Will C. Wood High Inducts 4 Into Athletic Hall of Fame

The Class of 2026 honorees include standout swimmers, basketball stars, and a longtime school advocate.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:19am

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Will C. Wood High School in Vacaville, California, has announced the four individuals who will be inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame at the annual Wildcat Night celebration on March 28, 2026. The inductees are Joanna Curry (Class of 2015), Michael McChristian (2009), Michael Chambers (2001), and Enriqueta 'Henrie' Newland (Distinguished Service).

Why it matters

The Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony honors the lasting impact these individuals have had on the school's sports programs and legacy. It also serves as a fundraiser for the school's athletic department, which helps ensure all student-athletes have access to safe and supportive programs.

The details

Joanna Curry was a dominant swimmer, winning four Monticello Empire League titles and the Sac-Joaquin Section 100 backstroke championship. Michael McChristian and Michael Chambers were basketball standouts, earning multiple all-league honors and leading their teams to success. Enriqueta 'Henrie' Newland served as the school's principal for 11 years, advocating tirelessly for athletics and improving facilities.

  • The induction ceremony will take place on March 28, 2026 at the annual Wildcat Night celebration.
  • Curry won the Sac-Joaquin Section 100 backstroke title in her final competition as a Wildcat in 2015.
  • McChristian was named Monticello Empire League MVP as a senior in 2009.
  • Chambers was named Monticello Empire League MVP and the league's all-time leading scorer in 2001.
  • Newland served as Will C. Wood High School's principal from 1995 to 2006.

The players

Joanna Curry

A four-time Monticello Empire League champion swimmer who went on to compete at Princeton University, where she was a two-time team captain and Ivy League champion.

Michael McChristian

A basketball standout at Will C. Wood High School who earned All-MEL honors and was named league MVP, later playing at the college and professional level before returning to coach at the high school and college ranks.

Michael Chambers

A four-year varsity basketball standout at Will C. Wood High School who was named league MVP and the all-time leading scorer in Monticello Empire League history.

Enriqueta 'Henrie' Newland

Served as the principal of Will C. Wood High School for 11 years from 1995 to 2006, where she was a steadfast advocate for the school's athletic programs and ensuring student-athletes had access to safe and supportive facilities.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

Tickets for the Wildcat Night celebration, which includes the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, are $75 each and on sale now for those 21 and older.

The takeaway

This Hall of Fame class highlights the lasting impact that dedicated student-athletes, coaches, and school leaders can have on a community's sports programs and legacy. The induction ceremony serves as an important fundraiser to ensure the continued success of Will C. Wood High School's athletic offerings.