Dorsey High Alumni Unite to Celebrate Athletic Legacy

Former members of Dorsey High’s 1982 City Section football championship team took the stage with energy. Although decades have passed since their time at the school, their spirit was unchanged. Alumni and families joined in the celebration at Dorsey’s first full athletics reunion.

Cheerleaders from the 1976 championship basketball team performed shortly after. The sports teams for the 2026-27 school year also participated, with families celebrating Dorsey’s legacy and future.

Dorsey High has seen many changes since the early 2000s. The school was once thriving with a robust athletics program, but now struggles with lower attendance. The last football championship was in 2001. In 2002, the school had its highest enrollment of 2,211 students. Currently, that number has decreased to 792, according to US News. The sports teams are trying to regain their previous success.

Former football head coach Paul Knox brought alumni together for a day of celebration, looking towards the future. On Saturday, many current and former Dorsey Dons returned to campus for the reunion. Alumni from as far back as the 1950s shared stories, photos, and laughter. Knox guided tours of the school’s renovations, highlighting the upcoming football stadium and new basketball gym.

Later, the current teams and the 1976 City championship basketball team were introduced. Knox, who last coached at Dorsey in 2014, organized this event to showcase both past and present accomplishments.

“The atmosphere here, the pride everyone has in the school… it’s one of the most passionate alumni groups you’ll find,” Knox said.

Enrollment challenges faced by Dorsey are not unique in California. Across the state, public school enrollment is decreasing. The Los Angeles Unified School District saw a drop of over 16,000 students last year. Private and charter schools are excelling in academics and athletics, impacting schools like Dorsey.

One of Dorsey’s notable alumni, former major leaguer Don Buford, attended the event. Graduating in 1955, Buford was keen to exchange stories with fellow alumni and take photos. Sitting under a sizable ficus tree, Buford remarked that it was much smaller during his school years.

Decades of students have watched the tree grow towering and strong. Knox and the school’s administration hope this reunion event will serve as a foundation for reviving the athletics program and the overall school spirit.

“The passion is there,” Knox expressed. “We’re aiming to inspire current teams and demonstrate the depth behind their efforts.”

The reunion also provided an opportunity for the Dorsey community to reconnect and enjoy positive moments together. Former players caught up with coaches, and many met renowned alumni. Smiles were abundant throughout the day.

Highlighting former champions alongside potential future champions, the event underscored the opportunities available to current students—both in sports and beyond.

Baseball alumni wore shirts stating “Legacy of Greatness… Five Rings, One Legacy,” commemorating a 2014 championship. Signs celebrating Dorsey’s numerous championships were prominent throughout the event.

The event aimed to revive a history of success, inspiring current students and teams without explicitly stating it.

“Once you go here, you feel it,” Knox stated.

The event’s spirit was captured in a simple phrase at the entrance: “It’s a great day to be a Don.”