Christian Brothers’ Dinner Words about Mike Jolly from his Cohorts Over his nearly five decades of association with De La Salle Collegiate, Mike Jolly has taught, coached, or mentored hundreds of Pilots - as students and athletes, as alumni and colleagues. Some of the current DLS Faculty and Staff members offered their thoughts about Mike as the 2018 Christian Brothers’ Dinner Honoree: In 1984, I was Athletic Director, and was present when Mike proposed lacrosse as a sport to then Principal Brother Kevin Gilhooly. Mike’s sincerity and vision for the sport at De La Salle and what it could do for young men was so impressive and comprehensive. After the meeting, Brother Kevin took me aside and said, “He could have proposed underwater parachuting, and I would have approved it.” Mike’s Christian values, his integrity, and his sincerity are hallmarks of his time spent working with our students and student-athletes. - Gary Buslepp, current DLS Faculty member, former Athletic Director and Varsity Basketball Coach I was thrilled to learn that Coach Jolly was named this year’s Dinner Honoree. I am not sure there is a more deserving individual out there; Mike embodies what it means to be a Lasallian man, and has done so for over 40 years. I had the privilege of playing for Mike when I was a student and now work with him as a peer. Through all of those experiences, what has always impressed me is the respect and care he showed for each individual he came in contact with. He has truly “’touched the hearts” of everyone. - Bill Burkhardt, ‘03. Director of Admissions Coach Jolly is one of the most professional colleagues I have ever worked with during my career. He is a role model and mentor to young coaches as well as students. Whatever he is involved with, he gives 100% of his energy, focus, and dedication toward achieving the best possible outcome. Despite his accomplishments and acknowledgements, he is humble and grounded.
Mike is as honorable and trustworthy as they come; he is a shining example of what a faithfilled, purpose driven life should look like. - Scott Grimmer, DLS Physical Education and Health Teacher, Strength Coach for Baseball I have had the honor and privilege of coaching with Mike Jolly, and later working for him when he was Athletic Director. He is truly one of the great mentors in my life. Mike has impacted so many in such a positive way. He deserves all the love and respect he has earned from everyone due to his selfless contributions not only to De La Salle, but to everyone he has encountered. - Thaier Mukhtar, DLS Social Studies Teacher, Varsity Soccer Coach Mike Jolly has been so much more to me than a coach and mentor during my time as a student, and now my time as a staff member at DLS, as well as the time in between. He is truly a great man who epitomizes selflessness and Lasallian values. He was instrumental in not just my athletic career, but professional career as well. His support and encouragement in every avenue cannot be overstated. Coach Jolly has not only impacted me and my younger brother; to this day, my mother and father view him in the absolute highest regard, a chief reason they view the work and sacrifice they had to make to send two sons to De La Salle as worth it. My father says if I am a “Builder of Boys, Maker of Men” that the reason is Mike Jolly. My brother Dan ‘07, says that after a victory, Coach Jolly would build boys, but after a defeat is when he made men. -Mike Shortt, ‘04, current DLS Social Studies Teacher, JV Golf Coach, Varsity Football Assistant, Moderator of Model UN, Broadcast Club, and Stock Market Club
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