Protocol Paused LA Sportswalk Of Fame Inductions Resume In San Pedro

Event environment and retired battleship USS Iowa, moored in San Pedro, acts as the anchor site for the The 2023 Los Angeles Sportswalk Of Fame inductees Image Credit: LA Sportswalk Of Fame (2023)

Protocol Paused LA Sportswalk Of Fame Inductions Resume In San Pedro

Following the tumult created through our civic response to the threats perceived from an experimental virus that escaped from a lab in Wuhan China, the resumption of, after a protocol three year pause due to COVID-19, the Los Angeles Sportswalk Of Fame presentations were held October 9th, 2023, amid a great and anticipatory crowd primarily of folks local to San Pedro.

Los Angeles Sportswalk inductees pose with presenters to capture the 2023 class on the USS Iowa. Image Credit: Myles Regan - REGAN DIGITAL IMAGES (2023)

San Pedro, renowned for its prolific production of exceptional athletes, saw the inception of the San Pedro Sportswalk in 1978, a visionary idea proposed by former city Councilman John S. Gibson. This initiative sought to honor outstanding collegiate, Olympic, and professional athletes who had emerged from the city. Reminiscent of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Sportswalk adorned Beacon Street District with bronze plaques, each bearing the name of a sports luminary and a symbolic representation of their respective sport.

Main deck of the USS Iowa. Image Credit: Myles Regan - REGAN DIGITAL IMAGES (2023)

A period of hiatus for the Sportswalk occurred from 1998 to 2004. However, the Sportswalk to the Waterfront committee undertook the revival of this esteemed event as part of a broader strategy to breathe new life into San Pedro's historic downtown and establish a connection to its waterfront. This resurgence marked not only the return of the Sportswalk but also signaled the revitalization of the Beacon Street District.

Master of ceremonies FOX Sports college football analyst and a San Pedro USC football family standout Petros Papadakis. Image Credit: Myles Regan - REGAN DIGITAL IMAGES (2023) 

This annual celebration takes place in October and is orchestrated by the Sportswalk to the Waterfront committee. The Los Angeles Sportswalk Of Fame has expanded to include Local, Regional, National Athletes along with Coaches (Trani Award), and Veteran Services Members (Tillman Award), and Special Individuals Sports (Sports Humanitarian Award).

The Los Angeles Sportswalk Of Fame encompasses a diverse array of sports categories, reflecting the multifaceted achievements of San Pedro's athletes. These categories include Auto Racing, Baseball, Basketball, Boxing, Coaching and Leadership, Fitness, Football, Hockey, Horse Racing, Media, Softball, Surfing and Water Sports, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, and Water Polo. Each bronze plaque, meticulously crafted, stands as a testament to the indelible mark left by San Pedro's sporting legends, forever enshrined in the city's history.

Image Credit: Myles Regan - REGAN DIGITAL IMAGES (2023)

The 2023 Los Angeles Sportswalk Of Fame inductees and their respective awards are as follows:

Image Credit: Myles Regan - REGAN DIGITAL IMAGES (2023)

1. ** Bryan Bero ** - Local Athlete Award:

   - Bero was a standout athlete, including playing football at Bishop Montgomery High School and the University of Utah.

   - He was a four-year football letterman and three-year starter at fullback for the University of Utah.

   - Bero holds the Utah record for most receptions in a season by a running back.

Image Credit: Myles Regan - REGAN DIGITAL IMAGES (2023)

2. ** Alex Gray ** - Local and International Award:

   - Gray is a professional surfer known for riding some of the largest waves in the world.

   - He has been featured on the cover of prominent surf magazines and has won competitions such as the Nelscott Reef Big Wave Tour event.

Image Credit: Myles Regan - REGAN DIGITAL IMAGES (2023)

3. ** John Papadakis ** - Trani Award:

   - Papadakis was a highly accomplished athlete in high school, excelling in football, baseball, and track.

   - He continued his success at USC, where he was a star middle linebacker.

   - Papadakis authored "Turning of the Tide," a book recounting the historic 1970 USC/Alabama game.

   - He has been active in the community and was involved in advocating for San Pedro's waterfront development.

4. ** Fred Roggin ** - Humanitarian Award:

   - Roggin is a retired sports anchor known for his career at KNBC-TV and as a co-host of a sports talk radio show.

   - He hosted the NBC sports coverage of the 2008 Special Olympics and received numerous awards for his sports broadcasting.

   - Roggin continues to work in radio alongside former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete.

Image Credit: Myles Regan - REGAN DIGITAL IMAGES (2023)

5. **The Trani Majestic Family ** - Lifetime Achievement Award:

   - The Trani family, including Lou, Jim, Jack, John, and Phil, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

   - Their restaurant, Trani's Majestic Cafe, was a Southern California sports institution and played a pivotal role in establishing the Sportswalk Of Fame in San Pedro.

   - They were avid supporters of local sports teams and brought star power to the port community through their restaurant.

Image Credit: Myles Regan - REGAN DIGITAL IMAGES (2023)

6. ** Kim M. White ** - Community Service Award:

   - Kim White is a triathlete with a doctorate and an extensive background in athletic competitions.

   - She has competed in numerous triathlons, marathons, cycling tours, and swimming events.

   - White has been involved in community service, including organizing the New Year's Day swim at Cabrillo Beach and serving as an officer for the Cabrillo Beach Polar Bear Club.

   - She is also a personal trainer, triathlon coach, and the first female exalted ruler for the San Pedro Elks Lodge.

These individuals have made significant contributions to the world of sports and their communities, earning them recognition and awards in the 2023 Los Angeles Sportswalk Of Fame induction.

It was grand to share time in the company of honorees and those who appreciated their accomplishments, again in a face to face gathering of like minded souls through this historic setting in San Pedro.

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: Los Angeles Sportswalk Of Fame, San Pedro, 2023, USS Iowa, Beacon Street District, The EDJE