Class of 2025

From the moment she stepped onto the field and court in 2006 Emily Allard would mark the beginning of one of the most storied careers in Antioch high school sports history.  Allard is this year’s Female All-Around Athlete, starring at both softball and basketball at Deer Valley High School.  Hall of Fame Volleyball Coach Lou Panzella said that she was very talented in that sport also, but her schedule did not permit her to play volleyball.

In basketball Emily was a three year All-BVAL first team performer, named to the 2^nd team All-Contra Costa Times after her junior and senior seasons and All-San Francisco Metro 3^rd team as a Senior.  Emily was the Wolverines team MVP as a senior.

It was in softball that Allard’s performances truly set her apart from all the competition.   She was named to the All-BVAL 1^st team after her sophomore and junior seasons and was the Co-MVP of the BVAL after her junior season.   All this was a precursor to what would happen in her senior season where she put the small town on the Delta on the national stage as   Allard was selected to a third All-BVAL 1^st team while being named team and league MVP.  She was selected to the 1^st team Contra Costa Times team while being named the CCTimes Female Athlete of the year, the same award she received at Deer Valley High.  She was named to the All-California 1^st team and the CIF Female Athlete of the Year.  Emily topped all of that by being named to the All-American team. 

Allard excelled in the classroom as well and parlayed her prowess in softball and academics into a full ride scholarship to the prestigious Northwestern University in Evansville, Illinois.  She continued her excellence at Northwestern academically and on the softball field as a staring shortstop and center fielder.   Emily was a four year starter for the Wildcats and was named to the All-Big 10 team four times and the All-Defensive Team in 2014.  She was a four time Academic All-Big 10 and a three time All Region selection all while leading the Lady Wildcats to two appearances in the NCAA postseason tournament.   Allard footprints are all over the Northwestern record books.  She still holds single game records for Hits, Runs and Stolen Bases, Single season record with an amazing .491 batting average and Career records for At-Bats and Stolen bases and second in career batting average (.402) and hits (306).  She played in all 202 games her team played over her four years and stole an incredible 153 bases in 165 attempts.   She is still listed in the top five at Northwestern in 16 different categories.

Upon graduating from Northwestern Emily was selected with the 12^th overall pick in the 2015 National Fast Pitch League by the Chicago Bandits, becoming only the second woman from Antioch to make it to the professional softball majors, joining Jackie Wong (2018 ASLHOF Inductee).   In her rookie year she led the league in Hits and Runs and was named to the All-Star team.   In her second season Emily won the Rally Spikes Award that goes to the leader in stolen bases and let the Bandits to the League Championship.  After injuries limited her 2016 and 2017 seasons, Allard retired

Jose Cabeza, a standout soccer talent, showed promise early on. At just six years old his skill set him apart as he was a top player in each age group in his soccer journey.  He kept improving each year. With experience and strong tournament play Jose was named one of the top 100 soccer players in the nation as a 13- and 14-year-old.  Jose trained with the U.S National team in North Carolina. Jose was also a 3-time State Cup Champion in the CYSA and the Far West Championships. 

Entering Antioch High Jose played four years of varsity soccer while earning 1^st team ALL-BVAL honors three times.  His senior year was very memorable as he helped lead Antioch to a dramatic win over crosstown rival Deer Valley.  Jose’s header goal catapulted the Panther to a 1-0 victory and help capture the AHS’ first soccer championship ever. Jose lead the Panthers in goals and assists while being named the BVAL Player of the Year, 1^st Team All- Contract Costa Times and Team MVP. 

He received a full scholarship to St. Mary’s College. where would again shine.  He played four years for the Gaels earning recognition on the West Coast Conference All- Frosh team. In 2011 as a junior Cabeza scored the winning strike goal in the 69^th minute to beat San Diego 1-0 while lifting the SMC to their first ever WCC title and second ever NCAA tournament appearance while being named Player of the Week and earning 2^nd team All- WCC honors.

Entering his senior college year Jose started 17 games and was named 1^st team All- WCC while helping the Gaels as a team member to one of the most successful classes in school history with an impressive 45-25-16 record. 

During the 1985 and 1986 football seasons, Jason Fithian was a standout in all three phases for the Panthers.  Not only was he a two-way starter at wide receiver and defensive back, but he was also an outstanding kick returner.  As a Junior, he showed his potential ranking second on the team in receiving, touchdowns, rushing and scoring, and led the team in return yards.  A season highlight was a four-touchdown night vs. Mt Diablo – returning both a kick and punt and scoring on a rush and reception! 

As a senior, Fithian became an even bigger part of the Panther attack, as he led them in receptions, interceptions, touchdowns and several other categories.  He was selected by his teammates as both a team captain and the Most Valuable Player.  His exploits led to him being selected second team All-DVAL, and honorable mention All-East Bay on both offense and defense.  He was also named to the prestigious Contra Costa Times ‘Cream of the Crop’ of football prospects and played in the Contra Costa-Alameda Counties All-Star game.

His athletic talents were not limited to the football field, as Fithian was also a baseball standout at Antioch.  His senior season, he made all-DVAL as an outfielder.  His two-sport success led to Fithian being named Antioch’s Co-Athlete of the Year in 1986-87, and to be named as one of the Contra Costa Times Top 50 Athletes.

After graduation, Jason moved to Los Medanos College where he continued his football success over two seasons, leading the Mustangs in receptions, yards and scoring both years.   He was first team All-Camino Norte conference and honorable mention All-State selection as a wide receiver both seasons.   His teammates chose him as the Outstanding Skills Players twice, and as their team captain for his sophomore season.

A lifetime of community service is culminated in the induction of this year’s community leaders, Bob and Mary Franchetto.   Bob a 1956 graduate of Antioch High, met Mary while stationed at Fort Baker while serving in the U.S. Army.   Their rapid courtship and marriage brought them back to Antioch in 1964 when they purchased Cottage Florist from Bob’s parents.  They moved to their “A” Street location in 1967.

They began their service to the Antioch community while building a business and starting a family.   Bob served as secretary of the Quarterback Club and the commissioner of the Junior Football League while Mary served as President and Board member of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and a trustee of the Holy Rosary School Board.  Bob took over as president of the fledging Antioch Chamber of Commerce and quickly turned it around to a thriving organization.

Collectively they have served Holy Rosary Church in numerous capacities over the last 60 years including the Young Men’s Institute, Ushers Association, the holiday food drive and continue assisting the St. Vincent de Paul food collection and distribution to this day.   They have served on Antioch’s Centennial committee and Antioch’s US Bicentennial committee.   They were sponsors and Chairmen of the popular “Hiding the Medallion” contest.  They led and served on the Delta Western Days for many years as well as the Downtown Merchants Association and the Veteran’s Banner Committee.

They were honored twice by the Antioch Chamber of Commerce as Citizens of the Year in 1974 and the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023 and named a lifetime member of the Antioch Historical Society. 

Since the inception of the Antioch Sports Legends program they have been worthy volunteers.   They have sponsored numerous youth and adult recreation teams throughout the year.  Bob and Mary have three children and six grandchildren.

Being a legacy is a double-edged sword, on one hand it can open doors, and on the other hand, it can place tremendous pressure on the individual.   This year’s Outstanding Coach, Vern Martin, certainly qualifies as a legacy following in the footsteps of his father, Kelly, 2010 ASLHOF inductees.  Kelly was one of the co-founders of Antioch Little League and his name is synonymous with youth sports in Antioch in the 50’s-80’s.

Vern was a chip off the old block and excelled in football and baseball and was a member of the 1970 Antioch High Baseball team that was inducted in the ASLHOF in 2009.  Vern benefited from amazing coaches as he grew up in Antioch having played for four coaching, Hall of Famers; Kelly Martin, Babe Atkinson, Bill Snelson and Marv Comstock.

Vern culminated his nearly 40 years of coaching by leading the Antioch High Baseball team from 2004-2006 compiling a record of 41-33 including two NCS playoff appearances.   Previously he led the lady Panther softball program for 7 years leading them to a BVAL championship in 1999 and four appearances in the NCS Playoffs including a spot in the 1999 NCS Championship game.

Vern started his coaching career in football coaching in the JFL in its last season and 8 years for the Antioch Youth Football team.   He coached the Junior Varsity at Antioch High for 12 years, including 7 seasons as head coach.  During the spring and summer he coached Little League baseball for 25 years, leading the Phillies for 22 years and many all-star teams.  Vern also coached Babe Ruth for 3 years.

Vern certainly catapulted all the great experience he learned from great coaches to pave his own legacy as 37 different athletes that he coached have been inducted into the Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame.

Tenacity, confidence and perseverance are terms spoken frequently in sports, but to Sterling Moore they were tenants of a foundation that would lead him to the pinnacle of his sport.   Sterling played football in only his senior year and was a two-way starter for the BVAL Champion Wolverines as they completed a spectacular 10-1 season.  Moore’s teammate Taiwan Jones and coach Rich Woods were inducted into the Sports Legends Hall of Fame in 2024.

Sterling then went on to play his freshman season of college at Los Medanos College and then transferred to Laney College where he blossomed into a fabulous Defensive Back where he amassed 30 tackles and 9 interceptions and was named to the first team of the Golden Gate Conference and State of California team.  He parlayed that season into a scholarship at Southern Methodist University in Dallas where he would play in 19 games over the final two seasons.  He had 59 tackles, 2 interceptions, 18 passes defended and a fumble recovery for the Mustangs.

After college, Sterling was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Oakland Raiders and spent time on the practice squad before being released by the Raiders and signed by the New England Patriots where he would make his NFL debut and had two interceptions -including a pick-6.  He would shine in the AFC Championship Game stripping the ball from a receiver to stop a game winning touchdown and deflecting a final pass to propel the Patriots to Super Bowl XLVI where he had 3 tackles in a losing effort to the New York Giants.  Sterling ended his 7-year career playing 75 games with 31 starts, 6 interceptions, 3 fumble recoveries and 186 tackles. He played for the Patriots, Cowboys, Buccaneers and Saints.

(WHY) would become a loveable and inside joke known only to those that were teammates, coaches, parents, administrators and all that embraced Ese Ntekume. Ese a 2008 graduate of Deer Valley High School, was a standout honor roll student and a track and field athlete specializing in both high school hurdle disciplines, the 100-meter hurdles and the 300-meter hurdles. Ese would also master the triple jump. She also contributed to the 4×100 and 4×400 meter relay teams Ese was an All-BVAL athlete.

Throughout her high school career, Ese consistently excelled, earning multiple medals at both the BVAL, North Coast Section Tri Valley and the North Coast Section Meet of Champions meets.   She clocked personal bests of 15.30 and 44.92 in the hurdles and 37 feet 11 inches in triple jump throughout her high school competitions. Her performance qualified her for the prestigious Meet of Champions in all three of her primary events, and she capped her senior year by competing at the CIF State Championships as part of Deer Valley’s 4×100 meter relay team.

 Ese continued her athletic career after high school at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), where she attended on a full Track and Field scholarship and achieved notable collegiate success. In 2012, she claimed the Big West Championship title in the triple jump and went on to compete at the NCAA Regional Championships.  She recorded a personal best of 40 feet 11 inches in the triple jump, marking a highlight in her collegiate career.  The mark remains in the top 10 all-time  in the Matadors record books.  Ese’s progression from a decorated high school student athlete to a collegiate champion reflects her dedication, versatility, and competitive spirit in track and field.

Mac Peterson was an outstanding athlete/basketball player at Deer Valley HS, graduating in 2006. He was a two-time San Francisco Chronical All-Metro Team and two-time BVAL first team all-league basketball selection. He was also a two-time league high jump champion in track and field as a freshman and sophomore, with a leap of 6’8” (school record).

Attending Diablo Valley College (where Mac played one season), he was one of only two freshmen named a first-team all-state selection. He was also named MVP for the Big Seven Conference, leading the Vikings to a 27-6 win-loss record. He was ranked 10^th in the state for 3-point accuracy and averaged 12.8 points per game. Mac scored more than 20 points five times and was 3^rd in the state for free throw accuracy (88.9%).

Following his freshman year, Mac transferred to San Jose State, where he signed with the Spartans during the 2007 spring signing period. That season, he played in 27 games. He was one of only three Western Athletic Conference players who did not start a game but played more than 400 minutes during the season. Mac was a SJS Scholar-Athlete and a 2008 and 2009 Academic All-WAC honoree.

During Mac’s Senior year, he played in 26 games, and made his first start against the University Nevada, Reno. He was still a key reserve, playing 15 or more minutes in 12 games. He was again the team’s most accurate free throw shooter (88.5%). At the end of Mac’s senior year season, Head Coach George Nessman gave him the Leadership Award for showing outstanding team leadership and sportsmanship. 

Following his college career, Mac played basketball with the San Francisco Rumble for three years and is currently the General Manager/player for the Bay Raiders, a semi-pro team in San Francisco.

Hammed Suleman’s journey began during his freshman year at DVHS, where his raw athletic potential became apparent. Hammed was asked to join the track and field team.

Hammed competed in the 400M and the 4×100 and 4x400M relay teams. It was in the long Jump, triple jump, and high jump where he truly found his stride. They become his specialty, the cornerstone of a decorated athletic career.

Junior year, Hammed had already made his mark, qualifying for the NCS and MOC.  Hammed personal bests of 22 feet 6 inches in long jump and 46 feet 9 inches in the triple jump, missing a berth to the state meet. Motivated Hammed, he committed to a rigorous off-season training regimen in preparation for his senior year.

Senior season, Hammed improved his long jump to 24’ 1” ranking him among the top jumpers in California and extended his triple jump to 51 feet 2 inches, ranking him the #1 triple jumper in the nation. Undefeated in the triple jump in 2009. Capturing major victories, Mt. SAC, Arcadia, Sacramento MOC, NCS Tri Valley, NCS MOC. His season culminated with a commanding win at the California State Championships, where he claimed Deer Valley’s first State title, winning the triple jump with a mark of 49’ 7.5”.

 He attended UC Berkeley, where he captured back-to-back Pac-12 titles in the long jump including a career-best of 26’ 0” which placed him in the top three in Cal’s storied long jump history.  Overcoming injuries, Hammed returned to the triple jump, notching a personal best of 53” 4 inches at the Texas Relays, leading the NCAA in the event at the time.

In 2014 Hammed represented Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Hammed returned to UC Berkeley in 2015 to complete his academic journey, earning a master’s degree in education.

Iris Tolenada, Deer Valley Women’s Volleyball setter has had many memorable achievements during her high school, college and professional career.

At Deer Valley, Iris was a 3-year starter, earning BVAL All-League honors for all 3 seasons, 1^st team All-League as well as Co-MVP as a junior and MVP as a Senior. In addition, Iris was named All-Contra Costa Times in her Junior and Senior years. Iris is still the career and single season leader in assists at Deer Valley. Iris led the Wolverines to 2 league titles in her 3 years as a starter and the North Coast Section finals 3 consecutive years. Deer Valley was undefeated in league play her senior year and had a league record of 45-3 , overall record of 92-20 in her 3 years as starting varsity setter.

Iris earned a scholarship to play at San Francisco State College – and her career just kept moving forward.  As a Freshman she earned CCAA  Freshmen of the Year award, setting the single season school record for assists. She was also selected as SF State Freshmen of the year. Iris earned 1^st team All CCAA as a sophomore, 2^nd team All CCAA as a Junior and All West regional team as a Senior.  She was named MVP of the CCAA, the first SF State athlete to win MVP in women’s volleyball and only the 2^nd to earn CCAA MVP in any sport.

After graduating Iris coached at Santa Clara and then SF State, before taking the opportunity of continuing her career as a professional volleyball player in the Philippines, where she won 2 championships and competed on the Philippine Women’s National team. She has competed and travelled extensively throughout Asia  

She has been named Best Setter 3 different times in the Philippine League