Sports Legends Gather At Morongo To Celebrate 2017 Inductees To California's Sports Hall Of Fame

CABAZON, CA – Hundreds of sports legends, dignitaries and guests gathered Sunday night to celebrate the 2017 inductees to the California Sports Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa.

The Class of 2017 featuring five California superstars from the world of sports included:

• John Force – As one of the most dominant NHRA racers ever, Force is a 16-time Funny Car champion driver and an 18-time champion car owner.
• Michelle Kwan – A legendary figure skater, Kwon is a two-time Olympic medalist five-time world champion and nine-time U.S. champion.
• James Lofton – A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Lofton’s career as wide receiver included eight Pro Bowl nods before he turned to coaching.
• Byron Scott – As a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, Scott won three NBA championships in the 1980s. The former shooting guard also coached several NBA teams between 2000 and 2016.
• Leigh Steinberg – A renowned sports agent, Steinberg has represented over 300 professional athletes in football, baseball, basketball and boxing, including eight #1 picks in the NFL draft.

“We are thrilled to recognize and honor the incredible achievements of this year’s inductees to the California Sports Hall of Fame,” said Christian Okoye, founder of the California Sports Hall of Fame. “The Class of 2017 embodies excellence, and they serve as amazing role models for aspiring student athletes across our state.”

To start the evening, Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin echoed Okoye’s sentiment in congratulating the inductees as he welcomed guests to the Morongo Casino.

“Your hard work, your passion, your accomplishments and your generosity have inspired fans across the globe,” Martin said of the inductees.

The 2017 inductees were selected by a special committee comprised of past California Sports Hall of Fame inductees and celebrity athletes based on their outstanding contributions to the world of sports in California and/or their ties to the state.

Among those attending the star-studded event were such sports celebrities as Bill Walton, Eric Dickerson, Warren Moon and Fred Williamson. The evening included in an auction featuring rare sports memorabilia with the proceeds benefitting student athletes.

– SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION ON BEHALF OF: Morongo Band of Mission Indians / PHOTO CREDIT: Cheryl Leon Photography