September 24, 2025

Written by Brad Peters

PHOTO GALLERY

RIVERSIDE:  On Friday September 12, a fine tradition in the school’s history continued growing as the King High Hall of Fame inducted the Class of ’25: Athletes Lane Werley and Orlisha Henlon and now retired Coach Becky Gagnon.

The gym was dressed in formality and over 100 guests were served a fine meal as part of the ceremony.  The Master of Ceremony was former King teacher and baseball coach Ken Scott and remarks were made by Principal, Dr. Leann Iacuone and Athletic Director, Amanda Chann.  The festive occasion welcomed three of the finest King High’s Athletic Department ever knew.

“Orlisha was a pathbreaker” said former track coach John Corona of the 2003 graduate.  A competitor in both track and basketball, Orlisha’s exploits in the earliest days of the school helped to chart a course for those who would come after.  She was a standout in both endeavors, but her talent in track, specifically the high jump, put her in the State’s elite when most of the King kids were just trying to figure out how to navigate a league meet.  She would in turn garner the attention of college coaches.  UC Irvine was the winner and she would have a fine collegiate career for the Anteaters.

Also breaking ground for King was Coach Becky Gagnon who came up the hill from Arlington when the school opened in 1999 with only 9th and 10th graders. She would lead the girls tennis program with excellence, often carrying more than 90 athletes on her team and, miraculously, finding a way for all of them to compete.  She is by far the most winningest coach in the school’s history in all sports combined.  Typical for the humble warrior, Becky’s remarks did not focus on the win-loss record nor her teams’ achievements but rather the relationships she formed with her athletes and the smile-forming memories she shared with them.

Lane Werley (class of 2011) is one of the most accomplished athletes in King High’s history.  A three-sport competitor, he excelled in cross country and track, earning All State and All American titles in both sports before going on to UCLA where he earned All Pac 12 and All American honors for the Bruins.  Like Henlon, Werley blazed a path for others to follow and the cross country and track programs began to reach higher plateaus of accomplishment in subsequent years in part, at least due to the impact of Lane’s competitive greatness.

It was all smiles for the three inductees along with their families and invited friends, basking in the moment and the memories.  In the audience were current King High Athletes who wear the same uniform as their forerunners did.  Perhaps one or more of those listening teenagers will find the roles reversed one day and see their plaque added to the throng that now includes Lane Werley, Becky Gagnon and Orlisha Henlon.

Time, and tradition, will tell.