From left are Hall of Famers Tony Harris, Kevin Appino, Dianne Yost Goldman, Joey Ortiz, Terry Peyton and Jerry Ahlin participated in this year's Fourth of July parade. Photo courtesy of the Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The theme of the Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame’s entry into the city’s Fourth of July parade appropriately alluded to inspiring future generations of athletes with a bow to the city’s rich and storied athletic history.

The poster shown on both sides of a NorCal Roofing truck emblazoned the names of six past and current Hall of Famers, along with a QR code that takes viewers directly to qualifying criteria and other important information.

While the Hall’s focus remains recognition of athletic excellence and connecting past and present, as Rancho Cordova grows, so grows its Hall of Fame, now in its 10th year. This was the second consecutive year that the Hall of Fame had an entry in the Fourth of July Parade, with great success.

2022 Inductee Dianne Yost Goldman and rugby pioneer and 2024 inductee Jery Ahlin chat before the start of Friday’s Fourth of July parade. Photo courtesy of the Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame

“The huge number of people that lined the streets of Rancho Cordova the morning of the Fourth was incredible,” said Hall of Fame Committee Chairperson Mike Marando. “This was a tremendous opportunity to market the Hall of Fame directly to families, many of whom have children playing athletics in Rancho Cordova.”

Riding the float this year were 2022 inductee and former track and field star Dianne Yost Goldman; Terry Peyton, a champion swimmer; Kevin Appino of the famed 1975-76 Cordova Lancers championship football teams; local rugby pioneer and 2024 inductee Jerry Ahlin; and football star Joey Ortiz along with Tony Harris of the champion 1981 baseball Lancers, which will be enshrined on Sept. 13 as part of the Class of 2025. The Hall of Famers made their presence known, waving to the crowds, while some youngsters were seen snapping photos of the banner and the QR code.

Hall of Famer Terry Peyton is all smiles as he prepares for the Fourth of July parade in Rancho Cordova.

“We’re always finding hidden gems, people who meet the criteria for induction,” said Marando. “While the Fourth of July parade is yet another way to recruit new potential inductees, we rely on actual applications which can be filled out year-round.”

The selection committee is comprised of a variety of individuals, some of whom are community and sports leaders, past inductees and retired coaches. 

Information about the Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame can be found at cordovacouncil.org/rcaa-sports-hall-of-fame-induction. This year’s ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 at Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at https://form.jotform.com/cordovacouncil/rcaa-reception-tickets-2025.