’s a great honor, something I never really expected,” said Danny Cerna, the Class of 1917 pick, for his dual sport status, being a three-year letterman in football and soccer. “I’m not really an accolades kind of person and I didn’t realize what I accomplished until I saw it on paper.”

In high school alone, Cerna was captain of the Varsity soccer team and had earned Athlete of the Week twice as a senior; one of these titles was earned by completing 27 tackles in a single game.

Each inductee, while separated by eras, shares similarly impressive accomplishments, on and off the field.

Rick and Scotty Stacey, both Hall of Fame inductees for their contributions to the 1974 Championship Football Team, bask in the glow of their accomplishments.

Coach Gene Thomas, known for coaching varsity football, freshman basketball, junior varisty and varsity baseball and track, was also honored, alongside special contributor Del Holly; Holly is part of the Rohwer family, who has the most Hall of Fame inductions in Dixon history. Holly excelled at coaching linemen and had particular success with smaller, scrappier players. He coached the 1974 DHS Championship Football Team alongside Head Coach Ira Finney.

Many of the duo's former players were in attendance, including Alex Granillo and Rick Stacey. In the first round of playoffs, Granillo had 19 carries for 221 yards, giving him a 12.2 average with three touchdowns; Stacey, on the other hand, was recognized as an All-League Honorable mention, alongside his teammates Curtis Alexander, David Bradley, Dan Braga, Marty Garton, Art Lopez, Jim McLaughlin and Robert Parkhurst.

“This year was really something else cause they won the championship on my birthday,” said Scott Stacey, brother of Rick Stacey and 2014 Inductee (Special Contributor). “That night, every time we scored, I rang the bell.”

Said John Rowe, a Dixon Hall of Fame Board member, “I did a lot of bios on the players and looked people up. I was in high school when a lot of these guys were, I was two years ahead of them. I coached in Dixon for about 15 years.” One of the teams he coached during that time was the 1974 Championship football team.

That night, VIPs, such as past and present inductees, family members and staff made their way to Madden Hall at the Dixon May Fair, 655 S. First St., where they were greeted with a Ram-colored wonderland. Large prints of the 2024 inductees adorned the walls, supported by green drapes. Every corner of the room was filled with historical pieces honoring Dixon High School’s athletic history. A table with era-appropriate newspapers lauding the inductees’ accomplishments lay against the far wall, opposite the entrance; displays of classic Ram jerseys and cheerleading outfits were spread around the room.

Attendees were encouraged to socialize and enjoy the no-host bar, manned by the Dixon Lions Club. Dinner began at 6:45 p.m. and was catered by Dixon Odd Fellows; the meal was comprised of a starter salad, steak with cheesy scallops and broccoli (with a vegetarian option) and a hearty slice of chocolate cake for dessert.

Class of 1915’s Juanita Mills was the first inductee of the night; her award was accepted on her behalf by a family member.

Organizing an event like this would not have been possible without the support of so many Dixonites; special thanks is given to First Northern Bank, the Lozano Family, Nickum Holdings Inc. and the Bulkley Family as sponsors. Sheila Barrett-McCabe, who presided over the event, thanked Bud’s Pub and Grill, Noah Carter, Dixon Florist and Gift Shop, the Dixon High Schoolcheerleaders, KEI2 Sound and Tech, as well as Amy Grabish of The Pip Wine Bar, The Printing Shop of Dixon, Doug Sutherland of D-sign Grafix and Valley of the Sacred Heart Academy for their contributions. The Finney Family, the Rowe Family, J.A. Taylor Foundation, Robbens Department Store, RPM Fisher, Dennis Braga and Silveyville Christmas Tree Farm also made appearances and were given honorable mentions.

The official induction ceremony began at 8:30 p.m., seeing Juanita Mills as the first inductee; one of her family members accepted on her behalf.

The Dixon High School Annual Hall of Fame maintains its significance as it continues to bring the community together to celebrate those who have honored Dixon High School.

Lindsey Dunn, secretary to the Dixon Hall of Fame Board, agreed.

“This is my first time working this event but I’m learning, as people come into town, this event is important, especially for the older generation to be honored for what they’ve done in high school,” Dunn said. “It’s great to give them this opportunity to reminisce and relive their high school days.”