NDA Hall of Fame

Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner & Program Saturday, August 18, 2018 Michels Commons Ballroom St. Norbert College

Order of Events Reception: 5:30 p.m. | Dinner & Program: 6:30 p.m.

Welcome: Geno McKenna, Director of Events & Alumni Relations Opening Remarks: Kevin Shaw, Master of Ceremonies Opening Prayer: Fr. Ken DeGroot, O. Praem., Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee 2018 Awards Presentation: Academic Division John Schneider, APHS 1989 - Business Grant Killoran, PHS 1956 - Education Dr. John Gallagher, APHS 1970 - Science Miriam Mulva, SJA 1966 - Humanitarianism Wayne Lin, NDA 1999 - Arts Thomas Przybelski, PHS 1964 - Military Service Fr. Ken DeGroot, O. Praem., CCHS 1953 - Ministry Athletic Division Bruce Bishop, PHS 1969 Craig Darling, APHS 1988 Gary Kroner, PHS 1959 Brandon Lieb, NDA 1993 Kevin Rankin, APHS 1990 Gary Simoens, SNHS 1957 Bethani Hyska Thibodeau, NDA 1994 Legends Division Fr. Gery Meehan, O. Praem. - Faculty/Staff/Friend Sr. Judith Ann Miller, CSJ - Faculty/Staff/Friend Don La Violette, CCHS 1949 - Coach Ron Miller - Coach Premontre Football 1970 - Team Abbot Pennings Football 1971 - Team Closing Comments: Kevin Shaw, Master of Ceremonies Closing Prayer: Fr. Brad Vanden Branden, O. Praem., Prior of St. Norbert Abbey 3

President’s Welcome Dear alumni, staff, and friends, It is with great excitement that I welcome you to the inaugural Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner and Program!

On this very special occasion, we recognize, honor, and preserve the memory of the individuals and teams who have performed meritoriously and made significant contributions to the community of Notre Dame Academy and its legacy schools.

Staying true to the rich heritage of our schools, these individuals and teams have blazed a trail of excellence and bequeath honor and distinction to Notre Dame Academy, Abbot Pennings, Premontre, St. Joseph Academy, Central Catholic, and St. Norbert High School.

The goal of the Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame is to celebrate the past, present, and future of our stellar Catholic high school tradition through highlighting the extraordinary achievement by those who have distinguished themselves in a variety of ways. In a larger sense, we commemorate all Tritons, Squires, SAJOACS, and Cadets as essential pieces of the mosaic that is our blessing from God. May the commencement of our Hall of Fame and the distinguished inductees here tonight serve to inspire future legends!

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Abbreviation Guide: NDA: Notre Dame Academy, APHS: Abbot Pennings High School, PHS: Premontre High School, SNHS: St. Norbert High School, CCHS: Central Catholic High School, SNC: St. Norbert College

Academic Division John Schneider, APHS 1989 Academic Division (Business) Presented By: Pete Opichka Recipients: Jack & Traci Schneider

In Christ and Notre Dame,

John Schneider enters his ninth season as General Manager and Executive Vice President of the Seattle Seahawks, beginning his 26th season working in the professional ranks.

Kevin J. Shaw President Notre Dame Academy

During his first eight years in this leadership role, the Seahawks advanced to the Divisional Playoffs or better six times. He has constructed a team that appeared in back-to-back Super Bowls and won Super Bowl XLVIII, the first NFL title in franchise history. The 2013 championship was won with the youngest 53-man roster to ever win a Super Bowl. He was named Sports Illustrated’s Executive of the Year for 2012 after the Seahawks made the playoffs, just missing playing for the NFC Championship.

About the Hall of Fame Medallion Each inductee of the Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame receives a medallion inscribed with his/her name and induction year on the back. The front features the Hall of Fame logo, which includes a flag to represent Notre Dame Academy and each of its legacy schools. Created with a nickel finish, the medallion represents the strength of our alumni, staff, and friends as they have accomplished many academic, athletic, and professional successes.

2018 Inductees

John serves as the chair of the College Relations Committee, and is on the GM Advisory Committee and the CEC Working Group with the NFL. He is also a member of National Football Scouting, Inc.’s board of directors.

Before joining the Seahawks for the second time, John was in the front office with the Green Bay Packers, the Washington Redskins, the Seahawks, and the Kansas City Chiefs. His start in the NFL began with the Green Bay Packers when he was an intern during the summer of 1992 under thenExecutive Vice President/General Manager Ron Wolf. During his first stint with the Packers, John won his first Super Bowl XXXI in New Orleans.

In 2012, John and his wife Traci launched “Ben’s Fund” in partnership with Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT) of Washington. Named after their oldest son, “Ben’s Fund” provides grants to families to help cover costs associated with medical bills, therapies and numerous other aspects of supporting a child(ren) on the autism spectrum. With the support of team and community, they have partnered to raise more than $3.5 million for “Ben’s Fund” in seven years.

John earned a degree in history and studied education at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, playing football for one year before a shoulder injury cut short his career. At APHS, John finished as one of the school’s all-time leading rushers. He and Traci have two sons, Ben, 16, and Jack, 14.

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Grant Killoran, CCHS 1956 Academic Division (Education) Presented By: Dick Hietpas Recipient: Grant Killoran Jr. and Erin Killoran Shea Grant (Skip) Killoran (posthumous), CCHS 1956, taught and coached at PHS He was a born leader and loved being part of the PHS community. As an English teacher, he also was an influential coach of PHS’s basketball, tennis, and track teams. He is fondly remembered by his students and athletes as an incredible and influential teacher and coach. He passed away from cancer in 1970 at the age of 33. Skip was extremely dedicated to PHS, its students, and his colleagues. In 1969, after it was discovered that he was seriously ill, Skip was honored by PHS at a home football game and given a gift by the school and its students. He accepted the gift by explaining the important place his students and colleagues held in his life, stating, “Call it friendship, call it love if you will.”

The 1970 PHS Cadet yearbook, issued shortly after Skip’s death, was dedicated to him. It stated, “This book has been dedicated to the memory of one of God’s modern disciples. This man unselfishly gave of himself and exemplified the type of man that we all hope to become. This man, this teacher, and leader of men is Mr. Grant Killoran.” It described him as a “unique type of man who somehow made you think of the nicer things. He was respected, awed, and loved by all those who knew him. To everyone he was a man to be cherished and admired, and he will forever retain an honored place in our memories, especially in the memory of Premontre High School.” It concluded, “It is up to us now to continue without him and to live our lives exemplifying the type of men that he taught us to be.”

Skip’s family believes Skip, as a teacher, coach, and colleague, would be deeply honored by these kind words and thrilled by his induction into the inaugural Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame.

Dr. John Gallagher, APHS 1970 Academic Division (Science) Presented By: Hon. Mike Gallagher Dr. John Gallagher, APHS 1970, graduated magna cum laude from the University of Notre Dame in 1974 and attended Loyola University Chicago, receiving his Doctor of Medicine Degree in 1976. During his career, he held appointments with UW-Madison as an Assistant Clinical Professor for his role in teaching nursing and medical students. In 2004, the Consumer Research Council of America named him as one of America’s Top Obstetricians and Gynecologists. During his career, he has recruited more than 20 specialty physicians to the Green Bay market and was instrumental in starting the only Reproductive Endocrinology Center North of Milwaukee.

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Dr. Gallagher retired from his position of Senior Vice President of Aurora Medical Group in 2012 where he was the physician in charge of more than 200 doctors and three Aurora Hospitals. John has two children: Katie, an Obstetrician Gynecologist with Aurora in Oconomowoc, and Michael, a U.S Congressman representing Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District.

Miriam B. Mulva, SJA 1966 Academic Division (Humanitarianism) Presented By: Julie Van Straten Miriam (Brozyna) Mulva, SJA 1966, and her husband, Jim, have great commitment to the common good through philanthropic efforts locally, nationally, and internationally.

Traveling and living around the world, primarily in support her husband’s career, Miriam never sat idle. Miriam’s college degree in elementary education found application in her life when raising her two boys, tutoring math and reading, teaching art, and founding an after-school tutoring program in a Boys and Girls Club. Miriam also served as a Catholic Eucharistic home minister for 18 years, and she and Jim are active in parish life. Each has served on numerous boards, enriching lives with work with educational institutions, museums, symphonies, and service organizations. Miriam has been a member of the SNC Board of Trustees since 2004.

Locally, Miriam and Jim have supported many wonderful additions to SNC including the Mulva Library, the Mulva Family Fitness & Sports Center, the Gehl-Mulva Science Center, and the recently dedicated Conversion statue. In addition, they quietly and generously support many other local causes. They have proposed a gift to the City of De Pere of a state-of-the-art Mulva Cultural Center, which is in progress.

They also have been generous donors to the University of Texas and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. In November 2017, the doors opened to the Mulva Clinic for Neurosciences at Dell Medical School in Austin. Another philanthropic cause which is very important to Miriam and Jim is the Pontifical North American College in Rome, where they sponsor American seminarians. Their generosity provided a new 10-story academic tower and a fitness center. Miriam and Jim have also sponsored international schools in Indonesia, China, and Vietnam. Selflessly and tirelessly, Miriam B. Mulva commits both her time and financial support to her Catholic faith, education, and her communities.

Wayne Lin, NDA 1999 Academic Division (Arts) Presenter: Edward Lin Recipient: Mrs. Lin on behalf of Wayne Lin Wayne Lin, NDA 1999, is currently Associate Concertmaster of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, has received international recognition for his performances as a soloist, and has performed at multiple international festivals. Prior to arriving in Seoul, he was Concertmaster of the New Haven Symphony in Connecticut and was a member of the Sejong Soloists, a New York-based group. He plays a 1779 J.B. Guadagnini violin. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from The Julliard School and his Master’s Degree from the Yale School of Music.

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Thomas Przybelski, PHS 1964 Academic Division (Military Service) Presented By: Kevin Shaw Recipients: Dick and Bob Przybelski Thomas Przybelski (posthumous), PHS 1964, was killed in action while serving in the United States Army in the Vietnam War on May 13, 1968. He was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Silver Star for gallantry in action. The Republic of Vietnam awarded him the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and National Order of Vietnam, which was considered the highest honor that could be bestowed upon an individual by that country. While at PHS, he was active in the drama department, ROTC, and a pickup band playing banjo. He graduated from St. John the Baptist elementary school and continued his education at UW-Madison for two years following high school.

Excerpt from Tom’s Silver Star Citation: “When a platoon became pinned down by an intense volume of enemy fire, Lieutenant Przybelski deployed his tanks to deliver suppressive fire on the enemy positions to relieve the pressure on the pinned down force. Crossing open fields with enemy fire directed at his tank, Lieutenant Przybelski boldly attempted to overrun the enemy position. His valorous actions and outstanding leadership against a numerically superior enemy force were instrumental in the reduction of friendly casualties and an inspiration to his men. Lieutenant Przybelski’s personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military and reflect great credit upon himself…”

Fr. Ken DeGroot, O. Praem., CCHS 1953 Academic Division (Ministry) Presented By: Deacon Luis Sanchez

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Fr. Ken DeGroot, O. Praem., CCHS 1953, entered the Norbertine Order following his high school graduation. For 18 years he was on the staff at APHS, during which time he taught mathematics, was athletic director, coached freshmen basketball and football, and managed the book store. In 1980, he became pastor of St. Willebrord. With the four priests who lived at St. Willebrord, they celebrated four daily Masses as well as 10 weekend Masses in English. In 1990, he answered the need to accommodate a growing number of Hispanic families in the area who were without a parish church. At the time, there were about 15 families. After much preparation, they were invited to St. Willebrord to bridge the gap between the Hispanics and this community.

Presently, there are about 25,000 Hispanics in the area. He enrolled in two brief immersion programs in Guadalajara and Cuernavaca, Mexico to learn Spanish. As the Hispanic community continued to grow, the services also continued to grow to serve them. Presently, there are four weekend Spanish Masses and four weekend English Masses. Fr. Ken is also the co-founder of Casa ALBA Melanie Community Resource Center for the greater Green Bay area which serves more than 300 people monthly. Fr. Ken has received the Mayor’s Award for service to the Hispanic community and a Green Bay Packers Award for the volunteer hours at Casa ALBA among others. He also has served on the United Way board, the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, HSHS/Prevea Advisory Board, NWTC Advisory Board to the President, and Diocesan Presbyteral Council, among others.

Athletic Division Bruce Bishop, PHS 1969 Athletic Division (Track & Field) Presented By: Dick Hietpas Bruce Bishop, PHS 1969, was a standout athlete in track & field, leading his team to win state in 1969. He took first place in the 100-yard dash, 220-yard dash, and long jump, and PHS was the only school outside Milwaukee ever to win the WISAA State Track & Field Meet in its (then) 21-year history. He was also the anchor leg of the 880-yard relay. The team beat Milwaukee Pius, the favored team, by five points. Bruce still holds records for each of his events at PHS and NDA. He attended the University of Miami on a football scholarship and transferred to Xavier University where he majored in marketing.

Bruce married Cheryl Reimer in 1976 and together they have one daughter and two sons. After marrying a teacher, he went back to college and earned his B.S. in Education and taught at De Pere Middle School where he became a popular teacher with his students. He coached middle school football and high school track while also running the Ski Club, Camera Club, and was D.J. for the Middle School Dances.

Bruce’s love is the water, and, after retiring from teaching and moving his family to Door County, he went on to numerous jobs that would put him in his favorite element. He continues to teach Coast Guard Captain’s Licensing, being a private captain on two yachts, serving as Port Captain in winter for Great Lakes Fleet, and squeezing in time on his own 42-foot Schooner, Friendly. He is also a licensed Tugboat Captain. Prior to his water activities, Bruce ran the Door County YMCA’s Martial Arts Program for 12 years after earning a Black Belt and Ivory Sticks in four different styles. He and Cheryl enjoy traveling, and their current favorite place is Portugal with Puerto Rico holding a close second. While they love to travel, they dislike leaving their two Newfoundland dogs and two cats for too long. They hope to do a lot more traveling in the future as soon as Bruce actually retires.

Craig Darling, APHS 1988 Athletic Division (Golf) Presented By: Jonathan Darling Craig Darling, APHS 1988, was the anchor of the 1987 and 1988 APHS state championship boys golf teams. Individually finishing in second place in 1987 and becoming the State Tournament medalist in 1988, Darling was chosen to represent Wisconsin in the National High School Tournament in Connecticut in 1988 and placed in the top five players thereby earning First Team AllAmerican status. Craig was all-conference all four years at APHS and was Conference Player of Year during his high school career.

Craig won the prestigious Western Junior Championship in 1989. He went on to play collegiately at UW-Madison from 1988-1992, playing in two NCAA tournaments. Craig is a graduate of UW-Madison. Craig and his wife Megan reside in Allouez and have three children: Patrick, NDA 2017; Madeline, NDA 2019; and Ryan, NDA 2022. The entire family is active at St. Matthew’s Parish in Green Bay. Craig also helps out with the current NDA Golf Teams each season.

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Gary Kroner, PHS 1959 Athletic Division (Football) Presented By: John Gordon Gary Kroner, PHS 1959, came to PHS in 1955 after playing football and basketball for three years under Coach Bob Nelson at St. Patrick Grade School in Green Bay. In his freshman year at PHS, he was coached by Don Guyer in football and basketball and as a sophomore by Clayton Maloney. Ted Fritsch coached Kroner for three years in tennis and two years in football and basketball. He was given the MVP award in basketball and football at PHS and also in baseball for the city of Green Bay’s American Legion team.

Gary went on to UW-Madison where he earned a degree in electrical engineering. He played football as a defensive back, running back, and place kicker for the Badgers, and was on the team as it won the Big Ten Championship in 1962. The team, ranked second in the country, went on to play in the 1963 Rose Bowl against the top-ranked Southern Cal Trojans.

It was the first time the first and second ranked teams met in a major bowl game. The Badgers lost 37-42.

Gary was drafted 93rd overall as a defensive back by Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers in 1963. He tore a leg muscle in the Coaches All American Game in June 1963 and never fully recovered. After the 1963 season, he became a place kicking specialist with the Denver Broncos.

After the 1967 season, Gary worked as an aerospace engineer for four years with Ball Brothers Research in Boulder, Colorado and became a real estate broker in the Boulder area. Gary married Sharon Root in 1966, and they have two daughters, Jennifer and Stephanie.

Brandon Lieb, NDA 1993 Athletic Division (Soccer) Presented By: Charlie Lieb

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Brandon Lieb, NDA 1993, was a four-year starter on the boys soccer team at APHS/NDA, becoming the leading scorer in school history with 93 career goals. During his high school career, the Tritons won three straight conference championships and made it to the state semifinals in 1990, 1991, and 1992.

During his senior season, he tallied 36 goals, earning him the Green Bay Metro Area Offensive Player of the Year award in 1992, and his third straight First Team All-Metro selection. He was also a two-time all-state performer and went on to play Division I Soccer at Georgetown University. While at Georgetown, Brandon was a four-year starter for the nationally ranked Hoyas and became the first soccer player in Big East Conference history to earn all-conference honors four times. He was also named Georgetown Rookie of the Year in 1993, Georgetown University’s and the Big East Conference Male Scholar Athlete of the Year, and The Big East Player of the Year in 1996. He was the 30th overall draft pick in the 1997 Major League Soccer draft and played professionally for DC United and the Hershey Wildcats. After retiring from soccer, he went on to earn his MBA at The University of Texas and now lives in Los Angeles with his wife Giovanna and 2-year-old son Massimo.

Kevin Rankin, APHS 1990 Athletic Division (Basketball) Presented By: Bob La Violette Kevin Rankin, APHS 1990, began playing basketball when he was 11 years old and nearly 6’ tall. Love for the game ran in the family, as his grandfather, Clem Rankin, starred as a forward at Lawrence University in Appleton, and his dad, Dick Rankin, was a Hall of Fame center at SNC. Dick later became the Dean of Students at SNC, so Kevin grew up on campus where he spent countless hours shooting baskets in the Schuldes Sports Center.

At APHS, Kevin was a three-year Varsity basketball player under the direction of Bob LaViolette, helping the team reach the state semifinals his junior year. In his senior year, he led APHS to a 25-2 record and a storybook championship victory in the 1990 WISAA state tournament. At 6’11”, Kevin averaged 17 points and 12 rebounds per game.

During the state tournament, APHS came from 22 points behind in the first game, won the second game by one point, and, in the championship game, upset Milwaukee Marquette, the number 22 ranked team in the nation, by a score of 49-48 in overtime with Joe Herzog making a three-pointer with three seconds left. In that game, Kevin had 26 points. He earned first-team All Pro (AP) and United Press International (UPI) all-state honors and finished his high school career with 1,026 points.

Kevin accepted a scholarship to Northwestern University (NU), where he started 111 of the 112 games. He led the Wildcats in rebounds all four seasons, and finished his NU career as the school’s all-time leader in blocked shots and rebounds, as well as the third leading all-time scorer. During his senior year, Kevin led the team to its first National Invitation Tournament since 1983. Academically, Kevin was named to the Academic All-American second team in 1994 and the third team in 1993. He won a spot on the Academic All-Big Ten team each year from 1991 to 1994 and was awarded the Big Ten Medal of Honor, the conference’s most exclusive award recognizing scholastic and athletic excellence, in 1994.

After going undrafted in the 1994 NBA draft, Rankin joined the Chicago Bulls for NBA Summer League and Training Camp. Later that fall, he signed with Fenerbache, a team in the European League, starting a nine-year career playing professionally for teams in Turkey, Italy, Israel, Spain, and Germany.

He retired in 2003 and works in insurance outside of Chicago. In addition, Rankin was inducted to the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2016. In 2000, Kevin married Laura Holliday, whom he met while they were students at NU. They have two children, Jack, 12 and Maggie, 9, both of whom are happily growing up Packers fans.

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Legends Division Fr. Gery Meehan, O. Praem.

Legends (Faculty/Staff/Friend) Presented By: Evan Lin Recipient: Fr. Brad Vanden Branden, O. Praem.

Gary Simoens, SNHS 1957 Athletic Division (Baseball, Basketball, Football) Presented By: Michael Simoens Gary Simoens, SNHS 1957, earned 12 Varsity letters from SNHS and 10 Varsity letters from SNC as a standout student-athlete on the football, basketball, and baseball teams. Gary had a tryout with the Baltimore Orioles in Appleton with Manager Earl Weaver, but turned down the contract in order to finish his senior year of college and to become a teacher. He scored the final four points in the 1957 WISAA basketball state high school championship game, leading the Squires to win state championships in 1956 and 1957. Gary earned All-State honors in 1956-57 in both football and basketball at SNHS. He has been active in the education field for over 50 years as a teacher, coach, and substitute teacher at St. Mary’s in Menasha, Lena High School, and Bay Port High School. Gary has four children: Mike, Amy, Chris, and Tricia.

Fr. Gery Meehan grew up in a rented row house that looked out over the river in Philadelphia, PA. His mother and father were both immigrants from County Donegal in Ireland. Fr. Gery attended Southeast Catholic High School in Philadelphia. Witnessing the deep faith and courage of his parents and having met some very fine Norbertines during his high school career, Fr. Gery decided to join the Order in his senior year. There was no abbey to go to in Philadelphia, so he had to leave and embark on a trek that would lead him to St. Norbert Abbey.

In the 1955-56 academic year, Fr. Gery was a senior at SNC, taking a full load of classes, majoring in Philosophy and Latin. During that year, a teacher at SNHS got sick and the school was in need of a long term substitute. Fr. Gery was told to teach one junior English class at the high school during his senior year in college.

After he graduated from SNC in the spring of 1956, he became a part-time teacher at SNHS, teaching two classes of Latin. During this time, he was also a full-time theology student preparing for the priesthood. After he was ordained in 1960, he became a full-time teacher at APHS, teaching Latin, Religion, English, and French. His resume at APHS included faculty (1960-79) and principal (197990). After the closing of APHS, Fr. Gery was a faculty member and pastor at SNC. Fr. Gery passed away in 2017 and the Squire logo is etched in his crypt.

Sr. Judith Ann Miller, CSJ Legends Division (Faculty) Presented By: Jane Campion

Bethani (Hyska) Thibodeau, NDA 1994 Athletic Division (Volleyball, Basketball, Track & Field) Presented By: Ken Flaten Bethani (Hyska) Thibodeau, NDA 1994, achieved much success in volleyball, basketball, and track & field during her high school and college years. As an all-state, all-area, all-conference, and Player of The Year athlete in basketball and volleyball, she also competed at the state track & field meet all four years of high school, placing fourth in shot put and discus as a senior. In basketball, she is one of two female athletes from NDA who achieved the 1,000 Point Club, scoring 1,094 points during her high school career. She took her talents to SNC where she played volleyball and basketball. She then coached volleyball at NDA from 2000-2008 where she was named Coach of the Year three times and led the team to sectional finals four times. As volleyball coach at SNC from 2008-2014, Thibodeau led the team to qualify for the NCAA tournament three times, was named Coach of the Year in 2008, and was inducted into the SNC Athletic Hall of Fame for her achievements as a volleyball player, basketball player, and volleyball coach.

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Sr. Judith Ann Miller, CSJ, taught religion at SJA from 1968-1976. In addition to daily religion classes, Sr. Judith Ann, along with the late Sr. Mary Joel, led weekend retreats for students. Sr. Judy loved her students and loved teaching, which was obvious in her enthusiasm and her involvement in SJA activities. She instilled in her classes the assurance that God loves them no matter where they are in their journey. Her playful, ‘all-in’ demeanor was a magnetic attraction for teenage girls. In those early post-Vatican II times, she made sense of where Christ fit in young lives, and actively guided students as they cracked open the ‘Good News’ and discovered the richness of Scriptures in her classrooms.

In 1976, she left to serve her St. Louis community, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, as Director of Novices. She then returned to Wisconsin and spent 28 years in parish ministry in the Diocese of Green Bay as Pastoral Associate of Nativity Parish in Green Bay, Parish Director of St. Lawrence Parish in Navarino, and Parish Director of St. Mary Parish in Oshkosh, all the while, bringing people closer to God. Her positivity, ready smile and open arms continued to remind parishioners of the great love God has for us.

In 2008, Sr. Judy joined the staff of the Norbertine Center for Spirituality at St. Norbert Abbey where her ministry has focused on retreats, programs, and spiritual direction. Guiding others with her eyes of love and listening heart has been a source of hope and joy to many. Currently, she offers spiritual direction at the Center. Sr. Judy is also actively involved at St. John the Evangelist Homeless Shelter as a Board Member and as part of the Ministry Team. In addition, she works with the Associate Program of her religious community, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Her beautiful response to being ‘present’ for others has 13 helped thousands to discover God’s abiding love and grace in their lives.

Don La Violette Legends Division (Coach) Presented By: Dave Minten Recipient: Bob La Violette Don La Violette’s legacy in the areas of education and coaching is a lengthy one. He took great pride in teaching and coaching his students and players at four schools over a 40-year career at Fond du Lac’s St. Mary’s Springs, Beloit Catholic, APHS, and SNC. Don had great respect and love for Catholic education.

He cared for his students in and out of the classroom, and he ran successful athletic programs at the high school level and, for 11 years, at the college level at SNC. Even in retirement, for a period of five years, Don revived a struggling football program at Saint Andrew’s High School in Boca Raton, Florida.

Don spent the majority of his years coaching at APHS where he amassed a record of 322-220 in basketball, and a record of 140-89-6 in football. His 1971 football team won the WISAA State Championship. His countless hours dedicated to his students and players led to a number of awards over the span of his career.

Don received a Distinguished Achievement Award in Education from SNC, WISAA Man of the Year Award in 1982, and a Founders Award along with his wife Anne from NDA. Furthermore, in the area of coaching, Don was a five-time FVCC Coach of the Year in football and seven-time FVCC Coach of the Year in basketball. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 1995 and into the State High School Basketball Hall of Fame in 1997. Don was also inducted into the SNC Athletic Hall of Fame.

Don received numerous awards over his prestigious career as an educator and coach, but his greatest love was for Anne, his four children (Karen, Bob, Nancy and Cathy), his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren. Don passed away in February 2015, yet his legacy lives on through his family and all of the students and players whose lives he so positively impacted.

Ron Miller Legends Division (Coach) Presented By: Connie Miller Ron Miller left a successful coaching career in Indiana to take on the head coaching job at PHS in 1967. Upon his arrival, he found the team had much talent, but, as departing Coach Ted Fritsch pointed out, the program “needed a shot in the arm” in order to be successful.

Miller set to work and built the football locker room as a scaled down model of the Packers’ and organized the “Football Fathers Club.” They in turn raised money by starting the Annual Picnic. The money raised, along with generous donations from loyal PHS supporters, was used to build a larger press box, to add a modern scoreboard, weight room with equipment, a laundry room, and, above all, to purchase new uniforms. With a renewed spirit, the Cadets went on to win or share 12 FVCC titles during his nine years.

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A refrain often heard throughout the 1970 season was the Cadets “were bigger than the Packers,” but it took more than size to win a championship. Miller continued to use his successful strategy of expecting the unexpected, keeping it simple, and, above all, having fun to build a cohesive unit that made the most of their God given talent. In 1970, Miller led the team to an undefeated season ending in the WISAA state championship, defeating La Crosse Aquinas. The following years did not bring another state championship, but the Cadets did continue on the road to success both on and off the field.

From left to right. Sitting in front: Manager Mark VanSchyndle, Trainer and Head Manager Tim Schumacher, Manager and Assistant Trainer Rick Maes. Front row: Assistant Coach Dr. Al Mancheski, Bob Simons, Paul Nistler, Larry Herlache, John Puissant, John Bodilly, Steve Boex, Jerry Wied, Dennis Clark, Gary Rotherham, Jim Johnson, Bob Patzke, Dave Brunette, Dan Hoehne, and Al Sippel.

Second row: Principal Fr. Stan Joppe, Bob Ouradnik, Dan Ball, Mike Hudak, Bob Blashe, Chris Raymaker, Tom Wetts, Bob Przybelski, Larry Jacques, Tom Fritsch, Jim Lindeman, Jeff Holzer, Tom Bettis, Todd Taylor, Chris Kirschling, and Coach Dean Maki. Third row: Head Coach Ron Miller, Coach Dick Hietpas, Gary DeVillers, Joe DeBonville, Dale Steeno, Rick Lemerond, Doug Buth, Dan Wilson, Ron Metzner, Terry Young, Guy LoCascio, Joe Koury, Dave Mueller, Steve Brunmeier, Mark O’Brien, Jim Kaster, Bob DeGroot, Rick Jandrain, Coach Doug Brozek, Coach Tom Lemorande, and Football Moderator Fr. Kenan Virlee. Not Pictured: Pat Burke, Bob Tease, and Pete Camper.

Premontre Football 1970 Legends Division (State Title Team) Presented By: Mark Daniels Recipient: Gary Rotherham on behalf of players, coaches, and managers The first direction from the coaching staff to the players and parents, “once he commits to the team - it’s attitude. Remember, excuses are like crutches, good for the weak and lame.” The 1970 Premontre Cadet football team possessed size and athletic ability rarely seen at the high school level. Would there be excuses or would this team realize its outstanding potential? The answer was a resounding yes to the latter.

Premontre ran roughshod over the FVCC schedule with an undefeated conference record. A key victory came against Manitowoc Roncalli, the prior year state champion. Roncalli left the game defeated 25-0, gaining no yards rushing and no yards passing.

The entire defensive team was elected Green Bay Press Gazette’s “Player of the Week” after that game. An amazing team statistic reported by the Press Gazette was that the Premontre defense held opponents to a total of 87 total yards rushing for the entire season.

The Cadets were the top-ranked team in the state among both public and private schools by week 8 with an 8-0 record. They held that ranking through the rest of their undefeated season. Premontre defeated Don Bosco in the first round of the playoffs in Milwaukee. The Cadets would face La Crosse Aquinas in the state championship game at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison.

On the way to Madison, the team bus drove onto the Green Bay Packers practice field for a surprise pep talk from Coach Bart Starr. The team disembarked and were surrounded by the Packers players who could not get over how a high school team could have several players bigger than Packers players. The defensive front averaged 6’4” and 250 pounds. The team proceeded to shut out Aquinas in the championship game and to finish the season undefeated.

The team fulfilled its potential and the individual accolades followed. One player was elected an All-American, rarely achieved in Green Bay. Players were elected to All-State and Premontre dominated the All-Conference and All-Metro teams. Eight players received Division I scholarships, while 12 others played Division II and III college football. There were coach of the year accolades as well. It certainly was “the year of the Cadets.” No excuses needed.

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Abbot Pennings Football 1971 Legends Division (State Title Team) Presented By: Dave Minten Recipient: Larry DeCleene on behalf of players, coaches, and managers The 1971 Abbot Pennings Football season ended at Lambeau Field with a convincing 17-8 victory over Waukesha Memorial to claim the first WISAA championship for the school. The dream began a year earlier with the goal set by the team of a state championship. An off-season conditioning program and organized team practices scheduled by captains held in summer helped set the tone for what was to be accomplished. All of the players set a common goal and were determined to achieve this target.

The season began with a 14-6 win over Fond du Lac Springs. It was followed by a 36-0 win over Fox Valley Lutheran. This set up a showdown with rival and defending state champion, Premontre. The Squires beat the Cadets 21-6 for the first time in school history. The season was off to a fabulous start. After a letdown against Oshkosh Lourdes, the Squires closed the season with five straight victories to earn their first ever FVCC Title and a playoff berth.

On a frigid night in Stevens Point, the Squires earned a hard fought 19-6 victory over Pacelli. The Squires were now poised to play in the WISAA Championship game at the historic Lambeau Field. What a glorious day it was. This group of young men defined what it meant to be a team. What made them special was their ability to stay focused on that common goal. They sincerely enjoyed each other as teammates and people alike.

Many of the teammates have continued lifelong friendships beyond the field. The team was fortunate to have been led by amazing coaches who were also great men and role models. They inspired this team to focus on character traits including persistence, focusing on a common goal, respect for their teammates, never giving up, and the importance of camaraderie.

The 1971 Abbot Pennings Squires football team embodied the Squire motto, “It’s Great to be a Squire!”

About the Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame Purpose Started in 2018, the purpose of the Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame is to honor those, living or deceased, who have brought distinction to themselves and Notre Dame Academy and/or its legacy schools (St. Joseph Academy, St. Norbert High School, Central Catholic High School, Premontre High School, and Abbot Pennings High School) through their achievement, commitment, and leadership in academics, professional endeavors, and athletics.

Members Hall of Fame inductees may include alumni, faculty, coaches, administrators, or friends of the NDA or legacy school community. Teams that are exceptionally distinguished through outstanding achievement or significant accomplishment may also be considered.

Eligibility/Criteria Alumni, coaches, teams, administrators, and friends/supporters shall be eligible for induction into the Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame. All nominees must represent the NDA and legacy school traditions of excellence and the mission of Notre Dame Academy.

Alumni, Coaches, Teams: • Eligible 10 years after graduation from NDA or a legacy school • Candidates for the Academic Division must demonstrate achievement, character, and leadership in academic pursuits that merit special recognition • Candidates for the Athletic Division must demonstrate athletic ability, sportsmanship, character, contribution to team and the game(s) he/she participated in. The Committee may also consider post-graduate activities including college and professional experience.

• Coach candidates for the Athletic Division must have had 10 years coaching experience at NDA or legacy school. (The committee may make exceptions in special circumstances.) The nominees must be inactive. Accomplishments must have merited league and/or statewide recognition, as well as made significant contributions to the athletic programs at NDA or a legacy school.

• Team candidates for the Athletic Division must be of championship caliber.

From left to right. From row: Manager D. Vincent, Terry Enright, Peter Kelly, Randy Robertson, Brad Butnick, David Clouthier, James Mortell, Tom Nick, MIchael Feser, Kevin Joyce, Tim Wiltgen, Karl Schuldes, and Manager Rick Deacon. Second row: Manager John Brogan, Jim Vercauteran, Scott Krienke, Rick Kitslaar, Mike VanGrunsven, Marty Biebel, Greg Griese, Jerry Clark, Bill Manders, John George, Mark Peeters, Loren Smeesster, Jeff Tilkens, and Manager Bob La Violette. Third row: R Oudenhoven, Ron Matzke, Eric Wright, Dan Warpinski, Kevin Callahan, Bill White, Tom Cotts, Paul Gigot, Ken Martin, and Tom Knauf. Back row: Tim Pressentin, Marty VanCamp, Gregg Mueller, Larry DeCleene, Mike Meeuwsen, John Birder, Ron. Vercauteren, Peter Austin, Phil Arant, Chuck Larschied, Curtis Rosenberg, John Baeten, and Jay Greeley. Coaches (not pictured): Don La Violette, and Dave Minten.

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Administrators, Faculty, Staff, and Friends/Supporters: • Administrator, Faculty, and Staff candidates for the Academic, Athletic, or Legends Division must demonstrate exceptional leadership, character, loyalty, passion for, and support of the success of NDA or legacy school athletics and/or academics. The nominees must be inactive. (The committee may make exceptions based on special circumstances.)

• Supporter and Friend candidates for the Academic, Athletic, or Legends Division must demonstrate exemplary commitment to the success of academic and athletic programs of NDA or legacy school.

More Information To learn more about the Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame, visit www.notredameacademy.com/alumni/alumni-hall-of-fame 17

Do you know someone who should be in the Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame?

Nominations for the 2019 Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame can be submitted through March 31, 2019 at: www.notredameacademy.com/alumni/alumni-hall-of-fame

Hall of Fame Dinner & Program 2019

The Hall of Fame Dinner & Program 2019 will be held on an August date to be determined.

In Appreciation

Notre Dame Academy gratefully recognizes the staff, alumni, and friends who volunteered their time, treasure, and talent to make the inaugural Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner & Program a memorable occasion. Special thanks to Cliff Christl and Todd Danen, APHS 1973, for their historical knowledge.

Hall of Fame Selection Committee

Mike Meeuwsen, APHS 1972; Jane Schumacher Campion, SJA 1975; Pat Hogan, APHS 1981; Joe Thibaudeau; and Dick Hietpas.

18 Abbot Pennings High School

Premontre High School

Notre Dame Academy

St. Joseph Academy

Central Catholic High School

St. Norbert High School

NDA Mission Statement

Notre Dame de la Baie Academy, as an educational ministry of the Roman Catholic Church, educates the whole person by developing each student’s Christian faith, commitment to service, and full academic potential within a caring Church community.