Saturday night at SF State's Seven Hills Conference Center was emotional as seven athletes and coaches were inducted into the SF State Hall of Fame. Memories of old times brought tears, laughter, and cheer to attendees and participants as they spoke of the athletes' accomplishments.

Art Chavez (wrestling), Phil Kernan (baseball), Lee Lofton (wrestling), Harry Marra (track and field coach), Roberta Morrow (women's soccer), Terry Tuzzolino (wrestling) and Frank Verducci (men's soccer), all took the stand to thank the school, coaches, family and loved ones who supported them on their journey to success as athletes — or coach — and the people they had become.

Giant posters of the inductees during their playing or coaching days were displayed on stage, where each inductee spoke. Purple and gold balloons set the tone for Gator pride.

SF State inducted three wrestlers into the Hall of Fame.

Chavez died in 1998, but his son, Arturo Chavez, accepted the award on his father's behalf.

"It's not just wrestling he was good at," Chavez said, "It was every sport he played." The elder Chavez was known to be good at badminton and handball as well.

The late Chavez was an exceptional wrestler who took part in establishing the wrestling foundation at SF State, said former wrestling coach Allen Abraham.

"He's someone we'll never forget," Abraham said during the induction speech.

Lee Lofton, another wrestler, was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his four years as a starter, 1994 to 1998. He earned All-American honors in 1997 and was an NCAA Champion in his weight class at 190 pounds.

"Sports are more than stepping onto the mat or field," Lofton said in his speech. Lofton was awarded Most Improved, Most Valuable Player, and Most Inspirational during his years at SF State.

Terry Tuzzolino was the last of the three wrestlers to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Tuzzolino's achievements at SF State came during the 2000 season, when he won the National Championship and All-American honors.

The only female member to be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year was Roberta Morrow, class of 2003. Morrow was a two-time member of the All-California Collegiate Athletic Association soccer team and was named MVP two consecutive years for SF State.

Morrow said she couldn't believe she was honored and also said she was humbled to be inducted into SF State's Hall of Fame.

"I have nothing but good feelings," Morrow said about the night and about her memories at SF State.

Phil Kernan, a 1995 graduate at SF State, was the only baseball player to be inducted into the 2008 Hall of Fame.

"This is experience you can't get at a corporate job," Kernan said of the skills and life lessons he gained as an athlete at SF State.

Not getting drafted before his senior year Kernan said that not getting drafted before his senior year almost drove him to quit the baseball team, but that he ultimately decided stay.

"Best decision I made," Kernan said, relating that staying on the team led to meeting his future wife.

Another inductee who made an impact on SF State was Harry Marra, who coached the track and field and cross-country teams from 1981 to 1993. Marra started the Johnny Mathis Track and Field Invitational, which is held every year at SF State. During his years as a coach, Marra was twice named the Northern California Athletic Conference coach of the year.

The oldest inductee of the evening was Frank Verducci, who was not only a member of SF State's soccer team from 1950 to 1953, but also basketball coach from 1964 to 1970.

Verducci's family, including grandchildren, were by his side to support his induction to the Hall of Fame.

"I think that it's a horizon that I did not expect, but I will remember it for the rest of my life," Veducci said. "I owe so much to San Francisco State for my education and sports experiences."