History will come to life right before our very eyes Saturday. That’s when the first class is inducted into the Cardinal Hall of Fame at Trinity Valley Community College.

What a day it’s going to be.

A day over 60 years in the making will begin the process of preserving the past for the future. Ten of the greats in the history of the college’s athletic program will come forward to receive deserving recognition and forever take legendary status.

It’s often said part of our responsibility for the time we are blessed with in this life is to leave things better for those who will come after us. It’s also of utmost importance that we mark our time and leave footsteps for others to follow.

Saturday is all about making sure future generations of TVCC athletes and fans know the school’s proud history and the great coaches and players who have come before them. For that reason, it’s not an overstatement to say Saturday will be as significant as any day in the college’s 62-year history.

The Cardinal Hall of Fame Class of 2008 is without question the best of the best. It provides a solid foundation for the hall of fame to stand the test of time.

The college and its fan base should be very proud of each of the 10 soon-to-be inductees. To the person, they represent what it should mean to be an athlete or coach and represent the school.

I’ve been fortunate to have a front row seat for close to 30 years now. In that time, and as the years have flown by, I have come to appreciate more and more when someone truly special comes our way.

“Special” definitely describes the Class of 2008, both as a group and individually. Their accomplishments may someday be surpassed, but probably not anytime soon, if in our lifetimes at all.

Allow me to share a few thoughts on a few of them:

• LEON SPENCER — For over 40 years he was the face of the athletic program, serving as both athletic director and head football coach. I suspect in some ways that will always be the case.

When Leon, or “Red” as he was often called in the early years, retired in 2006, he did so as the all-time winningest coach in Texas junior college history. His 809 career wins is going to be hard to top.

His induction is a due honor, of course. I hope someday the college does the right thing and name a building in his honor.

• CONNIE “CJ” RUSSELL — You want to talk about someone who left her mark, not just at the college but in the world of cheerleading, it’s our precious “CJ.”

In the late 1970s, she began changing cheerleading forever when she expanded the college’s squad and turned an activity into a sport in its own right.

I will never forget the day back in August of 1977 when I attending the first day of orientation at the college. It was at a general assembly in the auditorium and the back doors came barreling open and racing down the aisles with all kinds of energy and spirit were the cheerleaders.

That made a lasting impression on me, just as I’m sure she has to everyone she’s met.

• BOB BACCARINI — When “Coach Bob” was performing his greatness as a coach, I was a little young to be in tune with what was going on. But through the years I have gotten to know him and always look forward to the times he stops by the office for a visit and tells stories from that era.

I do remember as a kid sitting with relatives huddled around a radio listening to broadcasts of the Junior Rose Bowl games. That was my first contact with Cardinal football.

• KURT BUDKE — Early on, it was obvious to all we were in the presence of greatness when he came to the college. I mean, six straight national championship game appearances and four national titles in seven years, are you kidding me?

Kurt was a fan favorite. OK, maybe not a Tyler or Kilgore fan favorite, but certainly one of Lady Cardinal fans. Oh, sure, they liked the success and attention he brought the college by producing the most dominant period in women’s college basketball, but they also loved his friendly smile and the fact he always had time for a “hello.”

I am very much looking forward to seeing my friend receive this honor.

• PORTIA HILL — The first great player of Lady Cardinal basketball. Though she played over 20 years ago now, she has records that still stand.

But perhaps the thing most of us most remember about her was that smile of hers that could light up a room.

• SHALONDA ENIS — The player responsible for starting what has become a 15-year period of domination by the Lady Cardinal basketball program.

“Sha” was greatness on the court and full of goodness off it. Fans loved her and admired how she juggled being a student, player and mom all at the same time.

• STAN CLOUDY — He could flat out play and was probably the best player on the best Cardinal basketball team of all time in 1982. On a team of memorable players that went on to finish third at the national tournament, he certainly stands out.

The other three members of the Class of 2008 — Ron Thomas, Margene Adkins and Ines Perez — were before my time. But in this process of the creation of the Cardinal Hall of Fame, I have become more aware and respectful of their accomplishments.

I must also say it’s going to be good to finally meet the “Little General,” which is the nickname Perez was given in his days as Cardinal quarterback. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard stories about the “Little General.”

So the “Little General” is coming to town. And so are the other nine to line up beside him and take their place in TVCC history.

Yes, what a homecoming day it’s going to be.

Benny Rogers is sports editor for the Athens Daily Review.