CHICO, Calif. - TelAve -- The Westport Event Venue hosted the Chico High Sports Boosters' Hall of Fame Dinner on Saturday, September 19, 2026, welcoming the second class of the Chico High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Some 350 guests filled the Ballroom for an evening of cocktails, dinner, and ceremony honoring the athletes, coaches, and contributors whose commitment and talent left a lasting mark on Chico High athletics. The Westport donated two additional spaces for the night. The Conservatory held the bar and tables of Panther memorabilia, while the Library was given to the Chico High Foundation, which spent the evening recording alumni video stories ahead of the school's 125th anniversary next year. "It ran long, but nobody wanted it to end," said Sara Barroso of The Westport. "It felt like one big family reunion — generations of Panthers in one room, telling stories, and celebrating people who shaped this school. Nights like that are exactly what this building is for." The evening opened with cocktails and dinner before the induction ceremony, where each honoree was recognized for championship performances, record-breaking achievements, leadership, and sportsmanship. The night before, inductees were also honored on the track at Chico High's football game, as the Panthers ran onto the field. The night closed with a heartwarming speech from longtime coach Sam Simmons (1990–2009) that brought tears to the audience — a reminder of just why we love Chico High and this community.

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2026 Inductees — Chico High School Athletic Hall of Fame • Suzanne Richter • Stacey Shols • Luanne Park • Michele Furr • Kurt Kitayama • Gerry Conlee • Bob Shults • Gary Hertzfeldt • Marissa White • Audi Spencer • Amber Simmons • Roger Grant • Mike Del Carlo • Doug Parker • Sam Simmons • Bob Hanson • Kathy Haines • John Beck • Deanna Keyawa • Tommy Costar • Lloyd Maddy Madsen • Al Schlueter • Mel Jones • Jane Dolan • Jim Gilmore Team inductions: • 1923 Baseball Team • 1988 Football Team • 2004 Girls Basketball Team
Among the evening's honorees was Simmons, a Chico High and Chico State standout who led his teams to seven boys basketball section championships, and contributor Jim Gilmore, recognized for a lifetime of leadership on behalf of student-athletes. The 2004 Girls Basketball Team was inducted together, reuniting teammates on the Westport stage more than two decades after their season.

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The Westport is downtown Chico's premier boutique event venue at 603 Broadway Street. Set in a reimagined 12,000-square-foot historic building, The Westport hosts weddings, conferences, celebrations, and community gatherings in its Ballroom, Conservatory, and Library spaces.  To find out more, visit https://thewestportchico.com/