Five former Rams were inducted to the Fresno City College Football Wall of Fame on Aug. 28 at the 27th annual Induction Dinner at Pardini’s Restaurant.  

The 2016 honorees were Kyle Biggs, Zac Diles, Derek Hubbard, LaVance Ray and Marquell Stinson.  Frances Lippman, retired director of admissions and records, was also inducted as the cornerstone.

“These players were told they had to be a good football player and a good teammate,” Tony Caviglia, head football coach said.

Caviglia said each inductee transferred from FCC and graduated with degrees from some of the best colleges in the country. He had told the inductees what he tells all his players. “You’ve got to be productive in society.”

He said it was the inductees’ hardwork and commitment to society that earned them the honor of the Wall of Fame.

All the inductees expressed gratitude for the honor.

Inductee LaVance Ray advised the current football team to uphold the Ram standard. “Don’t give the other schools a claim to fame for beating a dominant Rams football team,” he said.

At the ceremony, each inductee had a special table which they shared with family and friends and were able to share their memories of being on the FCC football team.

The men talked about having to study hard to maintain good grades along with early morning and late night practices. They also recalled the games and the fans and the victories and losses.

Now with the recognition, these former players will continue to influence future generations of players who can see their names on the Wall of Fame and aspire to do the same.

The Football Wall of Fame organizers also honor an individual who has supported the program and contributed to the team.

Frances Lippman, the Cornerstone inductee for 2016, had relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, after her retirement was there with her husband, retired FCC counselor, Fred Emerling as well as her family and friends.

Caviglia said Lippman aided the success of the football program.   He said, “I couldn’t do my job without you.”