LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The Tigers inducted the 2025 Hall of Fame Class on Sunday, October 19 in Cannon Plaza.
 
Murray Via '54, Reiner Kolodinski '81, Rebecca Kopchik '94, Jacqueline Shimamoto '14 and Olivia Sabins (1989-2025 at Oxy) were ushered into the Hall of Fame.
 
MURRAY VIA '54
The Tigers former centerfielder from 1950-54, Murray Via started off the ceremony touching on the rich history of Oxy baseball. Via won three conference titles with the Tigers and earned All-SCIAC recognition three times. Via is also the all-time batting average leader in Oxy baseball history. His pinnacle saw him finish a season hitting .500.
 
Via was introduced by his grandsons Winston and Milo who discussed Via's inspiration on their lives both as young men and as ball players.
 
REINER KOLODINSKI '81
The standout point guard reflected on his journey to Oxy, his passion for basketball and thanks to those close to him. Kolodinski noted not many two-year athletes reach the Occidental Athletics Hall of Fame – a testament to his tenacity and success on the court. A great basketball mind, Kolodinski continued his coaching and playing career after Oxy.
 
Jim Kerman, a former teammate of Kolodinski's, introduced him to the crowd. Kerman noted that Kolodinski's presence on the court flipped the script on what was a basketball team headed into a tailspin. Kolodinski brought the program back to dominance.
 
REBECCA KOPCHIK '94
The best distance runner in Occidental history shared heartfelt stories of her time at Oxy, describing what made her time in Eagle Rock special. Kopchik painted pictures of woodsy getaways with her teammates that shaped her into the runner and person she grew to be post-Oxy.
 
Bill Harvey, her former coach, introduced her. He shared stories of Kopchik's determination on the track, noting a particular performance he wanted her to 'sit and kick,' but Kopchik's relentlessness sent her past the finish line in first place.
 
JACQUELINE SHIMAMOTO '14
Shimamoto's theme was about family. From her father – who was a former coach with the program – to her sister who played at Whittier during the same period and her mother – who was her biggest fan. Shimamoto was surprised at her selection as it came out of nowhere, but the centerfielder is the only softball player to record four All-SCIAC selections and is the program's all-time career batting average leader.
 
She was introduced by her coach, Ali Haehnel who touched on her time coaching Shimamoto.
 
OLIVIA SABINS (1989-2025 AT OXY)
Sabins became the first member of the Occidental Athletics Hall of Fame to be inducted solely as a staff member. She served as the Tigers' Department Coordinator for over 36 years and noted the athletics staff as her motivation to continue in the role throughout her career. She impacted thousands of student-athletes and staff in her time with Occidental.
 
Sabins was introduced by Dr. Lynn Mehl. Mehl was the Tigers' athletic director at the time of Sabins' hiring. Mehl noted Sabins' ability to connect with individuals is what made her so special.
 
The five inductees bring the Occidental College Hall of Fame to 55 members.