From the football field to the basketball court to the oval of the track, San Lorenzo Valley High School has generated outstanding athletic talent. On Nov. 5, some of those decorated athletes will be on hand to celebrate their induction into the SLV Sports Hall of Fame.
The ceremony will take place at the Santa Cruz Elks Lodge from 4-10pm, and will feature individuals coach Rob Collins, runner Anna Maxwell, track standout Eli Gladden and quarterback Dave Neal and the 1999 & 2000 Central Coast Section Champion football teams.
Maxwell, who graduated in 2014 after setting the state a blaze en route to section and state championships in track and cross country, said she is thrilled to have been nominated. She attributed her success as a runner to the love and support of her family and coaches, and the culture of athletic excellence at SLVHS.
“Perhaps more significantly, many of these alumni have come back to the school to support the next generation whether as teachers, coaches, or as boosters,” she said. “It is that sense of community loyalty that has helped our small-town school compete for state titles year after year.”
With the guidance of coaches Thea Jorgensen and Rob Collins, Maxwell was able to compete internationally and earned a full-ride scholarship to the University of Washington.
“I will forever be grateful to everyone at SLV who supported me on my journey,” said Maxwell.
Collins has a long history with coaching. He was the varsity cross county and track coach at SLV from 1998 to 2016. During his tenure, he coached many athletes to SCCAL, CCS and State titles. His cross country teams won two league, 12 CCS, and five state championships, and his track athletes accumulated 31 league, 15 CCS and three state titles.
In 2000, the SLV girl’s Distance Medley Team set the national record at the Penn Relays. Collins was awarded the Wayne Richards Coach of the Year Award in 2000, 2009 and 2016.
“I’ve always believed it’s a 50-50 partnership, and it comes down to trust. I have to trust them, they have to trust me, and I have to teach them to believe in themselves no matter what. A lot of coaching is teaching kids how to get back up after they fall,” he said.
After moving to Colorado in 2016, Collins continued to coach, resulting in two more state champions, nine more regional championship teams and four individual state champions.
“The day I feel like I’m not learning will be the day I step away,” said Collins.
And as for the Hall of Fame nomination?
“I’m really honored to be inducted with Anna Maxwell, and I’ve been very fortunate to remain close with many of my athletes over the years,” said Collins. “I look forward to seeing some of them at the ceremony.”
Gladden competed in multiple sports during his high school years, including football, where he was an All League and All County defensive back as a senior in 1992. But his heart belonged to the track. As a high jumper, Gladden was the CCS champion during his senior year. He went on to UC Santa Barbara where he competed in both high and triple jump, ultimately winning the Big West Conference title in high jump during his senior year.
Gladden’s grandfather was a world-class triple jumper. He attributes his success to those inherited genes, and he’s seemingly passed on those abilities to his own five children, including his oldest daughter who’s running track for New York University. Gladden said that his hall of fame induction was meant to happen in 2020, but Covid canceled the event.
“I’m really honored to be associated with the program, and to have my name attached to it,” he said.
Sponsored by the SLVHS Athletic Boosters, event organizer Debbie Sanders says attendees can expect a great meal and an uplifting evening of great stories.
“This is really a reunion for so many of our former coaches and athletes,” said Sanders. “We’re looking forward to seeing everyone, and honoring their commitment to the success of our athletic program.”
Interested in attending? The cost is $55 per dinner ticket, and space is limited. Contact Mark Mercer at mm*********@gm***.com for information.
