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CELEBRATING THE PAST
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Two father-son duos and a brother-sister tandem were among the first class to be inducted on Sunday at Phil de la Porte Gymnasium into Ceres High School's Athletic Hall of Fame.

Art and Kyle McRae

Art amassed a 550-427 record while coaching baseball at Ceres High for 37 years (1960-1996). He guided the Bulldogs to one section title and nine league crowns. Six of McRae's players signed contracts with Major League Baseball teams: Dick Davey (Giants), Jack Thornton (Orioles), Dave Murphy (Athletics), Osvaldo Bertolotti (Red Sox), Fulvio Bertolott (Cardinals) and Rick Arnold (Reds).

Kyle, a 1986 graduate, was league MVP in both basketball and baseball during his senior year.

"We're blessed to have this honor bestowed on both of us," Art said.

"I'm proud of my dad more than anything," Kyle said. "The biggest thing is how much he cares for that community and how loyal he is. He dedicated his life to Ceres High."

Kyle played for his father for three seasons (1984-86), earning a promotion as a sophomore pitcher. The Bulldogs won three league titles and posted a combined record of 58-41 during their time together.

"It was the highlight of my career to have him on my team and to have the success that we did," Art said. "I didn't give him any special treatment. He earned his playing time and position on the team. He was very dedicated. He always gave his best effort."

"I had a great time at Ceres High School," Kyle said. "Playing for my dad was actually pretty easy because he never coached me growing up. He wasn't a parent that pushed anything on me. He really supported me whether I was playing baseball or basketball."

Kevin and Josh Stewart

Kevin starred on Ceres High's 1968 Mountain Valley League championship and 10-0 football team as a junior.

Josh, who was unable to attend this past weekend's ceremony, suited up for McRae's 1990 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division II title baseball team, which finished 24-7 overall and in first place in the Valley Oak League.

Both squads were enshrined.

"It's very special," said Kevin, a 1970 graduate. "It's unique. I was tickled that Josh got to play for Art."

Kevin was also recognized for his individual success in track and field (four years), football (three) and basketball (two).

"The highlight was the undefeated football season and the opportunity to play for Al DiCarlo," he said. "To this day, I haven't met a coach that was more qualified than he was."

Kevin was voted the MVL's Defensive MVP that year for his outstanding play at strong safety. He also contributed at running back and receiver.

Rick and Genise Arnold

Rick and Genise accomplished quite a bit at Ceres High, finishing their athletic careers with a total of 13 varsity letters.

"We couldn't have got there without the support of our parents (father Lowell and mother Iva)," Genise said.

"For my sister to get recognized, it means a lot because she was a real standout," Rick said. "None of the girls got the recognition they deserved back then. I just wish my dad was here to see both of us get recognized."

Lowell passed away last October.

Genise (class of 1980) earned eight varsity letters, including three in varsity, two in basketball and softball, and one in track and field.

Her specialty was volleyball. She earned all-league honors as a senior and junior. Genise was named most inspirational during her sophomore year when the Bulldogs went 21-3 and claimed the VOL championship (11-1).

"I have great memories from Ceres High," Ramirez said. "I had some awesome coaches and teammates."

Rick (class of 1977) had a memorable senior campaign, excelling in baseball, basketball and cross country. He was named the Stanislaus County Athlete of the Year.

Arnold was the ace pitcher on Ceres High's Valley Oak League championship team (11-1). The Bulldogs won 16 straight games, qualified for the Tournament of Champions (playoffs in Sacramento) and compiled a 21-6 record.

Rick was 14-2 (9-0 in league) with 130 strikeouts over 991/3 innings.

"I pitched in every game we had except one," he said. "That record will never be broken."

Rick earned all-league accolades during his only season of cross country. He finished fourth overall in 15:30 at the VOL championships, and 21st in a field of 82 at the District 4 Meet (17:26).

Arnold was an honorable-mention selection in basketball. He started at shooting guard.

Rick has fond memories of his childhood. Sister Genise was always by his side.

"She grew up playing ball with me and all of my friends," he said. "She'd get picked before some of the other guys would when we would play tackle football. She was tough and talented."