El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame 2025 Class Announcement
Hello, I am Ruben R. Ramirez your President of the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame and on behalf of our title Sponsor The El Paso Sports Commission I am pleased to announce the 2025 Hall of Fame Class.
These individuals have been selected by our Hall of Fame Committee members:
In the Living Athlete Category, they are
Bobby R. Kirkley
- A basketball player, Kirkley is a Parkland High School Graduate and went on to Eastern New Mexico University where he is in the school’s Hall of Fame
- He led all NAIA Schools in the nation in scoring in 1976 at Eastern New Mexico and is the second leading scorer at the college All-Time
Kendra Chambers Coleman
- A State Track Champion at Hanks High School in the 400 meters in Track and later continued here decorated Track Career at UTEP and the University of Texas
- At University of Texas was an 8 time All-American in the 400 meters, 600 indoors, 800 meters and 4×400 relays
Natalia Hinojo
- Natalia was one of the most dominant female wrestlers in the nation hailing from Montwood High School, winning a Texas State Wrestling Title in 2012 with a record of 35-0.
- She was a two-time High School Wrestling All-American and a two-time Collegiate Wrestling Female All American at Oklahoma Christian University qualifying for the Olympic Trials in 2016
In the Coach/Administrator Category there are
Two inductees
Cory Herman
- The face of Youth and Professional Hockey in the Sun City, Mr. Herman coached the El Paso Rhinos to over 700 wins, 2 national titles and 4 Thorne Cup titles
- Herman, a professional hockey player retired from the El Paso Buzzards in 2006. In the 22 years of Hermans involvement in hockey he has grown the El Paso Rhinos and the El Paso Hockey Association to a National level
Yesenia Alarcon – Ortega
- Yesenia has won 9 District Championships, 13 Bi-District Championships and 4 Area Championships as the Head Volleyball Coach at her Alma Mater El Paso High School
- She has won over 465 volleyball games in her coaching career and was El Paso High School outstanding Ex in 2021
In the Official Category the selection is
Scott Smelser
- Inducted in 2022 to the Sun City Athletic Trainers Hall of Fame
- Has taped over 25,000 ankles during his historic career and was Eastwood High Schools Head Trainer for 30 years
The Media/Supporter of Athletics Category is
Joe Muench
- A 40-year career of a no-nonsense style of writing earned him numerous state and national awards
- Served as Sports Editor in Las Cruces and El Paso and covered 24 Sun Bowl Football Annual Games working in Las Cruces and El Paso Herald Post and El Paso Times
Lastly in the Posthumous Category the individual is
Leon Wade
- A long time Summer Track Coach and who many say really raised Summer Track to another level getting youth athletes national recognition
- Coached Summer Track Youngsters, including Aaron and Alvin Jones, Kayla Thornton and Kendra Chambers
Congratulations to all 16 nominees and on behalf of our Title Sponsor, the El Paso Sports Commission and the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame congrats again to the 2025 Class.
With this Great Class, the banquet is a sure sell out so get your tickets now at epahof.com for only $50 per person.
A quick reminder that tickets WILL NOT be SOLD at the door.
The banquet will be held on Tuesday, June 24th with doors opening at 5 p.m. at El Paso Community College, 9050 Viscount Blvd. Justa reminder that NO ALCOHOL is allowed in the building.
For more information 915-373-6708
Total Voters: 76 out of 82
