2017 Canyon Hall of Fame Inductees
This year we are excited to honor four of the Founders of Canyon High School, who started many of our valued traditions and whose legacy lives on in the Comanche Tradition of Excellence. Please join us at the 2017 Hall of Fame recognition dinner and reception on Saturday, March 25th to celebrate these deserving honorees.
Steve Anderson
CHS Faculty, Athletic Director, Aquatics Director & Coach: 1977 - Present
Coach Steve Anderson began building Canyon High School’s Women’s Aquatic program in 1979. During his career, he has coached more than 4,000 girls and has produced a 2-time Olympic gold medalist and 40 college aquatic athletes. In the past 38 years, Coach Anderson has led his swim teams to 664 wins and has claimed 32 aquatic league titles. Anderson has also coached multiple seasons of Men’s Water Polo, Swimming & Football and has “coached” in the classroom, teaching P.E., Computer Applications and Accounting. Coach Anderson is among the winningest aquatic coaches in Orange County.
Nancy Clark
CHS Faculty, Activities Director & Faculty Club Leader 1973 - 2004
Nancy Clark was one of the first faculty members at Canyon High School. She taught American Government/US History and was the Activities Director for more than 12 years. Clark also ran the Laureate Awards and was the Faculty Club Leader for multiple years. She was the lead anchor and producer of the Canyon morning news show from its inception in the late 1990s until her retirement in 2004. Clark was popular and well respected by her students and colleagues. She played an integral part in Canyon High School’s first 30 years. She is known for her favorite catchphrase: “If we are not having fun, I’m not going to play.”
Lou Joseph
CHS Founding Principal 1973 -1975
Lou Joseph was the founding principal of Canyon High School. His dream became a reality as he laid the foundation and helped set Canyon traditions. After the first Canyon graduation class, Dr. Joseph was elevated to Area Superintendent for Orange Unified and then left the District to become Superintendent at Antelope Valley High School District and retired in 1993 as Superintendent of South Pasadena Unified School District. He founded and has remained a contributor to the Principal’s Scholarship, funding a senior student each year since 1974. This man is responsible for setting the foundation for who we are today.
Harold "Hi" Lavelle
CHS Faculty, Head Basketball Coach
1973 - 1992
Hi Lavalle grew up in Southern California, played collegiate baseball at the University of Notre Dame, and in 1973 became the first baseball coach in Canyon High School history. In 19 years, his teams won 258 games and 5 League Championships. In 1984, Lavalle’s team won the CIF Championship and they were CIF Finalists multiple years. He retired with a record of 453-331-17. Coach Lavalle was the 1984 CIF Coach of the Year and the OC Register Coach of the Year in 1992. In 1996, Canyon High School’s baseball field was named “Hi Lavalle Field”. In 2003, his uniform number 18 was retired from the baseball program in honor of his contributions.