2020/2021 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

MKA WELCOMES YOU TO THE 2020/2021

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY Saturday, May 1, 2021 | Van Brunt Field

– PAST ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES – 2021

Paul Edwards, Lacrosse Coach

2020

Robert Fortunato '08, Lacrosse

2018

Alexander Gephart '06, Lacrosse

George Hrab, Coach and Athletic Director

2004 Girls Tennis Team

2015

Edward Conlin ’84, Lacrosse

Karen Ladenheim-Martos ’85, Fencing

2013

Wiemi Douoguih ’88, lacrosse

Caitlin Lehmann ’01 (posthumous), Swimming

2011

Frank Herrmann ’02, Baseball

Chisako Sugiyama ’05, Tennis

2009

Terry Detorie, Girls’ Soccer, Basketball and Softball Coach

Anthony Barnes ’79, Football, Basketball, Track

2007

Gerard “Jeff” Podesta ’35, Tennis

Lauren Stefanchik ’01, Softball

2005

Nancy Tiernan Swenson ’42

John Pellecchia ’84

Liza Boutsikaris ’99

2004

Jennifer Lonsinger Rutherford ’92, Soccer, Basketball, Lacrosse

1984 Boys’ Lacrosse Team

2003

Gloria Evans Dodd ’43, Tennis, Platform Tennis

Gerald Jones ’77, Track

Solomon Johnson ’87, Football

Wayne Elliott ’88, Tennis, Soccer

1954 Men’s Basketball Team

2002

Maryl Riter Walker ’39, Equestrian

Peter S. McMullen ’77, Ice Hockey

Alphonsus “Rick” Doerr ’78, Sailing

Tom Boutsikaris, Fencing Coach

1988 Girls’ Fencing Team

2001

Mark Baran ’74, Swimming, Water Polo

Judith Dixon ’67, Tennis

William Hall ’82, Lacrosse

Jeremy Kahn ’93, Fencing

Betty Logan (posthumous), Field Hockey Coach

2000

David Jacobs ’40, Football

Max Jones ’78, Football, Lacrosse

India Hayes Larrier ’80, Fencing

Mark McGowan ’85, Football, Folf

Earl Perretti ’74, Wrestling, Cycling

Alexa Magna Yannuzzi ’87, Tennis

To see the entire list of past recipients, please visit: www.mka.org/ahof

The Athletic Hall of Fame Award recognizes those who have brought distinction, honor, and excellence to the school through athletics. An honoree must have been an outstanding varsity athlete, coach, athletic director, trainer, or major contributor (financial and/or participant) at MA, TKS, or MKA and/or brought distinction to the school through related and subsequent athletic accomplishment. The Athletic Hall of Fame seeks to honor the legacy of the recipient’s athletic endeavor, leadership, and achievement during their time at MKA in addition to their continued collegiate athletic success after they leave the school.

This year, we are thrilled to announce the 2020 and 2021 inductees to the Athletic Hall of Fame: Robert Fortunato’ 08 and Paul Edwards.

– PROGRAM – 10:00 - 10:05 a.m.

MKA Director of Athletics Todd Smith delivers welcome and introduction of Paul Edwards

10:05 - 10:10 a.m.

Paul Edwards introduces the 2020 Athletic Hall Of Fame inductee Robert Fortunato ’08

10:10 - 10:15 a.m.

2020 Athletic Hall Of Fame winner Robert Fortunato ’08

10:15 - 10:20 a.m.

Alexander Gephart ‘06 introduces the 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame winner Paul Edwards

10:20 - 10:25 a.m.

2021 Athletic Hall of Fame winner Paul Edwards

10:25 - 10:30 a.m.

Todd Smith introduces longtime MKA lacrosse coach Sabino Rodano ‘87 to remember Ernie Mosca

10: 30 - 10:35 a.m.

Lacrosse coach Sabino Rodano ‘87

10:35 - 10:40 a.m.

Todd Smith introduces Head of School Tom Nammack

10:40 - 10:45 a.m.

Head of School Tom Nammack

10:45 - 10:50 a.m.

Todd Smith closes ceremony

“No matter how good you think you are, there’s always someone better. If you possess that mindset, you’ll be surprised at what you can achieve.”

- Rob Fortunato

Born in Essex Fells, NJ to Maribeth and Dana Fortunato, Rob started at MKA in 7th grade, following his older sister, Melissa ‘02, and brother, Mark ‘03. Paul Edwards, Varsity Boys’ Lacrosse Coach says of Rob, “Rob was one of the all time greats to play lacrosse at MKA. A four year varsity starter in the goal, Rob was outstanding, and used his athleticism and instincts to serve as a seventh defender for us out of the goal. From his first game freshman year, Rob was the clear leader of our defense. He received All Conference and All State recognitions, and finished his career being selected as a United States Lacrosse High School All American, at that time only the third to be selected in the history of our school.

Rob went on to have an outstanding collegiate career at the University of Virginia under Coach Dom Starsia, where he won a National Championship his junior year and was selected as an All American his senior year. A great player, a great teammate, and a pleasure to coach.”

At UVA, Rob was a history major and also part of the McIntire School of Commerce for his final year of studies. After college, he began a career in the financial industry in Manhattan, where he’s lived for the last eight years with his wife, Cal.

“Personally, Coach Edwards has been an incredible friend and mentor for me as an Athletic Director and has simply been one of the best and finest coaches I have ever had the privilege to work with throughout my career at MKA.”

- Director of Athletics Todd Smith The spring 2021 season will mark the last of beloved Coach Paul Edwards’ illustrious career leading the MKA Boys’ Lacrosse program. Coach Edwards has been at the helm of our Boys’ Lax program since April 2003 when he took over as our “interim” Head Coach after former Head Coach Noll Klank’s sudden passing. Coach Edwards agreed to stay on board as our Head Coach the following season and has since led the Cougars to an impressive 184-136 record over a 17-year coaching career. The 2020 season would have been Coach Edwards’ 18th year leading the Cougars. During Coach Edwards’ career, the MKA Boys’ Lacrosse team captured one NJSIAA State Group Championship, four NJ Prep B State Championships, and three League Championships.

Coach Edwards has been one of our best Head Coaches in program history and throughout all MKA athletic programs. He is a role model and mentor for many of his MKA Colleagues, Players, Friends, and Family, and throughout boys’ lacrosse coaching circles. Coach Edwards is regarded as one of the finest coaches throughout the state, generating Star Ledger NJ “Coach of the Year” honors in 2012, and in 2016 he was selected as the Len Roland Award recipient by the Boys’ Lacrosse Officials for Outstanding Sportsmanship.

Remembering ERNIE MOSCA The MKA Community is heartbroken over the passing of longtime MKA Varsity Assistant Boys’ Lacrosse Coach, Ernie Mosca. Coach Mosca was part of Coach Paul Edwards’ coaching staff since 2005 and had a profound impact on the MKA Boys Lacrosse program. He was named the US Lacrosse “Person of the Year” in 2019. Coach Mosca was a true ambassador of the game he loved and was a wonderful role model, mentor, and friend to all who knew him. He was also MKA’s #1 sports fan as he would often come to all of the boys’ and girls’ games in all of our sports throughout the year. Coach Edwards stated, “Ernie had two families that he loved dearly…the Mosca family and the MKA Lacrosse family. Over his time with our program he was so much more than a lacrosse coach to our players. He cared deeply about each and every player and helped them become better men as well as athletes. His example to us each day about how to commit to one another and be accountable are lessons we’ll never forget.” As one of his former players texted, “We’re all blessed we got a slice of Mosca. He could bring a smile to your face on the rainiest of days.” Rest in peace Coach Mosca...you will be missed by many, near and far.

HELP CELEBRATE THE LEGACY OF COACH EDWARDS FOR GENERATIONS TO COME To celebrate Coach Edwards and commemorate his commitment to our student athletes, MKA seeks to raise $100,000 to establish the Coach Edwards Cougar Athletic Fund. This endowed fund will provide financial resources to all student athletes who are unable to cover additional athletic expenses such as team trips, equipment, and apparel packages.

This fund will ensure that every athlete has the opportunity to take part in the full team experience and enjoy the robust athletic program at MKA. To donate to the fund, please visit: www.mka.org/giving and note that your donation is earmarked for The Coach Edwards Cougar Athletic Fund.