Yuma High School Hall of Fame

Only 2 weeks before the 14th YHS Athletic Hall of Fame Induction celebration. There are only 2 activities that have a fee (Fri. night football game and the 10/18 Saturday lunch held at 11AM before official Induction Ceremony which begins at 12:30). All other activities are no cost!

Come be a part of the traditions of the 1st high school in Yuma which opened its doors in 1909, 3 years before Arizona even became a state. Join in this YHS community celebration to honor Athletes, Coaches, Friends of Athletics and Community Partners who have all contributed to the rich "Criminal" traditions and culture of Yuma High School. Many in Yuma "Bleed Blue" and live by the motto: "Once a Criminal, Always a Criminal".

YHS Athletic Hall of Fame Events
Induction of 2025 Class
Oct. 17-18 2025

Friday, Oct. 17
4-6:30 p.m.- Meet and Greet at Lutes Casino- 221 S Main St
• No host gathering of public to meet current HOF members and 2025 inductees.
• 6:30-Leave Lutes and travel to YHS Doan Field for final home football game.

7:00-Yuma High School
• Curley Culp Memorial Stadium at Doan Field- YHS Football 7 pm game kickoff. HOF inductees and their guests as well as current HOF members will be sitting at 50 yd line in bleachers. Tickets available at gate.
• Inductees will be introduced on field during Half Time Ceremonies.

Saturday- Oct. 18 - Yuma High School
• 10 :30 a.m.- Registration- Cafeteria – enter thru gate on 4th Street behind Admin Building.
• 11:00 a.m.– Lunch served - YHS Cafeteria (Lunch tickets- pre-pay $10/each. RESERVATIONS RSVP by 10/10 to Gay Thrower ([email protected])
• 12:30 p.m.- Induction Ceremony- YHS Cafeteria
• 1:30 p.m.- Walk to the “Palace” Gym for unveiling and presentation of HOF inductee plaques and Community Partners display

14th INDUCTION CLASS

5 INDIVIDUALS
Al Alvarez Coach-1965-1974 / Football
DeeDee Baumgarner Coach- 1985-2010/ Swimming & Diving
Yolanda Biebrich Athlete- Grad.1982/ Volleyball/Basketball/ Softball
Jerry Gaillard Athlete- Grad.1978/ Football/ Track
Tom Hurt Coach-1988-1992/ Football

TEAM
YHS 1941-42 Girls Tennis Team- Arizona State Champions
COACH- Elizabeth Rose
TEAM MEMBERS
Katherine Burger
Verda Rae Donkersley
Norma Dale Hyatt
Opaline Liles
Ruth Ann Lipscomb
Louise Raley
LaVerne Stanton
Maxine Weiss

COMMUNITY PARTNERS
ALSCO
4th Ave Gym Athletic Foundation
Lutes Casino
Mr. G

The YHS Athletic HOF is funded solely by donations and fundraisers. All Funds received by HOF pay for these events. Thank you for your support!

The YHS HOF committee has added a new category to honor during the yearly Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The new category called COMMUNITY PARTNERS is to acknowledge any business/organization/company who has made multiple contributions to YHS Athletic programs in any of the following ways: money, in-kind services, time, use of facilities, equipment. The contributions from a COMMUNITY PARTNER have been influential in the success of YHS Athletics.

After reading many nomination packets, we became aware of the support given by community businesses that is often unseen and not acknowledged. These businesses contribute in many different ways that support YHS and the YHS Athletic programs.

This inaugural year for COMMUNITY PARTNERS includes 4 businesses/organizations that have given in a variety of ways to YHS athletics. This category will have a unique display board with a name plate attached for each COMMUNITY PARTNER.

Please join us in thanking the 2025 Community Partners for their contributions to YHS and the YHS Athletic programs!
ALSCO
4th AVENUE GYM ATHLETIC FOUNDATION
LUTES CASINO
MR. G

CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU HOF COMMUNITY PARTNERS!!
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(If you want to nominate a business/organization as a HOF COMMUNITY PARTNER, please fill out a nominating form and submit to YHS HOF. You can request a form by sending message on our Facebook site or pick up a form at the YHS Athletic Director's office.)

1941-42 YHS Girls Tennis Team
Arizona State Champions!

YHS Girls' Team Members:
Coach Elizabeth Rose
Katherine Burger
Verda Rae Donkersley
Norma Dale Hyatt
Opaline Liles
Ruth Ann Lipscomb
Louise Raley
LaVerne Stanton
Maxine Weiss

Two state championships in the annual Arizona Open tennis tournament- the girls’ and boy’s singles, went to Yuma net stars and a third championship- the junior girls’ doubles title, was divided between Yuma and San Diego at the end of the 3 day competition. In the singles division for both boys and girls, the outcome was between Yumans only, who had starred through all preliminary play and swept into the semifinals with ease.

Yuma girls swept both singles and doubles events in the annual University Week tennis tournament.

Miss Laverne Stanton, a senior playing in the tourney for the last time successfully defended her state girls’ singles title and won the crown with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Marilou Bailey of Tucson. Miss Baily, who had beaten Miss Stanton during regular season competition, was beaten easily by the steady, calculating game of the Yuma lassie.

Miss Raley, a sophomore, and Miss Donkersley, a freshman, defeated the opposing team (seniors playing in their final match) 7-5, 7-5.

From the yearbook: El Saguaro
Broiling sun and freckles fail to keep the girls’ tennis team from their daily practice sessions on the YUHS courts. Tennis is an important sport for girls and our team is one of the topmost ranking in the state.

The girls made a four-day trip to play the. Phoenix Union, North Phoenix, Mesa and Tucson teams. In the tournament, Laverne Stanton, number one on the ladder, and Louise Raley, number two on the ladder, walked off with trophies. Then the two of them won the junior girls’ doubles. Miss Rose kept their games in shape and was the chief consultant as to the girls’ bedtime, when they had dates on trips away from home. Good players every one of them, the team will lose only one veteran this year.

Miss Rose was never too busy to “ping a few,” whether it be with a seasoned letterwoman, or a first time beginner.

DeeDee Baumgarner coached swimming and diving at YHS from 1985- 2010. During that time she also shared her knowledge and techniques with other groups and countries. She was the coach of the Arizona All-Stars in 1986 and 2020. She trained US Olympic swimminers at the US Olympic Training Center 1988 and 1998. Then she expanded her ring of influence coaching the Honduran Olympic team in 2004, the Iraqu national swimmers in 2010 and the Palestinian Olympians in 2012. While in Yuma she coached the AquaForce Swim Club. Although she is now retired and living in Mexico, she is still a certified lifeguard and teaches swimming lessons on the beach in Mexico. Swimming and teaching is in her blood and she continues to share her knowledge.

We asked some of the athletes she has coached to comment on what they learned from her. Here's what they shared:

Kim Elg
Deedee is such a caring and loving coach who cared for her swimmers and wasn’t afraid to correct our attitudes but she was also always there to cheer us on. She is so deserving of this and I’m proud to call her coach and friend

Neely Jane Israel Burkhardt
DeeDee was not only an amazing swim coach, but she was also a positive force that always lifted you up. Her smile and energy were contagious and she’s probably the only person I know that could get you pumped to swim a 500. I have the fondest memories swimming on her team and am so grateful to have had her as a coach. Crim Pride forever!

Erin Lord
I swam 4 years at Yuma high for Dee Dee. YHS was city champs the 4 years I swam and we went to state three years. Coach Bamgarner has been so much more than a swim coach—she’s been a guide, a motivator, and an example of what it means to push past limits. She was tough when we needed discipline, patient when we needed time to grow, and always motivating, even when the workouts felt impossible. One of the greatest gifts she gave us was the sense of family she created on the team. I met my best friend through swimming, and we are still best friends to this day. I lettered in other sports like soccer and track and field, but swimming is the only sport where I can remember every single teammate I ever had. That’s because Dee Dee forged us into more than just a team—she built a family. She made each of us care about one another, hold each other accountable, and celebrate not just individual success but the strength of the whole. Coach also knew how to make hard work fun. My best friend Josh Kaiser and I would do our Hans and Franz routine, and she loved it. It motivated our team, and it even spread to other teams—opponents would ask us to perform the routine for them before they swam. Moments like that showed her ability to make training meaningful, joyful, and unforgettable. Through her coaching, I learned that swimming isn’t just about speed or technique—it’s about resilience, dedication, and believing in yourself when things get hard. But most of all, it’s about the bonds you build along the way, bonds that last a lifetime. Even today, more than 20 years later, I carry her lessons into my professional life. I’ve owned my own business for 23 years, and I work with my employees the way Dee Dee would have coached—leading with respect, integrity, and some fun and laughter, while still getting quality results. Her influence has shaped not only the athlete I became, but the leader I am today. Coach, thank you for never lowering the bar, for seeing more in us than we sometimes saw in ourselves, and for building a team—and a philosophy—that will always feel like home. Your influence will stay with me forever—not just as an athlete, but as a person who knows the value of hard work, loyalty, family, and joy in the process.

Peggy Smith
Deedee Baumgarner was an amazing, positive influence in my life. I took all of her aerobics classes from 1987-1990. She was also my swim coach for lifeguard certification. Home life wasn’t the best for me and most teachers didn’t believe in me… but she did.

Veronica Roberson.
I was a swimmer with Coach DeeDee for three years 95, 96 and 97. Dee Dee Baumgerner, Coach to those who knew her. She was more than just a teacher and coach; she was a cheerleader, your biggest fan. Even during the off-season, she would meet students to help improve on different techniques to use to help their speed in the water and better ways to start a race, how to use your strengths and your weaknesses. Even after her students graduated, she was still active in their lives, keeping in touch with what they were up to and where they were in life. The confidence that Coach taught me in high school is something that I still have to this day. Being a team player to everyone, not just those who are the best, but even more so to those who are not. It takes a team to win races. Be confident with what you can do and do that to the best you can. Never judge yourself by what others do, for you are Unique and Special because of who you are.

Phoebe Johnson
DeeDee was an AWESOME, AMAZING coach. She has known me my entire life and when it came to high school I was so excited to have her as my coach! She pushed us to do our best! Freshman yr she told me the 500 was going to my event! (Ya….. I wasn’t excited about doing distance) but she knew I was going to do well there! She was right! I was one of the top 200 and 500 freestyle swimmers and I truly fell in love with doing it! She is so deserving of this!

Kena Taylor
When I was a sophomore, my friends told me I should join them on the swim team. I came from humble means and had never participated in sports. None of my three older siblings had, either. It sounded fun, so I agreed though I was only a self-taught swimmer. I learned I would need a physical from the doctor’s office, and I immediately told them I likely wouldn’t be able to join the swim team. I didn’t know if my family could afford it. The next day, Deedee brought me a form for a physical, gave me an address, and told me the physical would be free. I don’t know how she did it, but it was the beginning of playing sports for me and my two younger siblings. I was never the best swimmer, but the experience, Deedee’s kindness, the camaraderie of a team, and my becoming coachable all left an indelible impression on my young mind. Influence like this had an impact. I became a teacher myself and am now a school principal. And—you might be pleased to learn—our five children all became very competitive swimmers. Thank you, Deedee. Kena (Winder) Taylor Class of 1994

Blanche Wallis Houll
I was a YHS swimmer and she was my coach Freshman-Junior year. She was the best coach ever, showed great patience with me (I’d never swum competitively before) and I found a sport I just fell in love with. She had patience, kindness and an amazing ability to encourage us that I’d never seen in a coach before. I have so many great things I could say. I am so happy to hear she is being recognized!

Anthony Insunza
I was blessed to have Ms. Baumgardner as a PE teacher at Yuma High School. She taught everybody with dedication & patience. No matter what she taught, swimming or Gym, she was always caring & empathetic with every student’s individual needs. Only Ms. Baumgardner could of fulfilled every student’s goal as she was easy to trust & had a unique way of instructing that motivated her students to master the activity. Thanks to Ms. Baumgardner I learned how to swim & workout properly!!! Thank you Ms. Baumgardner you were the Best!!!!

Allen Irwin
A short note of appreciation for Dee Dee on her induction to the HOF. A great coach and a greater person, she’s the definition of infectious enthusiasm. She wanted her swimmers to be the best people they could be, which is why we appreciate her so much. Not because of accomplishments, though there were plenty, but because she taught us lessons we carry with us to this day.

Scott Shelley
When asked if I had a comment about Coach Baumgarner, I really didn’t know where to start. How could words possibly accurately convey the impact she had on a nerdy, insecure, speedo-wearing 14-year old freshman Diver (and literally hundreds of other young people in the same situation!). It took literally decades for me to understand and appreciate the full impact she had on me, not as an athlete, but as a person. Coach Baumgarner was literally the source and reason I learned many of the life lessons that have stayed with me and shaped my future to this day. She taught me the importance of hard work, the value of “grit” and perseverance, the value of doing “hard things,” the power of friendship and kindness, and the power of positivity. No one was more positive, quick to praise, and fun to be around than Coach Baumgarner, even while demanding dedication and hard work. She treated everyone with respect, and as I reflect on her contributions to my life, I realize that I have continued to model my actions, thoughts, and relationships after her amazing example. And for that I will always love Coach Baumgarner!

We are excited to have her join the YHS HOF. Congratulations Coach Baumgarner!

The YHS HOF welcomes Coach Tom Hurt into the 14th Induction Class on Oct 18, 2025. Coach Tom Hurt brought back pride to the YHS Criminals Football program. He coached football at Yuma High for only 4 years. He was there in the fall of 1988 and coached through the spring of 1992. While only there for 4 years, Tom had a profound impact on Yuma High.

While at Yuma High, he took the Criminals to the state playoffs 3 out of the 4 years he was there. No other coach at Yuma High has had that kind of success. Several of Coach Hurt’s players from that period of 4 years went on to play in college.

Tom brought traditions to the Criminals that have stood the test of time. Tom was the person that started having the boys run onto the football field behind the cop car. That tradition still holds true today. Tom is the one who brought the neon sign to the top of Research. Tom is the one who got the prison siren hooked up on top of Research to be used during games as well. All of these traditions are still in place at Yuma High today

Tom went on to be in administration in YUHSD #70 for many years and an associate superintendent in District 1 for many years. Tom later started the football program at Yuma Catholic High School and served as Yuma Catholic’s principal as well. Tom is currently the Yuma County School Superintendent. Tom has made a profound impact on the entire Yuma Community.

He calls Yuma his home town! Jerry Gaillard was a "military brat" who attended 13 schools in 12 years! Yet he listed YHS as his high school (graduated in May 1978) and Yuma as the town he "grew up in" in the Clemson University Football Media Guide.

During his senior year, he was named Most Valuable Player on the Criminals’ varsity football team. He rushed for 973 yards on 164 carries, caught 26 passes and scored eight touchdowns.
He also ran track at Yuma High School, and in his senior year was part of the Criminals’ highly-regarded medley relay team, which included Chris Reed, Victor Robles and Keivin Hawkins.
Jerry also ran the 100-yard dash and had a personal best time of 9.9 seconds, recorded at the Arizona Interscholastic Association, AAA State Championships, where he finished seventh.

And for kicks and giggles, Jerry and senior classmate Mattie Figueroa were named “Mr. and Mrs. S*x Appeal” in the 1978 El Saguaro yearbook.

Jerry was recruited out of high school to play football at Clemson University and signed his letter of intent under the watchful eye of Coach Dick Stein on Feb. 17, 1978. Clemson Assistant Coach Tom Bass called Jerry “a big-play prospect.”

At Clemson, Jerry finished his collegiate career with 65 catches for 831 yards, a 12.8-yards per catch average.
In the 1981 Clemson Tigers Media Guide, it states:
“Jerry Gaillard combines with (Perry) Tuttle to give the Tigers the best pass- catching tandem in the ACC.
“Gaillard, who hails from Yuma, AZ, has also been a three-year starter at split end. Last year, he caught 25 passes for 369 yards.
“The 6-0, 179-lb senior runs expert patterns and is an excellent blocker. “Despite playing in Tuttle's shadow for the past three years, Gaillard ranks in the top-ten in receiving yards at Clemson.”

During that 1981 season, Jerry was one of the players who helped the Tigers win the NCAA National Championship, beating Nebraska 22-15 in the Orange Bowl.
After winning the national championship, Jerry and Clemson quarterback Homer Jordan were the two players chosen to represent the Tigers at the White House, commemorating the team’s title, where he met and shook hands with President Ronald Reagan. At that White House visit, Jerry was wearing a suit and cowboy boots he had purchased at what was then known as Gregston’s Feed and Supply on 8th Street in Yuma.
When President Reagan saw Jerry’s boots, he bent down, touched them and said, “Those are alligator. I’ve got a pair just like them.” To which Jerry replied, “Did you get yours at Gregston’s too?”

Later in 1982 Jerry was among nine Tigers drafted by teams in the NFL. Jerry was drafted as a free agent by the Seattle Seahawks.

Jerry graduated from Clemson in 1983 with a BS in Business Administration. He has had a distinguished career in computer industry and educational technology. In 2012, he started PowerUpEDU which has become a leader in advancing academic achievement through integration of technology in the southeast region of US.

This is an outstanding example of YHS students and athletes and the YHS HOF is proud to induct Jerry in the 14th Induction Class.

YHS athlete- Yolanda Biebrich- 1978-82- will be inducted in the 14th Induction Class to the YHS Athletic HOF on Oct. 17-18, 2025. Yolanda excelled not only as a YHS athlete, but she continued her impact while on the Central Arizona Community College volleyball team and also was a shining star at Ole Miss on the Rebel volleyball team. Her achievements include:

YHS- grad 1982- volleyball/basketball/softball
• Softball- 1st base 2 yrs- 1979-80
• Volleyball-4 yrs (1978-1981)
o Sr. year- team captain
o MVP- 1981
o 1st team all- conference,
o Az. Volleyball Coaches All-star Game- 1982
o Setter for YHS team- 4 years
o YHS Volleyball team- 1981- 3rd in state
• Basketball-1978-81
• YHS Class of 1982 Outstanding Female Athlete

Central AZ JC- 82-84
• 2 yr Letterwinner
• Setter on 1984 NJCAA National Chamnpionship team

Univ. of Miss- 1984-87
• Named to All-tournament teams during her yrs. at OleMiss
o 1984 Ole Miss Volleyball Invitational- All tournament team
o 1985 Memphis Lady Tiger Volleyball Classic- All Tournament Team
o 1985 Ole Miss Volleyball Invitational- Tournament MVP
• Team leader as Setter for the Rebel Volleyball Program
• BA- Interior Design- May 1987

The YHS HOF is pleased to honor this outstanding YHS athlete!

The YHS HOF honors Al Alvarez, football coach at the varsity and Freshman level for 9 years. Al graduated from Arizona State College (now NAU) in 1959 and was a member of the "famous" 1958 football team which played for a national championship. After graduating, he joined 2 of his college football teammates, Frank Thomas and Rudy Cabrera, when all 3 moved to Yuma to begin their careers as educators.

Al joined the Crane JHS faculty as a PE teacher and then developed Crane's first athletic programs for middle school students. He also worked with Crane parents to start the Country Boys Little League baseball program.

In 1965, he was recruited by YHS Varsity football coach, Frank Thomas, to move to YHS and become assistant Varsity football coach and teacher. He was asked to coach the Freshman Football Team (dubbed "Baby Crims") in 1969 to help develop young players for the Varsity team. He led this program with fellow coaches, Rudy Cabrera and Chuck Southward. He was a mentor and positive influence to many YHS and Crane School athletes and students.

Al left education in 1974 to become a businessman, owning and operating the Latin Quarter and Beto's Mexican Restaurante & Cantina. Former students became employees and customers and he ften catered food for events at Yuma High School, school sports banquets and Babe Ruth fundraising events.

After starting his business he continued to see the need to help develop young players. He helped organize the Yuma Grid Kids Pop Warner Football Program. This community wide program gave young athletes the tools and fundamentals to be better prepared to compete in high school football programs in Yuma. This was the first High School football feeder program in Yuma, giving some of the High School athletes more of an edge to compete with the bigger schools in the state that had Tackle Football Feeder programs.

Coach Alvarez left his mark on Yuma High as a Coach, Teacher and Mentor with his positive attitude. He continued helping the youth of Yuma through Community athletic programs and community involvement over the years. This impact Al made shows in the various comments sent by former students, athletes, co-workers and friends :
• As a young YUHS Crim football player, Al was one of those college-playing football players I wanted to emulate by his rugged head-down plow thru the line as full- back for ASC (now NAU). His power running ability was so impressive that I began using the same form & it worked.
• Al gave unselfishly of himself to the Yuma community he loved. He & JoAn worked tirelessly to make Yuma a better place.
• Al was such an inspiration to me as a young Yuma Hi football player & surely to many other young people. He was a giant of a man who gave his heart & soul in helping & directing young people to strive beyond mediocrity.
• My first drafting teacher at YHS when i move from Indiana to Yuma. He became a friend. He motivated me to pursue a college degree in drafting and design.
• Always remembered by his delicious food! But, my family also knew him as an educator. Such a kind man.
• Mr. Nice Guy. Great teacher, coach and friend. He could remember everyones’ name after just a few visits.
• The best coach ever at Crane. He touched so many hearts and saved so many. His advice and friendship will be carried through everyones’ hearts forever. Thank you Coach for being a part of my life!
• A wonderful coach and teacher who cared for each and everyone of his students. But most importantly, I’ll never forget his kind words, stories, smiles and laughter and his love of his family.
• Good teacher-good coach-good person!

In just 3 weeks, the 14th Induction Class will be welcomed into the YHS Athletic Hall of Fame Induction of 2025 Class

You are invited to join in the celebration of YHS Athletic accomplishments and excellence. The current YHS Hall of Fame members include 142 Individuals (athletes, coaches and Friends of Athletics), 1 group and 11 championship teams. Please join us as the HOF tradition continues with the induction of the Class of 2025 which honors 5 individuals, 1 Championship team and 4 representatives of our newest category-Community Partners.

HOF Induction Events:
Friday, Oct. 17
4-6:30 p.m.- Meet and Greet at Lute’s Casino- 221 S Main St
•No host gathering of current HOF members and the newest inductees.
•6:30-Leave Lutes and travel to YHS Doan Field for final home football game.

7:00-Yuma High School
•Curley Culp Memorial Stadium at Doan Field- YHS Football game kickoff. HOF inductees and Community Partners and their guests as well as current HOF members will be sitting around 50 yd line of bleachers.
•Inductees and Community Partners will be introduced at center field during Half Time Ceremonies.

Saturday- Oct. 18 - Yuma High School
-12:30 p.m. - Induction Ceremony- YHS Cafeteria- FREE
-1:30 p.m.- Walk to the “Palace” Gym for unveiling and presentation of HOF inductee plaques

2025 Induction- Oct. 17-18
14th Induction Class

5 INDIVIDUALS
Al Alvarez- Coach-1965-1974- Football
DeeDee Baumgarner-Coach- 1985-2010- Swimming
Yolanda Biebrich-Athlete- Grad.1982- Volleyball/Basketball/ Softball
Jerry Gaillard-Athlete- Grad.1978- Football/ Track
Tom Hurt- Coach-1988-1992- Football

1 TEAM
YHS 1941-42 Girls Tennis Team
Arizona State Champions
COACH- Elizabeth Rose
TEAM MEMBERS
Katherine Burger
Verda Rae Donkersley
Norma Dale Hyatt
Opaline Liles
Ruth Ann Lipscomb
Louise Raley
LaVerne Stanton
Maxine Weiss

COMMUNITY PARTNERS- our newest category of excellence
ALSCO
4th Ave Gym Athletic Foundation
Lutes Casino
Mr. G

Please join us in celebrating the addition of the 2025 Induction Class. The purpose of the Yuma Criminals Athletic Hall of Fame is to maintain the rich heritage and tradition of successful athletic programs at Yuma High School by recognizing, preserving, and honoring the athletes, coaches, and individuals who have made significant contributions to the Criminal athletic programs. These 5 individuals and 1 championship team are being honored as some of those special “Criminals” who have been influential in the “Criminal Tradition” of excellence and have demonstrated outstanding athletic accomplishments not only while at Yuma High School but beyond. The Hall of Fame honors the contributions and accomplishments of Criminals who are worthy of this recognition and are an example for others to emulate.

You are encouraged tosubmit a nomination for Individuals from any of the following three categories.
• Athlete: Any person who participated in varsity athletics at Yuma High School, graduated from Yuma High School and has distinguished themselves in athletics at the high school level or beyond. Examples include, but are not limited to, All-Region/conference, All-State or All-American recognition, Collegiate Athlete, Professional Athlete, National or International competition. Nominees must have graduated from YHS at least 10 years prior for nomination to be considered.
• Coach: Any Yuma High School coach who has made significant contributions to YHS athletic programs, has been influential in the “Criminal Tradition” of excellence and has distinguished themselves with accomplishments that merit recognition.
• Friend of Athletics: Any individual/group who has made outstanding contributions to the interscholastic athletic programs at Yuma High School other than by coaching or playing.

The HOF committee has added a 4th category to honor businesses, organizations, and companies that have made multiple contributions to YHS Athletic programs in any of the following ways: money, in-kind services, time, use of facilities, equipment. If you'd like to nominate in this category, please fill out and submit a Community Partner Nomination form, where you will list name and contact info. and list the contributions you believe have been influential in the success of YHS Athletics.

Info and pictures for each of the individual nominees and the team will be presented one at a time in the coming week. We think you'll agree that this newest Induction Class has added to the history of athletics at YUMA HIGH SCHOOL- The home of the Criminals! ONCE A CRIMINAL, ALWAYS A CRIMINAL

The state championship team being honored in 2024 is the 2018 YHS WRESTLING TEAM. The accomplishments of this 2018 Arizona State Wrestling Championship team include:
• 46-2 Dual Record
• Tournaments: 1st at Red Mountain, 1st at Ironwood, 1st at Joe City, 1st at Sectionals, and 1st at State
• 12 State Qualifiers, 8 State Placers, and 2 State Champions
• Arizona State Records
o Team Pins with 431 (4th in the nation all time)
o Team Wins with 758
o Team Points with 4100 (5th in the nation all time)