KENTFIELD, Calif. — College of Marin Athletics is proud to announce the Hall of Fame Class of 2026, the first group of inductees selected following the relaunch of the College of Marin Athletics Hall of Fame during the College’s Centennial Year.

The Class of 2026 includes five honorees — two historic teams and three individuals — whose contributions span more than six decades of Mariner history. Together, they represent the spirit the Hall of Fame was created to recognize: athletic excellence, personal integrity, meaningful community service, and a lasting commitment to the values that define College of Marin.

The Class of 2026 brings together champions, mentors, and community builders whose stories reflect what it means to be a Mariner. From a legendary football team that put College of Marin on the California athletic map, to a women’s basketball squad that set a new standard for the program, to individuals whose careers and service have enriched Marin County and beyond, this class embodies the College’s enduring belief that athletics is a pathway to a fuller life.

“This class captures exactly what our Hall of Fame relaunch is meant to honor — people and teams whose impact on College of Marin Athletics did not end when the season ended or when they left campus,” said Ryan Byrne, Athletic Director and Associate Dean of Student Services. “Their stories remind us that athletics can shape lives, build community, and create a legacy that lasts for generations. We are proud to recognize this class during the College’s Centennial Year and to make sure future Mariners know the people and teams who helped build this program.”

2026 HALL OF FAME CLASS

The Class of 2026 includes two historic teams and three individuals whose stories reflect the breadth of College of Marin Athletics — championship competition, student-athlete development, alumni connection, educational leadership, mentorship, and service to the Marin community.

1967 COLLEGE OF MARIN FOOTBALL TEAM

A Championship Team That Set the Standard for Mariner Football

They were, by any measure, the finest football team in College of Marin history. The 1967 Mariners finished the season 8–1–1, claimed the Golden Valley Conference championship undefeated, and shared the Northern California Junior College State Championship — the highest level the program has ever reached.

The team was an offensive juggernaut, averaging 36 points per game while running the Number One offense in California, with most games decided well before the final whistle. The defense was equally formidable, surrendering a remarkable nine points per game across the season.

The 1967 squad placed twelve players on the All-GVC Team — six on offense and six on defense. Two players earned First Team All-State recognition: halfback Tim Harr, the team MVP, and wide receiver Honor Jackson. The offensive All-Conference selections also included quarterback Bill Ingram, linemen Doug Dressler, Bob Barnecut, and Tony Yarish. The defensive All-Conference unit featured safety Carl Stein, cornerbacks Fred Daniele and Joe Cunningham, linebackers Jim Crisp and Bill Hickerson, and defensive end Rich Cohen.

Several members of this team went on to distinguished careers beyond the field. Honor Jackson was selected by the New England Patriots, and Doug Dressler was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals, a testament to the exceptional caliber of talent on this squad.

More than half a century later, the 1967 team’s record and achievement remain unmatched in the annals of College of Marin football. Their induction into the Hall of Fame is long overdue recognition for a group of young men who represented their college and community with uncommon excellence.

2001–2002 COLLEGE OF MARIN WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM

A Landmark Season in College of Marin Women’s Basketball

The 2001–2002 Women’s Basketball team, under Head Coach Mike Fulton, delivered one of the most memorable and successful seasons in program history. The team finished with an outstanding 27–8 overall record, earned a berth in the Northern California playoffs, and advanced to the California State Championship Tournament.

A defining moment of the season came with an upset victory over Contra Costa College, the top-ranked team in the conference, a result that exemplified the team’s resilience and competitive character. This was not a team built around a single star; it was a cohesive, disciplined unit capable of rising to the moment against the best competition in the state.

The team was anchored by a core group of impact contributors. Guard Lauren Presley was a dynamic offensive presence, including a 21-point performance in a NorCal playoff win. Diane Peterson provided defensive leadership that set the tone on that end of the floor. Catherine Gravelle brought interior strength in rebounding and scoring. Rebecca Hobbs, Dawn David, and Destini Nowlin each contributed key moments in scoring, defense, and overall team balance.

The team’s legacy extends beyond the scorebook. Diane Peterson has continued her service to basketball as the founder of Prime Youth Sports, which provides girls with the opportunity to build confidence through sports and cultivate their athletic skills. A direct expression of the values this team lived out during their time at College of Marin.

Their 27-win season set a benchmark for women’s basketball at College of Marin and remains a testament to what dedication, teamwork, and program pride can accomplish.

MISAK PIRINJIAN

Men’s Soccer Standout, Two-Time NorCal MVP, and Lifelong Marin Community Member

Misak Pirinjian arrived at College of Marin in 1973 and promptly established himself as one of the finest soccer players in Northern California. A midfielder of exceptional skill, he earned Northern California Junior College MVP honors in both seasons he competed for the Mariners, a rare distinction that speaks to his consistency and dominance at the collegiate level. He also earned Second Team All-American honors in each of those two seasons and helped lead the 1974 squad to the NorCal playoffs.

After completing his time at College of Marin, Pirinjian transferred to the University of San Francisco, where he became a two-time member of the USF NCAA Division I National Championship Soccer Team, winning titles in 1975 and 1976. He is a member of the USF Athletic Hall of Fame.

Pirinjian went on to earn an AA degree from College of Marin in 1975, a BA in Political Science from USF in 1977, and a law degree from Western State College of Law in 1981. A lifelong member of the Marin community, he has been the owner of Tony’s Shoe and Luggage Repair in Mill Valley since 1986, a beloved local institution.

Misak Pirinjian’s story is one of athletic excellence and community rootedness. He represents the College of Marin ideal: a student-athlete who competed at the highest level, completed his education, and built a meaningful life of service to his community.

JOE MORELLO JR.

Former Mariner Baseball Student-Athlete, Coach, Athletic Director, Booster, and Higher Education Leader

Joe Morello Jr.’s connection to College of Marin Athletics spans decades and has touched virtually every part of the program. He first arrived as a student-athlete, playing baseball as a pitcher under the legendary Coach Al Endriss. After completing his playing career and continuing his education — ultimately playing at the University of San Francisco — he returned to College of Marin as a baseball coach, once again working alongside Coach Endriss. Over time, Morello rose to the position of Athletic Director, a role he held for many years and in which he worked alongside Hall of Famers Jim McGowen, Pete Limm, Diane Kukahiko, and others.

As Athletic Director, Morello was not simply an administrator. He was a builder. He founded the College of Marin Athletics Booster Club, which raised meaningful support for the program through events and community engagement — including well-received speaker dinners that drew nationally recognized figures and re-energized a generation of COM alumni. The relationships he fostered between alumni and the program continue to this day.

Beyond College of Marin, Joe Morello Jr. has built a distinguished career in California higher education. He has served as Athletic Director at Santa Rosa Junior College and Skyline College, as Head of Academic Advising for Cal Athletics, as Chief Business Officer at Skyline College, and currently serves as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at West Valley College. His career is a model of excellence, integrity, and service in higher education.

His father, Joseph Morello Sr., was inducted into the College of Marin Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011. The induction of Joe Morello Jr. continues a family legacy of dedication to this program and this community.

WALTER TURNER

Faculty Member, Mentor, Umoja Leader, and Longtime Advocate for Student-Athletes

Professor Walter Turner is being honored for his extraordinary and lasting impact on generations of College of Marin student-athletes through teaching, mentorship, cultural leadership, Umoja, and student support. His induction reflects the Hall of Fame’s special consideration for individuals whose contributions to College of Marin Athletics extend beyond traditional athletic roles and whose influence has had a lasting impact on the college community.

A native of Marin City, Professor Turner has served College of Marin for more than five decades as a faculty member, mentor, journalist, and advocate. Over the course of his career, he has taught, guided, and supported hundreds — if not thousands — of student-athletes, many of whom credit him as a pivotal figure in their academic and personal development. He approached each student-athlete not only as a learner but as a whole person navigating the demands of competition, education, and life, emphasizing accountability, cultural awareness, and self-belief.

Professor Turner is a co-founder and continuing leader of the Umoja Learning Community at College of Marin, a program rooted in culturally responsive education, mentorship, and community building. Over more than two decades, Umoja has served as a critical space of support, identity, and belonging for many College of Marin student-athletes — particularly those from historically underserved backgrounds. Through Umoja, Professor Turner helped build not just a program, but a culture of holistic support that brought together faculty, coaches, counselors, and students around shared goals.

His influence extended well beyond the classroom. He built lasting relationships with coaches and staff, serving as a trusted partner and advocate within the broader athletics ecosystem. He regularly collaborated across departments to ensure student-athletes had access to the guidance and resources they needed to succeed — academically, personally, and beyond their time at COM.

Globally, Professor Turner has led more than 80 international study delegations, expanding student horizons and connecting the College to the world. He is the host of Africa Today, a long-running public affairs radio program on KPFA that has educated and engaged audiences on issues of global justice and human rights. He has been honored as College of Marin’s Faculty of the Year and recognized among the institution’s most impactful trailblazers.

As Athletic Director Ryan Byrne, who nominated Professor Turner, wrote: “The Hall of Fame is about legacy. It’s about recognizing individuals who have made a lasting, meaningful contribution to the experience and success of our student-athletes. Professor Turner’s legacy is reflected in generations of student-athletes who were supported, challenged, and ultimately empowered to succeed because of his influence. Inducting Professor Turner is not just recognizing his contributions — it is affirming the values we want our athletics program to represent.”

INDUCTION CEREMONY

The College of Marin Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026 will be officially inducted at the Annual Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, to be held on October 3, 2026 at Jonas Center, College of Marin’s Indian Valley Campus, Novato, California.

The ceremony will celebrate the inductees’ achievements and honor the individuals, teams, and families who made these legacies possible. The event is open to the College of Marin community, alumni, supporters, and the broader Marin community.

Registration information will be announced at a later date.

Contact:
Ryan Byrne
Associate Dean, Kinesiology & Athletics
HallofFame@marin.edu
415-485-9591