The rich sports history of the Santa Maria Valley came alive Sunday at the Santa Maria Elks Lodge on N. Bradley Road.

“It’s a hidden treasure,” said Eddie Navarro. “But we’re bringing it out of hiding today.”

Fifteen years ago, Navarro, along with his longtime friends Ernie Corral and Al Ramos started the Santa Maria Valley Sports History Club.

With an assist from another old friend, the late Joe Talaugon, who brought his hometown of Guadalupe into the mix, the group works tirelessly to preserve the memories and memorabilia of the area’s sports.

“Lots of people know that Robin Ventura (Righetti High) and Bryn Smith (Santa Maria High) were big league baseball stars, and Mark Brunell (St. Joseph High) was an NFL star,” said Navarro. “But most of the young people don’t know that the legen

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