Southwestern Oregon Community College’s Laker Alumni Association honors former athletes, teams, coaches, and those that have had a large impact on the school and its athletic program during the annual Homecoming celebrations. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2017 in Prosper Hall on the Coos campus, 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay. A special recognition to induct two teams and one individual is planned for half-time of the Men’s game (4 p.m.) with an evening banquet at 6 p.m. The First Men’s Track & Field Team (1962-63) was coached by Gary Feasel. Members of the team were Dennis Getchell, Larry Gregory, Charles Hartwell, Jim Jellison*, Tom Johnson*, Louis Lambert, Stu Merchant, Larry Mikulecky, Arnold Sampson, Steve Silverstone, Dean Southam and Al Stvetzle*. In the spring term of 1963, Southwestern added the men’s track & field team to improve the athletic department, but their first meet was cancelled due to rain. The first meet was held on April 18 in Central Oregon. Coach Feasel recruited local athletes and current students to participate. The team trained at the North Bend High School track that first season. The Alumni Association is seeking help in locating members of the First Men’s Track & Field Team. Anyone having information on the members indicated with an asterisk (*) should contact the Hall of Fame Committee at hof@socc.edu or 541-888-7452. The First Women’s Track & Field Team (1976-77) was coached by Mike Hodges. The sole member of that inaugural team was Joy (Moore) Hall. Hall was a wife, mother and full-time student while competing on the track and field team at Southwestern. Her career began in the fall of 1974 when she graduated from Bandon High School. Joy was the only member of the inaugural Women’s Track & Field Team in 1976-77 and was the first National Champion/All-American for the College. Joy competed in several field events, but threw the javelin for a record 149’2” to secure the National Championship honors. A discuss throw of 128’3” was good enough for 3rd place while her shot put was 37’7” and placed her in 7th at the National Junior College Women’s Track meet in Dodge City, Kansas. Joy was a long time resident of Bandon and succumbed to cancer in March 2015. She was known as an athlete but was also artistic, a hard worker, and a homemaker. If you are interested in attending this year’s banquet, contact the Hall of Fame Committee (hof@socc.edu or 541-888-7452) to reserve your spot at $20 per person.
