MUHS Magazine Summer 2025

Building Brotherhood

Junior Hilltoppers

REFLECTION

No need to be a mystic, an adult or extraordinary to be a saint

Blessed Carlo Acutis was set to become the first millennial saint, but sadly, Pope Francis died a week before that could happen and the canonization has been postponed indefinitely.

Carlo was only 15 years old when he died, but he found his calling early. He was born in London but raised in Milan, Italy, as an only child. At the time of his First Communion he told his mother, “To live close to Jesus is my life’s plan.”

As a sophomore at his Jesuit high school, Carlo was beloved by his classmates. He always stood up for the underdog. Because he was from a family with some means, his classmates always wondered why he did not have the latest in technology or talk about exotic vacations and world travel. But he wanted to be ordinary. In school, he struggled with some subjects but became a genius with computers and learned web design. While at school or in the marketplace, he always recognized and spoke with those who did menial work such as custodians, gardeners or street cleaners. He loved spending summers at his parents’ vacation home in Assisi, hiking in the hills with friends or going to the local swim club.

In many ways, he was an ordinary teenager who loved to hike, bike, swim and play sports. But what made him extraordinary was how he always let his priorities guide his choices: God, others, and self. He truly lived for the greater honor of God (AMDG) and honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVMH). That, too, is our invitation and path to sainthood.

Daily Mass was his staple. His love for the Eucharist inspired his parents to return to the Church. Both his love for the Eucharist and for Mary led him to design two websites, one about Eucharistic miracles around the world and the places where Mary appeared in different countries.

Carlo’s body remains integral and can be viewed at the Church of St. Mary Major in Assisi. He is wearing a soccer shirt, jeans and sneakers.

“The Lord is the only person we do not have to ask if he’s available. I can always confide something to him. I can always complain or question him in silent moments or tell him things I do not understand. Then I find within me some words he sends me; some passage from the Gospel that cloaks me in security and confidence.”

— Carlo Acutis

Rev. Doug Leonhardt, SJ ’56

Mission Associate and Alumni Chaplain

Building Brotherhood, Shaping Leaders

Dear MUHS Friends,

Every time I walk our halls, I am reminded that Marquette High is at its best when young men discover brotherhood rooted in faith and purpose. This year’s features capture that spirit vividly.

Hope also radiates from our alumni. In this issue, you will meet rising Marquette University junior William deGuzman ’23, whose semester “inside the walls” of Rome led him from shaking hands with Pope Francis to witnessing a historic conclave. This brought him a deeper trust in God’s plan and a renewed openness to priestly discernment. Stories like his assure me that the formation begun here continues to echo throughout the world.

That same commitment begins well before freshman year. The Junior Hilltoppers program, now serving more than 110 boys annually across football, basketball and volleyball, is cultivating friendships that become championship chemistry in high school and beyond. I have watched grade-schoolers walk into our gyms a bit timid and leave with teammates who will one day hoist trophies or cheer each other through Kairos. Their early embrace of the Marquette High way is one of the most hopeful signs I see for our future.

In this issue you will read about the appointment of Jon Kahle ’00 as our new head football coach, a leader whose own Hilltopper journey shows how excellence on the field includes character formation. Jon’s return reinforces our commitment to coaches who teach life lessons first and playbooks second.

Whether you are coaching grade-schoolers, mentoring students or praying for our mission, thank you for ensuring that the brotherhood we celebrate is a living, growing gift. Your generosity allows us to form Christ-like men who will, in turn, set the world on fire. Please keep our students, faculty, and new leaders like Coach Kahle in your prayers, as I keep all of you in mine.

God’s Blessings,

Rev. Michael J. Marco, SJ President

President Michael J. Marco, SJ. Photo by Indigo Cunningham

Editor: Tim Cigelske

Associate Editor: Kristen Scheuing

Writers: Tim Cigelske, Jon Parsons

Photography: Indigo Cunningham, Sefton Ipock, Smith Studios MKE, VIP Photography

Cover image: Steve Smith/Smith Studios MKE

Design: Jena Sher Graphic Design Printing: The Fox

The Interview

William deGuzman: Eyewitness to History

Building Brotherhood

The Junior Hilltoppers Program

A Century on Grand Avenue

The Legacy of MUHS in Merrill Park In every issue

President’s Message

MUHS Today

The Class of 2025

Faculty & staff retirements

MUHS News Hilltopper Highlights

Q&A with Jon Kahle

New head football coach

Alumni Update

Alumni Spotlight: John Stollenwerk Class Notes

Alumni Spotlight: 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees Rest in Peace

MUHS Moment Topper Delivery

Class of 2025: Graduation

Jesuit Schools Network Award

Each year, every school in the Jesuit Schools Network awards a senior who most represents the embodiment of a graduate at graduation. Awardees exemplify the Jesuit ideals. Andrew Blount ’25 was announced as this year’s JSN Awardee at the 2025 graduation ceremony. His nomination from faculty noted that he became a member of the Civil Air Patrol as soon as he was old enough to join, served as captain of the MUHS baseball team and that he “strives for more than the letter grade, seeking genuine intellectual growth and understanding.” “Perhaps his best quality is his kindness, warmth and commitment to both his family and friends,” his nomination stated. “If you have had the pleasure of engaging with Andrew, you know he is always extremely polite and attentive in such encounters.”

JSN Award Winner Andrew Blount. Photo by VIP Photography

Members of the graduating class were accepted to 239 colleges and universities in 40 different states, D.C, and England. Photo by VIP Photography

Valedictorian Jude Ballinger and Salutatorians Luke McCormick and Gabriel Guminski. Photo by VIP Photography

All-in-Milwaukee

From the Class of 2025, a record 13 seniors were accepted into the All-in-Milwaukee program from MUHS, and 12 of those students have accepted their spot and will be attending Carroll University, Marquette University, UW–Madison, and UW–Milwaukee this fall with tremendous academic, financial, and career support. They include Kobe Ampaw, Amer Asad, Danny Astorga, Giovanni Avila-Gutierrez, Kristian Benishek, Fabian Cornelio-Munoz, Dwyane Correa, Brandon Dike, Vidal Ojeda, Andy Sanchez, Alexander Santana-Cruz, and Victor Valle.

Brandon Dike, Youth of the Year award winner. Photo by VIP Photography

CLASS OF 2025: NEXT DESTINATION

Admitted list, Class of 2025 college selections

Class of 2025 accepted colleges

are listed below:

University of Alabama (1)

American University

Andrews University

University of Arizona

Arizona State University

Auburn University (2)

Augustana College

Ave Maria University

Barry University (1)

Barton College

Baylor University

Belmont University

Benedictine College (1)

Bentley University

Berklee College of Music (1)

University of Birmingham–England

Boston College (1)

Boston University (1)

Butler University

Univ. of California–Berkeley

Univ. of California–Los Angeles (1)

California Lutheran University

Carroll College

Carroll University (1)

Carthage College (2)

Case Western Reserve University

Catholic University of America

University of Central Florida

Chandler-Gilbert Comm. College

University of Cincinnati

Clemson University (2)

Cleveland Institute of Art

College of the Holy Cross College of the Sequoias (1)

University of Colorado–Boulder

Colorado School of Mines

Colorado State University

Concordia University Wisconsin (1)

University of Connecticut

Creighton University (6)

Culver-Stockton College

Daemen University

University of Dallas

Davenport University

Davidson College

University of Dayton (3)

DePaul University

University of Denver

Dordt University

Drake University

Drexel University

Duquesne University

East Carolina University

Edgewood College

Elmhurst University

Elon University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Emory University

Erskine College

University of Evansville

Fairfield University

Fisk University

University of Florida

Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida Institute of Technology

Fordham University (1)

Franciscan Univ. of Steubenville (2)

Furman University

Gallatin College

George Mason University

George Washington University

Georgetown University (1)

Georgia State University

Gonzaga University (2)

Hampden-Sydney College

Harold Washington College

Hillsdale College (1)

Hobart & William Smith Colleges

University of Idaho

Illinois Central College

University of Illinois Chicago

University of Ill. Urbana–Champaign

Illinois State University

Indiana University

University of Indianapolis

University of Iowa (5)

Iowa State University (3)

Ithaca College

Jacksonville University

James Madison University

University of Jamestown

John Carroll University

University of Kansas (2)

University of Kentucky (3)

Kenyon College

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Lake Forest College

Lawrence University

University of Leeds (England)

Lehigh University

Lindenwood University

University of Liverpool (England)

Long Island University Brooklyn

Loras College

Louisiana State University

University of Louisville

Loyola University Chicago (9)

Macalester College

Madison College (1)

University of Manchester (England)

Manhattan University (2)

Marquette University (17)

Marshall University

University of Mary

University of Maryland

Maryland Institute College of Art

Maryville University

Mass. Institute of Technology (1)

Metropolitan State Univ. of Denver

University of Miami (Fla.)

Miami University (Ohio) (2)

University of Michigan

Michigan State University (1)

Michigan Technological University (1)

Milwaukee Area Tech. College (4)

Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design

Milwaukee School of Engineering

Univ of Minnesota–Twin Cities (9)

Minnesota State University–Mankato

University of Mississippi (1)

University of Missouri–Columbia

University of Missouri–Kansas City

Missouri Univ. of Science and Tech.

Montana State University

Morehouse College (1)

University of Nebraska (2)

University of Nevada–Las Vegas

University of Nevada–Reno (1)

New York Institute of Technology

Univ. of N. Carolina–Charlotte (1)

North Carolina A&T State University

North Carolina State University

North Central College

University of North Dakota

University of North Florida

Northeastern University

Northern Illinois University

Northern Michigan University

Northern State University (1)

Northland College

University of Notre Dame (7)

Oberlin College

Ohio State University (2)

University of Oklahoma

Oklahoma State University

University of Oregon (1)

Oxford Brookes University (England)

Palm Beach Atlantic University

University of Pennsylvania (1)

Penn State University

Pepperdine University

University of Pikeville

Providence College (1)

Purdue University (3)

Purdue University–Fort Wayne

Regis University (1)

University of Richmond

University of Rochester

Rochester Institute of Tech. (1)

Roosevelt University

Rose-Hulman Institute of Tech.

Sacred Heart University

Saint Cloud State University

Saint John’s University–MN

Saint Leo University

Saint Louis University

Saint Xavier University (1)

San Jose State University

Santa Clara University (1)

Savannah College of Art & Design (1)

Seattle University

South Dakota School of Mines (1)

South Dakota State University (1)

Southern Adventist University (1)

University of Southern California

Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville

Southern Methodist University

Southern Utah University

University of South Florida

Southwest Minnesota State University

SUNY University–Albany

SUNY University–Buffalo

St. Ambrose University

St. John’s University–NY

St. Mary’s University (TX)

St. Norbert College (1)

St. Olaf College

Stevens Institute of Technology

University of Tampa

Temple University

University of Tennessee (1)

University of Texas–San Antonio

Texas State University

University of St. Thomas (5)

Towson University

Union College

U.S. Air Force Academy (1)

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

U.S. Military Academy at West Point (1)

U.S. Naval Academy (1)

University of Utah (1)

Utah State University

Valparaiso University

Villanova University

University of Virginia

Virginia Tech

Wash. University–St. Louis (3)

Waukesha County Tech. College (1)

West Virginia University

Western Illinois University

Western Kentucky University

Western Michigan University (2)

Wheaton College (Ill.)

Wheaton College (Mass.)

Whitman College

William & Mary

UW–Eau Claire

UW–Green Bay (1)

UW–La Crosse (3)

UW–Madison (37)

UW–Milwaukee (20)

UW–Oshkosh (1)

UW–Parkside (1)

UW–Platteville (3)

UW–River Falls (1)

UW–Stevens Point (3)

UW–Stout (1)

UW–Whitewater (6)

Wisconsin Lutheran College

Xavier University (2)

* 239 Colleges/Universities in total

* Bold designates the colleges that seniors will attend with number (#) attending.

Next chapter: Service and leadership Young Alumni College Fair

In January, recent MUHS graduates returned to campus to share their experiences with current juniors and seniors. More than 60 young alumni from 40+ colleges and universities attended the event, organized by the MUHS College Counseling Center.

National Merit Finalists

Six seniors earned the distinction of National Merit Finalists for the 2024–25 school year, left to right: Luke Petrucci, Luke McCormick, Nick Pienkos, Trevor Waltersdorf, Jude Ballinger, Colin Corr.

Photo by Indigo Cunningham

Photo by VIP Photography

Three seniors were appointed to U.S. service academies (left to right): Andrew Blount, U.S. Air Force Academy; Jude Ballinger, U.S. Naval Academy; and Tyce Ortega, U.S. Military Academy. Sean Hutchinson (far right) was accepted into the U.S. Marine Corps ROTC program. Photo by Indigo Cunningham

Seniors Commit to College Sports

Jonah Borchardt, Hillsdale College, Baseball

Preston Haase, Barry University, Baseball

Charlie Ingrisano, Washington University, Football

Erik Schmidt, Notre Dame, Football

Mitchell Nigro, University of Saint Thomas, Football

Michael Nolan, Northern State University, Football

Gabe Miller, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, Football

Jude Ballinger, Annapolis, Rugby

Drew Blonski, Manhattan University, Volleyball

Annual Turkey Bowl

Cooper Cantwell, Carthage College, Volleyball

Max Larcheid, Manhattan University, Volleyball

Elery Hardwick, Saint Xavier University, Baseball

Mick Kaminsky, UW Stevens Point, Football

Cole Fischer, UW Oshkosh, Football

Mason Steinhoff, UW River Falls, Football

Tyce Ortega, West Point, Golf

Eric Lohse, MIT, Soccer

Neven Torres, Boston University, Rowing

18 seniors in the Class of 2025 committed to college athletics teams on National Signing Day. Photo by Indigo Cunningham

Seniors turn out for the Turkey Bowl fall flag-football tradition on Takton Field. Photos by VIP Photography

MUHS Retirements

Mary Beth McBride Doyle

Twenty-seven years ago, Mary Beth McBride Doyle started her MUHS career in Special Events in the Development Office. Her deep faith and background in Theology led her to the classroom and our pastoral teams, including director of the Freshman Retreat Program and chaplain for the Alumni Service Corps.

“When I think of Mrs. McBride Doyle, I think of the Ignatian value of discernment: how we can discern to become better, how we may discern to grow in relationship with God, and how we may discern a life of social justice through our practice of faith.”

—Jeff Monday ’84

Keith Klestinski

Keith Klestinski began his journey at Marquette High in 1989 as the school’s very first Admissions Director. Over the years, he served in countless roles as a science teacher, department chair, Kairos retreat director, and head varsity coach in two sports.

“What a run Coach K. I was fortunate enough to have you as a teacher and coach. My son has also had that same pleasure. Your mark has definitely been made on the building and the DNA of the football program.

—Juan Hurtado ’01

Cheryl Warner

For 10 years, Cheryl Warner served students with neurodiverse needs and learning challenges as director and chair of Learning Services. She has also served as the moderator of the Jesuit Honor Society and retreat leader.

“Mrs. Cheryl Warner was an amazing resource for our son. He had many incredible teachers at MUHS as well, but Mrs. Warner helped him to build the bridges he needed to work with them and achieve the kind of success of which he had always been capable.”

—Rich Wood

Tim Prosser

For 45 years, Tim Prosser served as an English teacher, department chair, coach, advisor, Follies director and retreat leader, Faculty Senator and moderator of several co-curriculars. And, he was the inspiration behind the band Sha Nah No. His bandmate, musician and longtime jazz teacher, Randy Skowronski retired in 2024 after 38 years at MUHS.

“Tim Prosser helped me appreciate the joy and discipline of learning.”

—Marcus Mescher ’00

Sue Lewandowski

Sue Lewandowski served MUHS for 27 years, as the primary point person for all things related to attendance. She also assisted in graduation planning, keeping the Dean’s office on task, and other main office duties.

MUHS NEWS

From Classroom to Conclave: Habemus papam!

As the world watched white smoke rise from the Sistine Chapel announcing the election of Pope Leo XIV, MUHS students, faculty and staff gathered to watch the live stream, pray and send up their own plume of smoke from Takton Field.

In February, professional musician Tom Luer worked with the Jazz Lab students, at the invitation of Jason Gillette , his bandmate at UW–Eau Claire. Luer has appeared on NBC’s The Voice, is Queen Latifah’s saxophonist, has recorded several movie soundtracks, is a member of the Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Band, is a member of the Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band and teaches at Cal Poly University.

The Science Olympiad program closed the 2024-25 campaign with a top-10 finish at the National Tournament in Lincoln, Nebraska, earning ninth place overall.

The varsity roster included Trevor Waltersdorf ’25, Patrick Pelikan ’25, Thomas Haverty ’25, Luke Josetti ’25, James Stamm ’25, Mitchell Henry ’25, William Peelen ’26, Ethan-Jeffery Lomo-Tettey ’26, Arjun Patel ’26, Jack Lemke ’26, Michael Conaty ’27, James Escott ’26, Finn Daily ’27, Thomas Petrucci ’27 and Isaac Neumann ’27, and was supported by alternates Charlie Gittins ’28, Emerson Porter ’26, Gavin Bartz ’27, Guy Johnson ’27 and Luca Viccari ’25.

Marquette High brought home a national title in Disease Detectives, with Patel and Peelen outpacing the field in a CDC-sponsored epidemiology case study. Their first-place medals include an invitation to tour CDC headquarters in Atlanta next year with coach Nicole Williams.

These Webster Club members earned top honors in the state championship: Extemporaneous Speaking: Nick Pienkos ’25, 1st place (his second championship in a row); Vince Mangan ’26, 4th place; Luka Boban ’25, 5th place; Emilio Ramirez ’26, 6th place. Prose: Will Mukana ’26, semifinalist. The Webster Club is directed by Amy Geyser and coached by Ross Johnson, Oscar Rich, Joey Nunez and Sara Van Winkle

Signatures, the MUHS student literary magazine, received the highest ranking from the Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines contest by the National Council of Teachers of English. Out of 422 magazines submitted from schools across 46 states and five countries, only 125 were honored with the REALM First Class ranking. MUHS is one of just three schools in Wisconsin to receive this distinction.

Signatures leadership includes editors-in-chief Jack Cooney ’26, Jackson Czukas ’25, Alex Daczko ’26, and Mikail Schlegel ’25. They are supported by the Signatures Squad, which consists of Cooney, Czukas, Daczko, Schlegel, William Mukuna ’26, Andrew Pentler ’26, Juan Pablo Sanchez ’24 and William Swoboda ’25. Writing editors include Cooney, Czukas, Sanchez, and Schlegel, while the art editors are Cooney, Pentler, and Schlegel. Faculty guidance is provided by Signatures moderator Erica Zunac and art teachers Peter Beck and Stacy Kodra

Father Marco and faculty react to the results of the election of the first U.S.-born pontiff. Photos by Indigo Cunningham

Team 1732 Hilltopper Robotics won the Wisconsin Regional competition, which drew more than 2,000 participants from over 45 teams across the Midwest. This was the third consecutive win for the team, comprising students from Marquette High and Divine Savior Holy Angels.

Brian Hayes ’25 and Bobby Koehne ’25 were selected as 2025 Evans Scholars, a prestigious full-tuition scholarship awarded to outstanding golf caddies who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need and strong character. They are among just 20 recipients from Wisconsin this year.

Theology teacher and department chair Tom Jackson was named 2025 Catholic Herald Teacher of the Year. This prestigious honor recognizes Jackson’s exceptional dedication to Catholic education, his unwavering commitment to students, and his leadership in fostering faith-filled learning at MUHS.

“Tom exemplifies the mission of Marquette High through his work as a teacher, advisor, and co-director of the Kairos retreat program,” said Principal Jeff Monday.

More than 118 units of blood were donated and 77 students gave blood for the first time during the annual Key Club blood drive in February.

MUHS Chorus performed for the Heart of the Nation Catholic Ascension and Pentecost masses, broadcast locally and internationally in June. The recording was filmed at Sacred Heart Croatian Parish in Milwaukee and can still be viewed online. Last summer, the chorus had a completely different experience as back-up vocalists for Foreigner at Wisconsin State Fair (see photo below).

In 2024, MUHS was named the best Catholic high school in Greater Milwaukee, according to Niche.com. Other MUHS rankings from Niche.com include No. 3 high school for athletes in the Milwaukee area, No. 7 of 136 best college prep high schools in Wisconsin, No. 15 of 140 best high schools for STEM in Wisconsin and No. 26 of 114 most diverse private schools in Wisconsin.

In the 2023-24 school year, Marquette High students took more than 1,000 AP Exams and 89% of exam-takers passed with a 3 or higher. In 18 of our 21 exams, Marquette High students had a higher percentage of passing scores when compared to state and national averages. Out of our 443 AP students, 196 received an AP Scholar Award for receiving scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams.

MUHS students traveled around the country and across the world for service, education and immersion trips, including a pilgrimage to Spain, where students explored key sites in the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola, from the Loyola family castle to Pamplona, Manresa, Montserrat and Barcelona.

The Class of 2025 presents It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad Follies Photo by VIP Photography

Photo by VIP Photography

Chorus members joined Foreigner on stage at Wisconsin State Fair.

Q&A with Jon Kahle Named head varsity football coach

John Kahle ’00. Photo by Sefton Ipock

Jon Kahle ’00 is coming home to where his own Hilltopper journey began. The longtime educator and coach has been named head football coach, bringing with him a track record of disciplined preparation, servantleadership and faith-centered mentorship. In the conversation that follows, Kahle reflects on the mission that first shaped him as a student-athlete, the traditions he intends to preserve, and the fresh energy he hopes to ignite across campus and the wider Hilltopper community.

What went through your mind when you learned you’d be returning to MUHS as head football coach, and what excites you most about this new chapter?

I love the mission. It shaped me as a student, and I’m excited to help student-athletes become Christ-like men for others on and off the field. The service experiences shaped me as a student, and we will continue to provide these opportunities to grow as a team.

You experienced Hilltopper football as a student-athlete in the late ’90s. How has the school and program evolved since then, and which core traditions do you feel must never change?

The football program’s core values have remained the same: brotherhood, relationships and discipline. However, technology, one-way players and a heightened offseason training program have become more advanced.

At Brookfield Academy you built a playoff-caliber team almost every season. What key lessons or systems from that journey will you carry into year one at MUHS?

I instilled many of the values and philosophies I learned at MUHS. The majority of our BA coaches were MUHS alums. We were always well prepared, physically and mentally tough, and worked extremely hard in our offseason training and leadership programs.

How do you define “success” for a high-school football team beyond the win-loss record?

Success is determined by the character and leadership displayed in the school community. Beyond high school, I hope to see MUHS alums talk about the lessons learned from their playing days in their future experiences in careers and family life.

Character development is central to the MUHS mission. What specific habits or leadership traits will you emphasize with your players?

We will be very intentional about talking about leadership as a team, specifically servant leadership. A title does not define leadership. Specific leadership training will occur throughout the year. The best teams are always player-led ones.

With your master’s in educational administration and experience teaching history, how does the classroom inform your coaching philosophy?

My administrative and teaching experience is process-based. Each day presents an opportunity to grow as an individual and as a team. Every moment in the classroom and the field is a valuable teaching experience.

Which mentors from your own playing career have most influenced your style, and how will their guidance show up on Friday nights?

I had great coaches and mentors at MUHS. I was fortunate to have them. Coach Bridich taught me discipline and attention to detail. Coach Wilkinson taught me how to respect the game and the process of winning. Coach Kelly taught me about passion and intensity. Coach Basham was a master at teaching the game of football, humility and character on and off the field. My parents showed me what hard work looks like.

Your brothers are fellow alumni, and your wife Laura teaches at MUHS. How does that family connection shape the culture you hope to build?

Family is everything. We talk about faith a lot in our family. We try our best to stay humble, grounded and respectful of the teachings and traditions at MUHS that have shaped our lives.

What opportunities do you see for alumni, parents and the broader Hilltopper community to support the team in new ways?

I see the opportunity to build relationships with alumni and parents through new events–community masses and relationshipbuilding events. In the community, we will continue to dominate recruitment in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Every boy in Catholic grade schools will dream of putting ram horns on their helmet one day.

Finish this sentence: “When people talk about MUHS football, I want them to say . . . ”

The Hilltoppers play championship-level football and have the necessary character, faith, leadership and humility to serve them well.

SPORTS UPDATE

HIGHLIGHTS

Michael Vazquez ’17

Luke Josetti ’25 and Keegan Kowalke ’25 helped lead the rugby team back to a second consecutive state championship. Photo by VIP Photography

Back-to-Back Titles

The rugby team defeated the Pulaski Roos in a hard-fought 21-17 match to repeat as state champions for the first time in school history. Coming into the state championship, Hilltopper rugby was ranked No. 22 in the nation for single-school teams, and was featured in the Goff Rugby Report. “Coach Colin Dillon, now in his seventh season, has cultivated a squad that thrives on discipline and teamwork,” the Goff Rugby Report states.

In addition to its state title, the Hilltoppers finished with a perfect 6-0 conference season to win the Badgerland Conference title.

Marquette University High School track and field capped the season with a top-10 team finish at the WIAA State Championships, highlighted by two new school records and a state record. Gianni Quintero swept the 400, 800 and 1600 races while setting a new state record in the 1600, after breaking the 800-meter record last year. The 4×400 relay team of Ivan Hooshmand ’26, JJ Allen ’26, Jackson Myers ’26 and Peyton Roby-Brown ’25 set a school record 3:20.15 and claimed a podium third place in 3:20.45.

The team finished the regular season with a conference championship and school records in the 4 × 100 relay and Parish in the 100 meters.

The baseball team earned a fourth seed in the postseason that ended at the WIAA Regional Final. Notable victories on the season included wins over Wauwatosa East, Catholic Memorial and Brookfield Central. Their postseason run ended in a narrow 2–3 loss to Waukesha West.

The lacrosse team capped a strong 2025 season with a perfect 6-0 conference record and back-to-back GMC championships. Head coach Emmet O’Malley was named Wisconsin Lacrosse Coach of the Year, leading a squad stacked with top performers. Chris Wilkinson ’26 led the conference with 24 goals and tied for the points lead (33), while Zane Ballinger ’26 paced all players with 15 assists. Defensively, Landon Loberg ’26 and John Martin ’26 dominated ground balls and forced turnovers, and goalie Mikael Martensson ’26 topped the league in save percentage (70.1%) and goals against average (3.35). MUHS rolled through regionals with wins over Oconomowoc and Sussex Hamilton before falling to Mukwonago in the sectional round.

Peyton Roby-Brown, ’25. Photo by VIP Photography

Jack Corby ’25. Photo by VIP Photography

Golf wins 4th State Title

The golf team captured the WIAA Division 1 state title with a team score of 584 (+8), winning by an incredible 19 strokes. It is the program’s fourth WIAA state title.

Three Hilltoppers placed in the top 10 individually. Hayes Packee ’27 and senior Creede Neuberger ’25 tied for fifth at +1. Alex Kim ’25 closed out his high school career with a ninth-place finish at +2 and Thomas Haverty ’25 added a strong performance as well, tied for 11th overall.

In Monday’s opening round, Marquette fired a 284 (−4)— the lowest single-day team score in the 99-year history of the WIAA Boys Golf Championships by 9 strokes. The team broke its own state tournament 36-hole scoring record at 8-overpar 584, which improved on the 2019 record by 10 strokes, according to Wisconsin.Golf.

Coached by Brad Niswonger, the Hilltopper golf team arrived at the tournament after a 3rd-place finish at state last year and a No. 1 ranking in the state this season.

Golf team, left to right: Tyce Ortega ’25, Creede Neuberger ’25, Alex Kim ’25, Thomas Haverty ’25, Dermot More O’Ferrel ’25, Hayes Packee ’27. Photo by VIP Photography

Thomas Haverty ’25. Photo by VIP Photography

The tennis team concluded its season as sectional champions and advancing individuals, doubles and the full team to state. In the singles division, Jeff Russell ’25 won his opening match to make it to the second round, and Spencer Holly ’27 advanced to the third round. In doubles, Colin More O’Ferrall ’27 and Conrad Redden ’27 won their first-round match. In the team competition, the No. 5-ranked Hilltoppers advanced to state and fell to No. 4 Neenah in the Division 1 quarterfinals.

Following a historic 2024 campaign that culminated in a WIAA state championship, the basketball team entered the 2024–25 season with a dramatically younger look. The Hilltoppers graduated the bulk of last year’s title-winning roster, including standout Nolan Minessale ’24–who etched his name into the program record books with both the single-season and career scoring marks before taking his talents to Division I St. Thomas in Minnesota. The season was a rebuilding year that saw several extremely close games as well as a close loss to eventual state champion Wisconsin Lutheran in the playoffs.

Last year, the swim team earned its first sectional championship since 2011. Swimming and diving concluded their dual meet portion of the season with a 5-0 record. At their conference meet, Padraic Donnelly ’26 earned all-conference honors in the 100 breaststroke. At sectionals, the team finished in second place with 13 swimmers performing their season or lifetime bests. Swim state qualifiers include Brij Chadha ’27, Sam Jacobs ’27, Declan Foy ’27 and Thomas Groth ’26. Coach Kyle Bedalov ’87 coached for the 2023–24 season.

The wrestling team is coached by Clem Martin, in his second year as head coach. In February, the team competed in the Greater Metro Conference tournament. Cole Dziak ’25 and Yosef Truitt ’28 finished third, Alex Muha ’28 placed fourth and Asadullah Noor ’26 and Luke Sanchez ’26 and Chris Lopez ’27 took fifth. Dziak finished second at sectionals and earned a trip to the WIAA state tournament.

Christian Miller ’27. Photo by VIP Photography

Cole Dziak ’25. Photo by VIP Photography

Tennis team takes 2025 sectional title. Photo by VIP Photography

Brendan Reardon ’ 26 leads the charge to a 2nd-place team finish at the state championship

Cross country state runner-up

Coached by Dan Cleary, the cross country team finished the season with a second-place finish in the WIAA state championships. The team was led by a top-10 finish from Brendan Reardon ’26 in a time of 15:50. He was followed by Eli North ’27, Jack Kwiatt ’25, Charlie Cary ’26, Andres Campos ’26, Charlie Kwiatt ’28 and Joe Walters ’26. Along with a sectional title, the Hilltoppers finished first in the Greater Metro Conference, led by Reardon’s individual title and North’ second place.

The defending state champion football team capped off a standout 2024 season by capturing the Greater Metro Conference championship with a perfect conference record and an overall 8-1 regular season mark. Entering the WIAA Division 1 Playoffs as the No. 1 seed in their region, the Hilltoppers continued their strong play with lopsided wins before ending in Level 3 against No. 2 Bay Port.

Several Hilltoppers earned individual conference honors for their outstanding performances. Tommy Novotny ’26 was named the 2024 GMC Offensive Back of the Year, Gabe Miller ’25 earned GMC Offensive Lineman of the Year, and Cole Fischer ’25 was recognized as the GMC Defensive Lineman of the Year.

The soccer team beat Oak Creek 3-0 to win the sectional and advance to the WIAA state tournament for the fifth year in a row, but fell to Green Bay Preble 2-1 in double overtime in the semifinals. The following players were named to the all-state team by the Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association: 1st team: Daniel Astorga ’25, 2nd team; Ben Bausch ’26, honorable mention: Christian Schildt ’25, Connor Wyatt ’25, Katahdin Huwiler ’26.

Andrew Letter coaches the alpine skiing club sport, which brought home a state championship in 2023 and placed sixth in the state in 2024. The team had a fantastic cap to the regular season with varsity finishing first at the state meet in February after finishing in fourth place overall in conference standings. The team was represented at state by Mitchell Henry ’25, Simon Bartos ’25, Bobby Wendt ’26, Joseph Davis ’26, Liam Merz ’25, Jimmy Barry ’26, TJ Sippel ’28.

To read more about the MUHS sports news section, go to: https://muhs.info/athletics-news

The soccer team advanced to the state tourney for the 5th straight year. Photo above and opposite by VIP Photography

William deGuzman ’23

When William deGuzman ’23 left Milwaukee for a semester in Rome, he stepped straight into Church history in the making. The Marquette University finance major watched the election of the first pope from the United States unfold from the street below, a vantage few pilgrims ever experience.

Even before that milestone, deGuzman was part of a private audience with Pope Francis earlier this year as part of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, and his study-abroad adventure turned into a living lesson on vocation, faith and the global reach of the Jesuit ideal he first learned at MUHS.

In this Q&A, he recounts how his firsthand experience shaped his faith, purpose and Jesuit mission.

William deGuzman in front of St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome. Photo courtesy of deGuzman

“After graduating from MUHS, continuing my education at a Jesuit institution was a priority for me. I valued the Jesuit approach to learning and formation.”

First, can you share how you made your decision to attend MU after MUHS? I’m a rising junior majoring in Finance and minoring in Theology. After graduating from MUHS, continuing my education at a Jesuit institution was a priority for me. I valued the Jesuit approach to learning and formation. I also wanted to stay relatively close to home. Family means a lot to me, so being able to stay near

them while still enjoying a full and vibrant college experience made Marquette the perfect fit.

What sparked your decision to spend a semester studying in Rome, and how did MUHS help you prepare for that leap of faith?

I was drawn to study in Rome because I wanted to be in the heart of the Catholic

Church, to walk the same streets and pray in the same places as the saints. It’s a city where faith is alive in every corner, and I knew it would challenge me to grow spiritually and personally. MUHS laid the foundation for this leap. The Jesuit values instilled in me—being open to growth, intellectually curious and deeply rooted in faith—gave me the courage to step out of my comfort zone.

William deGuzman, front row, far right, among an audience with Pope Francis in the Hall of the Popes of Vatican City. Photo courtesy of deGuzman

Describe your very first morning living “inside the walls.” What sights, sounds or small moments told you life was going to feel different? My first morning in Rome felt like stepping into a movie. I woke up in “the dungeon,” our nickname for the tiny basement apartment I shared with five other guys. I passed Roman ruins like they were no big deal and walked by church after church. It was overwhelming in the best way. Everything about that morning told me: life in Rome was going to be holy, unpredictable and unforgettable.

You shook Pope Francis’s hand earlier this spring. What did you notice in that brief encounter, and how did it affect your own spiritual outlook?

Never in my life did I think I would end up shaking hands with Pope Francis. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that God’s plans are wild.

After Pope Francis finished addressing our group, he stayed behind to greet each of us one by one. You could see he was physically tired. He came in a wheelchair, clearly in discomfort, but there was a joy and peace about him that filled the room. He radiated spiritual fatherhood. When my turn came, my heart was pounding. I stepped forward and said, “Hello, Holy Father, it is an honor to meet you.” He looked at me with such kindness. There was a quiet warmth in his eyes that immediately put me at ease.

I handed him a white zucchetto I had brought with me. He took it gently, placed it on his head for a moment, and handed it back. Then we shook hands. I told him I’d be praying for him, and he gave me a small smile. It was a simple exchange, but something about it went far deeper than words. It felt like God was reaching through that moment to say, “Keep going.”

As someone discerning the priesthood, it was incredibly affirming. That

moment gave me peace and courage, a renewed sense of direction. It reminded me that God is always working, even when we don’t see how the pieces fit. I honestly don’t think I would have had the spiritual grounding to receive that moment fully if it weren’t for my formation at MUHS. The Jesuit values I learned there, being open to growth, finding God in all things, and walking with purpose, made me ready to say yes when the moment came. I walked away with a deeper trust in God’s plan, and a fire in my heart to keep following where He leads, even if it looks nothing like what I expected.

Most people watch a papal conclave on television. What was the atmosphere like on the streets of Rome as the cardinals processed into the Sistine Chapel and the city waited for smoke?

When I got to St. Peter’s, it was packed. People were singing, crying, praying. We waited shoulder to shoulder, looking up at the balcony, knowing we were about to hear Habemus Papam. That mix of holy anticipation and total mayhem, it was the most alive I’ve ever felt. It wasn’t just watching history happen, it was being inside of it. And it reminded me that the Church is living, breathing and wild in the best way.

Pope Leo XIV is the first pope born in the United States, so it was an especially historic moment for you to be in Rome to witness this time. Did that fact resonate with you personally, and if so, how? Absolutely. It was incredibly moving and honestly surreal to witness such a historic moment in person. As an American Catholic, seeing Pope Leo XIV, someone from Chicago, who probably cheered against the Brewers, ate deep-dish pizza, and maybe even taken a shot of Malört, standing on the balcony as the Vicar of Christ was deeply personal.

Which theology or history course in Rome most challenged you, and how did roaming the city’s basilicas and catacombs deepen the lesson? The most challenging and enriching course I took in Rome was The Popes of Rome: The History of the Catholic Church. We studied everything from the lives of the Apostles to the legacy of St. Pope John Paul II.

Walking through the basilicas, catacombs and piazzas made those lessons come alive. I stood where martyrs bled, where saints preached, where popes ruled and repented. I saw with my own eyes that the Church is divine in origin, but deeply human in practice, imperfect, yet enduring. It’s not a museum for saints, but a hospital for sinners. And somehow, through it all, Christ continues to work through it.

You’ve shared that this semester pushed you to consider a vocation to the priesthood. Was there a single encounter or quiet prayer that tipped the scales? I’ve been discerning priesthood since my senior year of high school—shoutout Father Doyle SJ. It all began during my Kairos retreat, which was a radical and transformative experience. It was there that I first came to understand something that still grounds me today: even if we stray from God, even if we hit rough patches or neglect our relationship with Him, His love never stops burning for us. That retreat was the first time I truly felt the call stir in my heart. MUHS gave me a safe, healthy and faith-filled environment to wrestle with that question: What is God calling me to do with my life?

Rome deepened it. This semester didn’t offer one single moment that tipped the scales. Instead, it gave me a series of encounters that, together, affirmed the desire and calling that’s been quietly growing in my heart.

How did the MUHS “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam” spirit play out while you served and studied alongside students from around the globe?

The AMDG spirit came alive in the small, everyday moments through conversations, meals, weekend trips and simply being present with others. Rome gave me the space to live it out.

What would you tell a student at MUHS who’s thinking about studying abroad in Rome?

Do it, without hesitation. Studying in Rome will change you in the best ways. It’s about discovering more of who God is, and who He’s calling you to become.

If you could bring one Roman custom and one lesson from Pope Leo XIV back to Milwaukee, what would it be, and why?

If I could bring one Roman custom back, it would definitely be the afternoon siesta. From Pope Leo XIV, I’d bring back his message from his first homily on Psalm 98:1: “Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things.”

Fast - forward five years: where do you hope to be, and how will this chapter in Rome guide your next steps, whether that’s graduate school, a career or continued discernment?

“The AMDG spirit came alive in the small, everyday moments”

Honestly, we’ll see. My deepest hope is that I’ll still be doing my best to follow God’s will whether that leads to the priesthood, married life or something I can’t yet imagine. I’m especially grateful for MUHS and for the young men who are continuing to be formed there: men who, I believe, will go out and set the world on fire.

William deGuzman meets His Holiness Pope Francis. Photo courtesy of deGuzman

BUILDING BROTHERHOOD THE JUNIOR HILLTOPPERS PROGRAM

Tim Cigelske

What began as a small initiative has since expanded into a thriving multi-sport program, encompassing football, basketball and volleyball, and has become a significant feeder into MUHS athletics and a welcome to the Hilltopper community.

When the buzzer sounded at the 2024 basketball state championship, the Marquette High team erupted in celebration—not just as teammates, but as a deeply-connected group of friends who had been building toward this moment since before high school.

This triumph echoed the spirit of the 2023 football state championship, where a similarly close-knit group of athletes achieved greatness after years of camaraderie.

Speaking with The Catholic Herald during the football season, senior quarterback Peter McDevitt ’24 talked

about the special bond with his teammates, especially after playing with many of them from a young age as one of the first classes of Junior Hilltoppers.

“We have a lot of lofty goals,” McDevitt said at the time. “It’s exciting, too, because these are guys I’ve been playing with my whole life through junior programs. We get one last shot at it. It’s exciting.”

Since its inception in 2008, the Junior Hilltoppers program has played a vital role in introducing young athletes to the values and traditions of Marquette University High School.

What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned from Junior Hilltoppers?

“The community sense of MUHS starts early.”

–Brian Butler ’99

“I learned that it doesn’t matter how big I am. I can still use my skills to help my team be successful. My coaches have shown me what my talents are and count on me to fill that role. I really like the friends I have made and that has also made me ‘lock in’ on wanting to be at Marquette for high school.”

–Lucas Swiontek, 7th grade

The Junior Hilltoppers program helps youth forge friendships, build trust and create a sense of belonging long before they begin their high school journey. Photo above by Steve Smith/Smith Studios MKE.

What began as a small initiative has since expanded into a thriving multi-sport program, encompassing football, basketball and volleyball, and has become a significant feeder into MUHS athletics and a welcome to the Hilltopper community.

A foundation for success

The Junior Hilltoppers program attracts students from Catholic, private, public and charter schools across the greater Milwaukee area. Through participation in the program, many boys build early connections with future classmates, reinforcing a sense of brotherhood before they ever set foot in the halls of MUHS.

Eamon Holahan ’04 , Assistant Director of Admissions and Junior Hilltoppers coordinator, has witnessed

“The community and sense of belonging have boosted our community and environment.”

the program’s steady growth and impact. “Our programs are based on the values of Marquette High, and we want to emphasize those values on the fields and courts,” he explains. “We want to provide that experience to as many students as possible.”

Joe Coplan ’14, has been coaching Junior Hilltoppers volleyball for the last seven years, after a Marquette High athletic career that included multiple

state volleyball championships and being named First Team All-State.

During his time with Junior Hilltoppers, Coplan witnessed boys grow up from grade schoolers to college athletes. He has seen what a difference being part of the culture from an early age can make on instilling values.

“It is very beneficial for our Junior Hilltoppers to interact with the high school kids and get a jump-start on building culture, rapport and fostering a healthy and proactive athletics environment,” Coplan says. “The community and sense of belonging have boosted our community and environment.”

Mike Bark ’92 , who has also been coaching in the Junior Hilltoppers football program for seven years, has also seen firsthand how the program

Coaches in the Junior Hilltoppers program work to lay the foundation for the athletic fundamentals and good sportsmanship that will carry over into high school.

How alumni can help

The continued success of the Junior Hilltoppers program relies on the support of the broader Marquette High community.

Alumni can play a role in several ways:

Encourage participation

If you have a son or know a young athlete in grades 3–8 interested in football, flag football, basketball or volleyball, encourage them to join the program.

Coach and mentor

Volunteers–whether as head coaches, assistant coaches, or team managers–are always needed.

Spread the word

Many students come to MUHS through word-of-mouth recommendations. Sharing the benefits of Junior Hilltoppers with families considering MUHS can help sustain enrollment and interest.

Support facility development

The program’s future growth depends on access to expanded practice and game space. As MUHS embarks on a new strategic plan, alumni support for facility enhancements could be transformative.

Get involved: muhs.info/jrhilltoppers

Jesuit ideals shape not just athletes, but young people of character. Photo by Steve Smith/Smith Studios MKE

What’s your favorite Junior Hilltoppers memory?

“The Junior Hilltoppers experience was invaluable in terms of my son meeting future Hilltoppers and starting the practice of men for others. Definitely helped him hit the ground running freshman year and to make lasting friendships.”

–Jessica Motl

“I loved when it was Junior Hilltoppers night at the homecoming football game and all the Junior Hilltoppers gathered on the football field with the varsity team. And all the varsity players high-fived the Junior Hilltoppers players and cheered for them. It was such a great display of the brotherhood that makes MUHS special.”

–Erika Kloiber

“Seeing the deep-rooted commitment to the Junior Hilltoppers program and how great it was when the high schoolers came to watch and support the Juniors! It was a huge factor in solidifying our decision for Brady to attend MUHS.”

–Danica Potier

has evolved. “I got started when my son, Johnny, began playing, and the head coach needed assistants. Two years later, I was running the program,” he says.

The Junior Hilltoppers football program has seen significant growth since 2019, increasing from 85 players to a consistent 110–120 each year. Bark emphasizes the advancements in equipment and the program’s commitment to player safety and development.

“I think one key thing is that our coaches all put aside their ego and embrace the Marquette way of doing things,” he says. “We have hosted Topper Talks, where current and former players and coaches have come in to talk to the boys and they get to learn the history and the ethic of the school. They really do form a brotherhood before they get to the school.”

The results of this early engagement are evident. The recent state championship

teams in football and basketball were filled with athletes who started their journey as Junior Hilltoppers. In last year’s championship-winning basketball team, nearly 80 percent of players had been part of the program, highlighting its importance in developing team chemistry and talent.

“It’s about more than just basketball,” says Joe Minessale ’96, one of the program’s leaders. “It’s about relationships, about building something bigger than individual success.”

This impact is also evident in the football program. As recently-retired MUHS football coach Keith Klestinski emphasizes, the program lays a crucial groundwork for future success.

“As coach, I was able to meet with Junior Hilltoppers coaches and players to teach and emphasize the Marquette High mission from day one of their Junior Hilltoppers experience,” Klestinski

Fostering talent and teamwork from an early age. Photo by Lorraine Witt

states. “By the time the players reach our program, they understand what it means to strive to be Christ-like young men for others who exhibit servant leadership, pray together and demonstrate respect and love for their fellow players. That head start goes a long way in developing the chemistry needed to win championships.”

This early exposure to the MUHS mission and values directly translates to on-field achievements.

“Every year we have numerous Junior Hilltoppers that make significant contributions to the football program,” Klestinski says. He included last season’s first team all-state selections Mitchell Nigro ’25 and Gabriel Miller ’25 and honorable mention all-state Cole Fischer ’25 and Tommy Novotny ’26 were all Junior Hilltoppers, along with many other athletes on a team decorated with achievements.

Those varsity athletes, in turn, helped foster the next generation with Junior Hilltoppers Night and the high school athletes going to cheer the Junior Hilltoppers games.

“We make efforts to foster community by inviting our Junior Hilltoppers to experience and be a part of what happens in our high school program,” Klestinski says. “We try to have the varsity players interact with the Juniors that evening and make the experience one that they will never forget.”

Looking ahead

The continued success of the Junior Hilltoppers program was on full display in the 2025 Padre Serra Tournament. Junior Hilltoppers were well represented in the title game between the champion St. Monica (RJ Place, Nolan Rabideaux, Ethan Ott, Will Calvelli and Dominic LoCoco) and runner-up St. Robert (Max Meier, Will Bortner Oberle, Lucas Falci, Hank Cibula, William Kowalski, Luca Costello and Rylan Makowski).

The Padre all-tournament team also included Junior Hilltoppers Place

(tournament MVP), Rabideaux, Meier, Caleb Miller (St. Jude the Apostle), Bobby Schreiner (St. Sebastian) and George Carney (Christ King).

The future of the Junior Hilltoppers program remains bright, with former MUHS athletes returning to coach and mentor the next generation. Alumni like Thad Hoffman ’24 and Ryan Meehan ’24, who were once Junior Hilltoppers themselves, are now giving back by coaching in the program. Their involvement reinforces the lasting impact the program has had—not

just on the athletes who participate, but on the entire MUHS community.

The program also serves as a key pipeline for student recruitment. For some families, their sons’ participation in Junior Hilltoppers provides an important introduction to the school and its culture.

“We’ve had students who weren’t considering Marquette High change their perspective after experiencing our program,” Holahan says. “It opens doors that might have otherwise stayed closed.”

The program serves as a key MUHS recruiting pipeline. Photo by Steve Smith/Smith Studios MKE

A Century on Grand Avenue

The Legacy of MUHS in Merrill Park

Jon Parsons

The durability of the image, now 100 years old, mirrors that of the stately structure captured by the photographer’s lens. A picture is worth 1,000 words, the saying goes and I’ve returned to this image many times since I first encountered it; the warm, brownish tint of sepia adding to its historic feeling and nostalgia. The two buildings in the photograph (below right) are a striking contrast in styles and purposes, a visual record of a pivotal moment for the 3400 block of Grand Avenue. It exhibits an interesting contrast between old and new, both in terms of architecture and urban development, and showcases a unique moment as Wisconsin Avenue evolved from a prestigious residential boulevard into a bustling commercial corridor.

On the left stands a proud Cream City brick Victorian home, embodying all the architectural flourishes of Milwaukee’s 19th-century elites. Intricate woodwork, a steep gabled roof and ornate windows adorn the home, weathered and proud, it remained a sentinel on the avenue, a reminder of a time about 50 years prior, when Sherburn Merrill (1818-1885) built this estate as a hobby farm, seeking refuge here from the growing city two miles to the east. To the right, the large modern framework of what will become Marquette University High School rises— unfinished, but clearly ambitious. Its skeletal structure hints at the collegiate Gothic edifice that has inspired four generations of Hilltoppers who have walked through its doors.

This image also hints at broader themes: urban expansion, technological progress and cultural transformation.

Growth and new opportunities emerge in an evolving cityscape. The lone figure on the sidewalk gives a human element to the scene. Perhaps he was also contemplating this grand transformation on Grand Ave, bearing witness to the relentless march of time shaping the built environment. As MUHS marks its centennial in 2025, it’s a fitting time to again reflect on our place within this historic neighborhood—and how that place has shaped us.

In my History of Milwaukee classes, I remind students that they are, quite literally, in Sherburn Merrill’s backyard, although it’s no longer the peaceful retreat it once was. The hum of traffic on 35th and Wisconsin replaces the soundtrack of Merrill’s country estate—

Turn-of-the-century education takes root next to the Victorian elegance and Cream City brick of Sherburn Merrill’s home.

Marquette University High School, north facade, c. 1936. Photo/Marquette University Archives

chirping birds, rustling leaves and perhaps a squeaky porch swing swaying in a gentle breeze.

In 1879, Merrill, who was general manager of the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad (“The Milwaukee Road”) purchased land in the Menomonee Valley for a new shop complex, at which all the moving freight for the railroad would be constructed and serviced. The half square-mile tract of land sat just west of today’s 35th Street Viaduct. Within several years, 2,500 Milwaukeeans were employed at the complex, one of the city’s largest businesses.

Minimal public transportation in those days made living in close proximity to work crucial and recognizing the need for nearby housing, Merrill began to subdivide his estate in 1883. A blend of German and English immigrants and some transplants from New England were some of the first to take up residence in a mix of duplexes and workman’s cottages, but they were soon joined by a wave of Irish families displaced by the catastrophic 1892 fire in the Third Ward. By the early 20th century, Merrill Park had become the premier Irish neighborhood in the city, anchored by St. Rose Parish and animated by the rhythms of working-class life. In a pattern that was repeated in similar neighborhoods on the rim of the Menomonee Valley, decades of blue-collar workers from Merrill Park made their way into and out of the valley each day, a venerable parade of sturdily-built, mustached men with lunch pails in calloused hands, marching in harmony with the steam whistles below.

Philosophers say the only constant in life is change, and in the 1920s, Merrill Park—which had already been a pastoral retreat and working-class enclave— was about to undergo another major transformation, thanks to Robert and Ellen Story Johnston, major benefactors of Catholic institutions in Milwaukee. Robert Johnston, a bakery magnate and significant stakeholder in what

became Nabisco and his wife, Ellen Story Johnston, had supported the founding of Holy Angels Academy in 1892 and Gesu Church in 1894. They funded one of the first buildings at Marquette University, their namesake Johnston Hall.

After Johnston died, his widow continued their philanthropic mission, pledging $100,000 (nearly $3 million today) in 1916 to fund a new building for a 50-year-old Jesuit school on the hilltop at 10th and State that had outgrown its space.

In 1923, a portion of the Johnston gift was used to acquire the land at 34th Street and Grand Avenue (now Wisconsin Avenue). The Jesuits enlisted local architects Herbst and Kuenzl to design a building that reflected the stature of its Grand Avenue locale. Completed in 1925, the new MUHS building stood as an impressive example of Gothic Revival architecture, with three stories of brick and cream terracotta ornamentation, and two iconic towers with castellated

parapets. Its north-facing entrance on Wisconsin Avenue features a circular arch and a terra cotta plaque reading “Marquette University High School.”

The design called for 24 classrooms, in addition to chemistry and physics laboratories, an auditorium and a spacious chapel, “designed to give an atmosphere of dignity and reverence” according to an interview architect William Herbst did with the Marquette Flambeau. A “large and modern” gymnasium was also planned, a first in the history of the school. “No longer will checkers be the reigning indoor sport,” a Flambeau article playfully joked.

With automobile usage still in its infancy, the basement also had a room designed for students to park their bicycles. “The entire structure was built with the idea of permanency, sanitation, convenience and practical adaptability for school purposes in mind,” Herbst added. The facility was an improvement in every way. Even the athletic field east

Sanborn Map Company insurance map of Milwaukee, 1910. The current MUHS footprint is the full upper tract on the map, bounded by 32nd Street, 35th Street, Wisconsin Avenue and Michigan Street. Illustration/University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Libraries

of the building, which would be known for years by student-athletes as “the rock pile” was a step up from the cinder surface at the old Academy building. In 1925, the school was completed and dedicated in honor of its benefactor as the Ellen Story Johnston Memorial. Above the main entrance, an oft-overlooked inscription denotes this distinction. MUHS student Sherburn Stroebel ’25 gave a grateful reflection in the Marquette Flambeau at the time, “It is but fitting that full credit for this work of Divine Providence be given to the woman who has made possible the building of our new high school—Mrs. Ellen Story Johnston. It has been only through her benignity and generosity that the necessary funds for the construction of the new high school, now stretching sky-ward on the most beautiful thoroughfare of the city— Grand Avenue, have been advanced. And it may be said in all sincerity that every Marquette University High School student feels the deepest gratitude towards Mrs. Johnston for making the dream of years a living reality.”

The school’s relocation to this site in 1925 marked the beginning of a symbiotic relationship with Merrill Park. MUHS brought an academically prestigious institution to the area; in return, the

neighborhood provided a supportive and welcoming environment. Over the decades, the school has remained committed to the community, while developing and investing in facilities that reflect a dedication to both preserving historical integrity and embracing modern educational needs.

Merrill Park, too, has evolved. Once a predominantly Irish enclave, it is now one of Milwaukee’s most ethnically diverse neighborhoods. The construction of I–94 led to the loss of much of the neighborhood’s southern reaches. Redevelopment efforts in the 1960s brought new housing and infrastructure. Yet through all these changes, Merrill Park has retained its close-knit character, sustained in part by anchor institutions like MUHS.

As we celebrate the centennial of Marquette University High School’s iconic home in 2025, we reflect on the importance of place and a century of learning, service and community engagement. This building, and the neighborhood around it, tell a shared story of growth, resilience and transformation. The legacy of MUHS and Merrill Park is a powerful reminder of how place shapes identity—and how history lives on, not just in buildings or photographs of those buildings, but in the lives of those who pass through them.

MUHS TIMELINE

1857 St. Aloysius Academy founded at 2nd and Michigan streets

1864 School renamed St. Gall’s Academy and relocated to N. 3rd and W. Michigan streets

1881 Renamed Marquette College and moved to “the hilltop” at 10th and State streets

1907 Marquette College evolves into Marquette University; separates formally from the Academy

1922 The Academy adopts the name Marquette University High School

1925 MUHS relocates to the current Wisconsin Avenue campus

1961 Humphrey Gymnasium and cafeteria addition completed on site of Sherburn Merrill home

1994 Gordon Henke Center finished, moving the main entrance to the Michigan Street side of the building

2008 One-story addition

constructed on the former site of the Jesuit residence to house new administrative offices and the fine arts department

2016 Two more stories added to the 2008 addition providing much-needed classroom space and collaborative areas

Marquette Academy, 1900. Photo: Marquette University Archives

John Stollenwerk ’58

A Legacy of Generosity, A Future of Hope

In 2024, John J. Stollenwerk ’58 became only the fifth recipient of Marquette University High School’s prestigious AMDG Award for an extraordinary career and service to Catholic education.

As the leader who elevated Allen Edmonds Shoe Corporation to prominence, he has dedicated nearly four decades to serving MUHS through board leadership and fundraising campaigns, including the $20 million Continue the Mission and $40 million Companions on the Journey initiatives.

In 2020, John and his wife JoEllen established The Marquette Experience Pathway with a $2.5 million gift to create scholarships and opportunities for MUHS students to attend Marquette University. He continues to be a passionate and effective advocate for Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

John Stollenwerk ’58, left, and President Father Michael Marco, SJ, right.

Photo by VIP Photography

John Stollenwerk ‘58 received Marquette High’s most prestigious honor, the AMDG award, at the Wisconsin Club in October.

Class Notes

Tom Kingsbury ’70 was named to the Wisconsin 275: Most Influential Business Leaders list by BizTimes in December 2024. With more than 40 years of retail executive experience, he is most recently the former CEO of Kohl’s and Burlington Coat Factory. At MUHS, the Kingsbury Academic Success Center is named in honor of the Kingsbury family’s impact to help sustain the center into the future.

Joel Brennan ’88 was named to the Wisconsin 275: Most Influential Business Leaders list by BizTimes in December 2024. He serves as the president of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, where he works to foster economic development, innovation and civic engagement in the Milwaukee region. Prior to joining GMC, he served

as Wisconsin secretary of the Department of Administration, where he led the agency of nearly 1,500 employees. Previously, Brennan was president and chief executive officer of Discovery World for nearly 12 years, head of Milwaukee’s Redevelopment Authority and vice president of development and government affairs for the Greater Milwaukee Convention & Visitors Bureau, now Visit Milwaukee.

Daniel Taylor ’75, his father William Taylor ’48, and brothers Richard ’73 and James ’79 attended an alumni Mass celebrated by Father Leonhardt (principal during Daniel’s time at MUHS) and Father Marco. “It was wonderful to be back to see all of the changes at Marquette . . . and even a few familiar faces!”

Jim Barry III ’82 was named to the Wisconsin 275: Most Influential Business Leaders list by BizTimes in December 2024. He serves as the president of The Barry Company, a Milwaukeebased real estate brokerage firm. He is past chairman and a founding member of Commercial Association of Realtors Wisconsin, a founding member of the Center for Real Estate at Marquette University and a member of the Commercial Investment Real Estate Institute, Wisconsin Realtors Association, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Milwaukee Riverwalk District.

Charlie DuBois ’83 was named to the Wisconsin 275: Most Influential Business Leaders list by BizTimes in December 2024. He leads Standard Process, a nutritional supplement company.

DuBois joined the company in 1983 as a summer job, including hand-weeding the beet fields on the farm. Within a few years, he had the opportunity to help design the Standard Process manufacturing plant while studying electrical engineering at Marquette University. In 1993, he became executive vice president, and in 1995 he was elected president by the board of directors.

Dave Spano ’83 was named to the Wisconsin 275: Most Influential Business Leaders list by BizTimes in December 2024. He is the president and CEO of Annex Wealth Management, one of Wisconsin’s largest wealth management firms. Annex provided asset management services to more than 9,000 clients with assets exceeding $5.5 billion as of May 31, 2024. A trusted voice in the financial sector, Spano frequently shares his expertise on investment strategies and financial planning to help individuals and families achieve their goals, including his regular radio show appearances.

left: (left to right) Daniel Taylor ’75, his father William ’48, and brothers Richard ’73 and James ’79 attended an alumni Mass celebrated by Father Leonhardt, SJ and Father Marco, SJ.

right: Tim DeRoche ’88 announced the birth of his fourth child.

Michael J. Gratz, ’84, has been appointed to a second term as a trustee of the 180-year-old Saint Francis De Sales Seminary. He also serves on its Capital Campaign Major Gifts Committee. Michael practices patent, trademark and copyright law and is a founding shareholder at Milwaukee’s Boyle Fredrickson, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Paul Piaskoski ’85 graduated from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law with honors in May 2019 and now works as a commercial litigator at Foley & Lardner under the mentorship of his former MUHS classmate, David Simon ‘85. Piaskoski previously had a 25-year career in broadcasting.

Tim DeRoche ’88 and his wife, Simone, announced the birth of their fourth child, a daughter, Tirzah Rae DeRoche, on Dec. 17. The family resides in La Crescenta, Calif. DeRoche is the founder and president of Available to All, a nonpartisan watchdog defending equal access to public schools. He is also the author of A Fine Line: How Most American Kids Are Kept Out of the Best Public Schools.

Kevin Honkamp ’90 was named to the Wisconsin 275: Most Influential Business Leaders list by BizTimes in December 2024. He is the president of Brookfield-based Hydrite Chemical Co., one of the largest independent manufacturers of chemicals and related services in the United States. He has served as president since early 2017 and prior to that was vice president of sales and procurement. The company is ranked on the Deloitte 75 list of largest privately-held businesses in Wisconsin.

Christopher Moews ’90 has been Chief of Police of Le Vergne, Tenn., after serving with the Milwaukee Police Department for nearly 30 years in many roles including detective, lieutenant and captain. Earlier this year he completed the 10-week FBI National Academy, a leadership and law enforcement best practices program. Before his career in law enforcement, Moews was in the Saint Francis Seminary College Program for two years.

Eric Schmidt ’93 was named to the Wisconsin 275: Most Influential Business Leaders list by BizTimes in December 2024. He is president of CG Schmidt Inc., a Milwaukee-based construction management firm. Schmidt has helped lead some of the company’s most notable projects, including the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Calatrava-designed addition and, more recently, the Journal Square Lofts and the Milwaukee Athletic Club’s redevelopment. Schmidt joined his family business in 1991 as a field engineer and worked his way up to senior vice president in 2019 and president in 2022.

Paul Roback ’94 received the 2025 UW–Madison Van Hise Outreach Teaching Award. He has been the Ozaukee County-based Division of Extension Professor and Community Development Educator, connecting individuals and organizations to UW–Madison for more than 23 years.

Joel Plant ’95 was named to the Wisconsin 275: Most Influential Business Leaders list by BizTimes in December 2024. He is chief executive officer of Madison-based Frank Productions, one of the largest concert promotion companies in the country. Frank Productions has a national footprint, producing and promoting events in arenas, performing arts centers, theaters, clubs and other venues across the U.S. Plant was previously chief of staff in the Milwaukee Police Department, and an aide to former Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz responsible for public safety and neighborhood issues.

Bill Hughes ’98 joined Lauber Business Partners as director of business development. He is married to Laura McNally Hughes (DSHA ’00) and has four children at Lumen Christi Catholic School in Mequon: William (10), John (8), George, (7), and Anne (4).

Jon Kahle ’00 was named head MUHS football coach. He joins MUHS after a distinguished tenure at Brookfield Academy, where he served as the head football coach and the Upper School Athletic Director since 2012.

left to right: Christopher Moews ’90

Paul Roback ’94 received the UW–Madison Van Hise Outreach Teaching Award.

Joe Kirgues ’01 was named to the Wisconsin 275: Most Influential Business Leaders list by BizTimes in December 2024. He is the co-founder of Gener8tor, a nationally ranked startup accelerator. The company has graduated over 1,400 startups, which have gone on to raise $1.3 billion in follow-on financing and create nearly 10,000 jobs. Gener8tor operates 285 accelerators in 46 communities, including several Wisconsin cities, as well as Anchorage, Alaska; San Juan, P.R.; and Luxembourg.

Ryan Duffey ’02 owns Meridian Putters, which produced a putter named to the Golf Digest Hot List 2025.

Matt Jaques ’02 and his wife, Melissa, announced the birth of Josephine (Josie) Amily on June 10, 2024.

Charlie Berens ’05 New York Times best-selling author known for “Manitowoc Minute” and the Cripescast Podcast, appeared in the Craig T. Nelson movie Green and Gold, released earlier this year.

Kyle Pollard ’06 and his wife, Gabi, announced the birth of Ezra Francis on May 5. He joins siblings Eleanor and Liam. Pollard is an English teacher at Marquette High.

Tim Kahle ’07 and his wife, Lauren, announced the births of Ford Francis and Foster Thomas on March 22. They join their parents and Rosie (4) and Tate (2) in Elm Grove, Wis.

Andrew Papachristou ’08 and his wife Shay welcomed their first child, George David, on Dec. 30, 2024.

Alexander Vincent ’08 recently received a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, specializing in organic synthesis and drug development. He is now senior research and development chemist at MilliporeSigma in Milwaukee.

Ben Teich ’13 and John Teich ’13 appeared on Episode 4, Season 9 of Project Pitch It, featuring Wisconsin entrepreneurs. The Teichs are founders and owners of TNT Creative Gaming, which developed the strategy-based board game Mythic Gems.

Alex Herman ’14 married Emily Lanning on Oct. 26, 2024.

Harrison Ott ’17 qualified for the 2025 U.S. Open Golf Championship. He shot a 6-under 138 to place fifth at the U.S. Open final qualifying in Columbus, Ohio. He was one of 47 golfers from a field

of 732 to qualify. After MUHS, Ott played golf at Vanderbilt University for four years.

Kevin Cekanor ’15 finished the London Marathon with a time of 5:33 and raised nearly $16,000 for the U.S. National Dwarf Games, put on by the Dwarf Athletic Association of America.

Matthew Coury ’18 is executive director of Elizabeth Residence of Franklin, Wis., where he manages a team of 70 staff and 64 residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia. He earned an MBA at Ave Maria University.

Clockwise from top left: Ford Francis and Foster Thomas Kahle. Matthew Jaques ’02, Melissa and Josie. Kevin Cekanor ’15. Kyle Pollard ’06 family.

Upper right: Kevin Eberle ’18, wife Kate and baby Julia

Right: Emilio Oliveros ’20

Kevin Eberle ’18 and his wife, Kate, welcomed their first child, Julia Frances Eberle, on May 6, 2025.

Emilio F. Oliveros ’20 graduated in spring from the UW–Madison College of Engineering with a double major in computer engineering and computer science.

Ayden Ellis ’21 graduated cum laude from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering.

Frances Faye ’21 has a part in the movie Black Panthers World War 2, which tells the story of the 761st Tank Battalion, a mostly African American unit that played a major role in the Battle of the Bulge.

top left: Alex Herman ’14 wedding party, left to right: Brian Jordan ’14, Nick McLees ’14, Bob Herman ’85, Austin Budiono ’14, Jake Herman ’17, Emily Lanning, Dave Simon ’85, Pat Pfau ’85, Rob Dombrowski ’85, Rev. Tom Manahan SJ. top right: Ben ’13 and John Teich ’13 above: Francis Faye, ’21

right: MUHS Class of 2021 graduates who graduated magna cum laude from University of Notre Dame, left to right: Sam Marshall, Ayden Ellis, Patrick Schlos

Sam Marshall ’21 graduated cum laude from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor’s degree from the College of Arts & Letters.

Xavier Oliviero ’21 recently graduated from UW–Whitewater and accepted a full-time position as a benefits advisor with OneDigital Advanced Health in the Willis Tower, downtown Chicago.

Patrick Schlosser ’21 graduated cum laude from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.

James Allbright ’22 graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematical Statistics from the University of Iowa and has been accepted into formation at the Jesuit Novitiate in St. Paul, Minn. He will begin two years as a Jesuit Novice in August and has asked the MUHS community to pray for him and his discernment.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

New job? New baby? New book? What is your good news— we want to know. Let us know about your new bundle of joy and we will send you a Hilltoppers onesie.

You can use this QR code to complete an alumni update form.

left: After a four-year hiatus, the alumni hockey game was held the Friday after Thanksgiving, with players from the classes of ’10, ’12, ’18, ’19 and ’24.

George, son of Andrew Papachristou ’08

MUHS Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2025

Congratulations to these alumni recently honored for their service to Marquette High athletics.

James “Luigi” Schmitt ’65 had a diverse five-decade career at MUHS. He taught social studies and coached basketball (assisting legendary coach Paul Noack in the program’s halcyon days, 1967 to 1992), tennis (helping coaches Mike Donovan, Rob Kroll SJ, and David Frank achieve a 90% winning percentage), baseball and football. He was Alumni Director for 15 years and moderator for Conclave and the Model UN team. Schmitt left Marquette High in 1999 to focus on his duties as an elected Milwaukee County Supervisor, and represented the Wauwatosa community in that capacity for more than 20 years.

Paul Stockhausen ’88 was a four-year MUHS varsity tennis player and a singles and doubles competitor on three WISAA state championship teams for the Hilltoppers. As a sophomore, he teamed with Steve Sprinkmann ’89 to earn 2nd place at No. 1 doubles at the state meet. As a junior he placed 3rd at No. 1 singles, and as a senior was runner-up at No. 1 singles. Coach Mike

Donovan felt that Stockhausen was integral to the MUHS WISAA state team titles in 1986, 1987 and 1988. While at MUHS, Stockhausen also played basketball for two years. Following graduation, Stockhausen attended Xavier University on a tennis scholarship, playing all four years and racking up the most wins in program history.

Jeff Jarecki ’89 was a three-sport athlete at Marquette High, earning eight letters in football, basketball and baseball. He was captain of all three squads his senior year. He was the starting quarterback his junior and senior seasons, throwing 24 touchdown passes and 1,700 career passing yards, helping the Hilltoppers win both Metro Conference and WISAA state championships in 1987 and 1988 and post an overall record of 25-1. He was named MVP after the 1987 state championship game against McDonell Central Catholic High School (Chippewa Falls). In basketball, Jarecki was a key reserve on the Hilltopper undefeated basketball team that captured both the Metro Conference and WISAA state titles in 1988 and 1989. He was on the 1988 conference championship baseball team. An honors student,

Jarecki was a member of the M-H Club and Polish Heritage Club. The son of Jim ’58 and Eileen Jarecki, he is one of five sons who graduated from MUHS. Today, Jarecki is a senior vice president at Waterstone Bank.

John Martinez ’89, a St. Rose of Lima graduate, came to Marquette High in 1985 and went on to become one of the school’s all-time basketball standouts. During his career, the team won 45 games and the school’s 13th WISAA state title. As a senior, Martinez was co-captain, All-Conference, All-Area and a consensus All-State honoree. He averaged 16.5 points per game, shot 59% from the field, and was named Metro Conference Player of the Year. He earned a spot on both the Badger Holiday Classic and WISAA All-Tournament teams. After graduating, Martinez attended UW–Green Bay where he played for Hall of Fame coach Dick Bennett. As a member of the Phoenix, he played in 109 games and was a key member of four Green Bay postseason tournament teams. Today, Martinez is an executive at Walgreen Co. and resides in Oak Creek, Wis.

Left to right: James “Luigi” Schmitt ’65, Paul Stockhausen ’88, Jeff Jarecki ’89, John Martinez ’89.

Chris Stephenson ’93 is one of the school’s first modern-day hockey standouts. A four-year varsity letter earner, he helped the team to an overall 87-46-2 record. As an individual, he held or shared 11 records including games played, goals scored, faceoffs won, shots blocked, plus-minus and total points. A team captain his senior year, Stephenson led the Hilltoppers to the runner-up spot in the state tournament, losing a hard-fought game to Madison Edgewood, 2-1. That season the team captured the Independent High School League Conference Championship, the Jesuit Invitational Championship, and the Milwaukee Admirals–Bradley Center Holiday Tournament. After graduation, Stephenson played hockey at College of the Holy Cross.

Jeff Bridich ’96 helped the Hilltoppers to WISAA state championships in football (1994) and baseball (1995) with All-State honors in each sport. With Bridich in the linebacker slot, the football team had a 12-0 record and record 7 shutouts. In baseball, he was a career .368 hitter, and as a senior he batted an amazing .492 and scored 31 runs. In the classroom, he was an honors student, and recognized as a finalist for the Jesuit Secondary Education Association’s Award. Bridich played baseball for four years at Harvard University, was co-captain his senior year, and helped the Crimson capture three Ivy League

championships. Following graduation, he worked for Major League Baseball before joining the Colorado Rockies front office, first in minor league operations before being named general manager, a post he held until 2021.

William Hand ’99 was the captain and outside hitter on one of the most successful Hilltopper volleyball teams in school history. His senior season, Hand was paired with MUHS Hall of Famer Patrick Bomhack ’00 on the undefeated (16-0) 1998 state championship team. He was a three-year starter earning three varsity letters. As a senior, Hand was named 1st-team All-Greater Metro Conference, Greater Metro Conference Player of the Year, 1st-team All-State, and an All-American Fab 50 player, the first Hilltopper volleyball player to do so. He was a freshman retreat leader, was part of the Somos Amigos mission trip to the Dominican Republic, and a finalist for the Jesuit Secondary Network Award. Hand majored in pre-med at St. Louis University and played volleyball, earning IRSA Player of the Year honors. He then attended St. Louis University School of Medicine and became an anesthesiologist.

Derek Schneider ’01 was a three-year varsity soccer player, captain as a senior and earned All-Conference, All-State and National Soccer Coaches Association All-Region honors helping the team

to its first WIAA state title. Over the course of his MUHS career, the team had an overall record of 62-10-2 and also won two WISAA state titles. In tennis, Schneider and classmate John Galanis ’01 achieved a 23-0 record and the 2001 WIAA state doubles team championship. In 2001 he was honored as a WIAA scholar-athlete. Following graduation, he attended Northwestern University where he played soccer and was a threetime Academic All-Big Ten honoree and helped lead the Wildcats to the NCAA tournament his senior year. Today, Schneider is a commercial real estate developer and resides in Menomonee Falls.

Alex Spaeth ’07 was a four-year letter winner and helped lead the resurgence of the Gator/Hilltopper program as it transitioned into the WIAA. He was the lead-off swimmer for the 200 medley WIAA state championship team in 2007 and set five individual and team records his senior season. During his four years on the team, he earned All-Conference, All-State and AllAmerican recognitions. The team also won or were runners-up in seven regular season meets his senior season. Spaeth was named team MVP his junior and senior seasons and was team captain his senior year. Spaeth was a National Honor Society member and was active in the Latin Club, Big Brothers and M-H Club. He swam at Boston College on scholarship all four years.

left to right: Chris Stephenson ’93, Jeff Bridich ’96, William Hand ’99, Derek Schneider ’01, Alex Spaeth ’07.

Mike Hutz ’08 led the 2005 Hilltoppers volleyball team to a 44-1 season record as a setter and the WIAA state championship. He was named to the All-State team as both a junior and a senior, and as a senior was named Player of the Year by the Wisconsin Boys Volleyball Coaches Association and the Greater Metro Conference. Hutz was also a two-year varsity tennis athlete and the Mike Hutz Team Spirit Award is still presented today. He was a member of the National Honor Society, German Club, Chorus, Prep Players and M-H Club. He captained the volleyball team at Loyola University Chicago and helped the Ramblers become a national powerhouse. While a fourth-year medical student in 2014, Hutz was awarded the Loyola University’s Presidential Medallion for his leadership, scholarship and service. He is currently an otolaryngologist in Chicago.

Jake Erschen ’10 earned six letters in cross country and track and captained both teams as a senior. He finished 9th at the state meet as a junior and the next year he set a school record time of 15:30 in the 5k and led the team to its second consecutive WIAA sectional title. A week later he finished third at the WIAA state meet helping the Hilltoppers to finish as the team runner-up. The following spring Erschen helped propel the team to WIAA regional and sectional championships. At the state

meet, he set the school record in the 1600 meters at 4:13.84 finishing second and placing third in the 3200 meters with a time of 9:23.97. While a student he also served as a retreat leader and a member of the Key Club. Upon graduation, he attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he ran cross country and track for the Badgers.

Sean Gebhard ’10 earned four letters in lacrosse and three letters in hockey. His junior and senior seasons in lacrosse, he was team captain and 1st-team AllConference; he was All-American as a senior. Gebhard was a key member of the 2010 state championship team, scoring the memorable game-winning goal in the semifinal game against Arrowhead and then playing a key role in the championship game versus Verona. He played varsity hockey for three seasons. In both sports, his coaches cited his leadership and range of skills as the reasons for his success. Gebhard played lacrosse at Washington and Lee University.

Patrick Hodan ’12 started on varsity soccer for three seasons, receiving both Academic and All-Greater Metro conference scholar-athlete honors as a junior and senior. As a junior in 2011, he was co-captain and broke the school’s season scoring total with 28 goals. He was named the Greater Metro Conference Player of the Year that season and tied the WIAA tournament game record of

4 goals in a 4-1 quarterfinal win against Kenosha Bradford. As a senior, he broke his own scoring season record with 45 goals and set a WIAA tournament record for the most goals in a tournament with 7; both his WIAA tournament records still stand. His senior year, he made the NSCAA All-Region team and was named Wisconsin Player of the Year by the Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association and JS Online. Hodan played four seasons at Notre Dame, earning NCAA Academic and All-America honors as a midfielder and was on the 2013 NCAA national championship team. After graduation, he was drafted by the San Jose Earthquakes in 2016 but decided to pursue a career in finance.

Joe Llaurado ’12 earned three varsity letters in hockey and his senior year was first team All-State, Journal Sentinel Player of the Year and a finalist for State Player of the Year by the Wisconsin Hockey Coaches Association. His outstanding play helped the team finish the season with a 22-6 record and a berth in the quarterfinals of the WIAA state tournament. He finished the season with 48 goals and 28 assists including six hat tricks. Llaurado was on the academic honor roll all eight semesters in high school. He played hockey at the collegiate and professional level and earned a degree in industrial engineering from UW–Madison and is currently attending Marquette University Law School.

left to right: Mike Hutz ’08, Jake Erschen ’10, Sean Gebhard ’10, Patrick Hodan ’12, Joe Llaurado ’12.

Rest in Peace

Thomas A. Caldwell, SJ ’43

Donald J. Groff ’44

Herbert A. Kubisch ’44

Frank J. Banholzer ’47

Robert W. Moser ’47

Gary H. Wolfe ’47

Carl William Isaacson ’48

James B. Miller ’48

Allan C. Walsch ’49

John W. Beck ’50

Philip W. Jennings ’50

Michael J. Kuhn, Jr. ’50

Frank A. Wellstein ’50

Franklin G. Fleissner ’51

John L. Fox ’52

Harry F. Peck ’53

Francis P. Schilter ’53

Thomas N. Schloemer, SJ ’53

John P. Arakelian ’54

John P. Glaser ’54

Peter M. Trzebiatowski ’54

Jack T. Janz ’55

William E. McCarty ’55

James J. Galdabini ’56

Michael G. Guy ’56

Jerome A. Murray ’57

Roger L. Tennessen ’57

John Galvin Plashal ’58

Thomas J. Novotny ’60

Robert E. Bellin ’61

Rev. Gregory J. Schmitt ’61

Michael J. Harrington ’62

Richard C. Shebelski ’62

John N. Siebold ’62

Michael W. Brand ’63

Jerome C. Hajewski ’63

Paul A. Nelson ’63

William J. Wagner ’63

Kerry M. Gigot ’65

Damian O’Brien ’65

Robert J. Thon ’65

John Joseph Balistrieri ’66

Timothy J. O’Brien ’67

Timothy J. Ross ’68

Gregory S. Mangan ’70

John G. Maher ’71

Glenn I. Pentler ’71

Daniel J. Pitterle ’71

Joseph R. Tyson ’71

Michael Burns Frisch ’73

We extend our sincerest sympathy to the families of the alumni listed here and to any alumni who have lost a loved one.

John Jurkiewicz ’76

Mark T. Shore ’76

John R. Sternemann, Jr. ’76

Jerome C. Streff ’83

Michael J. Berglund ’87

Collin P. Boyce ’90

James A. Campbell ’93

Mark M. Gengler ’94

Jeffrey M. Brodzeller ’95

William A. Von Rueden ’06

(May 2024–May 2025)

Topper Delivery

Topper made visits across greater Milwaukee to welcome Paddy Monahan ’29 and other future Hilltoppers in the Class of 2029, who will enter as freshmen this fall.

Photos by Indigo Cunningham.

OPEN HOUSE