RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame held its 10th annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Rancho Cordova City Hall, with the event being hailed quite the success.                  

Hosted by Rancho Cordova native and media personality Ken Rudulph, the event was a celebration to honor various teams and individuals with local ties that have left an impact on the community.

Inductees included the famed 1981 Cordova Lancers varsity baseball team, former Lancers' running back Damon Boddie, former football player/track and field coach John Donch, former track star Nia Dorner, softball standouts Jackie Morrison and Keyana Smith, football standout Joey Ortiz and longtime cross country/track and field coach and educator Alan Withers.                  

The night began with a slide show highlighting each of the 10 Hall of Fame classes that have been selected for induction up to this point, with this years' honorees being recognized throughout the night thereafter.

From left, Hall of Fame founding member and 2025 Chairman Mike Marando, 10 year Hall of Fame Induction emcee Ken Rudulph, founding Hall of Fame member Dave Franzoia, Hall of Fame founding member Shelly Blanchard and founding Hall of Fame member Conrad Mayer received honorary Hall of Fame induction medals. Photo courtesy of Rick Sloan

The event went off without a hitch and, according to Hall of Fame Chairman Michael Marando, it might have been the best one yet.

"Of the 10 events that we've had, this one was among the best," Marando said. "It was absolutely fabulous. As the 10th anniversary, this one hit on all cylinders."

With nearly 300 attendees, the crowd was in rare form. The energy in the room was palpable, with Withers receiving perhaps the loudest ovation when he was honored. Marando also made it a point to mention the volunteer work from the current Cordova Lancers varsity football team members as they were on hand to help throughout the evening and set a positive example for other youth attending the celebration.

The ceremony highlighted the spirit of community within the city of Rancho Cordova, with all signs pointing to the event continuing to grow for years to come.

"I think the word is getting out to the community that this is a community event and not just for the Hall ofFamers but for the community at large," Marando said.