2012 Mesa Sports Hall of Fame Inductees

Sally Bixby Sturdavant
Coach
Red Mountain/ Westwood
1964-92
Sally Bixby Sturdavant
Sally Bixby Sturdavant coached from 1964–92 in the Mesa Public Schools. She began her career at Westwood High School in 1964 coaching Archery, Cheerleading, Warriorette Pom line, Track, and Swim teams. Her 1977 swim team won the Division and State Championships. Her 1977 track team earned State Runners-up by 1 point. In 1978, Coach Bixby’s swim team repeated their State Championship and her track team won the State Championship, this time winning by 1 point. Transferring to the new school in Mesa, Red Mountain she coached golf and tennis from 1988 until her retirement in 1992. [More...]
Sally Bixby Sturdavant
Sally Bixby Sturdavant coached from 1964–92 in the Mesa Public Schools. She began her career at Westwood High School in 1964 coaching Archery, Cheerleading, Warriorette Pom line, Track, and Swim teams. Her 1977 swim team won the Division and State Championships. Her 1977 track team earned State Runners-up by 1 point. In 1978, Coach Bixby’s swim team repeated their State Championship and her track team won the State Championship, this time winning by 1 point. Transferring to the new school in Mesa, Red Mountain she coached golf and tennis from 1988 until her retirement in 1992.

Tyler Hildebrand
Volleyball
Red Mountain
2002
Tyler Hildebrand
Hildebrand was a 3-year varsity player for Red Mountain. He earned 1st Team All- East Valley and 1st Team All-State honors as a junior. His senior year Tyler was Phoenix College all tournament team selection and MVP, 1st Team All-East Valley and Player of the Year, 1st Team All State, and Arizona Player of the Year. Post high school play included USA Adult National Tournament bronze medalist, All Tournament Adult Nationals, MVP Adult Nationals and gold medalist. He played at Long Beach State receiving AVCA/NCAA Newcomer of the Year and Freshman of the Year. He led the nation 4 years in a row with a total of 6,651 assists. He is a USA Volleyball World University Games bronze medalist, 4-year All Academic Honors Team, Long Beach State University Scholar Athlete of the Year, Dr. John E. Kashiwabara Award, and the prestigious Bill Bovee Memorial Award Inspirational Athlete. Hildebrand led 3 USA National Teams to a gold medal in Pan Am Games, and playing professionally for Puerto Rico, Tel Aviv, Israel, Constanta, and Romania. At the time of his induction, Hildebrand was the Head Assistant Coach at his Alma Mater, Long Beach State. [More...]
Tyler Hildebrand
Hildebrand was a 3-year varsity player for Red Mountain. He earned 1st Team All- East Valley and 1st Team All-State honors as a junior. His senior year Tyler was Phoenix College all tournament team selection and MVP, 1st Team All-East Valley and Player of the Year, 1st Team All State, and Arizona Player of the Year. Post high school play included USA Adult National Tournament bronze medalist, All Tournament Adult Nationals, MVP Adult Nationals and gold medalist. He played at Long Beach State receiving AVCA/NCAA Newcomer of the Year and Freshman of the Year. He led the nation 4 years in a row with a total of 6,651 assists. He is a USA Volleyball World University Games bronze medalist, 4-year All Academic Honors Team, Long Beach State University Scholar Athlete of the Year, Dr. John E. Kashiwabara Award, and the prestigious Bill Bovee Memorial Award Inspirational Athlete. Hildebrand led 3 USA National Teams to a gold medal in Pan Am Games, and playing professionally for Puerto Rico, Tel Aviv, Israel, Constanta, and Romania. At the time of his induction, Hildebrand was the Head Assistant Coach at his Alma Mater, Long Beach State.

Taitusi "Deuce" Latui
Football
Mesa High
2002
Taitusi "Deuce" Latui
Duece Lutui was named Super Prep All-Farwest, Prep Star All-West, All-State, All Region, and All Conference as a two-way lineman at Mesa High. He played at Mesa Community College and Snow College where he was named J.C. Grid-Wire and NJCAA All-American First Team. He transferred to USC in 2004 and moved inside to Left Guard and started every game. He received the following honors while at USC: Football Coaches, Football Writers, The Sporting New, ESPN.Com, SI.com, CBS Sportsline.com and Rivals.com All-American First Team, USC’s Offensive Lineman of the Year, Most Inspiration Play, and Lifter Award. He was drafted to the NFL in the 2nd round by the Arizona Cardinals in 2006. He most recently played for the Seattle Seahawks. His NFL career includes starts in 72 of the 93 games played and 1 fumble recovery. [More...]
Taitusi "Deuce" Latui
Duece Lutui was named Super Prep All-Farwest, Prep Star All-West, All-State, All Region, and All Conference as a two-way lineman at Mesa High. He played at Mesa Community College and Snow College where he was named J.C. Grid-Wire and NJCAA All-American First Team. He transferred to USC in 2004 and moved inside to Left Guard and started every game. He received the following honors while at USC: Football Coaches, Football Writers, The Sporting New, ESPN.Com, SI.com, CBS Sportsline.com and Rivals.com All-American First Team, USC’s Offensive Lineman of the Year, Most Inspiration Play, and Lifter Award. He was drafted to the NFL in the 2nd round by the Arizona Cardinals in 2006. He most recently played for the Seattle Seahawks. His NFL career includes starts in 72 of the 93 games played and 1 fumble recovery.

Mark Grant
Baseball
Mesa High
1977
Mark Grant
A 3-year varsity player, Grant finished with a .403 batting average. He earned All State 1st Team honors, All-Star 1st Team honors, Shelby Copeland Memorial Award, and Athlete of the Year. Grant played two years at Mesa Community College and continued with two years at NAU. In addition to baseball, Grant played varsity football earning the coveted McDonalds Defensive Player of the Year award in 1976. [More...]
Mark Grant
A 3-year varsity player, Grant finished with a .403 batting average. He earned All State 1st Team honors, All-Star 1st Team honors, Shelby Copeland Memorial Award, and Athlete of the Year. Grant played two years at Mesa Community College and continued with two years at NAU. In addition to baseball, Grant played varsity football earning the coveted McDonalds Defensive Player of the Year award in 1976.

Doug Hobbs
Cross Country
Westwood
1985
Doug Hobbs
Hobbs is the 1984 Undefeated State AAA Cross Country Champion. He set 8 course records in 9 races. His course records include AAA Central Division champion, Mesa City Meet champion, Prescott Invitational champion, Gilbert Invitational champion, the Doug Conley Invitational champion, and many more. He continued as the undefeated 1985 State Champion 3200, running a 9:14. Hobbs continued his career at BYU earning NCAA D-I Academic All American Cross Country team, WAC championship indoor 5000m and set a meet record, and WAC 10,000m champion. [More...]
Doug Hobbs
Hobbs is the 1984 Undefeated State AAA Cross Country Champion. He set 8 course records in 9 races. His course records include AAA Central Division champion, Mesa City Meet champion, Prescott Invitational champion, Gilbert Invitational champion, the Doug Conley Invitational champion, and many more. He continued as the undefeated 1985 State Champion 3200, running a 9:14. Hobbs continued his career at BYU earning NCAA D-I Academic All American Cross Country team, WAC championship indoor 5000m and set a meet record, and WAC 10,000m champion.

Larry Owens
Basketball
Westwood
2001
Larry Owens
Owens HS career earned him All-State and East Mesa Player of the Year. Owens played 2 seasons at Yavapai Community College earning 2nd Team NJCAA All- American, Region and ACCAC MVP, Yavapai career leader in scoring and steals, 2nd in rebounding, ACCAC Championship and First-Team All-NJCAA Tournament, ranked 8th nationally in scoring and 11th in rebounding. He still holds the Yavapai College record for most points scored in a single season (796), most rebounds in a single season (365) and most steals in a single season (85), and most points scored in a career (1193). He continued his college career at Oral Roberts University where he was named Mid-Conference All-Newcomer team, Mid-Continent Conference Defensive Player of the Year and 1st Team All-Conference. His professional career includes stints in France, Belgium, Tulsa 66ers (D-League), and with NBA teams,San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards, and New Jersey Nets. In the NBA D-League, Owens received the Sportsmanship Award, All-Defensive 1st Team, and All-Star recognition. [More...]
Larry Owens
Owens HS career earned him All-State and East Mesa Player of the Year. Owens played 2 seasons at Yavapai Community College earning 2nd Team NJCAA All- American, Region and ACCAC MVP, Yavapai career leader in scoring and steals, 2nd in rebounding, ACCAC Championship and First-Team All-NJCAA Tournament, ranked 8th nationally in scoring and 11th in rebounding. He still holds the Yavapai College record for most points scored in a single season (796), most rebounds in a single season (365) and most steals in a single season (85), and most points scored in a career (1193). He continued his college career at Oral Roberts University where he was named Mid-Conference All-Newcomer team, Mid-Continent Conference Defensive Player of the Year and 1st Team All-Conference. His professional career includes stints in France, Belgium, Tulsa 66ers (D-League), and with NBA teams,San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards, and New Jersey Nets. In the NBA D-League, Owens received the Sportsmanship Award, All-Defensive 1st Team, and All-Star recognition.

Mike Peters
Wresting
Dobson
2001
Mike Peters
Mike Peters is 2-time Arizona 5A state champion winning titles at 125LB in 2000 and at 130LB in 2001. His junior year Mike posted a 41-7 record, placing 2nd at regionals and state champion at 125LB, helping the Mustangs to a 4th place team finish. His senior year he posted an impressive 45-0 undefeated season to achieve his second state title at 130LB alongside his twin brother Caleb Peters while achieving a 3rd place team finish. In 2001, Mike was named the East Valley Tribune Wrestler of the Year as well as the Arizona Republic Wrestler of the year. Throughout his high school career, Mike posted a record of 109-18. In international wrestling Mike placed 3rd in the 1999 AZ State freestyle tournament, and 1st in the 2000 AZ Greco State Tournament with a combined record of 35-6 throughout Freestyle and Greco. Mike and Caleb have given back to the City of Mesa by coaching at Rhodes Junior High to 4 Mesa City Championships. [More...]
Mike Peters
Mike Peters is 2-time Arizona 5A state champion winning titles at 125LB in 2000 and at 130LB in 2001. His junior year Mike posted a 41-7 record, placing 2nd at regionals and state champion at 125LB, helping the Mustangs to a 4th place team finish. His senior year he posted an impressive 45-0 undefeated season to achieve his second state title at 130LB alongside his twin brother Caleb Peters while achieving a 3rd place team finish. In 2001, Mike was named the East Valley Tribune Wrestler of the Year as well as the Arizona Republic Wrestler of the year. Throughout his high school career, Mike posted a record of 109-18. In international wrestling Mike placed 3rd in the 1999 AZ State freestyle tournament, and 1st in the 2000 AZ Greco State Tournament with a combined record of 35-6 throughout Freestyle and Greco. Mike and Caleb have given back to the City of Mesa by coaching at Rhodes Junior High to 4 Mesa City Championships.

Jenny Hagen
Soccer, Softball & Volleyball
Mesa High
2002
Jenny Hagen
A 3-sport Varsity player, Hagen excelled in Volleyball, Softball, and Soccer. She was named Soccer 1st Team 5A East Valley Region Coaches selection, Arizona Republic 1st Team All-East Valley, Arizona Republic 2nd Team All-State; East Valley Tribune 1st Team; Tribune Athlete of the Week, East Valley Region Runner-up Player of the Year. She played midfield scoring 54 goals with 28 assists. In Softball, she received 1st Team East-Valley Region honors, Tribune All-Southeast Valley Softball Team, 5A 2nd Team All- Tribune. She continued with soccer and softball for two years at Chandler-Gilbert Community College receiving 1st Team ACCAC All Conference honors. [More...]
Jenny Hagen
A 3-sport Varsity player, Hagen excelled in Volleyball, Softball, and Soccer. She was named Soccer 1st Team 5A East Valley Region Coaches selection, Arizona Republic 1st Team All-East Valley, Arizona Republic 2nd Team All-State; East Valley Tribune 1st Team; Tribune Athlete of the Week, East Valley Region Runner-up Player of the Year. She played midfield scoring 54 goals with 28 assists. In Softball, she received 1st Team East-Valley Region honors, Tribune All-Southeast Valley Softball Team, 5A 2nd Team All- Tribune. She continued with soccer and softball for two years at Chandler-Gilbert Community College receiving 1st Team ACCAC All Conference honors.

Caleb Peters
Wrestling
Dobson
2001
Caleb Peters
Caleb was a High School All American Wrestler. He placed 3rd in Nationals, State Champion, twice Freestyle State Runner Up, Greco State Champion, Most Outstanding Wrestler 5A State Tournament, 2nd Team All State, and USA National Team Member. Peters’ overall high school record is 113–16; Freestyle/Greco record is 38–5. Caleb, along with his brother gave back to the community by coaching Rhodes Junior High Wrestling Team to 4 different Mesa City Championships. [More...]
Caleb Peters
Caleb was a High School All American Wrestler. He placed 3rd in Nationals, State Champion, twice Freestyle State Runner Up, Greco State Champion, Most Outstanding Wrestler 5A State Tournament, 2nd Team All State, and USA National Team Member. Peters’ overall high school record is 113–16; Freestyle/Greco record is 38–5. Caleb, along with his brother gave back to the community by coaching Rhodes Junior High Wrestling Team to 4 different Mesa City Championships.

Brian Jennings
Football, Basketball & Track
Red Mountain
1994
Brian Jennings
A 3-sport Varsity player, Jennings is known for football. He lettered in football, basketball and track. He received All-Region Honorable Mention as a tight-end. During his ASU career, Jennings played TE and long snapper in 32 games, recording 4 receptions, 1 TD, and 9 career tackles. Jennings was drafted in the 7th round in 2000 and signed by the San Francisco 49ers, where he continues his career as a long snapper today. In the NFL, Jennings has snapped to 9 different place kickers and 4 different punters. He is the longest-tenured player on the 49ers roster and ranks 4th among active NFL players for most consecutive games played. He played in two NFC Pro Bowls – 2004 and 2011. In his NFL career, Jennings has played 192 games, recorded 67 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery. [More...]
Brian Jennings
A 3-sport Varsity player, Jennings is known for football. He lettered in football, basketball and track. He received All-Region Honorable Mention as a tight-end. During his ASU career, Jennings played TE and long snapper in 32 games, recording 4 receptions, 1 TD, and 9 career tackles. Jennings was drafted in the 7th round in 2000 and signed by the San Francisco 49ers, where he continues his career as a long snapper today. In the NFL, Jennings has snapped to 9 different place kickers and 4 different punters. He is the longest-tenured player on the 49ers roster and ranks 4th among active NFL players for most consecutive games played. He played in two NFC Pro Bowls – 2004 and 2011. In his NFL career, Jennings has played 192 games, recorded 67 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery.