Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
1
INDUCTION CEREMONY AUGUST 29, 2019
SCRIPT
EMCEE: HANK FUERST ‘05
2
7:15 ANNOUNCEMENT LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WELCOME TO FATHER RYAN
TONIGHT.
THERE IS A BRIEF CEREMONY TAKING PLACE IN 5
MINUTES AT THE TOUCHSTONE, DEDICATING AND
BLESSING THE HALL OF FAME STONES. IF YOU WOULD
LIKE TO BE OUTSIDE FOR THIS, YOU CAN MOVE THERE
NOW AND THEN RETURN TO YOUR SEATS FOR THE
CEREMONY.
WE WILL BEGIN THE CEREMONY IN 15 MINUTES.
3
INTRODUCTION Hank Fuerst ‘05
GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME TO THE CATIGNANI-
DRENNAN FIELDHOUSE HERE ON THE CAMPUS OF FATHER
RYAN HIGH SCHOOL ON THIS TRULY HISTORIC NIGHT -
THE INDUCTION OF THE FIRST-EVER MEMBERS OF THE
FATHER RYAN ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME.
I’M HANK FUERST OF THE CLASS OF 2005, AND I HANDLE
MEDIA FOR THE DAVE RAMSEY SHOW. I AM HONORED TO
BE YOUR EMCEE TONIGHT FOR THIS HISTORIC OCCASION.
AND I’M EVEN MORE HONORED TO BE HERE AS A FAN OF
IRISH ATHLETES AND ATHLETICS THROUGHOUT MY LIFE.
MANY OF THESE MEN AND WOMEN HAVE BEEN MY
HEROES, SOME HAVE BEEN MY COACHES AND ALL HAVE
SHOWCASED THE UNIQUE SPIRIT AND CHARACTER THAT
HAVE CREATED THE IRISH ATHLETIC LEGACY.
4
TO BEGIN THE ACTIVITIES, I’D LIKE TO ASK FATHER JOE
MCMAHON (muck-MAN), PASTOR OF HOLY FAMILY PARISH
AND FORMER ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL OF FATHER RYAN, TO
LEAD US IN PRAYER.
(FR. MCMAHON PRAYS)
THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US TONIGHT, FATHER.
AND WOULD YOU PLEASE REMAIN STANDING FOR THE
SINGING OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM, PERFORMED THIS
EVENING BY TWO SENIORS, BOTH MEMBERS OF THE
FATHER RYAN SHOW CHOIR… ISA (EE-suh) DERRICK AND
MAGGIE HOUSE. ISA (EE-suh) IS A ST. MATTHEW ALUMNA,
PART OF THE MUSIC MINISTRY, A MEMBER OF THE
PURPLE MASQUE PLAYERS AND THE NATIONAL HONOR
SOCIETY, A MINISTER OF HOLY COMMUNION AND A PEER
MENTOR. MAGGIE IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE MUSIC
5
MINISTRY AND THE PURPLE MASQUE PLAYERS AS WELL
AS A MINISTER OF HOLY COMMUNION. SHE IS A
GRADUATE OF ST. EDWARD.
(ISA AND MAGGIE SING THE ANTHEM)
(HANK RETURNS TO THE PODIUM)
THANK YOU ISA AND MAGGIE.
WE HAVE AN IMPRESSIVE LINEUP OF ATHLETES,
COACHES, CONTRIBUTORS AND TEAMS TO HONOR
TONIGHT…50 IN TOTAL…AND EVERYONE WITH A
MEMORABLE STORY TO TELL ABOUT FATHER RYAN AND
THEIR ATHLETIC EXPERIENCES.
AS WE PREPARE FOR THE CEREMONY, I’D LIKE TO
INTRODUCE THE PEOPLE WHO ARE ON THE STAGE THIS
EVENING. FIRST, FATHER RYAN’S PRESIDENT, JIM
MCINTYRE. (APPLAUSE) PAUL DAVIS OF THE CLASS OF
1981, OUR PRINCIPAL. (APPLAUSE) .
6
ANN MULLINS OF THE CLASS OF 2003, OUR INTERIM
DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS. (APPLAUSE) BROOKE REUSCH
(ROOSH), THE DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT. (APPLAUSE)
ANGELA ALLBEE MILLS OF THE CLASS OF 1985, DIRECTOR
OF ALUMNI AND COMMUNICATIONS. (APPLAUSE) AND I’LL
INTRODUCE THE OTHERS IN A FEW MINUTES.
BUT NOW, I WOULD LIKE TO ASK MR. MCINTYRE TO
WELCOME YOU.
7
JIM MCINTYRE
Good evening, and on behalf of our principal, Paul Davis of the
Class of 1981, our leadership team, the Board of Trust, our
faculty, our students and the entire alumni community, please
accept my sincere welcome home. And a special welcome to
Mrs. Rebecca Hammel, the superintendent of schools for the
diocese. Thank you for being here, Mrs. Hammel
Over the past 15 years as head of school at Father Ryan, I have
had the honor and privilege of meeting, learning about and in
many cases working with tonight’s inductees. Their stories are
part of the rich history of this school. In fact, our inaugural Hall of
Fame inductees embody a long span of Father Ryan’s history.
From Thomas Tricky Beehan, who entered as a freshman in
1925, to Katie Lee Carter of the Class of 1999, the Hall of Fame
class gathered tonight represents a long purple line that runs from
West End to Elliston Place to Norwood…from the Purple Panthers
to the Irish…from Nashville Catholic School for Boys to Father
Ryan…going back nearly a century.
8
As our school’s life approaches the century mark, we are mindful
tonight of Bishop Alphonse Smith, our founder, and the men and
women who said yes, and sacrificed to make our school a reality.
Our founders’ vision was to create a place where young men and
later young women could be formed and molded in the light of the
Gospel…to inspire them to go out and shape and impact others in
Nashville, the State of Tennessee and the world.
In recent days, I found myself combing through the photos from
our honorees’ days at Father Ryan, and was reminded that they
were once young students at Father Ryan…14, 15, 16, 17, 18-
year-olds…the same ages as our students today. They were
taught by Catholic educators dedicated to having an impact on
the lives of their students, to making them better people every
day. They were part of a community dedicated to Catholic
education, to making sure that our school continues to call
families of all walks of life to experience the uniqueness of this
place. In this environment, each of our Hall of Famers was
committed to making themselves better students, better athletes,
better coaches and better people in this community.
That’s why I believe that their lives…in fact, this Hall of Fame
itself…have lessons to teach these young men and women today.
9
Lessons about commitment and dedication. Lessons about
teamwork and sportsmanship. Lessons about what it means to
be men and women of faith who are dedicated to the high ideals
of Father Ryan.
In closing, I want to express our gratitude and appreciation to our
inaugural Hall of Famers specifically. It is truly humbling to be in
your presence tonight and to honor your gifts and achievements.
We are proud to hold up your example to today’s Father Ryan
students as a testament to what can be accomplished during their
days representing this school and this community in athletics and
beyond. For every student who walks through our historic doors
leading to the Neuhoff Library, your accomplishments and
generosity define our history, your legacy informs our present and
your commitment to our school inspires our future.
Congratulations to each of you for all of your achievements, for
being Hall of Famers. And thank you for continuing to be the
measurement of excellence for future generations by leading lives
rooted in our tradition of faith, knowledge and service.
JIM FINISHES
10
THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORDS AND YOUR LEADERSHIP,
MR. MCINTYRE. AND I ALSO WELCOME ANN MULLINS TO
SAY A FEW WORDS.
11
ANN MULLINS
Welcome, everyone. This is an exciting night for everyone
associated with the athletics program at Father Ryan, and I am
honored to represent all the coaches and staff this evening.
It’s a particularly exciting night for me. As the great-
granddaughter of one of Father Ryan’s first students – Charles
“Pug” Johnson of the Class of 1927 – I thought I was well-versed
in Irish history. And as an individual who had the privilege to wear
the purple and white in this gym during my days of practice and
competition, I felt like I knew the Father Ryan athletic story.
But having been a part of the Hall of Fame Selection
Committee… and after reading about the more than 350
nominees…I have discovered how much I didn’t know. More
important, I have received an education…as everyone does who
works with this remarkable school. I have learned how much this
new knowledge of our Hall of Famers’ lives and accomplishments
matters to me today as I work with the coaches and student-
athletes to build on the unmatched legacy of Father Ryan. As a Father Ryan alumna, as an athlete, as a coach, I am the
12
product of each of you. What Jinx Cockerham taught me about
volleyball on this court taught me much more about life…and it
makes me a better coach today. That’s true for all of us at Father
Ryan. We are better because we know about you and because
we know you. And your presence energizes and challenges us to
live up to the standards of excellence you established.
Congratulations to each of you on becoming a Hall of Famer.
And thank you for the gift of your Hall of Fame career. I promise
to continue to tell your story…Father Ryan’s story…to the benefit
of the generations of Hall of Famers to come.
ANN FINISHES
13
Presentation of Committee
Hank Fuerst ‘05
14
AS YOU MIGHT IMAGINE, THE SELECTION OF THE FIRST
CLASS OF HALL OF FAMERS FOR A SCHOOL THAT HAS A
95-YEAR LEGACY OF ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE IS A
DAUNTING TASK. WITH 64 TEAM STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
AND MORE THAN 115 INDIVIDUAL STATE CHAMPIONS,
FATHER RYAN’S ATHLETES AND TEAMS HAVE BEEN
AMONG THE STATE’S BEST FOR ALMOST A CENTURY. SO
THE SELECTION OF THE INAUGURAL CLASS OF HALL OF
FAMERS BECAME THE RESPONSIBILITY OF A GROUP OF
MEN AND WOMEN WITH A UNIQUE APPRECIATION FOR THE
IRISH LEGACY AND AN UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT MAKES
A HALL OF FAMER AT FATHER RYAN.
WE’D LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THESE INDIVIDUALS…MORE
IMPORTANTLY, WE’D LIKE TO THANK THEM FOR TAKING
ON THIS RESPONSIBILITY AND PRODUCING FOR RYAN
NATION SUCH AN OUTSTANDING FIRST CLASS. MORE
THAN 350 PEOPLE AND TEAMS WERE NOMINATED FOR
15
THIS FIRST YEAR, SO THE TASK OF REVIEWING ALL OF
THESE ACCOMPLISHMENTS WAS HUGE.
LET ME INTRODUCE THEM TO YOU, AND AS I DO, I ASK MR.
MCINTYRE AND ANN MULLINS, THE HEAD OF THE
COMMITTEE, TO MAKE A PRESENTATION TO EACH OF THE
COMMITTEE MEMBERS…A FRAMED PHIL PONDER PRINT
OF THE FATHER RYAN CAMPUS, PERSONALLY SIGNED BY
THE ARTIST. PLEASE JOIN ME IN THANKING:
---JINX COCKERHAM, LONGTIME VOLLEYBALL AND
BASKETBALL COACH, WHO WILL BE INDUCTED INTO THE
HALL OF FAME SHORTLY.
---FORMER GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH JOHN GORHAM OF
THE CLASS OF 1954
---BILLY LYNCH OF THE CLASS OF 1964, ANOTHER HALL OF
FAME INDUCTEE TONIGHT.
16
---FORMER MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL UMPIRE AND IRISH
BASEBALL PLAYER, CHUCK MERIWETHER OF THE CLASS
OF 1974, WHO WAS UNABLE TO BE WITH US THIS EVENING
BUT SENDS HEARTY IRISH GREETINGS TO EVERYONE.
AND
---FORMER IRISH ATHLETE AND FATHER RYAN PARENT
SARAH PETRE (PEA-tree) MULLINS OF THE CLASS OF 1977.
THEY WERE JOINED BY DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT
BROOKE REUSCH, DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AND
COMMUNICATIONS ANGELA MILLS OF THE CLASS OF 1985
AND OUR FORMER DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS DOCTOR
DEVIN DELAUGHTER (duh-LAW-ter).
AND A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE ASSISTANT TO THE
DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS AND OUR GIRLS LACROSSE
COACH… SUSAN ELLIS…FOR ALL HER WORK IN
17
MANAGING THE SUBMISSIONS, COMMUNICATIONS AND
PROJECT COORDINATION.
ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU ALL FOR MAKING THIS
COMMITMENT TO CELEBRATE THE ACHIEVEMENT OF
FATHER RYAN ATHLETICS.
YOU MAY BE WONDERING WHERE THE HALL OF FAME IS
LOCATED ON THE CAMPUS…WELL, JUST TAKE A LOOK AT
THE TOUCHSTONE JERUSALEM CROSS OUTSIDE OUR
FIELDHOUSE. RIGHT BEFORE THIS CEREMONY, THE
MEMBERS OF THE HALL OF FAME GATHERED THERE TO
CUT THE RIBBON AND OFFICIALLY DEDICATE THE HALL OF
FAME. THE NAME OF EACH HALL OF FAMER – THIS YEAR
AND EVERY YEAR TO COME – IS ETCHED INTO THE
STONES THAT RING THE TOUCHSTONE. PLACING THE
HALL OF FAME HERE TIES THESE INDIVIDUALS INTO THE
VERY CORE OF FATHER RYAN’S CAMPUS, FIGURATIVELY
18
AND LITERALLY, AND PROVIDES ANOTHER VERY VISIBLE
OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR STUDENTS TO CONNECT TO THE
LONG HISTORY OF FATHER RYAN.
19
INDUCTION CEREMONY
20
Now it is time to make these men and women OFFICIALLY THE
INAUGURAL CLASS OF THE FATHER RYAN ATHLETICS HALL
OF FAME. Their names are in your program...50 Athletes,
Coaches, Contributors and Teams…so sit back and enjoy the
stories of these remarkable people. And we have a photographer
and videographer here capturing this moment, and we’ll share
them on our website.
First, the Athletes –
These are the individuals who have worn the purple and white
and delivered memories that last to this day. To be eligible, an
athlete must be at least 10 years out of Father Ryan and
distinguished himself or herself in the community. We have 34 of
these deserving individuals, and we begin with a legendary name.
21
Tommy Bateman ’75 In the early 1970s as Father Ryan’s teams were among the best
in virtually every sport we played, football and wrestling were
gaining particular attention. And one of the names that rose to
the top on both of those teams was Tommy Bateman of the class
of 1975. He was a key part of two state championship teams –the
school’s third State championship wrestling team in 1974 and the
middle linebacker for the 1974 State Champion Football team.
And as a senior, he claimed the individual state title in the 167
pound weight class. Always one to help rising athletes develop,
Tommy was one of the founders of Nashville Catholic Wrestling.
Honored on All-City and All-State teams, the man I had the
privilege to call “Coach” was a leader on and off the field. And he
extended his Irish reputation when he returned to Father Ryan as
head football coach, winning Coach of the Year in 1988. We are
pleased to salute his impact and we present his Hall of Fame
plaque to his wife Susie Francescon Bateman of the Class of
1975.
Joe “Flip” Bates ‘56 It’s a really big deal to have your jersey retired at your high
school, and when only a handful have been so honored, your
achievements were really significant. That’s the case for Joe
22
Bates of the Class of 1956. One of Tennessee's greatest high
school football players in the 1950s, “Flip”, as he was called, was
the NIL’s Most Valuable Player in both 1954 and 1955. And his
play on the field for the Irish earned him All-American accolades
for that ’55 season. We are proud to honor him as one of the
Inaugural members of the Hall of Fame, and we present his
plaque to ___________________________.
Thomas "Tricky" Beehan ’29 When the doors on the campus of the Cathedral opened in 1925
and Nashville Catholic School for Boys began, there was no
question what sport Thomas Beehan (BEE-han) of the Class of
1929 was going to pursue. With a nickname like Tricky, the future
of this basketball ballhandling genius was a given. As a
sophomore he led the Irish to its first city, region and state titles,
with Father Ryan taking down Alpine High by the score of 19-15
with a combination of timely shooting and ball distribution that
earned our school statewide attention. He came close in 1928
and 1929 to making it a repeat or even a three-peat, winning the
City title and playing for the state each year, finishing second his
final season. Later, he became a Nashville policemen, going from
protecting the ball to protecting the citizens of this city and
receiving the first policeman’s badge when Nashville became a
23
Metro government. We are proud to welcome his daughter,
Eileen Beehan, a proud graduate of St. Bernard High School and
one-time student at Father Ryan, to receive this pass for her
father as we induct Tricky into the Hall of Fame.
Willie Brown ’65
From the moment that he rose up in that fluid, beautiful shooting
motion and launched that first jump shot against Peabody in
1963, it was clear that Willie Brown of the Class of 1965 was
someone special. His parents chose Father Ryan because of its
reputation and environment, even though it meant that Willie
wouldn’t be able to play basketball. But the courage and
leadership of Coach Bill Derrick and our Principal Father James
Hitchcock, changed the rules. Willie led the Irish in scoring in
both his junior and senior years, anchored the suffocating Irish full
court press, and helped the Irish go 27-2 in 1965, win the Region
and earn a trip to the State. Most significant, in a career of firsts –
first African American with Jesse Porter to play in the NIL, first to
play in a game at Vanderbilt, first to sign a scholarship in the OVC
– the finest moment was the game against Pearl High in 1965, a
dramatic win for the Irish, but a bigger victory for our city and for
civil rights. A wonderful teammate, Willie left us in 1975, when as
a policeman in Connecticut he died from injuries suffered in an
24
accident on his police motorcycle. We are honored to welcome
Willie’s sister, Ann Brown Beatty (BAIT-ee), a dear friend of
Father Ryan, to accept this induction for Willie Brown.
Tony Carletello ‘89 Whether it was on the football field or on the wrestling mat, our
next inductee had all the right moves. Those who sat in the
stands to watch the Irish teams of 1986-1988, remember seeing
this blur of a running back. Tony Carletello (car-luh-TELL-oh) of
the Class of 1989 left many a defender grasping at air as he
eluded tackler after tackler in laying claim to the top rushing
yardage total in Irish history. On the mat, those moves put him in
position for many a takedown and victory, culminating with his
winning the 145 weight class State Championship in his junior
year and helping lead the Irish to the State Team Titles in 1987
and 1988 as well as the inaugural Duals Championship in 1988.
Still active in his support of Father Ryan as an alumnus and
parent, he is an important part of our sports legacy. We hand him
a trophy that honors his achievements and we welcome him to
the Father Ryan Hall of Fame.
25
Katie Lee Carter ’99
If you look through the records and the awards for Father Ryan’s
girls sports from 1995-1999, one name keeps popping up. Katie
Lee Carter. Katie amassed more than a few armfuls of hardware
for the Irish. One of the Irish’s 1,000 point scorers, in basketball
she was the 1995 Freshman All-Tournament MVP, Regular
Season MVP as a senior, the Tennessean’s DII Player of the
Year for Middle Tennessee, and a Miss Basketball Finalist. Oh
yes, she also finished 2nd in the USA Junior Nationals 3-point
shooting contest…as a SOPHOMORE! In Volleyball she was part
of two consecutive State Championship Runners-up teams,
success that earned her a position on the All-Tournament team
both years. Named one of the Tennessee’s Leading Ladies in
women’s college sports for her volleyball play at Trevecca, Katie
is a champion many times over. Tonight she becomes a Father
Ryan Hall of Famer. Please join me in congratulating our
youngest athlete inductee…Katie Lee Carter from the Class of
1999.
John E. "Itch" Curley ’40 In the 1930s and 1940s, nicknames at Father Ryan were the
norm, and not just the typical ones, like Butch or Sonny – here
you studied with a guy named Footsie or played sports with one
26
named Bad-Eye. But if you were cheering the Purple Panthers in
the early 1940s, then the nickname you knew was ITCH, and you
had reason to shout his moniker loud and often. Fully named as
John Curley of the Class of 1940, Itch starred on the football field
and on the basketball court, and was considered by no less an
authority than Leo Long as one of the best ever to wear the purple
and white. He was a force with the football, a whiz with the
basketball, and when spring came he was hitting line drives to all
fields. He might have been called Itch, but most also called him
one of Father Ryan’s true stars during the pre-war years. And we
are honored to welcome his son, John Curley of the Class of
1977, to accept the plaque as we induct Itch into the Father Ryan
Hall of Fame.
James "Boots" Donnelly ’61 It should be no shock to anyone who knows James “Boots”
Donnelly of the Class of 1961, that he was an outstanding athlete.
As a baseball and football player at Father Ryan from 1958-1961,
his name was one liked and respected by his teammates and the
focus of every opposition coaching staff’s preparation. He was
part of the famous 1959 football team that earned a 26-0 victory
over Lawrenceburg in the Clinic Bowl that year and he was
named NIL Player of the Year in football for 1960. He followed up
27
his achievements on the field with a return to Elliston Place where
he became a coaching fixture and long-time faculty member. And
we’ll have more to say on that when he returns to the stage a little
later. But right now, we want to congratulate Boots Donnelly,
Father Ryan athlete, and welcome him into the Hall of Fame.
Well done, Coach.
John "Bubba" Donnelly ’69
An All-Midstate guard in football in 1968, Bubba Donnelly
excelled, even though he gave away pounds and inches to every
player he lined up against. But facing those sorts of challenges
never daunted Bubba, and when it came to the wrestling mat and
matches with wrestlers his own size, look out! They didn’t stand a
chance. Match after match that 1968-1969 season produced a
Bubba win – the crowd’s regular chant providing “THRILL” after
thrill – and an unbeaten regular season was the result. But it
didn’t end there. After finishing 4th and 2nd in the state as a
sophomore and junior, Bubba claimed the championship as a
senior in the 138 pound class, helping the Irish raise its first
Wrestling Team State Championship and earning the first-ever
Champion of Champions award from the Tennessean. He’s
never forgotten those thrills, and neither have we. He is an avid
supporter of the Irish and his instantly recognizable face
28
continues to generate smiles and warm memories among the Irish
faithful. For all of those reasons, and many more, John Bubba
Donnelly is an Irish Hall of Famer. Well done, Bubba.
Peter J. Ferreira ’83 Think about how many people have excelled at the top levels of
swimming, including coming within a whisker of making the 1988
Olympic team. Think about how many people have become
among the best PGA golf instructors in the nation. Now imagine
one person who’s done both, and you have just met Peter
Ferreira from the class of 1983. Peter was a four-time letterman
on the Irish Swimming team, undefeated his last three years and
the top-ranked recruit in the nation as a senior. But the high
school pools weren’t his only swimming hole. He was a member
of the 1982 U.S. Junior National Swim Team as a 16 year old, a
three year State and Southeastern Regional Champion and still
the holder of the Father Ryan record for the 500 freestyle, set in
1983 at the Emory Invitational in Atlanta. This National Honor
Society member reviewed more than 50 college offers before
heading to UT to swim, competing in the 1984 SEC
Championships and pointing toward the Seoul Olympics until
kidney surgery ended that push. Becoming a PGA teaching
professional seemed like the next logical step…to Peter, that
29
is…and he has become an outstanding one. Thank you, Peter,
for your accomplishments and your commitment, and welcome to
the Father Ryan Athletics Hall of Fame.
Bob Forster ’75
The sight of our next inductee sent a tremor through everyone
who lined up against him. Strong as a diamond and with just as
many facets, the 6 foot 4 inch Bob Forster (FOUR-ster) of the
Class of 1975 was a force on both sides of the ball for the 1974
Irish football team. He played center on offense and defensive
end on defense, setting the tone for every offensive play and
being a disrupter on virtually every defensive snap. And that
combination was an important part of that magical 13-0 season,
one that ended with Bob and his teammates raising the trophy as
the 1974 State Football Champions! Bob’s success here took him
to Brown University in the Ivy League where he was an Academic
All-American and earned Hall of Fame status for his play for the
Bruins. But the Irish faithful will always remember the image of
number 77, taking down a running back or protecting his
quarterback, and the impact he continues to have on this school
and this community, living his faith and a life of service here and
abroad. Please join me in welcoming this football legend into the
Father Ryan Athletics Hall of Fame.
30
Willie Geny ‘32 A star for Father Ryan during the tough economic years of the
Great Depression, Willie Geny of the Class of 1932 brought joy to
a community that, like much of the country at the time, was
struggling to make ends meet. He was a star on the basketball
team that won the state in 1931, traveled to Chicago that same
year and helped the Panthers finish third in the National Catholic
Tournament, and was captain of the basketball team his senior
year. Willie Geny entered Vanderbilt in the fall of 1932, where he
truly came of age as a gridiron star. He lettered in football for
three years from 1933 to 1935 and was captain of the
Commodore squad his final year. In 1985, he was inducted in the
Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. Please welcome his nephew,
Mr. Henry Geny, to accept the plaque inducting Willie Geny into
the Father Ryan Hall of Fame.
Lou Graham ’56
When you see the pictures of Louie Graham on the golf course,
particularly on the day after Father’s Day in 1975 when he beat
John Mahaffey in a playoff to win the U.S. Open, it’s easy to
forget that in the annals of Father Ryan history, he wasn’t just a
great golfer…he was one of our greatest athletes. Coming to
31
Father Ryan from Holy Name School in 1952, He teamed with his
brother Marty of the Class of 1954 and Joe McEwen of the Class
of 1954 to win the team State Title in 1953 and won the individual
state crown three times. But he was just at home on the
basketball court, where his talent, smarts and energy made him
captain of the team and the very first 1,000 point scorer in Father
Ryan history. We know his career – he turned pro in 1962, won
six tournaments, played on three winning Ryder Cup teams and
the winning World Cup team of 1975. And he has been an avid
supporter of Catholic education and Father Ryan, hosting the Lou
Graham Alumni Golf Tournament at Reunions each of the last 12
years. Join me in a proud moment as we welcome Louie Graham
of the Class of 1956 into the Hall of Fame.
Jim Hagey ’46
Newspaper articles from the 1940s describe our next inductee as
“a one-man scoring gang,” “the Ryan husky,” and “the hardwood
rambler.” Pretty colorful descriptions of Jim Hagey (HAY-ghee) of
the Class of 1946. A multi-skilled athlete who competed and
lettered in four – that’s right, FOUR sports for Father Ryan -
football, basketball, tennis and baseball, Jim Hagey was the first T
formation quarterback in the state of Tennessee, an innovative
position that was still being developed at the time. He captained
32
the football and basketball teams, was named Basketball all-city
after scoring the most points in a season and was selected to play
in the Senior All-Star Football game, where he was voted the
Most Valuable Player and earned a trip to the Sugar Bowl. An
all-star third baseman as well, he was also seeded 3rd in the city
in tennis. Whether you call him Jim, husky, a star or Mr. Hagey,
this 91-year-old continues to represent the best of Father Ryan,
whether attending almost daily Mass or cheering on his children
and grandkids. Welcome to the Hall of Fame, Jimmy Hagey.
Donna Harris ’89 If you want to read about an outstanding athlete – male or female
– who made a mark on the Nashville athletic scene, look no
further than our next inductee…Donna Harris of the Class of
1989. An outstanding scorer for the Lady Irish basketball team,
Donna accumulated more than 1,800 points in her career on the
court – the most all-time in Irish history – earning all-state
honors…AND also earning All-State recognition as goalie for the
girls soccer team. These dual talents and achievement drew the
attention of Vanderbilt, who signed her to the basketball team and
to the soccer team as the program’s first African-American
student-athlete. She played one season in goal before
concentrating on the court and went on to score more than 1,400
33
points for the Dores as a four-year starter, ranking her 17th all-
time in Vandy history. We are pleased to honor an alumna who
always blazed new trails and who embodies the best of our
tradition…Donna Harris.
Kim Caughron Hulse ’90 Another of our many natural three-sport athletes, Kim Caughron
(CORE-in) Hulse (HULS) of the Class of 1990 made a mark on
softball, basketball and volleyball over her time at Father Ryan.
Considered by her coaches as an extension of the coaching staff
while on the field or court in the days on the old gym floor or at
Centennial Park, Kim was recognized as among the best in the
area…Softball player of year in 1990 in Class AAA…Volleyball
Class L District Player of Year in 1989…District 12, Region VI - All
Tournament in basketball and AP first team All-State. And all of
these honors accrued to her during the most competitive period
and in the most competitive class of Tennessee girls sports.
With this kind of experience, it wasn’t long before Kim was
coaching, first as the Freshman Assistant Volleyball Coach here
from 1997 to 1999 and later the Irish’s JV Volleyball coach from
2009-today. Let’s give it up for an Irish leader on the court and on
the sidelines and welcome Kim to the Hall of Fame.
34
Paula Holloran Kennedy ’75
Basketball requires quick moves and timely court coverage.
Running track is, by definition, all about speed. So it was no
surprise that Paula Holloran Kennedy of the Class of 1975 would
excel on both the hardwood and the cinders. In 1973, a banner
year for Paula, she won the Most Outstanding Track Award and
was part of the Girls Basketball Team that was making waves in
the early years of TSSAA Girls Sports. Her play on the court
earned her 3rd Team All-City recognition that year, followed by
All-District, All-City and All-NIL honors her senior year. Naturally,
she was voted the Most Athletic in her class. For an Irish career
that was marked by success, we are proud to induct Paula into
the Father Ryan Hall of Fame.
Eva Lemeh ’79 In the latter part of the 1970s, Volleyball was just emerging as a
sport in Tennessee. Establishing its credibility and its staying
power meant demonstrating its appeal. And with Eva (EE-vah)
Lemeh (luh-MAY), the sport had its draw. While basketball was
her strongest sport – ultimately playing at Vanderbilt after
graduating from Father Ryan – and while she also played softball
and ran track, Eva took a liking to volleyball. She played outside
35
hitter for the Irish and gave Coach Jinx Cockerham a dependable
force along the front line. The result – district and region
championships in 1978 and 1979 for the Irish and individual
honors for Eva. Today, she is an attorney in Nashville,
representing the interests of a wide range of clients; but she
always praises her time at Father Ryan, on and off the court, and
her teachers and coaches for giving her the opportunities to
succeed here and in life. We are honored to have her with us
today and salute her as part of the Inaugural Class of the Father
Ryan Athletics Hall of Fame.
Billy Lynch ’64
In today’s athletics world, playing a single sport is the norm. But
in the 1960s, if you were an athlete – and a good one at that –
then you were an athlete all year long. Only your sport changed.
And is that ever true of our next inductee, Billy Lynch of the Class
of 1964. A man for all seasons, Billy was a defensive stopper as
linebacker on the football team and offensive lineman, a leader of
the 1963 team that won the Clinic Bowl, finishing nine one and
one. Come winter his basketball skills made him a force inside
and outside for the legendary teams of 1962-1964, earning All-
City honors, and come spring, he grabbed his glove and bat and
made memories on the diamond. All-city, all-state…it didn’t
36
matter the sport…he was a star in every setting. And like his
sports career, he was outstanding in every setting as a career
public servant and department head for the city of Nashville.
Here’s to another outstanding Irish Hall of Famer – Billy Lynch of
the Class of 1964.
Lindsey Lynch Magness ’95
The connections of our next inductee to our previous one are
pretty clear. Like Billy Lynch, Lindsey Magness was a three-sport
star for the Irish, leaving her mark on the volleyball court, on the
basketball court and on the softball diamond throughout her four
years playing for the Irish. Want evidence? How about being part
of two Irish Hall of Fame teams. She was a member of the 1992
State Champion Volleyball team, the first for the Irish in that sport,
and she was a lynchpin for the 1995 State Championship Softball
team, whether she was taking care of the field, leading the team
in homers or sliding across home plate. She earned All-State
honors in both sports as a senior. And since Billy was a three
sport star, it was only natural that his DAUGHTER would be the
same. For her combination of commitment and talent that made
her and her teams champions and her teammates and her forever
close, we are proud to induct Lindsey Lynch Magness of the
Class of 1995 into the Father Ryan Hall of Fame.
37
Kate Maffei McGuinness ’94
With a confidence in her ability and a gift for leadership, Kate
Maffei (muh-FAY) McGuinness of the Class of 1994 played an
important role in the rise of Volleyball and Basketball in the early
1990s – and the first years in this gym – to regular state
championship contenders. In three consecutive Volleyball
campaigns, Kate as captain and her teammates finished runners-
up in 1991 and 1993 and were the champions in 1992, the first of
the school’s now five Volleyball championships. Not surprisingly,
she was selected as All-District, All-Region and All-Midstate and
was the Midstate MVP in her senior year. We said she was a
leader, which made her captaincy of the basketball an obvious
choice, and she played on the District and Region VI
Championship team her senior year. As an example of Irish
excellence on and off the court, we are proud to welcome Kate
into the Athletics Hall of Fame.
Jim Mondelli ’64 When the Irish’s top running back went down to injury early in the
1963 Clinic Bowl, there might have been concern among the Irish
faithful. But not with our next inductee, Jim Mondelli of the Class
of 1964. Playing quarterback for that outstanding team, Jim
38
simply did what he always did…he made plays, leading the Irish
in rushing and scoring both touchdowns in the Irish’s 14-12 win
over Murfreesboro. Being a leader was natural for this lefty…he
was the point guard on the historic 1963-1964 basketball team
and a tough out on the baseball team. And whatever the sport,
he excelled, being selected for post season honors in every
season, virtually every year. After playing football at UT, he
earned his law degree – just like his father and his twin brother –
and continues to be an important voice in courtrooms in the city.
We are proud to honor him tonight and to call Jim Mondelli a
member of the Father Ryan Hall of Fame.
Mike Mondelli ’64
Long before Michael Jordan’s exploits prompted a legion of boys
to say “I want to be like Mike,” hundreds of grade school boys in
Nashville lined the stands at West High School and said the same
thing…THEY wanted to be like Mike…and they were referring to
Mike Mondelli. Another three-sport star at a time when that was
an Irish norm, Mike excelled in the backfield as number 44 for the
Irish football team, on the wing for the Irish basketball team, and
at the plate for the Irish on the diamond. With his twin brother
Jim, whom you just cheered, Billy Lynch, Willie Brown, and so
many others, he made Irish sports the focus of sportswriters
39
across the region and the stuff of legend for Ryan Nation
throughout the early 60s. And his judgement for the Irish in the
heat of competition prepared him well for his current role as
General Sessions Judge for Metro Nashville. From the
outstanding Class of 1964, we welcome the Mike we all want to
be, Judge Mike Mondelli.
Kurt Page ’81
Now arriving at center stage is another Irish multi-sport star
whose impact on Father Ryan goes far beyond his four years on
Elliston Place. Kurt Page of the Class of 1981 is renowned in
Nashville for his accomplishments on both sides of West End
Avenue. As quarterback for the Irish from 1979-1981, he took the
path regularly across this major thoroughfare from campus to
Dudley Field, leading the team to another Friday night match-up,
and lit up the scoreboard with his passing exploits for the Irish.
Then, knowing a good field when he saw it, he signed with
Vanderbilt and rewrote their football passing record books during
a storied career. And to top that off, he returned to Father Ryan
as head football coach and led the 1997 team to the first-ever
Division II State title with a 10-7 win over MBA. He’s Irish through
and through…and now he is the newest member of the Father
Ryan Hall of Fame—Kurt Page.
40
Bobby Reese ’42 An early star in Father Ryan's illustrious history, the late Bobby
Reese, a member of the Class of 1942 was a two-sport star who
graduated Father Ryan as scoring leader in basketball. He was
also a force on the tennis courts for the Irish, claiming the
Southern Men’s Championship while a student at Father Ryan.
He went on to play both basketball and tennis at Vanderbilt, yet
his most heroic achievements came away from athletics, when
Bob served our country in World War II. Coaching legend Leo
Long said to The Moina that there was no better athlete to coach
than Bobby Reese. We are proud to welcome him into the Hall of
Fame.
Bernie Rohling ’40 A football star who shined at Father Ryan during the meat of the
Great Depression, the late Bernie Rohling of the Class of 1940
was an All-City fullback and the NIL Football MVP during his high
school glory days. Like many of his classmates, Bernie went on to
heroically serve our nation in World War II in the early 1940s. And
he stayed a loud supporter of Catholic education, whether as a
proud parent or as a vocal cheerleader for his sons play on the
field at Father Ryan. We are humbled by his accomplishments
41
and honored to induct him into the Father Ryan Hall of Fame.
And we are delighted to welcome his grandson, Daniel Rohling,
Class of 1992, here to accept this trophy. Thank you for being
here tonight to honor your grandfather.
Karen Harris Russell ’74 It was 1974. Father Ryan had been co-ed for just four years and
the girls teams were just beginning to establish themselves as
legitimate contributors to the Irish athletic legacy. And one of the
pioneers of this girls sports legacy was Karen Harris Russell of
the Class of 1974. In the days of 6 on 6 play, Karen was a
dominant offensive force, determined, talented and resourceful
with a keen instinct for the game’s flow and a dedication to
improving herself and Father Ryan’s program. She and her
teammate Kay Batey became the first two female 1,000-point
scorers in Irish basketball history and built the foundation for an
athletics program that is among the strongest in the state. Please
join me in welcoming, from the first coed graduating class of
Father Ryan, Karen Harris Russell.
Brooke Siebel ’97 The game of softball depends on the quality, stamina and wiles of
a strong pitcher, and from 1994 to 1997, the Irish were able to see
42
one of the best in the State…actually, one of the best in the
nation…Brooke Siebel (SEE-bul) of the Class of 1997. Her
pitching spurred the Lady Irish to an amazing 45 and 3 record in
her sophomore year, when she threw 30 shutouts, including four
no-hitters. The season was topped by a powerful run through the
State tournament. Brooke gave up two runs against Collierville in
a 9-2 game 1 victory and then – apparently a little peeved that
those two runs had scored – she and battery mate Brooke
Davidson gave the remaining opponents nothing to see, much
less hit, throwing three straight shutouts and topping Ooltewah
(OOO-tuh-wah) for the title. She followed that up with a runner-up
finish as a junior, a strong senior year and a college career with
Northwestern that earned her Big Ten Player of the Year in 2000
and later at Oklahoma State. Let’s raise our arms and salute the
pitching prowess and presence of Hall of Fame inductee Brooke
Siebel (SEE-bul).
Joe Stamps ’78 From the early 1970s to the mid 1980s, Father Ryan was the
city’s QB headquarters, with quarterback after quarterback
leading the Irish charge and enhancing the school’s football
reputation. And one of the very best was this inductee, Joe
Stamps from the Class of 1978. Joe lettered in football, baseball
43
– where he was Player of the Year runner-up as a junior and
senior – and basketball all four years at Father Ryan, but as the
leader of the football offense, he really shined. His passing,
playmaking and smarts earned him All-Region and All-State
honors, and he was the Nashville Interscholastic League’s District
Player of the Year, the Most Valuable Player, and The
Tennessean’s Player of the Year in his senior year. In addition to
his logical and obvious selection as his class’s Most Athletic, he
also carried a 4.0 GPA and was a National Honor Society
member. For all of these reasons, he was signed by Vanderbilt to
play baseball and was a member of the school’s 1980 SEC
championship team. Another outstanding representative of
Father Ryan in all respects, Joe Stamps is a true Hall of Famer.
Congratulations, Joe.
Joe B. Sullivan ’50 To earn All-American status as a high schooler is pretty rarified
air, but for Joe B. Sullivan of the Class of 1950, this was an
accomplishment reflective of his talent and his character. A star
for both the basketball and football, he earned his All-American
status on the football field during the late 1940s and attracted the
attention of many a college program, earning a scholarship to
Notre Dame. But family called and he finished Father Ryan and
44
started working in the family business, where he stayed the rest of
his life. Sports were never far from his life, especially if you went
to Holy Rosary Academy. There, Coach Sullivan led the Vikings
football team in parochial league play for decades, always
developing exceptional players, many of whom went on to wear
the purple and white for Father Ryan. For a life of athletic
achievement and a dedication to Catholic education, Father Ryan
is proud to present this Hall of Fame trophy in honor of Mr. Joe
Sullivan to his wife Barbara. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan.
David Thoni ’83 With the success of the Father Ryan wrestling program over six
decades, there are numerous wrestlers who have achieved at the
very highest level of the state for the Irish. But David Thoni
(TONY) of the Class of 1983 did something no other Irish wrestler
before him had accomplished – he became the first to place in the
state all four years at Father Ryan. He placed third in 1980 and
second in both 1981 and 1982 before claiming the ultimate goal of
state champion in 1983 in the 119 pound division. A dedicated
student of the sport and a determined competitor, David left a
mark that only a few wrestlers have ever attained. For these
accomplishments and his commitment to Father Ryan, we are
45
delighted to induct David into the Father Ryan Athletics Hall of
Fame.
Thomas "Yogi" Walsh ’67
When wrestling practice began in the fall of 1966 at the old gym
on Elliston Place, four guys would struggle to bring one mat to the
floor…and Yogi Walsh would carry ONE in all by himself. That
kind of strength translated to the team that he was carrying too.
Coming off a football season where he served as captain and a
determined and hard-to-move force, Yogi brought his 167-pound
intensity to the mat. He was the quiet but clear leader of the team
that was quickly rising in the high school wrestling world. That
rise was confirmed in February of 1967 when Yogi dominated his
opponent in the finals of the State Tournament to win the
championship – the first ever for a Father Ryan wrestler, and the
first and most important foundation for our Irish wrestling legacy.
We wish Yogi could be here tonight – he and his wife are enjoying
a long-planned trip with their grandchildren – but we honor him
with our cheers and congratulate him for being a Hall of Famer.
Chris Wilson ’78 During wrestling season while making weight, Chris Wilson would
sometimes treat himself to a Snickers bar, deconstructing it layer
46
by layer at the end of lunch, savoring each section and often
taking 15 minutes to finish it. In the same time it took to eat that
candy bar, this two-time State Champion would have taken down
and defeated three of his opponents—with time to spare.
Wrestling in the 155 weight class as a junior and the 167 class as
a senior, Chris won the State title both years, was undefeated as
a senior, and was part of a juggernaut that claimed the Irish’s 4th
State Wrestling championship in 1977. In the days when the
wrestlers were taking all comers from each and every high school,
Chris continued the Irish tradition of wrestling excellence with a
confidence and a commitment that resonate through today. And
that same commitment was on display in his three other sports –
captain of the football team, District shot put champion, and
swimmer. No wonder he needed a few Snickers. Please join us
as we raise the arm of this Irish champion and induct him into the
Father Ryan Hall of Fame. Congratulations, Chris.
Mike Wright ’75
With Mike Wright of the Class of 1975, the question was which
was more impressive…his pitching arm or his football throwing
arm. The nice thing was that both were outstanding and both
were on full display during his career at Father Ryan. Longtime
fans still talk about the 60-yard completion he delivered in the
47
Maplewood state playoff game…going to his left and throwing
against his body…one of many impressive performances by him
during that State Championship run. And Mike’s pitching was
marked by nasty speed, even by today’s measures. It’s no
surprise that he was in high demand by both sports, honored as
an All-American for football, drafted by the Oakland A’s in
baseball, signed by the Cincinnati Bengals, and saluted as one of
the Top 50 Tennessee high school players of all time by The
Tennessean. And it’s no surprise that a player with these
accomplishments has had his number retired here. Father Ryan
is proud to welcome Mike Wright of the Class of 1975 into the
Athletics Hall of Fame.
48
Coaches
The legacy of Father Ryan coaches is historic, accomplished and
impactful. As much success as our current coaches have
achieved locally, regionally, even nationally, each of them would
tell us that their accomplishments are connected to the the men
and women who came before them, each of whom established an
Irish ethic, style and character that live today. To be eligible, a
coach must be retired from Father Ryan for at least two years.
Six of these coaches are being inducted in the Hall of Fame.
Coach Louis Catignani ‘44
An accomplished athlete at Father Ryan in the war years of 1941-
1944, Louis Catignani showed us where his path was leading.
Returning to Father Ryan in the 1950s, he was soon striding the
sidelines, taking the helm of baseball and track and field. But it
49
was his tenure as head football coach from 1955-1973 that he left
his biggest footprint. His Irish teams were among the best in the
region, demonstrating that against powers like St. Xavier and
Flaget (FLAH-jay) from Louisville. And they showed it statewide,
competing in the Clinic Bowl – the ostensible Midstate title game
before playoffs were instituted – five times, winning three, losing
two and tying one. His teams made Friday night at West End
High something special, and his visage and his commitment make
him a Hall of Famer. Please welcome to the stage his son, Mr.
Emile (eh-MEAL) Catignani of the Class of 1969, to accept his
father’s plaque.
Jinx Cockerham
Now let’s welcome a woman whose impact at Father Ryan covers
a little bit of time….like the first 46 years of woman on our
campus. A multi-sport athlete and tenacious, All-City guard for
Hillsboro High School’s basketball team, Jinx Demetrius
demonstrated the competitive spirit that would shape so many
50
Irish woman athletes. Coach Cockerham began the volleyball
program in the state and at Father Ryan in 1976, and over the
subsequent 40 years she earned more than 1,300 wins and five
state championships and was honored as the TACA All-Star
Coach five years and National Federation Coach of the Year in
1993. Combine that with her more than 500 wins and 10 Region
Championships as basketball coach and you have a legend who
is revered and respected not just at Father Ryan but throughout
the region. Please join me in welcoming Coach Jinx Cockerham
into the Hall of Fame.
Coach Bill Derrick
Over a 27 year career – from 1955 to 1983 – Bill Derrick of the
Class of 1948, blew the whistle, instructing athletes as head
baseball coach, head football coach and head basketball coach
over these almost three decades. A teacher on the court and in
the classroom, he took advantage of the cozy confines of the old
gym to spring his full court press to stifle virtually every team that
51
traveled to Elliston Place. But his most valuable teaching moment
came in 1963 when he announced “Open Tryouts” and selected
Jesse Porter of the Class of 1964 and Willie Brown of the Class of
1965 for the team…the first two African-Americans to integrate
sports in Nashville and this region. His courage as well as his
coaching during this pivotal period changed our city and all its
citizens. For all of this, we proudly induct Coach Bill Derrick into
the Hall of Fame, and we invite his son, John Derrick of the Class
of 1984 to accept the honor on Coach Derrick’s behalf.
Coach Boots Donnelly
If all we looked at for this next inductee were his accomplishments
as an athlete for the Irish, you’d have a Hall of Famer—and his
earlier appearance on the stage is testament to that. But Boots
Donnelly’s impact was just as significant as coach. The longtime
baseball coach inherited the whistle for the football team from
Coach Catignani and proceeded to post a two-year record of 21
and 2. The highlight of this envious record? Claiming the state
52
Class Triple A title in 1974 with his 13-0 team, one celebrated as
among the best ever in Tennessee…one that still lives in Irish lore
and state football histories. Let’s bring him back to the stage and
congratulate this man again. Already a member of the College
Football Hall of Fame, we are even prouder of him as a member
of the Father Ryan Hall of Fame.
Coach Joe Drennan ‘57
He would be the first to tell you that he didn’t know anything about
this new sport at Father Ryan…wrestling. The team, led by
Father Fennell for two years, turned its eyes to this 25-year-old
man for direction. With a wrestling instruction book in one hand,
directions coming from his mouth and that stare that you couldn’t
escape looking right at you, Coach Joe Drennan established
wrestling at Father Ryan. He had his first state champ in 1967,
his second in 1968 and his first team championship in 1969…the
unbeaten team that showed the wrestling world that Nashville
knew the sport. A second title in 1971 and the legend grew…of a
53
program that was ahead of the rest—now with 25 state titles—and
a coach whose determination, dedication and love for his athletes
made him unforgettable. We lost him much too early, but we
celebrate his and Coach Catignani’s legacy every time we step
into this building. Please welcome Rose Drennan, Coach
Drennan’s wife, as we induct him into the Hall of Fame.
Leo Long
When Nashville Catholic School for Boys opened in 1925 it had
three sports, football, basketball and baseball…and one coach.
But since that coach was Leo Long, who needed any other. From
season to season, from field to court to diamond, Coach Leo Long
led the Irish and the Panthers against the best in the region, and
the Irish proved their mettle. State Titles in basketball in 1927
and 1931…a football State Championship in 1930…annual trips
to Chicago in the 1930s and 40s to take on the best Catholic
schools in the country, and registering two third place finishes
there. And when golf was added as a sport, that became one of
54
Coach Long’s teams too. For the first quarter century of this
school’s existence, Coach Leo Long was the constant at Father
Ryan…in the chapel for daily Mass and on the field for daily
athletic preparation. There are a few names still spoken with
deep respect in Tennessee athletic history. Coach Long’s is one
of them. We are proud to honor him, represented by his
daughter, Mary Ann Baltz, with induction tonight into the Hall of
Fame.
Would these six coaches and their representatives stand and let
us join in another salute to our Hall of Fame Coaches. Thank you
for all you have meant to Father Ryan.
55
Contributors
Now we want to recognize three men who have made a Hall of
Fame difference in our school and our community over a more
than 65-year span.
Mr. Jim Carell ‘54
In the latter stages of a distinguished and successful business
career, Mr. Jim Carell of the Class of 1954 paid a visit to Father
Ryan. Although deeply proud of his alma mater and appreciative
of the education the school had provided him, Mr. Carell had not
been on the campus at Norwood. Arriving unannounced, he
toured the campus and was struck by the warmth, attention and
politeness of the students…none of whom knew him. They
opened his doors, spoke respectfully to him and demonstrated the
Father Ryan promise that you are known and loved. Struck by
this response, he returned to the campus with a commitment to
make a gift to seed the construction of Father Ryan’s first on-
56
campus athletic complex. This spurred the needed response, and
in 2009 the Jim Carell Alumni Athletic Complex was dedicated.
The Jim Carell Fitness Center followed in 2012, and today they
both serve as beacons for our Catholic community and the entire
Nashville community. And they serve as a reminder of the impact
our students have every day. Please welcome his daughter,
Christy Carell Palmer, to accept his Hall of Fame plaque, along
with our thanks for all he did for our community.
Father Charley Giacosa
While not a son of Father Ryan, Father Charley Giacosa loved
this place. A graduate of Christian Brothers High School, which
he always reminded Mr. McIntyre – with a smile on his face – that
THAT was his school, Father taught here in the 1960s and early
1970s and left an impression on so many students. Later as the
founder of Cursillo in the diocese he introduced a program that
continues to have an impact on couples throughout the area. And
as an associate pastor of St. Henry Church, he promoted our faith
57
and the power of Catholic education to change lives. So when
Mr. Carell announced his gift for the Athletic Complex, it was
Father Giacosa who answered with generosity, making Giacosa
Stadium a reality. For his pastoral presence, his love of sports
and his dedication to Father Ryan, we are pleased to honor this
outstanding priest as a Hall of Famer…and we welcome his
niece, Charlene Williford, to accept his induction plaque.
Father James R. Hitchcock
Let’s go back to 1963 when then-Father…later
Monsignor…James R. Hitchcock of the Class of 1939 was
principal of Father Ryan. Named to the post in 1957 to succeed
the memorable Father Francis Shea, Fr. Hitchcock led a school
whose students had distinguished themselves academically, had
answered the call to serve in World War II in record numbers and
had led the path of social justice when, in 1954, Father Ryan–
along with Cathedral, its first home – integrated its classrooms,
the first in the South to do so. But in the early 1960s, these
58
Father Ryan students weren’t fully integrated into the school, a
situation that gnawed at this intellectual, French-speaking, and
caring priest. Working with Coach Bill Derrick, he led the call for
integrating athletics in Tennessee, and made this monumental
change happen. For his leadership in athletics and more
important for his leadership in civil rights, we are proud to induct
Monsignor James R. Hitchcock into the Athletics Hall of Fame
and to accept and display this award in his honor.
59
Teams
And our final – and largest – group of inductees are seven
unforgettable teams whose accomplishments on and off the field,
the court, the diamond, the mat, and the pitch, make them
unforgettable parts of the Irish pantheon.
1963-1964 Basketball Team
We’ll start with a team that had an incredible assemblage of talent
– in fact four players and one coach from this team have already
been inducted tonight – the 1963-1964 Basketball Team. With
the sweet touch of Willie Brown, the playmaking and scoring of
the Mondelli twins, the inside play and rebounding of Billy Lynch,
the shooting talent and presence of Jesse Porter, and the tenacity
of a smothering press, this team shined. A winner in the
Christmas March of Dimes tournament at Vanderbilt, a District
champ, they were a basket or two away from beating eventual
state champ Donelson in the Regions. Yes, an outstanding team
60
on the court…but a better looking team in the team
picture…because that team picture included Willie and Jesse, the
players who integrated sports in Nashville. The talent and the
togetherness of these players and coaches changed the minds of
so many in our community and etched their record in our history
forever. Will the members of this team please stand and will you
join me in saluting Coach Derrick, represented by his son, John
Derrick of the Class of 1984, team member and Hall of Famer
Billy Lynch, and the Hall of Fame basketball team of 1963-1964.
1969 Wrestling Team
In 1969 a shift took place in the state of Tennessee. And while it
was not geologic, it was a seismic moment nonetheless, one felt
all along the highway that separated Chattanooga from Nashville.
That winter, Coach Joe Drennan’s wrestlers put on a
show…match after match ended with Irish arms raised in triumph
and one Irish victory followed another, capped off by a dramatic
and still-talked-about victory over Chattanooga Notre Dame that
61
earned the grapplers an undefeated season. In the state
tournament, the depth of the Irish team – 11 of 12 qualified –
ensured a championship that was settled before the finals even
began, one that saw Bubba Donnelly and Scott Brunette claim
individual crowns. Yes, it was 50 years ago when the balance of
power shifted from Chattanooga to Nashville as the Irish earned
the first of its now 25 State Titles, and the first ever for a Nashville
team. Will that team stand, raise its arms, and let us cheer them
once again as Rose Drennan, assistant coach Bobby Garmon of
the Class of 1965, and team member Jimmy Wilson of the Class
of 1969 accept the Hall of Fame induction of this historic team.
1974 State Champion Football Team
It was 45 years ago this fall. New Irish football coach Boots
Donnelly was striding the sidelines, having moved from
developing defensive backs to developing a team that could
challenge for the State. The Irish opened the season by
steamrolling Clarksville Northeast and never looked back. They
62
entered the Class Triple A playoffs unbeaten and facing equally
powerful Maplewood in a game at Vanderbilt. It took overtime
and the daring and determined run of Mike Wright on a 2-point
conversion to claim the memorable 28-26 win. A 21-0 victory
over Dyersburg set up the championship game, where the Irish
topped Knoxville Fulton 29-28 with the Irish secondary delivering
the key tackle on the possible game-winning 2-point try. The
stars were many – three of whom, along with Coach Donnelly,
have already been inducted tonight – but the boys who raised that
trophy were every one a star that dramatic fall. We ask that team
to stand and let our applause remind them of what they mean to
this school as Coach Donnelly and newly named Hall of Famer
Bob Forster (FOUR-ster) accept the Hall of Fame trophy for the
1974 State Championship Football team.
Wrestling 1988 Duals
Wrestling introduced a new idea in the late 1980s. In addition to a
competition to determine the best wrestlers in each weight class,
63
the TSSAA unveiled a Duals championship, pitting team against
team in a traditional match format, to showcase the best wrestling
TEAM – top to bottom in the state. And no surprise, the first
Duals championship was claimed by the school that had made its
mark on Tennessee wrestling for the previous 25 years…our Irish.
That 1988 group, coached by National Wrestling Hall of Fame
coach Pat Simpson of the Class of 1974, was led by newly
inducted Hall of Famer Tony Carletello (car-luh-TELL-oh) and
John Michael Garrett and a roster of talented wrestlers who
topped Cleveland High in the semifinals and then edged out
McCallie in the finals to earn the first of what is now nine state
Dual titles. This one was special, and another example of the
Irish formula – outstanding wrestlers, exceptional coaching, and a
commitment to be the best. So I ask the members of the 1988
Duals Wrestling Championship team to stand as we present the
Hall of Fame trophy to Coach Simpson and Brett Wesnofske
(wez-KNOFF-ski) of the class of 1988.
64
1992 Volleyball Team
The sport of volleyball was in its 17th season at Father Ryan, one
of the inaugural volleyball schools in Tennessee when the sport
was added to the TSSAA in 1976. The Lady Irish had been
knocking on the door for many a season, without yet raising that
trophy. But the fall of 1992 was different. Coach Cockerham and
Assistant Coach Kathy Reece had the team focused, and six
seniors provided the leadership that carried the Irish into the State
as the favorite. The girls did not disappoint. After an opening
round that saw them drop just one game against three opponents,
they ensured that Halloween 1992 would be nothing but treats for
the Irish faithful, as they beat Germantown and Brentwood in
straight games to raise the first of five championship banners.
Let’s show them how much that meant…and still means…to our
volleyball program and to Ryan Nation. Will the 1992 State
Champions please stand as we welcome Coach Cockerham,
team member Kelly Cockerham Reilly of the Class of 1993 and
the Lady Irish team into the Hall of Fame.
65
1995 Softball Team
Can you believe that it has been 25 years since 20 girls thrilled
the Irish faithful with a dominating run through the best in the state
to earn Father Ryan’s first ever Softball State Championship. Led
by Coach Pat Simpson – who showed that his coaching style
translated well to girls sports – a powerful line-up of hitters, and
the pitching arm of All-State hurler Brooke Siebel (SEE-bul) the
Irish went 4 and 0 in the tournament. Brooke was dominating on
the mound and the Irish bats feasted as the team topped
Collierville 9-2 and then Knoxville Halls, William Blount and
Ooltewah (OOO-tuh-wah) by the scores of 4-0, 5-0 and 5-0 to
claim the crown. So as we celebrate the silver anniversary of this
remarkable achievement, I invite Brooke along with Coach
Simpson to return to the stage and I invite the 1995 team to stand
so we can cheer you as the newest team to be inducted into the
Father Ryan Athletics Hall of Fame.
66
1998 Girls Soccer Champions
Soccer – the beautiful game – has become one of the showcase
sports at Father Ryan, and thanks to the achievements of our
teams since the first championship in 1972, Father Ryan holds a
special place in the state’s soccer world. That place was
solidified in 1998 when the girls team decided that it was time for
them to raise a State Championship Soccer banner and show the
state the beauty of the girls game. A regular season that
produced a ______ record led to a Final Four appearance in the
state. The 2-1 semifinal win over St. Mary’s out of Memphis set
the Lady Irish up for a match with GPS, and 80 minutes later they
held the trophy after topping the Chattanoogans by a 1-0 score.
Coach Robin Dieterich of the Class of 1973 drew on the
leadership of five seniors and the talent and depth of his team to
see a GIRLS state champion, the first of what is now four state
titles. Stand up, team members as we present the plaque on
behalf of the team to Coach Dieterich and team member Megan
Stack Emerson of the Class of 1999.
67
It’s always a great day to be Irish…and tonight is an especially
great night to be Irish. With that spirit in this special place, will all
of our inductees – athletes, coaches, contributors and team
members please stand one more time and let Ryan Nation
congratulate all of you – the Inaugural Class of the Father Ryan
Athletics Hall of Fame.
(Hold for applause)
Let me invite Mr. McIntyre to offer some final thoughts after which
Father Joe McMahan (muck-MAN) will deliver tonight’s
benediction.
JIM MCINTYRE
WRAP-UP REMARKS AT END OF CEREMONY
68
This has been a very historic night for each of you and a special
one for Father Ryan. We are proud to welcome you home to
Father Ryan, and I invite you to come back often…come back as
many will tomorrow night to celebrate our community and to cheer
on the Irish. And I invite you to come back to be with our
students, to inspire these students…to teach these students… by
your presence and your past. As Hall of Famers, your lives and
experiences help form their lives, and what greater legacy could
each of us leave. Go Irish!
(Father McMahan prays)
(Hank returns to the podium)
69
Thank you all for being with us tonight…inductees, family
members, coaches, faculty and staff, board of trust…to celebrate
the excellence that marks this school and its 95-year history.
There’s only one thing left to say…Let’s Go Irish!
Good night.
