Inductee Class of 2026: Individual Videos

Celise Carroll (basketball and track)
Coach Bill Clement, Legacy Inductee (swimming)
Samuel Garcia (cross country and track)
Zach Johnson (wrestling)
Kyle Krause (basketball)
Brent Paul (football)
Chris Wedel (baseball and football)
Girls Tennis Team, 2015 Valley Champions

View Inductee Class of 2026 PHOTO GALLERY

Celise Carroll — Athlete (Class of 1993)

Celise Carroll distinguished herself as an outstanding two-sport athlete at Wasco High School, excelling in both basketball and track and field. As a member of the Tigers’ basketball program, she helped capture a South Sequoia League championship. On the track, she became one of the Valley’s leading runners and hurdlers, winning dozens of competitions at meets throughout the region.

Celise was a South Sequoia League champion in several events, including the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 300-meter low hurdles. Among her many victories was the 1990 Corcoran Invitational, where she won the 300-meter low hurdles with a time of 49.9 seconds. That year, she was named the Girls’ Varsity Most Valuable Runner and earned All-League and All-Area honors.

Her consistent success earned her three trips to the State Championships—once in the 100-meter hurdles and twice in the 300-meter low hurdles. She capped her State competition with an outstanding sixth-place finish in the 300-meter low hurdles, establishing herself as one of California’s elite high school athletes.

Celise carried that momentum to the University of California, Davis, where she continued to win events and earn honors at the NCAA Division II level. She developed into one of the nation’s premier Division II hurdlers, earning Outdoor All-American honors in the 400-meter hurdles in both 1996 and 1997. She followed those achievements with Indoor All-American recognition as a member of the 4x400-meter relay team in 1998.

Her performances left a lasting mark on the UC Davis track and field program. Celise holds multiple places in the school’s all-time record book, ranking second in the 400-meter hurdles, third in the indoor 4x400-meter relay, fourth in the indoor 55-meter hurdles, sixth in the indoor 400-meter hurdles, and 10th in the 100-meter hurdles.

After earning her undergraduate degree from UC Davis, Celise pursued graduate studies at San José State University. She built a career as an occupational therapist, dedicating her professional life to supporting children with special needs.

Celise has been married for 25 years and is the proud mother of two children. Her achievements as a Tiger, a three-time collegiate All-American, and a dedicated professional reflect a lifelong commitment to excellence and service to others.

Bill Clement, Legacy Inductee (1962) — Coach

William “Bill” Clement is being inducted as a legendary swim coach whose leadership transformed Wasco High School into a Central Valley swimming power. During his 17 years at the helm, he built a championship program, developed generations of successful swimmers, and established a standard of excellence that became an important part of Tiger athletics history.

Bill took over the boys and girls swimming programs from Hall of Fame Coach Jack Burtner in 1960 and served as head coach through 1976. He significantly increased participation in the program while developing the Tigers into one of the region’s strongest and deepest teams.

Under Bill’s leadership, Wasco captured 20 South Sequoia League team championships. Many of his swimmers won league titles in individual and relay events and went on to compete and place at Central Valley Championship meets. The extraordinary strength of his program was especially evident in 1974, when an unprecedented 22 members of Wasco’s boys and girls teams qualified for the Valley Championship meet.

Bill’s influence as a swimming coach extended beyond high school competition. He was instrumental in establishing a summer swim-lesson program through the Wasco Recreation and Parks District, expanding opportunities for local children to become confident swimmers. It also became common for members of his teams to serve as lifeguards at the Wasco Recreation public pool, allowing his athletes to use their training to work, lead, and serve their community.

Bill also made a lasting impact as an educator and artist. From 1962 through 1982, he taught arts and crafts at Wasco High. He designed and painted the school crest that continues to hang in the gymnasium and remains one of Wasco High’s most recognizable symbols. The crest continues to appear on Valley Championship rings and other Tiger memorabilia. Bill also painted the school’s alma mater on the gym wall, where it remains part of every pep rally and unites generations of Tigers in song.

His life of service began long before his years at Wasco High. Bill joined the United States Marine Corps at age 18 and served during World War II. He earned the Purple Heart and served as one of General Douglas MacArthur’s personal bodyguards.

Bill and his wife, Gloria, raised four children: Terry Gallagher, Randy, Kim, and DeDee Hallmark. Their family grew to include six grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

As the Wasco High Athletic Hall of Fame’s first Legacy Inductee, Coach Bill Clement represents the very meaning of a lasting legacy. His championship teams, commitment to his athletes, and contributions to aquatics throughout the community established him as one of the most influential coaches in Wasco High history.

Samuel Garcia — Athlete (Class of 1974)

Samuel “Sammy” Garcia distinguished himself as one of Wasco High School’s finest distance runners and most accomplished two-sport athletes of the early 1970s. A standout in both cross country and track and field, he became the first student-athlete in school history to earn varsity letters in both sports during all four years of high school.

Through hard work and under the tutelage of Wasco High Hall of Fame coaches Bill Peck and Andy Darby, Sammy developed into one of the region’s elite runners. He was part of an exceptionally talented group of cross-country athletes from Lost Hills whose discipline, determination, and close bond helped build a lasting tradition of distance-running excellence at Wasco High. Reflecting on that special group, friend and teammate Chris Rivera said, “We were McFarland USA before McFarland USA.”

Sammy was named the Tigers’ Most Valuable Track Athlete in each of his four seasons and served as team captain during his senior year. That year, he captured League, Area, and Valley championships and placed first in South Sequoia League competition in the half-mile, mile, two-mile, and mile relay.

His remarkable performances produced school records in the half-mile (2:00), mile (4:24), two-mile (9:24), and three-mile (14:54). His achievements earned him recognition as the 1975 Prep Track and Field Athlete of the Year and as a High School All-American.

Today, Sammy lives in Washington with his wife, Ruth. He is the proud father of David and father-in-law to Amanda, and he continues to serve others by sharing God’s word online as Minister Samuel.

Zach Johnson — Athlete (Class of 2006)

Zach Johnson was a talented multi-sport athlete at Wasco High School, playing multiple positions for the Tigers’ football team and playing on the golf team while establishing himself as one of the school’s finest wrestlers. His lifelong connection to wrestling began at just four years old and grew into outstanding high school and collegiate careers defined by talent, discipline, and hard work.

Zach entered high school as an accomplished young wrestler and earned a place on the varsity team as a freshman. Despite his early success, he never stopped working to improve. He progressed each season and reached the peak of his high school career as a senior, when he made an impressive run at the State Championships.

Wrestling for the Tigers from 2002 to 2006, Zach became a three-time South Sequoia League champion, a two-time Valley champion, and a two-time State qualifier. He placed seventh and fourth at the Masters Tournament and capped his senior season with a fifth-place finish at the State Championships.

Following his graduation from Wasco High, Zach continued his wrestling career at Bakersfield College. At BC, he made the state tournament both his freshman and sophomore years, placing 5th his freshman year.  After graduating from BC, he competed at San Francisco State University for two years, after making the team as a walk-on.

When he returned home from San Francisco, he began giving back to the sport that had shaped his life. He assisted with Wasco’s youth wrestling program and later coached at Wasco High and with several club programs in Bakersfield, helping a new generation of wrestlers develop their skills and appreciation for the sport.

Zach’s involvement in wrestling continues today, and he has passed his love of the sport along to his son, Brett, who competes in local programs. Away from the mat, Zach works alongside his parents in the family trucking business. He and his wife, Kacee, are the proud parents of Brett and their daughter, Randee.

Kyle Krause — Athlete (Class of 2004)

Kyle Krause, a member of the Wasco High School Class of 2004, exemplified the very best of what it means to be a student-athlete. A three-year varsity starter and standout center for the Tigers, Kyle earned First Team All-South Sequoia League honors three times and was selected to The Bakersfield Californian’s All-Area Team in consecutive seasons.The Tigers made successful playoff runs during each of Kyle’s three varsity seasons. An exceptional talent during a particularly strong era of high school basketball, Kyle was known and respected throughout Kern County and the Central Valley. During his career, he matched up with and held his own against three centers who would become NBA first-round draft picks: Robert Swift, Brook Lopez, and Robin Lopez.During his senior season, the 6-foot-8 center averaged 17.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. Known for his polished footwork and fundamentally sound play, Kyle was a fierce competitor and respected teammate. His accomplishments earned him a basketball scholarship to Cal Poly Pomona, making him the only Wasco High boys basketball player in the past 50 years to earn a college basketball scholarship, a distinction he continues to hold. Kyle also received scholarship offers from Cal State Bakersfield and Seattle University.

Kyle’s excellence extended far beyond the basketball court. He completed a full schedule of Advanced Placement courses while serving as vice president of Wasco High’s FFA chapter and earning his State FFA Degree. His ability to balance academics, athletics, leadership, and agricultural activities distinguished him as one of Wasco High’s most accomplished students.

Kyle played center for Cal Poly Pomona from 2005–2009, helping the Broncos compile a 75–41 record. In 2009, he helped the team win the CCAA regular-season championship and NCAA West Region championship before advancing to the NCAA Division II national championship game.Kyle was equally distinguished academically at Cal Poly Pomona. He was a four-time All-CCAA Academic Award recipient, a three-time D2 ADA Academic Achievement Award recipient, and the university’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2005, 2007, and 2009. He was also named to the NABC Honors Court and earned Dean’s List recognition 12 times.

Kyle graduated summa cum laude in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He later earned an Executive Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University and built a successful engineering career in Michigan. Kyle passed away unexpectedly in 2021 at the age of 34. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Erin; sons, Colton and Owen; parents, Kincade and Katherine; brother, Justin; and the many relatives, friends, teammates, and coaches whose lives he touched.

Brent Paul — Athlete (Class of 1990)

Brent varsity lettered in 4 different sports during his athletic career at WUHS, earning All-League in Tennis, Wrestling and Football. He also graduated with honors as a lifetime member of the California Scholastic Federation.   

He was a four-year letterman in Tennis, winning a team SSL Championship, a Valley Championship, and a Doubles Championship with his partner Steve Bloemhof.  Brent Paul and Steve Bloemhof hold the WUHS record for most wins in a season and in a career. Brent was team MVP in ’88, ’89, and ’90. 

Brent lettered in wrestling as a freshman and sophomore.  During his sophomore campaign, he won the South Sequia League Championship, was runner up in the Sequoia Divisional finals, and placed 6th in the Central Section Championships.  Brent lost to only two opponents his sophomore year.  He was the team MVP in ’88. 

After deciding not to wrestle, Brent participated in Basketball his senior year where he earned the 6th man of the year award from Coach Gary Cheatwood.

The sport that Brent prioritized in High School was football.  Brent was a two-year starter and All League/All Area QB for the Tigers.  He flourished in Rod Wallace’s system that was built for a quarterback that could both run and throw the football.  Brent led the Tigers to an historic run in 1989, which included Wasco’s first appearance into the playoffs in 30 years, the school’s first playoff win in 35 years, and their first trip to the Valley Championship game since 1952. 

After Wasco High, Brent played football at Bakersfield College, McPherson College, and Bethany College.  He earned All-conference honors at both Bakersfield College and McPherson College.  While at McPherson College, he also earned All-conference honors in golf.  

After college, Brent continued to be active in football by coaching at Bakersfield College. He has had stints as the receivers coach and as the quarterbacks coach.  Under his tutelage, Brent has produced:  Fourteen Division 1 players, six Jr. College All Americans, three NFL players, and one NFL Coach.  During his coaching tenure, BC played in four Southern California Championships and one State Championship game, winning the State Championship in 2012.

Chris Wedel — Athlete (Class of 2003)

Chris Wedel grew up in Wasco, competing in youth sports in the shadows of his three older brothers, following their example while working to make his own mark. Those early experiences helped develop the talent and competitive spirit he later carried to Wasco High School.

At Wasco High, Chris became an outstanding two-sport athlete. On the football field, he starred at inside linebacker and was a key contributor to the Tigers’ defense. On the baseball diamond, he developed into a talented left-handed pitcher. His baseball career continued to flourish throughout high school as the velocity and effectiveness of his pitches improved each season—a progression that continued at the collegiate level.

After graduating from Wasco High, Chris continued his baseball career at Taft College and then went on to star at William Penn University. He put together his best collegiate season during his final year, earning All-American honors after compiling a 10–3 record and a 2.39 earned run average over 79 innings. He recorded seven complete games and three shutouts while striking out 73 batters and allowing only 23 walks.

After earning his degree in physical education from William Penn, Chris returned to Wasco and began giving back to the schools and athletic programs that helped shape him. He worked as a substitute teacher while coaching baseball at Taft College and football at Wasco High. As an assistant baseball coach, he helped guide the Tigers to the 2017 Valley Championship.

Chris later became the head varsity football coach at Foothill High School, where he is now in his third year leading the program. Despite his professional coaching responsibilities, he remains closely connected to his hometown and continues to volunteer with youth athletic programs in Wasco.

Chris and his wife, Valerie, have been married for nearly 12 years. They are the proud parents of two sons, Braxton and Carson.

Girl Tennis Team (2015 Valley Champions)

The year 2015 marked a special chapter in the history of Wasco Union High School. As the campus and community celebrated the school’s 100th anniversary, the Girls Varsity Tennis Team added its own unforgettable achievement by capturing the first Central Section championship in program history.

Led by Hall of Fame Coach Joe Hively and Assistant Coach Cody Beach, the Lady Tigers combined exceptional talent with remarkable depth. Hively described Arianna Acevedo Velez, Serena Contreras, Samantha Martinez Torres, and Kassandra Martin Moreno as “four interchangeable No. 1s.” Their strength was reflected in the postseason honors they received: Arianna and Serena were named to the BVarsity All-Area Second Team, while Samantha and Kassandra earned honorable mention recognition.

Hively also recognized athletic potential beyond experienced tennis players, recruiting new athletes such as Kori Martinez from a physical education class to help complete the roster. The result was a balanced, determined team that Hively remembers as one of the most focused groups he ever coached.

The Lady Tigers finished the season with an outstanding 22–3 record, which included regular-season victories over Division I opponents Centennial and Frontier. After falling in the Division IV semifinals in each of the previous two seasons, Wasco entered the 2015 Central Section playoffs as the division’s No. 1 seed. The Tigers left no doubt in the semifinals, sweeping Strathmore 9–0 to advance to the championship match against second-seeded Chowchilla.

In the final, Wasco’s players gathered along the fence to support Stephanie Acevedo Sepulveda in the No. 6 singles match. One more victory would secure the championship, but Stephanie had to earn it. After dropping the opening set, she battled for two hours and 10 minutes, won the second set 6–3, and prevailed 10–5 in the deciding tiebreaker. Her comeback gave Wasco a 5–1 lead after singles play and officially clinched the championship before doubles began. The Lady Tigers completed the historic victory with a decisive 7–2 final score.

Arianna, Serena, Samantha, and Kassandra combined for six victories—four in singles and two in doubles—in the championship match. The performance fulfilled the goal the players had pursued throughout the season. Coach Hively said, “They played well. They were focused. They wanted it bad. And they went out and took it.” The victory also gave Hively his first section championship in 42 seasons of coaching boys and girls tennis at Wasco High, including 30 years leading the girls program.

The championship team was composed of Stephanie Acevedo Sepulveda, Arianna Acevedo Velez, Alex Biggs Mestaz, Serena Contreras, Jocelyn Lule Prieto, Kori Martinez, Samantha Martinez Torres, and Kassandra Martin Moreno.

Through their talent, perseverance, and commitment to one another, the 2015 Lady Tigers created a legacy that extends far beyond the tennis court. Their historic championship forever linked the team to Wasco High’s Centennial year and remains one of the proudest accomplishments in Tiger athletics history.