On January 15th, 2024, Desert Oasis High School conducted its first Hall of Fame.
The following former Diamondbacks had the honor of being the first entrants into the Desert Oasis Athletic Hall of Fame.
- Larry Goins- Athletic Director
- Cameron Jefferson- Athletic (Football/Basketball)
- Bryson Stott- Athletic (Baseball)
- 2016 Boys State Championship Bowling Team
Luckily all the recipients still lived locally or were in the area to be able to attend the event.
James Dinkel, current D.O Athletic Director said, “There was no issue, most of the recipients still lived in the Las Vegas Area. The ones that didn’t, simply just drove to the ceremony.”
Dinkel had the opportunity to induct all these men into the first Hall of Fame.
“I got to call everyone who got inducted,” Dinkel says. “Not only were the athletes and adults beyond excited but so was I.”
Matt Dobbs, class of 2016 got inducted into the D.O. Hall of Fame for helping lead his team to a bowling championship.
“I got an award for being a part of the first team at D.O. to win them a school bowling championship,” says Dobbs. “Not only me, but my team helped get us here.”
Dobbs expressed how being inducted into the Hall of Fame felt.
“It felt surreal, to say the least.” Dobbs expressed. “I still can’t believe it, it’s such a proud feeling and it’s something that I never thought would happen. When I was on the phone with Mr. Dinkel I had to keep my excitement but as soon as he hung up I was jumping for joy.”
Dobbs also explains what got him into D.O.’s very first Hall of Fame.
“Well, my team and I won state. We only lost a total of 12 points throughout the whole season and playoffs, which made us 96-12 overall.” Dobb explains. “Going into the final match we had to go against Liberty. We won by a total pinfall of 2397-2238. I bowled a 706 myself, which was the highest individual series in the entire tournament.”
Dobbs also gives details on how the ceremony went and his feelings throughout the night.
“The ceremony itself was really fun and I honestly couldn’t have asked for it to be better,” Dobbs says. “The whole night I was just happy to be there; I haven’t stepped foot into DO since 2016, so being there felt nostalgic. It was so nice to go back and see the kids I went to school with and the teachers who helped me. Mr.Dinkel was someone I always appreciated so seeing him felt good, as well as seeing my former team. This is definitely a night to remember and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Dobbs also says how he’s thankful he was placed into the first ceremony rather than any other.
“Being in the very first induction ceremony is something I can always keep with me forever,” Dobbs explains. “I feel like it’s a special achievement even to be inducted, but the very first one just holds a special place and shows how I, and my team, impacted Desert Oasis.”
Desert Oasis Hall of Fame impacted the kids inducted more than it seems and it is something that should continue to be held throughout the years.
