PRESS RELEASES

(ONTARIO, California, May 19, 2025) – Shane Mosley, known to boxing fans worldwide as "Sugar" Shane, carved out a legendary career that spanned over two decades, earning world titles in three weight divisions and securing his place among the sport's all-time greats.

On Sunday night (June 29), Mosley will join four other legends – San Francisco 49ers All-Pro offensive lineman and Super Bowl champion Jesse Sapolu, four-time Olympic swimming gold medalist Janet Evans, soccer great Paul Caligiuri, and Olympian and NFL wide receiver Ron Brown – as the newest members of the California Sports Hall of Fame.

The five will be inducted during formal ceremonies at the Ontario Convention Center.

“Shane Mosley exemplifies the spirit of a true champion, demonstrating skill, resilience and sportsmanship throughout his illustrious career. It is a privilege to welcome him as a Hall of Famer,” said Christian Okoye, a former NFL star who founded the California Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

Born in Lynwood, CA, and raised in Pomona, Mosley began boxing at the age of 8 under the guidance of his father, Jack Mosley. His amateur career was marked by an impressive record of 250 wins and 16 losses, including multiple national championships and international medals.

Turning professional in 1993, Mosley quickly made his mark by capturing the IBF lightweight title in 1997. He went on to win the WBC and WBA (Super) welterweight titles, as well as the WBA (Super) and WBC light middleweight titles, showcasing his versatility across weight classes.

Throughout his career, Mosley faced and defeated some of boxing's biggest names, including Oscar De La Hoya, whom he bested twice, as well as Antonio Margarito and Ricardo Mayorga. His bouts against Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquiao, and Canelo Álvarez further solidified his reputation as a fearless competitor willing to take on the best.

In recognition of his achievements, Mosley was named Fighter of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America in 1998 and by The Ring magazine in 2000. He was also considered the world's best pound-for-pound boxer by The Ring in both 2000 and 2001.

Mosley retired from professional boxing in 2016, leaving behind a record of 49 wins, 10 losses, and 1 draw, with 41 victories coming by knockout.

Tickets are still available for the California Sports Hall of Fame Gala at: https://www.californiasportshalloffame.org/p/tickets. The event starts with a reception at 4 p.m., followed by a dinner and induction ceremony beginning at 5 p.m.

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(ONTARIO, California, May 15, 2025) – Ron Brown’s electrifying speed carried him to gold at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where he helped the U.S. 4x100-meter relay team set a world record.

But Brown’s achievements didn’t end on the track. He transitioned to the NFL, where he starred for the Los Angeles Rams as a dynamic wide receiver and record-setting kick returner.

On Sunday night (June 29), Brown will join four other legends – boxer Shane Mosley, San Francisco 49ers All-Pro offensive lineman and Super Bowl champion Jesse Sapolu, four-time Olympic swimming gold medalist Janet Evans, and soccer great Paul Caligiuri – as the newest members of the California Sports Hall of Fame.

The five will be inducted during formal ceremonies at the Ontario Convention Center.

“Ron Brown is one of the rare athletes who achieved greatness in two sports, and who has continued to make a difference long after his playing days were over. It is a privilege to welcome him as a Hall of Famer,” said Christian Okoye, a former NFL star who founded the California Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

A Los Angeles native, Brown starred at Baldwin Park High School and Arizona State University, excelling in both football and track. After his Olympic triumph, he went on to be a second-round pick of the Rams, earning All-Pro honors and establishing himself as one of the NFL’s most dangerous return specialists.

Following his athletic career, Brown has dedicated himself to philanthropy and mentoring youth, serving as CEO of Players Congress-Football Legends and working extensively with programs supporting at-risk students.

He also has partnered with various organizations, including Charter Schools for drop-out teens, Unity 1, Teen Savers Drug and Intervention Programs, Project Touch (supporting homeless centers), Action Sports Youth Program, and Choices (an interactive decision-making workshop). He supports Neighborhood Recovery Programs through Brown & Associations and works with Crescent Financial Group, in creating business plans and private placement for funding small businesses.

Tickets are still available for the California Sports Hall of Fame Gala at: https://www.californiasportshalloffame.org/p/tickets. The event starts with a reception at 4 p.m., followed by a dinner and induction ceremony beginning at 5 p.m.

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(ONTARIO, California, May 12, 2025) – Paul Caligiuri made history with what became known as "The Goal Heard Around the World," a shot that sent the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team to its first World Cup appearance in 40 years.

But Caligiuri’s impact on American soccer runs even deeper. A pioneer for American players abroad, he became the first American-born player to sign a major contract in a European professional league, paving the way for future generations.

On Sunday night (June 29), Caligiuri will join four other legends – boxer Shane Mosley, San Francisco 49ers All-Pro offensive lineman and Super Bowl champion Jesse Sapolu, four-time Olympic swimming gold medalist Janet Evans, and Olympian and NFL wide receiver Ron Brown – as the newest members of the California Sports Hall of Fame.

The five will be inducted during formal ceremonies at the Ontario Convention Center.

“Paul Caligiuri changed the trajectory of soccer in America. His career and historic contributions helped spark a movement that made soccer a major sport in the U.S. It is a privilege to welcome him as a Hall of Famer,” said Christian Okoye, a former NFL star who founded the California Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

A standout at UCLA, where he captained the Bruins to an NCAA Championship in 1985, Caligiuri was twice named an NCAA All-American and the 1986 U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year. His professional career spanned from Europe to Major League Soccer, highlighted by two World Cup appearances in 1990 and 1994, during which he started every game.

Since retiring, Caligiuri has devoted himself to developing future soccer stars, helping to nurture the next generation of American talent.

Tickets are still available for the California Sports Hall of Fame Gala at: https://www.californiasportshalloffame.org/p/tickets. The event starts with a reception at 4 p.m., followed by a dinner and induction ceremony beginning at 5 p.m.

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(ONTARIO, California, May 8, 2025) – At 2 years old, Janet Evans was swimming laps in the pool. By the time she was 3, she was able to do both the breaststroke and butterfly.

That was only the beginning for the natural born swimmer, who would go on to become the first woman to hold three world records simultaneously – all at age 15 – and win a total of four individual gold medals in the 400- and 800-meter freestyle events and the 1988 and 1992 Olympics.

On Sunday night (June 29), Evans will join four other legends – boxer Shane Mosley, San Francisco 49ers All Pro offensive lineman and Super Bowl champion Jesse Sapolu, soccer great Paul Caligiuri, and Olympian and NFL wide receiver Ron Brown – as the newest members of the California Sports Hall of Fame.

The five will be inducted during formal ceremonies at the Ontario Convention Center.

“Janet Evans was a true Olympic legend, and one of the greatest American women athletes of all time. It is a privilege to welcome her as a Hall of Famer, an honor she has earned through her performance and the example she set,” said Christian Okoye, a former NFL star who founded the California Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

Evans was born in Fullerton, CA, and was swimming competitively by the age of 5. Her exploits as a teenager earned her a ticket to Stanford University, where she was an eight-time All American.

At the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Evans dominated every event she entered, winning the 400-meter individual medley, the 400-meter freestyle and the 800-meter freestyle, breaking her own world record in the 400-meter freestyle and defeating her nearest rival in the 800-meter freestyle by almost three meters.

In 1992, she repeated her gold medal-winning performance in the 800-meter freestyle and won silver in the 400-meter freestyle.

Between 1986 and 1995, Evans won 25 of 27 major international races at 400 meters and 22 our 23 at 800 meters. Her 800 meters world record stood through four Olympic Games, until it was finally broken in 2008.

Evans has been a leading advocate for returning the Summer Olympics to Los Angeles and serves as chief athlete officer for the 2028 Summer Olympics Organizing Committee.

In 2021, Evans was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

Tickets are still available for the California Sports Hall of Fame Gala at: https://www.californiasportshalloffame.org/p/tickets. The event starts with a reception at 4 p.m., followed by a dinner and induction ceremony beginning at 5 p.m.

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(ONTARIO, California, May 5, 2025) – Jesse Sapolu won four Super Bowl rings with the San Francisco 49ers, was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and has the rare distinction of being named All Pro at both the center and guard positions.

But perhaps his most inspirational feat was returning to NFL after undergoing open-heart surgery – a comeback that earned him the prestigious Ed Block Courage Award in 1997.

On Sunday night (June 29), Sapolu will join four other legends – boxer Shane Mosley, four-time Olympic swimming gold medalist Janet Evans, soccer great Paul Caligiuri, and Olympian and NFL wide receiver Ron Brown – as the newest members of the California Sports Hall of Fame.

The five will be inducted during formal ceremonies at the Ontario Convention Center.

“Jesse Sapolu showed what can be accomplished through hard work, commitment and courage, and since his playing days, has dedicated himself to giving back. It is a privilege to welcome him as a Hall of Famer, an honor he has earned through his performance and the example he set,” said Christian Okoye, a former NFL star who founded the California Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

Sapolu was born in Samoa and raised in Hawaii, where he earned All-State honors in high school and was a three-time All-Western Athletic Conference selection as an offensive lineman for the University of Hawaii.

He is best known for his remarkable 15-year career with the 49ers, where he was a cornerstone of the team’s dynasty in the 1980s and 1990s, excelling at both center and guard.

Sapolu accomplished all of this despite a dangerous heart condition, which worsened during the 1996 season and led to surgery in January 1997. Within a month, he was running again and returned to play center for the 49ers that fall.

His inspiring comeback and his dedication to serving others since his retirement has had a lasting impact. He became a spokesperson for the American Heart Association, raising awareness for groundbreaking research and preventive screenings for athletes, founded the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame and the Polynesian Bowl, and founded the Men In The Trenches Lineman Academy, which has helped more than 250 high school linemen secure college scholarships.

Sapolu and his wife, Lisa, continue to shape young lives through the Sapolu Destined Academy, which blends elite sports performance training with academic excellence. And for the past quarter-century, he as served as Coordinator of Alumni Events and Community Relations for the 49ers.

Tickets are still available for the California Sports Hall of Fame Gala at: https://www.californiasportshalloffame.org/p/tickets. The event starts with a reception at 4 p.m., followed by a dinner and induction ceremony beginning at 5 p.m.

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(Ontario, California – April 15, 2025) – As National Volunteer Week (April 20-26) approaches, Greater Ontario California (GOCAL) invites community members to embrace the spirit of giving back. Volunteerism is more than just an act of kindness – it is a core American value and a pillar of our democracy. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 51% of Americans ages 16 and older, or approximately 124.7 million people, contribute their time to help a neighbor.

“Volunteering is one of the most impactful ways to connect with your community,” said Michael Krouse, President and CEO of GOCAL. “It fosters a sense of belonging, opens doors to new opportunities, and plays a vital role in ensuring visitors experience the best of what our region has to offer.”

GOCAL encourages residents to consider volunteering at some of the Inland Empire’s most iconic events, including Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion and Christmas on Euclid. These events attract tens of thousands of visitors each year, contributing to Greater Ontario California’s reputation as Southern California’s fastest-growing travel destination. Volunteers serve as ambassadors, helping to create welcoming and memorable experiences for guests from around the world.

In addition to supporting major events, volunteering offers personal benefits such as developing new skills, building relationships, and even enhancing career prospects. Many companies value community service as a reflection of leadership and teamwork, making volunteer experience a strong addition to a resume. Furthermore, studies show that acts of service boost overall well-being and happiness, creating a positive impact on both the individual and the community.

Those interested in volunteering for one of GOCAL’s Signature Events can sign up at GOCALevents.org. Whether assisting with event logistics, greeting attendees, or supporting local initiatives, volunteers play a crucial role in strengthening the community.

Celebrate National Volunteer Week by giving back, because when we come together, we all thrive.

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(ONTARIO, California, April 9, 2025) – Be part of an evening to remember by purchasing tickets to the 2025 Induction Ceremony for California Sports Hall of Fame, honoring five sports legends on Sunday, June 29, at the Ontario Convention Center.

Tickets are now available for this premier event, celebrating athletes whose on- and off-the-field contributions have had a profound impact on the state’s sports landscape.

The 2025 inductees are boxer Shane Mosley, who held multiple world championships in three weight classes; former San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Jesse Sapolu, owner of four Super Bowl rings; soccer legend Paul Caligiuri, best known for his “shot heard around the world” goal in the United States’ 1-0 World Cup qualifier victory in 1989; Janet Evans, the first American to win four individual Olympic gold medals in swimming; and Ron Brown, an NFL wide receiver who also won a gold medal in the 4-by-100-meter relays during the1984 Summer Olympics.

The California Sports Hall of Fame’s new website makes it easier than ever to purchase tickets andselect seats for the Induction Ceremony. The evening starts with a cocktail reception, red carpet photographs, and a silent auction. The Mayoral Ballroom sets the scene for an evening of live music, fabulous dinner, honors and recognition of California’s sports professionals. There are several ticket options available:

• Single-ticket prices are $275
• Tables of 10 are $2500
• Partnership packaging offer marketing amenities with your Table of 10

To guarantee the best seats, partnership opportunities are available for both the Inductee Gala and the California Sports Hall of Fame Golf Classic the following day, June 30, at Red Hill Country Club in Rancho Cucamonga. Those partnership opportunities range from $5,000 to $50,000 and can be found here.

Since its establishment in 2006, the California Sports Hall of Fame has honored more than 100 sports icons, while promoting fitness awareness, education and athletic activities for youth and adults. Beginning with this year’s induction ceremony, two students will be awarded CIF Southern Section Commissions scholarships of $2,500 each. Funding is provided by the California Sports Hall of Fame through its partnerships.

“The impact that our honorees have had cannot be measured in numbers alone. In so many different ways, they have enhanced and transformed the experience for fans and entire communities and helped to make California the center of the American sports scene,” said Christian Okoye, former All-Pro running back for the Kansas Chiefs and founder of the California Sports Hall of Fame.

(ONTARIO, California, March 19, 2025) – Five legends whose on- and off-the-field contributions have made an indelible impression on the California sports landscape will be inducted into the California Sports Hall of Fame this summer in Ontario.

The 2025 inductees are Boxer Shane Mosley, who held multiple world championships in three weight classes; former San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Jesse Sapolu, owner of four Super Bowl rings; soccer legend Paul Caligiuri, best known for his “shot heard around the world” goal in the United States’ 1-0 World Cup qualifier victory in 1989; Janet Evans, the first American to win four individual Olympic gold medals in swimming; and Ron Brown, an NFL wide receiver who also won a gold medal in the 4-by-100-meter relays during the1984 Summer Olympics.

They will be inducted during formal ceremonies on Sunday, June 29, at the Ontario Convention Center.

“The impact that these five sports industry legends have had cannot be measured in numbers alone. In so many different ways, they have enhanced and transformed the experience for fans and entire communities, and helped to make California the center of the American sports scene,” said Christian Okoye, former All-Pro running back for the Kansas Chiefs and founder of the California Sports Hall of Fame.

The California Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies will be followed on Monday, June 30, by a fund-raising golf tournament at Red Hill Country Club in Rancho Cucamonga.

Since its establishment in 2006, the California Sports Hall of Fame has honored more than 100 sports icons, while promoting fitness awareness, education and athletic activities for youth and adults.

To be eligible, California Sports Hall of Fame candidates must have been born in California, have significant state ties, or spent a substantial part of their amateur or professional careers in the state. Nominations are accepted from the public at large as well as the Advisory Committee and current Hall of Fame members. After a vetting process, qualified candidates are voted on by an electorate that includes the organization’s Founder and Advisory Committee.

Induction into the California Sports Hall of Fame is the equivalent of a lifetime achievement award. Honorees have typically spent decades in the sports industry, have been leaders in the industry and have an extensive list of accomplishments.

Beginning with this year’s induction ceremony, two students will be awarded CIF Southern Section Commissions scholarships of $2,500 each. Funding is provided by the California Sports Hall of Fame through its partnerships. Partnership opportunities are available for both the Inductee Gala and the Golf Classic. Those partnership opportunities range from $5,000 to $50,000 and can be found here.

“We are proud to once again host the California Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, one of many signature events that attract visitors from around the U.S. and the world to the fastest growing destination in our state,” said Michael Krouse, President and CEO of Greater Ontario California (GOCAL).

(ONTARIO, California, September 17, 2024) – The California Sports Hall of Fame is proud to partner with the California Interscholastic Federation-Southern Section (CIF-SS) in honoring high school students by supporting the Dr. Jim Staunton Champions for Character Commissioner’s Award and scholarship.

This year’s winners, Jackson Taylor of Thousand Oaks and Corrine Kalogonis from Canyon Spring High School, will be recognized at the 19^th Dr. Jim Staunton Champions for Character Awards Dinner on Monday, September 23, in Long Beach, along with other CIF-SS award winners. The two students also will be honored at the 2025 California Sports Hall of Fame banquet next June.

“It is a privilege to partner with CIF-SS in supporting the future academic journeys of outstanding local high school students. A big part of what we do at the California Sports Hall of Fame is promoting education through sports, and it’s through collaborations and partnerships such as this that we can fulfill that critical objective on behalf of our youth,” said Christian Okoye, a former NFL star who founded the California Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

Thirty-two other award winners will be recognized at Monday’s ceremony.

(ONTARIO, California, April 22, 2024) – Five legends whose on- and off-the-field contributions have made an indelible impression on the California sports landscape will be inducted into the California Sports Hall of Fame in Ontario. This year’s inductees are Lakers Iron Man A.C. Green Jr., who holds a National Basketball Association record for most regular-season games played; San Diego State and Rams running back Marshall Faulk, the National Football League’s Most Valuable Player in 2000; Scott Boras, who was named by Forbes magazine as the Most Powerful Sports Agent in the World; quarterback Rodney Peete, an All-America with the University of Southern California who played 15 years in the NFL; and Andrew Bernstein, who has served as the official sports photographer for most professional teams in Los Angeles and is the NBA’s longest-tenured photographer. They will be inducted during formal ceremonies on Sunday, June 30, at the Ontario Convention Center. “The impact that these five sports industry legends have had cannot be measured in numbers alone. In so many different ways, they have enhanced and transformed the experience for fans and entire communities and helped to make California the center of the American sports scene,” said Christian Okoye, former All-Pro running back for the Kansas Chiefs and founder of the California Sports Hall of Fame. The California Sports Hall of Fame Inductee Gala will be followed by the Celebrity Golf Classic on Monday, July 1 at Red Hill Country Club in Rancho Cucamonga.