Brawley Union High School proudly hosted the 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday, October 3rd, honoring the legacy of Wildcat athletics. The evening was a celebration of the coaches, athletes, and championship teams who helped shape Brawley's proud sports history.
The ceremony began with induction to Brawley’s coaches. First to be induced was football coach John Bishop. Former coach John Self delivered a moving speech, reflecting on their shared coaching years and Bishop’s unwavering dedication to student-athletes. “Anytime he was in San Diego, he would make a stop and purchase cleats” recalled Self, “I think in his 17 years here there was never a time where a player did not have a meal of shoes”.
The following coaches inducted were Leonard Schnittker, a longtime baseball coach who spent over 40 years mentoring students. Schnittker also played in the U.S. Marine, baseball team before earning his degree in education. Brawley wrestling coach Keith Smith, was recognized for leading his teams to multiple CIF Southern Section titles, SS Dual Meet victories, and Desert Valley League championships. Smith himself was an accomplished wrestler, placing second in the Southern Section and at the State JC Championships.
Football took center stage with the induction of the 1951, 1952, and 1955 varsity teams, each of which won the CIF Southern Section Championship. Though some team members have passed, their families attended to honor their legacy—some even wore original letterman jackets adorned with CIF patches. Also inducted were the 1953 CIF Runner-Up Team and the 2004 CIF-San Diego Runner-Up Team.
The Hall of Fame welcomed several standout female athletes in volleyball, swimming, and multisport categories. Brawley Union High School’s Angie Rosales Nunez, a former cross country and track and field star, was inducted. After graduating from BUHS, she broke records at the collegiate level and now serves as an educational specialist at the school.
“It’s an honor to be inducted into the Hall of Fame,” said Nunez. “I hope it inspires students—not just in my classroom, but across campus. Maybe even my own kids will be inspired to compete like I did.”
Other dual-sport inductees included Alisa Schnittker Cunningham in Basketball/Swim, Allison O’Brien in Basketball/Volleyball and Monica Biagi Rodriguez in Volleyball/Track & Field. Swim athletes included Jordan Hamilton and Julia Hannon Hooper, while Cami Jones Sturdevant was recognized in volleyball. Latricia Carter was inducted for softball, joining her family members honored in the men’s baseball category.
Committee member Brenda Haley opened the men’s category as she introduced Derick Barkum, a 2005 graduate inducted for track and field. Barkum also played wide receiver at the University of Arizona. Other collegiate athletes included Donald Wharton, a tri-sport BUHS athlete who joined the U.S. Air Force football team and Zay Shepered, BUHS running back who played for Upper Iowa University. 1969 and 1970 Wrestling State Champion Gilbert Mendez and PGA golfer were inducted.
Baseball remains a cornerstone of Brawley athletics. This year’s inductees were Clarence and Marvin Carter, standout high school players, Michael Reeves, former college player and current assistant coach, and Jacob Sanchez, Iowa Wesleyan alumnus and professional pitcher for Leones de Yucatán. Sanchez has played for teams including the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, and several Mexican League franchises.
Master of Ceremonies Jeffrey Wise closed the evening with a tribute at Brawley’s Warne Field, where inductees were honored during the BUHS football game against University City. Fittingly, the Wildcats secured their second win of the season with a 14–7 victory.
Hall of Fame applications open in later June and close on August 1st, for more information visit brawleyhigh.org/hof.
To view event photos visit here.