The late Glenn (Pop) DuBose, the late Robert (Bob) Steen, Frank Humpert, Warren Brusstar, Jim Hard, Scott Buss, and Todd Pridy have been selected to be inducted into the first Napa Valley College Athletic Hall of Fame. They will be inducted at a dinner October 1 at Embassy Suites in Napa.
“I am thrilled with the number and quality of nominations received,” said Kevin Luckey, dean of Physical Education and Athletics at the college. “It reflects the long and proud history of Napa Valley College athletics. We have many deserving athletes; this first group showcases many different sports and also reflects long service to the college and to the community. ” In establishing the Hall of Fame, Luckey worked with a committee that established guidelines for nomination and selection.
The cost of dinner will be $50 per person. Fill out the registration form and email or send a completed form with your check (made payable to Napa Valley College Foundation) or credit card information to NVC Foundation, 2277 Napa-Vallejo Hwy, Napa 94558.
Call 256-7170 for information.
Pop DuBose
Pop DuBose has been called the “father of recreation programs in Napa” and was an advocate of “sports for everyone.” He was involved in acquiring the land for the current college campus and for Kennedy Park, and was instrumental in establishing the City of Napa recreation programs and encouraging that community swimming pools be built at area schools. He was one of the first teachers hired by Dr. Harry McPherson when the college was founded in 1942, was instrumental in establishing athletics at the college and had a long career as a coach. A long-time college supporter, he retired in 1969.
Bob Steen
Bob Steen was involved in planning the athletic facilities on the current Napa Valley College campus and was a multi-sport coach and long-time athletic director. He taught and coached at Napa Valley College for more than 35 years. He started his career at Napa Valley College in 1959 as head football coach. He coached baseball from 1965-1969, coached basketball from 1970-72. He continued coaching golf after he retired from teaching and coached the golf team to more than 15 conference titles.
Frank Humpert
Frank Humpert, Jr. played football and basketball for the college in 1946 and 1947. He was the co-captain of the college’s first football team and started in every game. He went on to play for the UC Berkeley team that went to the Rose Bowl in 1950. He earned a teaching credential and had a long career as a teacher and coach, including time coaching at Napa Valley College. He retired after 37 years as a well-respected Napa educator; his support for local schools continues today. He served on the college Foundation board for 21 years.
Warren Brusstar
Warren Brusstar’s involvement with Napa Valley College athletics dates to 1971 when he played in the Golden Valley Conference. He had a career with the Philadelphia Phillies and in 1980 was a star relief pitcher on the team which won a World Series championship. From 1983-85 he played for the Chicago Cubs. He went on to a career as a pitching coach for several teams and then returned to Napa Valley College where he served as a pitching coach from 1989-94 and 2007 to the present.
Jim Hard
Jim Hard was a wide-receiver for the college football team 1976-77; he was a national leader in receptions, an all-conference player and won numerous honors. He set six college records. He went on to play for the University of Montana, where he was honored as first team Kodak 1AA All American, and then played for a semi-pro team. He has made significant contributions to the college athletic program and has been a physical education instructor since 1984, teaching a wide range of classes. Hard also teaches for the Napa Valley Unified School District and has served the community coaching many teams.
Scott Buss
Scott Buss, who attended the college from 1979-1981, was the No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles player on the tennis team in 1980 and 1981. In both seasons he was conference singles champion and went undefeated in conference play in 1981. He was 1981 Napa Valley College Athlete of the Year. He played on a nationally ranked team at UC Santa Cruz, was an NCAA All-American and went on to be ranked in the USTA from 1985-1990. He has had a long career as a teacher and coach and has been a faculty member at Mission College in Santa Clara since 2000.
Todd Pridy
Todd Pridy was a baseball standout at the college in 1990, was named to the BVC first team and was BVC Player of the Year. He was honored with the 1990 Northern California Big Stick award (the top hitter in northern California), Junior College All-American and set numerous college records. In 1991 he was on the All-Big West Team and signed a professional contract with the Florida Marlins in 1992. He was honored with numerous awards, was 1992 Florida Marlins Minor League Player of the Year, and became a WBL All-Star and MVP. A baseball teacher and coach, he continues to support NVC athletics.