Father follows his son into Atwater High School Hall of Fame

ATWATER -- The Atwater High School Hall of Fame will welcome 39 more inductees on Saturday night, including a second Svendsen.

Former water polo player David Svendsen went into the Hall of Fame last year.

This year, his father, Roddy, will join him.

"I think it's great," Roddy said. "David went in last year and I think that's the first thing he's beaten me in. He's given me a hard time about it.

"Its' quite an honor. I've been in Atwater a long time. I love the place. It's a neat thing going into the Hall of Fame."

Svendsen has won over 500 games as a water polo coach. That's more victories than any coach in any sport at Atwater.

The ceremony will take place APC Hall in Atwater at 6 p.m.

Other highlights from this year's call include:

Dennis Lingenfelter, who signed with Mets and played in Visalia with Tom Seaver

Craig Charron, who signed with Dodgers and played minor league baseball

David Nevatt, who played on the PGA Tour in 1978 and 1979.

Manuel Flores, who was one of the top running backs in California in 1987.

Gena Piper, who played professional softball in Japan.

Denise Parreira, who was a three-time All-American water polo player.

Ashley Dinwoodie, who is also a member of the University of the Pacific Hall of Fame for soccer.

Roger Johnson, who won a Sac-Joaquin Section title in the shot Section Champion Shot Put in 1989.

"It's kind of odd because it sees like a lifetime ago," said Johnson, who is an offensive line coach at Buhach Colony. "It's an honor. I'm looking forward to seeing some people who I haven't seen in a long time. I saw Kurt Miltenberger's name on the list. I haven't seen Kurt in 13 years."

This year's class will bring the Atwater Hall of Fame total to 116 athletes, seven coaches and six contributors.

The members include 12 professional baseball and softball players, three pro football players, three pro basketball players and two Olympians.

"I've heard some guys say it's a like a class reunion, but it's all the cool people," Svendsen said. "There will be a lot of reminiscing. A lot of good stories."

Tickets for the Atwater Hall of Fame Dinner are are still available, call 357-6019.

This story was originally published April 13, 2012 at 1:39 AM with the headline "Father follows his son into Atwater High School Hall of Fame."