This past weekend, San Marcos High School bridged generations of standout athletics with eleven former athletes–spanning across decades of the school’s history–inducted into the San Marcos Athletic Hall of Fame. The induction began on Friday, October 18th, under the lights of the Warkentin stadium with introductions during the halftime of the Royals’ home football game against Hueneme and continued to Saturday, October 19th, where these legends were officially honored at the Santa Barbara Greek Orthodox Church at an event proudly sponsored by the San Marcos Athletic Boosters.
This year’s eleven nominees consist of Jay Hillock, Jenna Ridgway Corliss, George Downing, Elysia Hodges Mitchell, Ruben Nieves, Jenna Phreaner, Artie Holland, John Poucher, Ryan Fell, Mark Logan, and Alex Mack. Here is a closer look at each of these exceptional individuals and some of their many remarkable achievements that earned them a place among this year’s inductees.
Jay Hillock, a member of the class of 1967, was a member of the basketball team that made an impressive CIF run to the semifinals. Eventually, he began coaching at SBCC, then returned to his alma mater Gonzaga as one of the youngest to coach in the NCAA, then Loyola Marymount, and even scouted for the pro teams like the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls.
Jenna Ridgway Corliss, a 2006 graduate, excelled in cross country, track, and basketball, becoming the Channel League and Santa Barbara County cross country champion in 2005 with an undefeated season. Named the 2006 San Marcos Scholar Athlete of the Year, she continued running at Brown University, earning All-Northeast Region honors and serving as cross country team captain.
George Downing of the Class of 1999, was a multi-sport athlete with seven varsity letters in golf and football. In golf, he was a three-time All-Channel League selection, leading his team to multiple championships, including the 1999 CIF/SCGA State title. Then in football, he tied a school record with seven PATs and contributed to the 1998 league championship team. Downing played golf at Stanford, earning All-Academic honors.
A 2011 graduate, Elysia Hodges Mitchell was a four-sport athlete, excelling particularly in track. She won eight Channel League titles across events like the 100m, 200m, and 300m hurdles, setting or contributing to six records, four of which still stand. Mitchell continued her success at Westmont College, earning 12 NAIA All-American titles and setting multiple records in individual and relay events, with nine still unbroken.
Ruben Nieves who graduated in 1977 made a lasting impact in the volleyball world. As captain of the San Marcos volleyball team, he led them to the 1977 CIFSS Championship game and earned First Team All-American honors. After playing at Santa Barbara City College and Stanford, Nieves transitioned to coaching, guiding Stanford’s men’s team to an NCAA title in 1997 and was twice named National Coach of the Year. Nieves also served with the U.S. National Team at the 1996 Olympics.
A 2015 graduate, Lauren Phreaner was an 8-time letter winner in water polo and swimming. Serving as team captain, Phreaner was All-Channel League multiple times, winning league MVP and the Santa Barbara Athletic Roundtable Water Polo Athlete of the Year in 2014. She also earned 1st Team All-CIF, All-Southern California, and All-American honors. Phreaner continued her water polo career at UC Irvine, where she was named Big West Championship MVP and earned All-Big West First Team honors in 2018.
Artie Holland, a 1979 graduate earned induction into for his achievements in both football and baseball. A 5-time letter winner, he served as captain for both sports and was named All-Channel League twice in each. He was a standout linebacker, earning honors such as 1st team All-CIF and Channel League Defensive MVP. Holland continued excelling at Santa Barbara City College, setting batting records, and later earning a scholarship to Fresno State, where he made history with five consecutive home-run games.
John Poucher, a 2001 graduate, was a key figure in San Marcos golf, leading the team to multiple Channel League titles and CIF Southern Section championships. Individually, he won the Channel League MVP twice and was runner-up in the 2001 CIF Individual Championship. At UCLA, Poucher earned multiple All-PAC 10 and NCAA honors, including a 5th-place finish at the NCAA Individual Championship. He later went on to play professionally, joining the PGA Canadian Tour in 2008.
A dual-sport star, Ryan Fell graduated in 1990, excelling in both soccer and baseball. As soccer captain, he was named team MVP and set school records with 50 career goals and 30 goals in a single season. In addition to his athletic success, he received the San Marcos High School Scholarship Banner Award. Fell continued his soccer career on scholarship at UCSB, playing as a Gaucho until 1993.
Mark Logan, Class of 1977, was a dominant golfer known as the “silent assassin” on the course. He led San Marcos to multiple Channel League and CIF championships. Individually, Logan won the Buddy Allin Junior Tournament, earned team MVP honors, and was named Santa Barbara Athletic Roundtable Athlete of the Year. He also achieved academic excellence with a 4.0 GPA and later attended Stanford, where he competed in badminton.
“Being inducted has been both an exciting and nostalgic experience. To be recognized as one of the most successful athletes in the history of SM is an honor.” said Logan.
Alex Mack, one of the most accomplished athletes in Royal history, graduated in 2004 excelling in both football and wrestling. A 3-time All-Channel League football selection, 2-time CIF-SS Wrestling Champion, and 2004 CIF State wrestling runner-up at SM, Mack went on to earn multiple All-American and PAC-10 honors, winning the Draddy Trophy for top scholar-athlete at Cal. A first-round NFL draft pick, Mack had a 13-year career, playing for the Browns, Falcons, and 49ers. He earned 7 Pro Bowl selections, 3 All-Pro honors, and was named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
Athletics Director Aaron Solis, who worked diligently with the San Marcos Athletic Boosters to make the induction event possible, emphasizes the importance of honoring our athletes.
“It’s always good to honor and remember the past as they are the ones who set things up for today. I know I personally learned a lot, with some people I knew and some people I didn’t, it was just great to meet some really cool people.” said Solis.
“Overall, a great event to help raise money for the athletic department. Good for alumni, community, and just good for San Marcos. Bridging the gap between alumni and students today is always something nice to see.” Solis concluded.
The 2024 San Marcos Athletic Hall of Fame induction was more than just a celebration of individual achievements, but a testament to the lasting impact of athletics on the school’s legacy and community. As future generations of San Marcos athletes walk the same halls and compete under the same banner, they will have these honorees and all the ones who came before them to look up to as role models. The weekend not only reconnected alumni with their roots but also strengthened the bond between past and present, reminding everyone that once a Royal, always a Royal.
