The Gallaghers were among those honored at the two-hour banquet and induction ceremony, which also featured the inductions of Karoline Tomicich, Rene Gonzales, Ralph Turner, Ron Palmer and the 1976 men’s cross-country team.
In the final induction of the evening, former Glendale college football Coach and Men’s Athletic Director Jim Sartoris addressed the audience and the Gallagher family. More than 25 family members were on hand.
As Sartoris presented Ethel with the Meritorious Service award, a packed house gave Ethel and her family a standing ovation.
“Glendale college is a very important part of our lives,” Ethel said. “The family has been involved and the kids have played sports.
“For 32 years, I sat on benches [watching games]. Don’t feel sorry for me. I love sports. With academics, it’s the best you can get. I know Bill is smiling down on us.”
Bill had served for many years on the Glendale College Foundation, where he helped shape the foundation’s golf tournament that started off as a football fundraising event in the 1970s. Gallagher also orchestrated the development of glendalesportscenter.com, which featured live audio Web casts pertaining to area prep and collegiate athletics that could be heard around the world.
Ethel has been a longtime member of the college’s Patron Club, which is geared to raise money for scholarships for students.
The ceremony also saw Tomicich, Gonzalez and Turner inducted for Outstanding Athletic Achievement.
Palmer was honored with the Hall of Fame’s Pillar of Achievement, while the 1976 men’s cross-country squad was inducted as an Outstanding Team.
