Dragon Hall of Fame finally inducts 7 student-athletes

Robert Vernon, Steve Lambert, Steve Magnusson, Oliver Hoban, Linc Isetta, Ricardo Ramos and Selene Teitelbaum – athletic stars from Sonoma Valley High School in days gone by – finally received formal induction into the Dragon Hall of Fame last week, Bob Kruljac announced.

In a largely private and unpublicized event at Hanna Boys Center’s auditorium, recognition came at last to the seven former Dragons whose names were announced in late 2019.

The ceremony to induct them was scheduled for May 9, 2020, but by that time the coronavirus pandemic had all but shut down all public activity in Sonoma County, and Kruljac called off the event at the time.

One of the names dates from 1970s Dragons: Robert Vernon. The 1980s produced Lambert and Magnusson, while the other names dated from the 1990s. Many of the inductees went on to successful post-SVHS careers, said Kruljac.

The D.A. Pfeiffer award for coaching went to Vicki Mulas, who guided the cheer squad for 27 years. Also enjoying the overdue recognition were the championship volleyball teams from 1999 and 2000, both coached by David Rentz. The teams each placed first in the Sonoma County League (SCL) in both years, and first among NCS Division 3 teams as well.

The Mulas Family Recognition award went to Mary’s Pizza, with three members of the Albano on hand to receive the award. The Mulas Family Recognition Award honors those people, families or businesses who have contributed time and/or resources to ensure the Valley’s students, athletes and coaches have the support necessary to have successful seasons and experiences.

Former principal Kruljac has been organizing, guiding the selection and promoting the Dragon Hall of Fame since 2008 for standout student-athletes. In 2015, he added a second Hall of Fame to recognize post-high school achievements.

But Kruljac is losing familiarity with more recent classes of graduates, and is looking for someone or several people to take over the Dragon Hall of Fame program, and encouraged anyone interested to contact him. “We’re in the book,” he said. He can be reached by phone at 483-1856.