The Class of 2023 will include a dominant pair of basketball teams from the 1970s; a triple-threat in women's basketball, softball, and volleyball; a two-sport All-American in track and field and cross country; and a record-setting swimmer in the 200 freestyle.
The 1974-75 and 1975-76 Men's Basketball Teams
Under Head Coach Bill Westphal, the Tigers went 40-15 over two seasons, finishing 10-2 in conference play each season and winning back-to-back SCIAC Championships for the first time in 20 years. Led by John Zorotovich '75 (averaging 20.6 points per game) and Kraig King '77 (14.8 ppg), the 1974-75 squad finished 19-8 and advanced to the NAIA District III Championship. Anchored by First Team All-Conference players Steve Snodgress '78 (17.3 ppg) and King (14.4 ppg), the 1975-76 squad went 21-7 and earned a second straight berth in the NAIA District III Tournament.Â
Team members include: Bob Corral '76, Kraig King '77, Bruce Metzger '76, Tom Ratkovich '77, Rich Roche '77, Kevin Rooney '77, and Dave Trotter '77 (both squads); Greg Butler '77, John Zorotovich '75, and Paul Zyskowski '75 (1974-75 only); and Jeff Czworniak '78, Bob Kilpatrick '78, Gary Le Cheminant '77, Steve Snodgress '78, and Larry Velasquez '78 (1975-76 only). Head coach Bill Westphal and Assistant Coaches Mike Joseph and Scott Larson '71 will be honored as well.
Nadine Felix Guest '70 (Basketball, Softball, and Volleyball)
A triple threat in basketball, softball, and volleyball, Nadine made her biggest impact as a point guard in basketball. As a senior, she led the Tigers by averaging 25 points a game while shooting better than 50 percent from the floor. The previous year her buzzer-beater gave Oxy the margin of victory over AIAW powerhouse Long Beach.
Cresey Stewart Maher '87 (Track & Field and Cross Country)
A two-sport All-American, Cresey set a national record in the 1,500-meter run at the 1987 Division III track and field championships with a time of 4:27.11. A mathematics major at Occidental, Maher graduated cum laude and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Pi Mu Epsilon and Mortar Board.Â
Walt Rohlfing '66 (Swimming and Diving)
As a senior, Walt won the 200 freestyle at the National NAIA Swimming & Diving Championships in March 1966, setting an NAIA record (1:50.7), and finished second in the 100 freestyle. In 2004, at age 59, he was named a Relay All-American in U.S. Masters Swimming as a member of the Tri Valley Masters club in Pleasanton, Calif.
On Saturday, October 21, a meet and greet with the inductees will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Cannon Plaza. Space is limited, and registration is required. Following that event, the group will be introduced during halftime (approximately 7:45 p.m.) of the women's soccer match vs. Whittier in Jack Kemp Stadium.
On Sunday, October 22, at 10:30 a.m., the class will be formally inducted with an invitation-only ceremony and brunch at Cannon Plaza. Ticketing information will be announced shortly.
