BBHS Athletic Hall of Fame names its inaugural class of seven

Big Bear High School will celebrate the first-ever class of its Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, September 11, at 6 p.m. at Destination Big Bear, honoring seven people — athletes, coaches, and a community chronicler — who helped shape Bears athletics across decades. Tickets must be purchased by September 8, and proceeds will fund student-athlete scholarships and a new interactive athletics display at BBHS.^[1]

The Class of 2026

The full class of seven inductees is Dave Griffiths, Jared M. Landaker, Dick LeRoy, Mike Clifton, Ryan Hall, Kathy Portie, and Don Gifford.^[1] Profiles of Griffiths, Landaker, and Clifton appeared in the August 21 edition of the Big Bear Grizzly; the remaining four honorees are detailed below.

Dick LeRoy was a standout basketball player at BBHS who earned All-CIF Southern Section honors, then went on to play center at Pepperdine University from 1961 to 1963. After his playing days, LeRoy came back to the mountain, returning to BBHS as a chemistry teacher and varsity basketball head coach — sharing his knowledge and love of the game with generations of Bears. He plans to attend the induction dinner with his family.^[1]

Ryan Hall may be the most decorated athlete in BBHS history. While competing for the Bears, he became a two-time California state cross country champion and a state champion in track, setting a state record in the 1,600 meters. He also received the Ken Hubbs Memorial Award during his time at the school. Hall went on to run at Stanford University and became a two-time U.S. Olympian — and made history as the first American to complete a half marathon in under one hour.^[1]

Kathy Portie spent 23 years as a photojournalist for the Big Bear Grizzly, retiring as senior editor in 2023, though she never stopped covering BBHS teams after stepping down. Her photography and reporting preserved countless moments in Bears history and ensured generations of athletes got the recognition they deserved.^[1]

Don Gifford served as BBHS head football coach from 1970 through 1978, a tenure that produced the program's first league titles and first CIF playoff appearances in school history. The foundation of hard work and pride that his teams built has carried through to Bears football ever since.^[1]

Tickets and what the money funds

General admission tickets are $100 each. A limited number of VIP tables are also available; each includes 10 tickets, premium table placement, priority entry, dedicated table service, personalized recognition on event visuals and in the Hall of Fame program, special amenities, and a commemorative gift.^[1]

Proceeds will go toward Bear Backers student-athlete scholarships and a new interactive athletics display at BBHS that will feature school sports records, historic photos and videos, and current athletic updates.^[1]

Tickets are on sale through September 8 at https://tinyurl.com/yfvwx3dh (opens in a new tab).