On November 1st, the Cougar Foundation gathered to induct 4 new members into the Sahuaro Hall of Fame: Chuck Stopani, Dan Gaul, Vicki Saxon, and Kendrick Wilson. Advanced Choir, Advanced Guitar, Culinary Club, and Student Council presidents were all present to welcome the new members and, of course, Sahuaro alumni. Student Council students were stationed at the front, greeting all the alumni; meanwhile, Advanced Guitar performed numerous songs from their repertoire while people were walking in. At last, Culinary Club was catering the breakfast. Culinary Club prepared hundreds of pancakes, sausages, bacon, eggs, omelettes, biscuits, fruit kebabs, and yogurt parfaits. To top it off, they had a coffee/tea station, orange juice, water, and pink lemonade for refreshments. After everyone was seated and eating, Advanced Choir led us in the National Anthem.

Coached by Howard Breinig, the Cougars defeated years of Sunnyside’s winning reign.  Although many athletes did multiple sports, Breining pushed the team all year-round with running and weight training. Ed Torrejon, Paul Scoonover, and Chester Badget all earned 1st place in their weight classes, and John Handshaw earned 3rd. The rest of the roster included John Beckwith, Steve Weinstein, Doug Brewington, Robbin Siva, Larry Hume, Tim Hume, Roger Peterson, and Dave Price. They will forever hold history as the only wrestling team in our school’s history to win a State Championship.

Chuck Stopani

Chuck Stopani was a phenomenal athlete during his time here at Sahuaro, lettering in football, soccer, track, and gymnastics. He was also the student body treasurer and a part of our past DECA program. He then went on to coach our varsity football as the assistant coach from 1994-95 and 2007-2014. After coaching golf at Cienega High School and Pima Community College, he became the Head Golf Professional at Dorado Country Club. Through Dorado, Chuck has donated prizes and lessons to Sahuaro every year. He also served on the Board for Coaches for Charity, a Tucson nonprofit created to support athletic programs and their students. Additionally, he served 6 years on the Sahuaro Cougar Foundation Board, solidifying his connection to our Cougar family.

Dan Gaul

Dan Gaul set records in track and cross-country for Sahuaro, and he continued to set records for the two-mile relay at the University of Arizona. He even continued track during his Master’s program and set a record for the over-40-mile run. Dan eventually came to coach cross-country at Sahuaro, where our team won 85% of dual meets and numerous athletes qualified for Regional and State competitions. Dan was also a teacher; he taught Math, P.E., and Dance at Sahuaro as well as Maxwell and Mansfeld High Schools. Although Dan was popular around town, he also became known as “Dancin’ Dan” and taught over 80,000 people how to country swing dance. He also founded Dandy Dan Printing, a company that made shirts and sweats for teams across Arizona. Dan frequently donated clothing to students and schools in need. As for a legacy, his three children also excelled in track and cross-country during their time here in Sahuaro.

Vicki Saxon

Vicki Saxon has been working with TUSD since 1973, where she began at Catalina High School. Over the years, Vicki taught business, computer programming, and computer applications. As a TUSD Career and Technology Resource Teacher, she oversaw the Carl Perkins Grant of $2-3 million annually; this grant helps expand CTE programs. Vicki also coordinated a professional internship program for five years; it was designed to help guide students into opportunities beneficial for their future careers. Lastly, Vicki was known as “Mrs. Coach” to the track and field team. Vicki was at every meet typing up the results, compiling end-of-year summaries, and keeping scores at home meets. Not only is Vicki a Hall of Fame member now, but her husband Bob was also previously inducted. Their daughter Robin is also a Sahuaro graduate who was proficient in volleyball, track, and cheerleading.

Kendrick Wilson

Kendrick served in the Narcotics Unit of the Pima County Attorney’s Office from 2010-15. Later, he joined the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, where he made history. He was a part of the first jury conviction of a non-tribal member in the tribal nation. He was then appointed as Justice of the Peace for Precinct 9, which encompasses the University of Arizona, the city of South Tucson, and parts of the Tohono O’odham Nation. He proceeded to successfully restart the Domestic Violence Court by securing grant funding after COVID-19. He also oversaw the Domestic Violence Specialty Court and co-founded the first Animal Welfare Specialty Court in Southern Arizona. After he stepped down, he then became the Supervisor of the Domestic Violence Division. In his free time. Kendrick volunteers with Fresh Start Expo, the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Panel, Casa Maria Soup Kitchen, and the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. Kendrick’s selfless life and devotion to others have made him a staple in the community of Southern Arizona

Following the induction of these 4, all the alumni gathered to converse and look back on memories with their classmates. They will be remembered for their athletic and academic contributions to the Sahuaro Cougar family, as well as their philanthropic contributions throughout the world! Once a Cougar, always a Cougar!