Vance Fisher’s family moved to Oildale in 1947 from his birthplace in McKeesport, PA (a suburb of Pittsburg). His father migrated west to take a job with a Title Search company here, then later started working with Union Oil Co. Vance attended Standard Jr. High and then entered North High in 1954, exactly one year after the school had opened.

Playing for legendary coach Turk Eliades, he started out as a tackle as a sophomore but later became an outstanding end. As a junior, Vance was named first team all-South Yosemite League. Then as a senior, the Stars won their first ever SYL Championship and Fisher was again named 1st team all-SYL. In addition, he was chosen on the 6th team of the National High School All-American team. This was the 2nd highest honor ever given to a Kern County football player. He also was chosen for the annual Kern County North-South game.

After high school, colleges came calling includingCal, Washington State and USC to play football. Instead he chose to attend Bakersfield College. Playing for another local legend, Homer Beatty, he was starting and playing both ways (offense and defense). But, as fate would have it, in his very first JC game, while attempting to block a punt, he severely injured a knee. He sat out tmost of the season, returning to play in the last two games and the Potato Bowl but had lost his starting position.

After the disappointment of that season, he decided to join the Air Force, where he played football for two years. His teams made the Air Force Championship in Alabama both years but came up on the short end of the
score each time.

In February of 1961, he received an honorable discharge and returned home to again play football for the Renegades and continue his education. BC went 10-0 during the regular season that year and allowed just 36 points. Playing against Cameron, Oklahoma for the National Championship in the Jr. Rose Bowl in Pasadena, BC was defeated 28-20, spoiling their perfect season. But Fisher caught a tying touchdown pass just before the end of the half.

Football scholarship offers came from Idaho State, Sacramento State and University of Reno, Nevada. Coach Eliades was a graduate of Reno and advised Vance to pursue his career there. Playing alongside of former North High teammate Bobby Ezell, he again was a two-way starter for two years. In all there were 13 players from Bakersfield and Kern County.

After graduation from Reno, he went to work in the Bay Area for Firestone then moved to the Los Angeles area to work for his good buddy and former high teammate Jim Anderson in the construction business. He retired in 2001 and moved to Bonita Springs, Florida where he had other relatives living. He’s now a golf nut like most Floridians.

He and his second wife, Linda, have been married 30 years with no children. He had two sons by a previous marriage, Scott and Chris. Scott attended UC San Barbara and was a standout basketball player, gaining MVP honors his last three seasons there. He had offers from the 76ers and a couple of other NBA teams but nothing developed. He now lives in Pebble Beach and is married to Clint Eastwood’s ex-wife.

Congrats Vance on an outstanding career and a very deserving welcome to the North High Athletics Hall of Fame.

Born in Oakland, California Richard (Dick) Brown moved to the San Joaquin Valley and a young age and attended Standard Jr. High and then later graduated at the age of 16 from Kern County High (now known as BHS) in 1945.

After attending Bakersfield College for two years he transferred to San Jose State where he earned a B.A. in the fall of 1950. He participated in both water polo and swimming while at San Jose State. He then spent two years in the US Army during the Korean conflict.

After military service, serving as an Education Specialist in the Army in Georgia and the United Kingdom, Dick began his education career at Beardsley School, teaching a self-contained 7th grade class. While teaching at Beardsley Elementary he met his wife Irene Helen Fox and they were married in 1955.

In 1958, Dick moved over to North High, teaching Social Studies and English, grades 9-12. At that time he also began his coaching career, coaching JV football and the head coach of North’s blossoming swim team. His teams twice won Valley Championships and he was highly respected throughout the valley. He coached many of the great North High swimmers including NH Hall of Famers Barry Townsend and his sister Jennifer.

A superb professional educator, Dick graduated from San Jose State, and then went on to get his Masters Degree in Education from Fresno State and his Doctorate Degree in Education from the University of Southern California in 1974.

Dick followed in the line of outstanding principals at North High and served in that capacity from 1973 to 1984 when he retired. He continued teaching as a guest lecturer in several college programs after his official retirement.

After retiring in 1986, he and Irene moved to Sequoia Crest, Ca. where they spent many years enjoying mountain life. They returned to Bakersfield in June of 2004.

Dick was a teacher’s principal. Always a huge supporter of the athletic programs at North, he was respected by the entire faculty and treasured as a person you could go to with a problem and get very sound advice. He truly loved North High and all it encompassed. One of our most beloved principals ever. Dick Brown was a true professional as a coach, a teacher and principal.

Dick passed away on April 24, 2007. He and Irene had three boys, Eric, Paul and Glen. North High was truly blessed to have had Dick Brown as a huge part of the school’s history.

Born and raised in Oildale, John was an 08er from the crib. He attended Highland Elementary then Standard Junior High and participated in anything sports, excelling in several.

Entering high school in 1963 John played football and baseball. Was a member of the Class B football team and then as a sophomore was part of the JV team that won the SYL Championship. Moved up to varsity for his junior and senior years, playing under the legendary coach Turk Eliades. John was co-Captain of the 1966 team that won the SYL Championship and he earned several honors in the process. He was the first running back from North High to win the city “Back of the Year” award, gaining over 600 yards on the ground and many more through the passing game. He had the top single game rushing effort in the city as a senior when he gained nearly 200 yards and scored 5 touchdowns in a game against East High. He was also named All-City.

In baseball he played on the freshman team, moved up to JV as a sophomore and then excelled for two years on the varsity. Playing for another North High coaching legend Sam Barton, John was more valuable than a Swiss knife, playing every position on the field except pitcher and catcher. Amazingly as a senior he struck out only 3 times all year including twice in his final game. He was named 2nd team all-City as a senior.

He was awarded the Sam Lynn Award as the top senior athlete in the school. An excellent student as well, John was President of the “Big N” club and made the honor roll.

After graduation, John attended Bakersfield College and played football for yet another legend, Gerry Collis. As a freshman played mostly on the special teams and then as a sophomore contracted Valley fever and was limited to playing time. But he still received a football scholarship to the University of Las Vegas Nevada. He along with 14 other BC players headed to UNLV. After completing his education, he remained in Las Vegas and began teaching at Clark High coaching football, baseball and gymnastics until his retirement in 2001.

His best friend was football teammate Bill Jasper who introduced him to his younger sister Carolyn. John and her began dating throughout high school and have now been married 46 years. They have no children and now live in Bend, Oregon where John spends a lot of time fishing.

Congratulations John, a born and bred 08er.