South Bay Sports Heroes
Exhibition Dates: September 7th -28th, 2024
Opening Sports Banquet and Barbeque Fundraiser: Saturday, Sept. 7, 4pm – 8pm
Private Opening Sports Banquet and Barbeque Fundraiser: Saturday, Sept. 7, 4pm – 8pm at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center. Tickets: $75 Adults. Child Ticket – $35 (Ages 6 to 12). Children under 5 years old are FREE. Register at the link above or at the museum.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Wendy Wilson-Gibson at (619) 267-5141. Event hosts: Alex Galicia, Manny Rubio, Yvonne Snider
South Bay legend Billy Casper was a professional golfer from 1956-1975. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1978.
Bryan Wagner was an NFL punter from 1985-1996. He played for the Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, and San Diego Chargers. Bryan went to the Superbowl with the San Diego Chargers in 1994. He is a Hilltop High School Alumni and has been their Head Football coach since 2020.
Manny Melchor was a professional boxer from 1987 to 2002. He held the IBF mini flyweight title in 1992. After his career, he became a boxing trainer and resides in the South Bay San Diego.
Alex Smith, Football
Resources: Videos
The Guardian wrote when Alex retired. Gives you a good overview and perspective of what Alex accomplished
Farewell to Alex Smith, the man who refused to let the NFL destroy him | NFL | The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/apr/20/alex-smith-retirement-injury-quarterback-nfl-fotball
An NFL quarterback on overcoming setbacks and self-doubt (Alex Smith | TEDMonterey):
https://go.ted.com/zc9a
NFL, Alex Smith Comeback: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vihMW12GTb0
Bonita’s Daniel Camarena
Video: Padre Pitcher’s Grand Slam
San Diego Waves FC is San Diego’s professional women’s soccer team. Players Sierra Enge, Melanie Barcenas, and Kyra Carusa are from the San Diego area.
TEAMS
- Southwestern College Athletes
- SD Waves- Jersey, photos, swag, flag and banner
- Chula Vista Park View Little League World Championship in 2009
- 2024 Olympic athletes from San Diego including Azja Czajkowski (Chula Vista/ IB), Jennifer Mucino-Fernandez (Chula Vista)
Local Athletes
- Billy Casper- (Golf)
- Daniel Camarena (Baseball)
- Scott McMillin (Off-road racing)
- South Bay Park Speedway 117 (Stock Car Racing) Bob Basile
- Donny Carroll (Olympic Cycling)
- Mark Prior (Baseball/Coach)
- Alex Smith (Football)
- Kari Sutherland (Special Olympics Gymnastics)
- Bryan Wagner (Football)
- Walter Redondo (Tennis)
- Manuel Cabagay Melchor (Boxing)
- Gail Devers- (Track & Field)
- Isaac Taylor-Stuart (Football- Colts)
- Valley Coleman (Football- San Diego Chargers)
- Fredd Sandoval (Baseball)
- Paul Arriola(Soccer)
- Zeke Moreno (Football)
- Moses Moreno (Football)
- Christina Murguia (Softball)
- Azja Czajkowski(2024 Olympic Rowing)
- Adrián González(Baseball)
- Mark DuSharme (Volleyball)
- Mehl Lawson (Equestrian)
- William “Bud” McLeroy (Archery, Air Pistol, Paralympics)
- Coach Gil Warren
- Dennis Conner (Sailing)
September 7th Host for Opening: Marie Coronel
Thank you to Exhibition Sponsors:
Southwestern College
Sweetwater Union School District
MVP’s
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Chula Vista Rotary, Johnny and Stephanie Garcia, Yvonne and Bill Snider,
Barb and Scott Scott
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Champions– Barbeque Sponsor- Nan Myers, Diana Flint-Wages
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Trophy – Roy and Nimpa Akana
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Letterman – Kiwanis Club of Bonita, Mike & Arlene Subarich
Dan & Edna Concepcion