Ting turns back time with memorable return to Riordan

By Angelina Ning ’23

After months of planning and coordination, Rich Ting ’98 returned to the Riordan campus on Feb. 6. During his visit, he spoke about his cherished memories at Riordan, but also gave life advice.

Many students from different cultural backgrounds and clubs came to see him. As Ting spoke, he reconnected with a few of his classmates, teachers, and teammates. He also recalled his time at Riordan as being his best, after transferring senior year.

“Rich mentioned that he laughed so much when he was at Riordan. It really touched me. As an educator, what he said reminded me that not only am I a supporter of students’ academics, but also a cheerleader for their daily lives,” said Yin Shan Yang, modern language teacher and Asian Student Association club moderator.

In regards to his acting career, he said he was inspired through the film classes that the school provided.

“We started with VHS,” laughed Ting.

After kick-starting the basics of film and television from Riordan’s DV art class, Ting was able to land a career in NBC after college. This was a catalyst to the start of his acting career.

“I learned that he graduated the same year as Mr. Zumbado, or should I say big Juan…,” said Emma Lee ’25, an ASA member.

Ting mentioned that during his football career at Riordan, he was able to meet many great people such as Dean of Students Juan Zumbado ’98 and Counselor David Lin ’99.

“You guys should really feel lucky you all have such passionate teachers and coaches,” said Ting. Other classmates and teachers who came to hear him speak included Jeff Isola ’98, Michael Vezzali-Pascual ’88, and Ottilie Valverde.

Before going to their practice, members of the football team listened to his talk.

Weeks later, Charles Chu ’24 said, “One thing I may want to ask him about is how to expand as a person beyond being a football player, despite the label.”

During his talk, Ting advised students to listen to their teachers and coaches, saying, “I love being coached, I’m still being coached.” He added, “It’s amazing what confidence can do.”

Band leads Lunar New Year Parade to welcome Year of the Rabbit

By Joseph Zuloaga ’23

The loud chants of A-R-H-S. The light, crisp rain falling on the pristine purple marching uniforms. Red firecrackers punctuating the celebrations.

The sound of “Comin’ Alive” along Geary Street added to the extra dose of Riordan spirit at this year’s SF Chinese New Year Parade on Feb. 4, with alumnus actor Rich Ting ’98 serving as the Grand Marshal, and the ARHS Crusader Marching Band & Color Guard officially opening the parade and serenading the crowd in Downtown San Francisco.

The Riordan Band returned to the parade for the first time since 2020. Director of Bands Kyle Hildebrant said, “It felt good to be back to the sense of normalcy we once had before.”

Being the biggest parade in San Francisco and the second largest in California, Associate Director of Bands Lance Ohnmeiss commented on how the Band and Color Guard get coverage across the state, being televised on KTVU.

“The Band has participated in the parade for 20 plus years, taking part in a big tradition not only for the city, but for Riordan to participate in, as it is the biggest community reach outs we have,” Hildebrant added.

All of the band members had unique experiences playing in the parade.

Flutist Ella Torrea ’25 enjoyed “getting the support from the crowd, seeing and hearing them cheer us on.”

Drum Major Jameson Datoc ’23 stated, “Even though it was short, it was sweet as it was amazing to see a lot of happy people lining the streets. We felt great being a part of the city and living in the moment.”

“Growing up going to the parade was something, but being in it was truly something else,” Color Guard Captain Diane Lai ’24 said. She compared the energy levels to the Italian Heritage Parade and St. Patrick’s Day Parade combined.

Grand Marshal Rich Ting ’98 said it was honor for him to be elected Grand Marshal of the Chinese New Year Parade. “It was even a bigger honor to lead the [Riordan Band] down Market Street to the opening of the parade…in Union Square. To have my high school band playing and marching behind me was the ultimate highlight of the night.”

He continued, “They made me feel like a king with the best entourage anyone could wish for behind me. I never once thought I would have the opportunity to not only be the grand marshal, but to also be able to shine a light on my high school that I am so proud to have graduated from.”

Ohnmeiss stated, “[Having Rich Ting] as grand marshal from Riordan was instrumental in showing how much of a melting pot Riordan is and how important it is to the Chinese-American and Asian-American community.”

Hildebrant said, “Since we hadn’t done the parade for a couple of years, to have the opportunity to be in the front was pretty awesome.”

This parade holds special meaning, as it allowed for the Riordan spirit to be vividly present in one of the biggest cultural traditions in San Francisco.