1999 Hall of Fame Inductee

JOE GRABEN - Yuba City, California
Baseball - 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970
Football - 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969

Joe participated in football and baseball for 4 years.  He was awarded the Frosh Football Coaches Award for his performance as an athlete and person.  While he was named the Most Valuable Player for baseball in 1968 his crowning recognition was as the Art Acker Outstanding Senior Athlete.  He was member of the Block C from 1967 to 1970.  He held two football records.  The first was the longest punt (81 yards) and the second for the most passes caught in a football game (12).  Joe finished his undergraduate years in 1970 with the distinction of graduating Cum Laude. He completed his M.A. in 1973.

 His coaching experience is vast.  It started at Pleasant Valley High School in 1971 and continues at Yuba City High School, where he has served in a variety of roles as coach and chairman of the Physical Education Department.  Coaching responsibilities included JV and varsity assignments in football and baseball.  He was the owner/manager of the Twin City semipro baseball team.  Other accomplishments include serving as the assistant athletic director at Yuba City, named the Optimist Baseball Coach in 1987, received a proclamation from the Yuba City mayor and City Council for his 16 years of dedication to men's baseball team, and was named Mentor Teacher from 1992 to 1994.  He remains a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the California Teacher and National Education Associations.

 His friends and peers recognize him for his character and ideals.  They say he is sincere and concerned for others.  They find him to be most responsible with high standards that he lives by.  They contend he has had a great and positive impact on his students and serves as a model for others to follow.