October 18, 2026

Written by Brad Peters

PHOTO ALBUM

RIVERSIDE:  Begun in 2018, the King High Athletic Hall of Fame has held its induction dinner and ceremony each Fall, save two years that were interrupted by the COVID Pandemic.  This past Friday night, the tradition continued with another class installed into the growing Hall of excellent athletes, coaches, administrators and “teams of distinction” which Martin Luther King High has witnessed over its short but growing history.

Eric Wise, Kalei Greeley and former Athletic Director Tony Masi, along with the 2012 girls volleyball team were honored at the dinner amid their friends, family and former teammates and coaches.  It was a celebratory event.

Eric, who played basketball in the first decade of MLK’s existence and went on to collegiate excellence at UCI and USC before playing professionally in Europe, was introduced by his brother Cameron who told  stories of the two learning the game and stoking the competitive fires as kids in their backyard.

Kalei was a high school and collegiate star (University of Hawaii) in volleyball.  The head coach who guided King’s program during those early years of King was Gene Krieger who introduced her with tales of her commitment, grit and coachable spirit.

Tony Masi who served as King’s Athletic Director for 14 years before retiring was introduced by longtime friend and former King track coach John Corona who reminded the many in attendance who also worked alongside Mr. Masi, of the many reasons why he was so admired.

Current Athletic Director Amanda Chann summed up what many feel by saying that in her mind, she “works in Tony Masi’s office.”

King High has been blessed with exceptional talent over 27 years of existence and the growing Hall of Fame is testament to that.  Eric Wise commented that the challenges and hurdles that came during his stellar athletic career were tools that only made him better.  “I wouldn’t have had it any other way,” he said more than once, a repetition that serves as a good reminder to those who are prone to look for an easier path.

“I had to grow comfortable in being uncomfortable,” said Kalei Greeley of her time on the court.  “This was a lesson that extended to my whole life,” she added.

For Tony Masi, he was quick to spread the credit of his accomplishments to others.  “I learned early on to hire great coaches and then support them and get out of their way,” he said, explaining his strategy for success.

Coaches Gene Krieger and Sondra Lough said of their 2012 CIF Championship volleyball team that theirs was a group of girls who loved volleyball, embraced their roles and trusted their coaches.  The success of that team created an atmosphere of excitement in those younger years of King High and the gratitude and joy could be felt yet again on Friday night by the 2012 team members that were able to attend the festivities.

 

The prior inductees to the Hall of Fame are below and a tab at the top of this webpage will direct the reader to biographies of each recipient

2018 – Nicole Smith, Kawhi Leonard & Principal Ray Plutko

2019 – Heidi Garrett and Marvin Lea 

2022 – Heather Booth and Robert Malone

2023 – Markisha Lea Farrier and Carlon Brown 

2024 – Miranda Montajo, Jimmy Kirkemo and Coach John Corona

2025 – Orlisha Henlon, Lane Werley and Coach Becky Gagnon  (story linked here)