The China Mail - Northern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Inductees

The Northern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (NCJSHOF) has announced its Class of 2026 inductees, selecting four individuals for their athletic accomplishments and ongoing support of the community. The honorees include Debbie Spander, sports executive and founder and CEO of Insight Sports; Russ Critchfield, a University of California, Berkeley basketball legend and All-American; Josh Steinharter, founder of Maccabbi Sports Camp and chief operating officer of the Jewish Community Center of the East Bay; and John Poch, recipient of the "Mensch Award" and executive director of the San Jose Sports Authority.

The inductees will be recognized during the organization's 19th Annual Induction Dinner Gala on November 22 at the Olympic Golf Club in South San Francisco. The venue is noted for its history as a host site for multiple U.S. Open Golf Championships. The evening’s schedule begins with cocktails at 4:30 p.m., followed by hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction at 6 p.m. Radio personality Ted Robinson will serve as the master of ceremonies for the dinner and awards ceremony.

Steven Sockolov, president of the NCJSHOF, stated that the event will also recognize 10 local youth with scholarships for their upcoming college careers. "In addition to this year’s superb induction class, the NCJSHOF will also celebrate and award 10 local youth with scholarships for their upcoming college careers," Sockolov announced.

The funds raised from the gala support the NCJSHOF Youth and Scholarship Fund, which provides financial aid, mentoring, and assistance to Jewish high school seniors who demonstrate excellence in sports, community service, and academics. The organization also focuses on public education regarding the contributions of Jewish sports figures and fosters relationships with diverse groups to promote the value of sports.

Additionally, the NCJSHOF partners with the UCSF Sports Medicine Program to study and protect student athletes from the detrimental effects of concussions resulting from contact sports. Tax-deductible contributions to these programs can be made through the organization.

The selection of inductees is determined by an executive committee of educators. Among past honorees is Tad Taube, the Honorable Consul of Poland to Northern California and a member of the Class of 2008 in tennis. Taube, recognized as one of the 50 most influential Jews in America, has previously defined the term "mensch"—awarded to John Poch this year—as "the superb human being."

The nearly sold-out banquet is expected to draw luminaries from the Bay Area sports, media, and business communities. For more information about the Northern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, visit ncjshof.org. Tickets for the gala are available by contacting Robert Arenson at 415-516-3060 or [email protected].

E.Choi--ThChM