June 27, 2025
Sports

Westmont welcomes first Hall of Fame class Saturday

Westmont's home boys basketball game Saturday against Latin will be just part of the attraction for fans of Sentinel athletics.



The evening will also see Westmont open the doors to its first Hall of Fame class, with six inductees being honored in a ceremony at the conclusion of the sophomore basketball game.

Two former coaches will be among those honored.

John Soldwedel coached the boys basketball team for 11 seasons and led the Sentinels to three regional titles and the team's first appearance at the state finals in 1985-86 season. Ron Fiala, who coached baseball, football, wrestling and softball, will also be enshrined.

The 2000-01 boys basketball, which finished fourth in the state, will be inducted as a team. Members of the squad included Pierre Pierce, Jason Vervack, Thomas Frawley, Michael DelPreto, Nick Liaromatis, Brandon Steadman, Matt Forzley, Steve Larsen, Brett Laduzinsky,  Brian Mizuki, Adam Hardy, Jody Urbas, Tony Jedd, Matt Wenig and Tonio Knierim.

Individuals who will be inducted are Chris Bailey, state cross country champion in 1993 and 1994; Dan Benton, who was second in the 400-meter dash at the 2007 state track and field meet and also anchored the 4 x 400 relay to second place; and Michelle Hletko, the Sentinels' starting softball pitcher when they finished fourth in the state in 2006.