5 Athletes Inducted Into 2025 East Aurora Sports Boosters Hall Of Fame

Press release from East Aurora School District 131:

AURORA, IL — The 2025 East Aurora Sports Boosters Hall of Fame ceremony took place on Friday, February 7, right before the East vs. West Varsity Boys Basketball Game at East Aurora High School.

Congratulations to the 2025 inductees:

Thomas Boatright – Class of 1970 (Football, Basketball & Track)

A three-sport athlete, Thomas played varsity football and basketball (1968-69) and competed in track & field (1968-70). He earned All-City honors in football and led the Oklahoma Collegiate League in punt returns as a freshman at Northeastern State University. In 1975, he was invited to try out for the Chicago Bears alongside Hall of Famer Walter Payton.

In basketball, Thomas helped East Aurora reach back-to-back state finals, including a fourth-place finish in the 1969 IHSA State Tournament. In track, he set a 100-yard dash record (10.1 sec) at the City of Aurora Relays that stood for 13 years.

Thomas retired from Commonwealth Edison after 30 years. He and his wife, Linda, have five daughters, including East Aurora Hall of Famers Katrina and Lakeya. His grandson, Ryan Boatright, is also an East Aurora basketball standout.

Deion Melvin – Class of 1982 (Football)

A two-year varsity linebacker, Deion’s team won the Upstate 8 Conference in his junior year. As a senior, he earned All-Conference 1st Team and All-State Honorable Mention honors.

He continued at College of DuPage, earning All-American recognition, then received a full scholarship to Western Illinois University, where he was a two-year starter. Deion later coached at East Aurora and built a successful career as a college and professional football coach. He has coached 11 College All-Americans and several NFL players.

Deion and his wife, Beverley, live in St. Charles, MO, with their daughters, Lywanna and Sherese.

Tyrone Aiken – Class of 1992 (Basketball & Track)

A two-sport athlete, Tyrone helped lead the 1991-92 basketball team to the IHSA Elite Eight, scoring 10 points in the sectional championship.

In track, he excelled in the long jump and high jump, placing 3rd at state in 1992 with a 6’9″ jump—a school record for 17 years. That year, he was named East High’s Male Athlete of the Year.

Tyrone played basketball at Waubonsee Community College and now lives in Aurora with his wife, Tanisha, and their son, Jeremiah.

Carlos Rivera – Class of 2007 (Baseball)

A four-year varsity starter, Carlos captained East Aurora’s baseball team for three years, finishing with a .371 career batting average and 74 stolen bases. He was a four-time Beacon News All-Area selection.

He played at Waubonsee Community College, helping his team reach the Junior College World Series, and was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2007.

Carlos, founder of Hurricane Document Shredding in Aurora, dedicates this honor to his mother, Gladys, and his late father, Orlando “Papo” Rivera.

Tyshee Towner – Class of 2013 (Basketball & Track)

A four-year varsity athlete in both basketball and track, Tyshee earned multiple All-Conference and All-State honors in basketball, scoring 1,398 career points. She was East High’s Female Athlete of the Year in 2013.

At Wabash Valley College, she became an NJCAA 1st Team All-American and later played at Indiana University, earning two varsity letters.

Tyshee returned to Aurora, where she continues to serve as the varsity assistant coach for the Lady Tomcats.

About the East Aurora Sports Booster Club

The East Aurora Sports Boosters created the Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991 as a way to honor and remember the best of the best at East High. Since its formation the Boosters have enshrined 175 former coaches, athletes and friends of the program into the Hall of Fame.

The Sports Boosts Hall of Fame committee currently consists of Chairman Johnny McCue, Sports Boosters President Frankie Zepeda, and committee members Jim and Sue Skelley, Cliff Pensyl, Nestor Garcia, Wendell Jeffries, Mark Lindo, Robin Reder, Jeff Sansale, Rodney Davis, Bob Christensen, and Nate Parry.

In order for an individual to be eligible for this honor they must be an Athlete and graduate of East High of 10 or more years. Retired EA coach of 10 or more years or a Friend of the Program: an individual who showed exceptional support for East Aurora Athletics.

The committee opened a new category in 2024 and will begin accepting nominations in 2025 for Athletic sports teams. This will celebrate and honor individual teams across all sports who had remarkable seasons here at East High and remember all who contributed to their success.

This press release was produced by East Aurora School District 131. The views expressed here are the author’s own.