By Darrel Wheeler, Contributing Writer
Former Herbert Hoover High School student athletes were saluted last Friday, August 5, as they were inducted into Hoover Athletic Hall of Fame. They joined a very impressive list of all stars that used to roam the hallways at 4474 El Cajon Blvd.
Ty Waller (baseball-75), a bonafide Hoover legend, made it to the big leagues as both a player and coach. Eddie Williams’ (baseball-83) prep baseball experience was so revered that he was the 4th player selected in the first round of the 1983 draft.
Anai Novoa (wrestling-07) defeated mostly boys on her way to league championships and Hoovers Hall of fame.
Andre Hardy (football-79) played four years in the NFL. “I really appreciate this induction.
It was really cool seeing some of my old friends. It brings back a lot of good memories. This was definitely a positive experience for me,” he shared.
Jay Dee Luster (Basketball-07) one of the greatest Hoo-ryders to ever lace up a pair high-tops for the Red Birds is currently an assistant Coach for SDSU.
“Tonight wasn’t just about me. This was a great opportunity for me to acknowledge the people in public who supported me and helped me through my journey and still do: my mother, grandpa, sister, coaches, and my wife.”
A host of family and friends of the deserving inductees showed up to the Lafayette Hotel in upper North Park to represent and cheer for their favorite Cardinal legends.
“Jay Dee is a special person,” said his High School Coach Ollie Coulson. “He is the type of person that has the unique ability to make people around him better. Of course, he is a talented athlete but he is also intelligent and willing to mentor people. I feel lucky to have been a part of his life ”
Congratulations to all of the 2022 Cardinal inductees!