PROGRAMS, ATHLETES, COACHES RECOGNIZED

For Achievements

The Rockhurst High School football program was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame on April 23, 2023. Rockhurst became the 11th high school program deserving of the honor, and the second big class school, joining Jefferson City High School. Currently, the Hawklet program is the only Class 6 football team in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

Since its first season in 1916, Rockhurst is 760-263-35 with 16 State Championship appearances and nine State Titles. Coach Tony Severino, who led the Hawklets from 1983-2019, was inducted in 2018. Coach Kelly Donohoe, who took over at The Rock in 2020, is also a Missouri Sports Hall of Fame member for his storied tenure at Blue Springs High School.

“We’re talking about decades and decades of teams that have had a lot of success, and many head coaches that have had a profound impact on Rockhurst, so that’s what this honor is really about,” said Donohoe.

Coaches play a big role in the success of teams, and Rockhurst is fortunate to have highly-qualified, experienced, and dedicated coaches at every level in every sport. All three head coaches that won championships in the 2022-23 year were honored with coaching awards.

Coach Paul Winkeler won his 15th MISCA Coach of the Year in his 21st season leading the AquaHawks. Coach Matt Darby ’00 was named the Missouri Private School Coach of the Year and the Central Region Private School Coach of the Year. Coach Tim Reidy ’02 was awarded the LAKC Coach of the Year and the USA Lacrosse Coach of the Year, both for the third time in 12 seasons.

While each year of athletics includes dozens of All-District honors, several All-State performances, and even a few AllAmericans, the awards most celebrated at Rockhurst are for recognition off the playing field. Grant Anielak ’23 was one of 36 soccer players named to the Academic All-State Team. John Tietjen ’23, along with being a swim & dive All-American in the 500 Freestyle, was an Academic All-American.

Brian Humphrey ’23 was honored with the NAIA’s High School Student-Athlete of Character Award for demonstrating the characteristics of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. There is only one recipient of this award each year from the Kansas City Metro area. Brock Narciso ’23 was selected as a 2023 recipient of USA Lacrosse’s Bob Scott Service

Award, given to one player from each area across the country who goes “above and beyond” in service to his team, school, and community.

Rockhurst was also proud to host signing ceremonies for 16 student-athletes in the Class of 2023 who will continue their academic and athletic careers in college.