WHITTIER, Calif. (Oct. 17, 2024) – Whittier College Athletics is proud to announce the Purple & Gold Hall of Fame Class of 2024., celebrating the remarkable achievements of seven outstanding individuals who have left an indelible mark on Poet Athletics.

This class of seven individual inductees will add to a group of 193 individual Purple & Gold Hall of Famers. These Poet Athletics contributors have uniquely added to the legacy of Whittier Athletics, no matter whether on the field as athletes or off the field as administrators and leaders in the community.

The 2024 Whittier College Purple & Gold Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Banquet will take place on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 5:30 p.m. in Villalobos Hall.

Here's a closer look at the impressive lives and careers of the Purple & Gold Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
 

Michele Callaway-Hernandez '12	Tony Fimbres '93	David Herzberger	Sharon Herzberger	Ron Klepfer '59	Mike McBride	Mary Pacheco (Walthers) '10

 

Mary Pacheco (Walthers) '10

Born and raised in Glendora, Calif., Mary Pacheco (Walthers) displayed an early passion for softball. A standout at St. Lucy's Priory High School, she balanced academics and athletics with determination. Her college career at Whittier College began in 2006, where she quickly made her mark on the softball field. Despite suffering an Achilles injury, Mary was named Freshman Female Athlete of the Year and earned First Team All-SCIAC honors in her freshman, junior, and senior years. Her accolades culminated in receiving the Louisville Slugger award in 2009.

After Whittier, Mary earned a master's degree in psychology from Cal Poly Pomona. Today, she is a licensed marriage and family therapist, living in Rancho Cucamonga with her husband Zach and their three children.

Ron Klepfer '59

A three-sport athlete at Lynwood High School, Ron Klepfer's athletic prowess led him to Whittier College, where he played football and baseball. During his senior season, he pitched 93.1 innings, struck out 124 batters, and boasted a 1.45 ERA, earning All-SCIAC honors. After graduation, Ron represented Team USA in the 1959 Pan American Games, where his team won bronze.

Ron's post-athletic career included 38 years teaching in East Whittier. Now retired, he resides in Huntington Beach with his wife Judy and enjoys spending time with their grandchildren.

Tony Fimbres '93

A Whittier native, Tony Fimbres found success in both baseball and basketball. After starting his college career at Cal State Long Beach, he transferred to Whittier College in 1990 to prepare for law school, graduating in 1993. Today, Tony is a prosecutor in Riverside County, specializing in major narcotics, gang, and homicide cases. He has spent over 15 years coaching youth sports and continues to give back to his community.

Tony lives in Indio, Calif., with his wife, Kirsten, and their two daughters.

David Herzberger

A distinguished professor of Hispanic studies, David Herzberger became a familiar face at Whittier College after his wife, Sharon, was named president in 2005. A lifelong sports enthusiast, David quickly became a "superfan" of Whittier athletics. He and Sharon often hosted teams at Wardman House, fostering close connections with student-athletes.

David, who retired in 2018, remains a passionate supporter of Division III athletics and the life lessons they impart.

Sharon Herzberger

Sharon Herzberger's tenure as Whittier College president from 2005 to 2018 saw a significant boost in the prominence of Poet athletics. Though she never played competitively, Sharon recognized the value of sports in shaping well-rounded students. Under her leadership, the college expanded its NCAA programs and athletic recruitment, making athletes more than 30% of the student body by 2018.

Now retired and living in Massachusetts, Sharon continues to support Poet athletics from afar.

Mike McBride

Since joining the Whittier College faculty in 1969, Mike McBride has made immeasurable contributions to the campus community. A professor of political science, Mike also helped establish the current softball program in 1979. He has served as a coach and team historian for over 40 years, shaping the lives of countless student-athletes. Additionally, Mike is involved with the Whittier College Institute for Baseball Studies, further cementing his legacy as a champion of both academics and athletics.

Mike and his wife, Gail, have been married for 56 years and live in Whittier.

Michele Callaway-Hernandez '12

A standout runner at Whittier College, Michele Callaway-Hernandez's career was marked by First Team All-SCIAC honors and multiple NCAA Division III Nationals appearances. She became an All-American by her junior year and helped elevate Whittier's cross country and track teams to new heights.

After college, Michele pursued a career in education, teaching and now serving as an English language specialist in Salinas, Calif. She resides there with her husband, Manuel, and their young daughter, Camila.

 

---

Follow and show support for your Whittier Poets on Twitter (@WCPoets), YouTube and Instagram (@PoetAthletics)!