Matt Giordano playing for the Oakland Raiders, cropped photo by Flickr author June Rivera

A Super Bowl champion and professional basketball, football and soccer players are among the former Clovis Unified athletes selected for induction into this year’s Clovis Unified Athletic Hall of Fame.

Eight individuals and two Clovis Unified teams make up the 2022 Hall of Fame Class of Inductees, who were chosen from among hundreds of nominations profiling highly accomplished district athletes.

The inductees will be celebrated at their hometown football game Friday night and be honored at the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Oct. 29 at the Shaghoian Concert Hall with on-stage interviews and video profiles of each honoree.

The CUSD Athletic Hall of Fame serves to preserve the inductees’ important contributions to the district’s history and to inspire current student athletes to dream big, according to a news release.

“Each inductee has an incredible story of hard work, determination and discipline as they pushed themselves to be the best they could be,” said Assistant Superintendent Steve France who oversees the event. “From their days attending our Clovis Unified schools to their rise as athletic greats, they have had amazing journeys. We are proud to be a part of their story.”

The evening is open to the public free of charge and no tickets are required. The CUSD Athletic Hall of Fame Gala Saturday begins with a eeception at 6 p.m. and awards presentation at 7 p.m. at the CUSD Performing Arts Center, 2770 E. International Ave., Fresno.

The inductees are:

Jaime Ramirez – Soccer

Representing: Pre-1960s/60s/70s

(Clovis High) Soccer star. Played soccer for more than 20 years before becoming head soccer coach at Fresno Pacific University. After graduating from Clovis High, he played and was the team’s MVP for four years in a row at FPU. Post college played in several international soccer clubs and played professional soccer for Los Angeles Aztecs. Earned three NCAAA West Region Coach of the Year.

 

Tom Deel – Coach

Representing: 1970s/80s/90s/2000s

(Clovis West) Football, golf and softball coach extraordinaire. Coached the Golden Eagles softball team for seven years, earned All-Valley Coach of the Year twice; boys golf team for 19 years and started the girls golf program; coached football for more than 40 years. He is currently on the coaching staff at Buchanan High.

George Petersen – Football & Wrestling

Representing: 1980s

(Clovis West High) Football and wrestling standout. At Clovis West, was the first Golden Eagle to place in the state championships, earning a 2nd Place, earned the All-North Yosemite League football defensive back of the year award, and was the male athlete of the year. Played in college and signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. Currently the principal of Clovis Unified’s Liberty Elementary School.

 

Paige Bowie – Basketball & Softball

Representing: 1990s

(Clovis West High) Earned All-Valley honors in basketball and softball while at Clovis West. Played as a four-year girls basketball starter at UC Berkeley and is among the Top 3 on Cal’s All-Time list in 3-pointers made with 129. Played professional basketball in Europe. Is the only female to have won the GORUCK selection.

 

Keith Poole – Football

Representing: 1990s

(Clovis High) Football standout. All-American, All-State and All-Conference player at Clovis High. Played four years for Arizona State and in the Rose Bowl. Drafted by the New Orleans Saints, was the 2001 MVP, and played for the Denver Broncos. Led NFL in yards per catch for three years.

 

Matt Giordano – Football

Representing: 2000s

(Buchanan High) Football and track standout. All-Valley football and won 400m League title. Played for Fresno City College and Cal Berkeley, earning All-Pac-10 player twice. Played professionally for Indianapolis Colts and earned 2007 Super Bowl XLI championship, and also for Green Bay Packers, Oakland Raiders and St. Louis Rams. Coached former alma mater Buchanan High football for five years.

 

Dr. Torrey Schroeder – Softball & Volleyball

Representing: 2000s

(Buchanan High) Softball and volleyball star. Played varsity four years for softball and volleyball. Earned MVP awards for both sports, CIF Female Athlete of the year and finalist for state player of the year. Played softball for University of Texas, Austin, and New Mexico State University; was ASA National Championship All-American Team.

 

1974 Clovis High School Football Team

North Yosemite League Champions & CIF Section Champions

 

1997 – 2019 Clovis West High School Girls Swim and Dive Teams

23 consecutive CIF Central Section Championships. 77 individual CIF Central Section Champions. 85 All-Americans.

 

Roger Oraze, Ed.D.

Doc Buchanan Award

During his 38-year career in Clovis Unified, Roger Oraze was instrumental in establishing and perpetuating a legacy of athletic and academic excellence. He began as a math teacher, advanced to become the principal of Clovis West High School, developed Clovis Unified’s first assessment department, and then created the district’s Facilities Services Department. It was in the latter role that his influence on the future of the district’s athletics took shape as he prioritized Clovis Unified to becoming home to first-class athletic and performance venues. He was closely involved in the development of three educational centers that include standout fields, gyms, aquatic centers that support student athletes.