West Hills College to induct five alums into Athletic Hall of Fame

This year’s Hall of Fame honorees are Derrick Chachere, football and track; Marzell Clayton, basketball; Carlos McCaleb, basketball and tennis; Mickey McNamee, baseball; Frank Smith, football; and the 1968 football team.

“These individuals have distinguished themselves as outstanding athletes on our campus at the college over the years,” said Mark Gritton, associate dean of student services at WHCC. “Moreover, they’ve also contributed to their communities as outstanding citizens as well.”

Chachere attended WHCC from 1985-1987. He was a lineman for the football team and received numerous honors including Lineman of the Year, MVP and All CVC Linebacker. He was a two-time conference champion and JC All-American in track.

Now a middle school basketball coach, Clayton played basketball for the Falcons from 1991-1993. He was awarded All-Conference and third team All-State honors during his time at WHCC. He transferred to University of the Pacific and set three rebounding records while on their team.

McCaleb played basketball and tennis at WHCC from 1985-1987 and earned the title of MVP for two sports in the same year, 1987. He also received the honor of Outstanding Academic Athlete for CVC. He coached sports at Coalinga High School for 19 years before moving to Lemoore.

When it was still known as Coalinga College, McNamee moved from Burbank to play baseball for the Falcons in 1957. He helped his team win the state title in 1958 and graduated in 1959. McNamee went on to play baseball for the University of Southern California.

Smith was a tight-end and wide receiver for the WHCC football team from 1971-1973. He was named All-Conference tight-end in 1972. After graduating from Weber State University Ogden, Utah in 1976, Smith played professional football for the Miami Dolphins from 1976-1979.

The 1968 football team finished its regular season as Central Conference Champions with a record of 5-0. In the playoffs, they defeated Hartnell in the first game before falling 51-28 to College of the Redwoods in the second. Nine of the players were selected for the All-Central Conference team.

“The college appreciates the inductees for taking time to come back and visit their school, and we’re all very proud of them,” said Gritton.

The no-host social hour begins at 6 p.m. and the ceremony at 7 p.m. Both are in the WHCC gym. Tickets for the induction dinner are $60 per person. For further information or to purchase tickets, contact Gina Tollison at 559-934-2452.