THE ROCK
National Alumni Association Board of Governors
Mr. Patrick A. Mc Inerney ʼ82 President
Mr. Spencer H. Hardwick ʼ07 President-Elect
Mr. Blaise A. Gassman ʼ16 Secretary; RockConnect Co-Chair
Mr. Enrique I. Gutierrez ’98 At-Large Member
Mr. James H. Maggard ʼ04 Stewardship & Engagement Co-Chair
Mr. Andrew J. Miller ’16 At-Large Member
Mr. Ivan L. Nugent ’99 At-Large Member
Mr. John R. Oades ’67 Volunteer Chair
Philanthropy & Engagement Office
Mark S. Blanck, Jr. ’98 Vice President of Philanthropy & Engagement dmblanck@rockhursths.edu
816.363.2036 x533
Adrianne A. DeWeese Assistant Director of Philanthropy adeweese@rockhursths.edu 816.363.2036 x536
Turner R. “Robbie” Haden ’09 Director of Communications & Branding rhaden@rockhursths.edu 816.363.2036 x552
Moira Kelly Healy Director of Engagement mhealy@rockhursths.edu 816.363.2036 x582
Diane J. Marty, EdD, CFRE Executive Vice President of Strategic Planning & Vice President of Philanthropic Investments dmarty@rockhursths.edu 816.363.2036 x538
Timothy R. Reidy ’02 Archives Director & Faculty Member treidy@rockhursths.edu 816.363.2036 x255
Mr. Todd A. Schieffer ’90 RockConnect Co-Chair; Alumni Recognition Chair
Mr. Henry J. Thomas ’06 Nominating Committee Chair
Sylvia M. Smith Auction Consultant ssmith@rockhursths.edu 816.363.2036 x588
Meredith L. Suarez Director of Alumni Engagement msuarez@rockhursths.edu 816.363.2036 x537
Loretta Verbanic Gifts & Stewardship Specialist lverbanic@rockhursths.edu 816.363.2036 x555
George J. Weir Director of Data & Analytics gweir@rockhursths.edu 816.363.2036 x539
This publication includes updates from December 2024 through May 2025.
Fall 2024 Rock News correction: Rockhurst’s Philanthropy & Engagement Team made an egregious error as a result of a miscommunication. Tim Kelley ’70 was listed in the “Alumni - In Memoriam” section of the magazine. Thankfully, Tim Kelley is very much alive. The P&E Team apologizes to Tim, his Class of 1970 classmates, and all of Tim’s family and friends for the mistake.
A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT
President David Laughlin addressed the 240 members of the graduating Class of 2025 at the 109th Commencement Exercises of Rockhurst High School on May 18. He shared his perspective of Rockhurst’s motto “Sapientia in Christ”, Wisdom in Christ.
Dear Rockhurst Community,
What an amazing year we concluded at Rockhurst! Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
It was an amazing year, all glory to God! And, it is hard to express just how impactful this school year has been in a short letter. When you’re celebrating the 109th Commencement Exercises, it could be easy to take the standard of Rockhurst for granted. But that wouldn’t be an accurate reflection on the intentional work of our faculty and staff, and the glorious gifts embedded in our student body which again this year shined so well. Our students’ achievements reflect the gifts given to them, developed in their families and nurtured by their teachers, moderators, coaches and our Jesuits.
Jeb Koetting ’25 was elected by his classmates to offer our Commencement address. In it, he chose to try to capture that newly-established brotherhood that extends beyond the school and he chose to connect his Class of 2025 with all the alumni in the audience. He invited graduates to stand, and then he referenced the more extended brotherhood that these most recent graduates now joined. Though he didn’t use the word “mission”, he articulated the high aspirations of what Jesuit education hopes for in forming “men for others”. Jeb articulated very well that Rockhurst is not on auto-pilot, but that the intentionality of the community lives in the daily work of all in our school.
Amazing academic outcomes and college matriculation; Amazing Fine and Performing Arts; Amazing results of athletic teams; Amazing Speech & Debate teams; Amazing retreats; Amazing food drives; Amazing Masses and prayer services; Amazing service programs; Amazing grace…
When we choose to dedicate our thoughts, words, and actions to the greater glory of God in our Jesuit tradition, we reflect what was chosen as our school year theme: Servant Leadership. Working hard. Using our gifts. Considering the least among us. These achievements would be easy to boast about, but they are not for us but for the world. Jeb Koetting understood and expressed that from the graduation stage. He spoke about a new blood that bleeds blue and white. Forever. Consecrated in Christ for the world, it is our hope, prayer, and belief that these young men can and will impact our world for good!
During this, their final semester, they witnessed Pope Leo XIV become our Holy Father. And, I shared with them at their graduation, that among the many comments I hear from alumni, I regularly hear how Rockhurst trained them to think critically through the complexities of the world to create order and right priority. With that in mind, I offered that the Latin motto of Rockhurst: Sapientia in Christo – Wisdom in Christ – reflected the simplicity of right order. I told them how I appreciated that Pope Leo XIV had chosen symbols and words that were concise, direct, and clear but helped all of us keep our focus. A Fleur de Lis and the Heart pierced by an arrow are the two images on his Papal crest. The sacredness of life and creation combined with the Heart pierced by Christ’s Word. And then, he chose a motto for his own Papacy: In Him who is One, we are One.
We had an amazing year! We have amazing students, faculty, staff, and Jesuits! And the exclamation point from me in this letter to our community, is just how humbling it is to hear a graduating senior, elected by his classmates, reflect so clearly the right order and calling of a graduate of Rockhurst High School or any Jesuit school. Clear. Concise. Direct. Amazing!
An amazing year at Rockhurst takes the contributions of so many! Our families and staff, benefactors and friends, the Society of Jesus and the Church, alumni and partners. My deepest gratitude to everyone who helped contribute to another amazing year at Rockhurst. We take nothing for granted and the hard work reflects what God has bestowed in our community. May the honor be God’s and be for the good of the world!
Please be assured of my prayers for you as we invite your prayers for the Rockhurst community.
God bless,
David J. Laughlin President
The Papal crest of Pope Leo XIV.
ALUMNI COMMUNITY MESSAGES TO THE ROCKHURST
Meredith Suarez, Director of Alumni Engagement, and Pat McInerney ’82, President of the National Alumni Association, helped welcome 240 young men in the great Class of 2025 to the ranks of Rockhurst High School alumni at the 109th Commencement Exercises on May 18, 2025.
From the President of the National Alumni Association:
Dear Fellow Alumni and Friends of Rockhurst,
For six years, I have had the privilege of serving on the Rockhurst National Alumni Association Board of Governors, and for the last two years, the great honor of being President. That time has been like a rocket ride; with a dedicated group of board members we have sharply focused on connection – among alumni, to Rockhurst, and with our communities. We’ve seen alumni continue to build relationships through RockConnect, celebrate the very best of Rockhurst through our Alumnus of the Year and Emerging Hawklet Awards, and give through their presence at Freshmen Days for Others, the President’s Reception, and Alumni Reunion Weeks. If increased connection is any measure of success, our alumni have been there and we’re grateful to have been part of it.
Our Board and Association are so fortunate to have a oneof-a-kind partnership with Meredith Suarez, the innovation and guidance of Dr. Diane Marty, and the constant support of Rockhurst leadership. As President, I sat on the Board of Trustees and was lucky enough to be part of the remarkable discernment process that became Toward A Hope-Filled Future – a strategic plan any organization in the world would envy. Rockhurst High School is as strong as it has ever been thanks to all these people, and to an Alumni Association filled with men dedicated to the mission of our school and to young men they’ll never meet . But as much as has been done, there is more to do. We must find our alumni where they are and, in some cases, bridge long gaps to reconnect them with Rockhurst. We know this works because, time and again, we’ve heard from long separated brothers who marvel at simply being invited or at connecting with a fellow alumnus. Those connections make a difference.
I am more excited today about the future of the Alumni Association than I ever have been. The new slate of leaders on the Board of Governors will be led by Spencer Hardwick ’07, who for two years as Vice President has been a critical partner and a great friend. I am looking forward to the Board’s leadership and to connecting with many of you. I am profoundly grateful that you’ve allowed me to be a small part of a great school and an even better idea: that “men for others” are always the ones who make a difference
From the Director of Alumni Engagement:
Dear Rockhurst Community,
When I was three years old, my grandfather made a quiet but meaningful gesture – he opened a small investment account in my name. I didn’t know it then, but he hoped it would one day help pay for my education.
As his oldest grandchild, he had big dreams for me. Over the years, he quietly nurtured those dreams – adding to the account, occasionally sending papers to sign along with a funny card or little gift. It was his way of saying, “I believe in you.”
On May 18, I stood on the stage alongside Pat Mc Inerney ’82 , Alumni Board of Governors President, at Municipal Auditorium, congratulating 240 new Rockhurst graduates. Wearing my master’s hood – the one my grandfather’s gift helped me earn – I felt his presence with me. That moment reminded me: his investment wasn’t just financial. It was in me. In my future. It was a humble, life-changing gift of education.
Here’s the truth: every time you give to Rockhurst, you’re doing what my grandfather did for me – you’re changing a young man’s life. You’re lifting financial burdens so he can focus on becoming who he’s meant to be. You’re forming a leader, a thinker, a “man for others.” Your support is about shaping hearts, minds, and lives for a greater purpose. It’s transformation.
The time to invest in a young man’s journey – and future generations – is now. Support the Eyrie Fund at rockhursths.edu/donate and be the quiet force behind whole-person formation Or, join alumni from the great Classes of 1968, 1969, 1970, 1974, and 1978 in creating lasting legacies through class scholarships. You will read more about these class scholarships later in this publication.
If your class ends in a 5 or 0, come join us for Alumni Reunion Week, September 23-27; a week packed with fun, memories, and good times. And Golden Hawklets (classes of 1974 and earlier), your special celebration is on September 25 don’t miss it! Make a reunion gift and get all the details at rockhursths.edu/reunion
Staying connected isn’t just about reflecting on the past – it’s about shaping the future. By remaining involved, you help ensure that the transformative power of a Jesuit education continues to guide future generations. Whether through attending events, mentoring, or supporting the school, your engagement makes a real difference.
We’re excited for what lies ahead and are grateful to have you with us as we continue shaping the next generation of Rockhurst men.
AMDG, Patrick A. Mc Inerney ’82
National Alumni Association President
Meredith L. Suarez Director of Alumni Engagement
Rockhurst alumni gathered for an event in Phoenix on Jan. 28 co-hosted by Kevin Kopp ’93 and Mark Sonnenberg ’94.
Laura & Stephen Caruso ’65 welcomed alumni to their home in Austin on Feb. 19.
A small, but fun group met in San Antonio on Feb. 21 at the home of Susan & Len Weinand ’74. Dan Lonergan ’72 also co-hosted the event.
Classmates Jason Crain ’05 and Scott Paradise ’05 co-hosted a dinner on May 7 at Hal’s Steakhouse in Atlanta.
The latest installment of the Alumni Breakfast Series took place on April 24 at Oakwood Country Club, with panelists discussing golf course developments and redesigns in Kansas City.
Alumni joined the Class of 2028 for the Freshman Day For Others on Feb. 10. Alumni volunteers at St. Therese Little Flower included Jim Kopp ’67, George Clark ’67, Bill Oades ’68, and John Oades ’67.
Attendees at the Nashville reception on May 13 showed off their new matching Hawklet hats.
On Feb. 18, Carol & John Kafka ’68 and Abby & Jason Lorfing ’97 co-hosted a gathering in Houston.
Jordan Bastable ’03, Tom O’Leary ’10, and The Watts Family combined forces to organize an event in Dallas on Feb. 20.
More than 15 alumni joined together for the evening on Feb. 26 in Denver.
Alumni Gathering Opportunities
Continue Near and Far
Rockhurst High School prides itself on the alumni community and its connectedness long after a class’ four years together have passed. And beyond just intra-class relationships, Rockhurst boasts a community that builds bonds spanning across years, decades, and even generations.
The school’s Alumni Relations Office works to provide opportunities for these connections to strengthen and spread. Along with Rockhurst’s growing professional network called RockConnect (see next page for more information), there are social and service events organized for alumni of all ages.
Between September and December, there were eight out-oftown gatherings hosted in cities from New York to San Diego, which were attended by more than 175 alumni in total. Those events were all highlighted in the fall edition of The Rock News.
In 2025 (through May), Rockhurst has helped plan eight more events, typically led by alumni hosts in each city. Kevin Kopp ’93 and Mark Sonnenberg ’94 co-hosted an event in Phoenix; Carol & John Kafka ’68 and Abby & Jason Lorfing ’97 co-hosted a Houston event; Laura & Stephen Caruso ’65 welcomed a group to their home in Austin; Jordan Bastable ’03, Tom O’Leary ’10, and The Watts Family organized an event in Dallas; Dan Longergan ’72 and Len Weinand ’74 arranged for a gathering at the Weinand’s home in San Antonio; there was a Denver-area event in February; classmates Jason Crain ’05 and Scott Paradise ’05 cohosted a dinner in Atlanta; and the spring was capped off by a Nashville event.
More than 150 alumni attended these events in the first half of the new year.
The Alumni Breakfast Series returned in the fall of 2024 to a positive response by attendees. The Engagement Committee of the National Alumni Association Board of Governors kept the momentum going by organizing another Breakfast Series event on April 24. Hosted at Oakwood Country Club, Hunter Hayes, Head Professional at Oakwood, and Doug Schroeder, Director of Golf Operations for KCMO Parks & Rec, discussed the topic of Kansas City golf course developments and redesigns. The conversation was facilitated by David Sandvig, III ’16
During each school year, all members of the freshman class participate in four Freshman Days For Others. These school days are spent at one of 10 local agencies, serving the organizations in a variety of ways, ranging from cleaning up Brush Creek to helping organize food pantries. Still called to serve as “men for others”, a group of a dozen alumni volunteers led by John Oades ’67, Volunteer Chair of the Alumni Board of Governors, joined the service day with the newest Hawklets.
If you would like to help plan or attend an alumni event, in Kansas City or out-of-town, contact Meredith Suarez, Director of Alumni Engagement, at msuarez@rockhursths.edu.
Do you have a summer residence in the Vail, CO area? If so, and you’re willing to share your mailing address AND you’ll be in Colorado in early August, please reach out to Diane Marty, Executive Vice President of Strategic Planning, by email at dmarty@rockhursths.edu with the subject line “Colorado in August”. Thank you!
Reunion Week 2025 Set for Late-September
Rockhurst again looks forward to welcoming back hundreds of Hawklet graduates for Alumni Reunion Week, September 23-27.
This longstanding tradition is an opportunity for alumni to reconnect with their classmates, as well as Hawklets from different eras.
Individual classes are invited back every five years for the celebration, and the 2025 events will honor graduation classes ending in 5s and 0s.
And for the second year, Golden Hawklets (alumni who have previously celebrated their 50th Reunion) are invited to all Alumni Reunion Week activities. There will also be a special event for Golden Hawklets only on Thursday, September 25th in McGee Hall. All graduates from the great Classes of 1974 and before are invited.
See below for the day-by-day list of activities.
Additional updates will be published on the Rockhurst High School Alumni Reunion Week webpage, as well as in the monthly Alumni E-Newsletter on the 15th of each month.
Tuesday, September 23
10:15 a.m. Homecoming Mass and recognition of the 2025 Alumnus of the Year and Emerging Hawklet. Those award recipients will be announced in July.
5:30 p.m. Alumni Reception in the Hawklets Center
7:00 p.m. Varsity Soccer Game at Vincent P. Dasta Memorial Stadium
Wednesday, September 24
8:00 a.m. Coffee with President David Laughlin at RHS
10:00 a.m. Student-Led Campus Tours
12:30 p.m. Lunch in the Dining Commons
4:30 p.m. Alumni Reception in the Jack Nestor ’34 Outdoor Lab Classroom celebrating the Classes of 1975-2020
Thursday, September 25
5:00 p.m. Golden Hawklets Celebration in McGee Hall
Friday, September 26
5:00 p.m. Alumni Reunion Tailgate Party on the Al Davis, Jr. Field and the Hawklets Center
5:30 p.m. Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Honorees will be announced in July.
7:00 p.m. Varsity Football Game - Rockhurst vs. Bishop Miege at Vincent P. Dasta Memorial Stadium
Saturday, September 27
TBA Alumni Soccer Match at Vincent P. Dasta Memorial Stadium
4:30 p.m. Alumni Mass in the Chapel of the Sacred Heart
5:15 p.m. Reception in the Thomas A. Pesci, SJ, Atrium following Mass
For information on individual class celebrations (typically on Friday and/or Saturday night), please contact your Class Captain or Reunion Committee Leaders.
If you would like to help plan your class’ events, please contact Meredith Suarez, Director of Alumni Engagement, at msuarez@rockhursths.edu or 816.363.2036 x537.
Scan to learn more about the 2025 Alumni Reunion Week.
The 2025 Spectacular Co-Chair couples led a record-breaking fundraising event, bringing in more than $1.66 million for Rockhurst’s tuition assistance program. (L-R) Pete Browne ’85 & Julie Walker Browne, Chuck & Susie Caisley, Chris & Adrianne Helvey, Annie & John Houlehan ’95, and Kristin & Greg Kratofil ’92.
More than 600 Rockhurst benefactors attended the Spectacular Auction on April 12. (L-R) Eric & Jo Bradley, Mara & Billy Hodes ’92, and Vanessa & Jimmy Connell ’92 were excited to support “Rock of Ages”.
President David Laughlin and Fr. Vincent Giacabazi, SJ, celebrated the announcement of the 2025 car raffle, David Ostermeyer ’62, who won a 2025 Chevy Blazer courtesy of Heartland Chevrolet. Photo credit: Mateo Reynolds ’27
Brody Jacobson ’26, one of the many Rockhurst student volunteers at Spectacular, escorted Shannon Lillis down the red carpet to the event. Photo credit: Mateo Reynolds ’27
Table 23 featured several Rock Dads of Hawklets in the Class of 2025: (L-R) Jake Koetting, Vinh Pham, Kirk Eskew, and Brett Schoenfeld. Photo credit: Mateo Reynolds ’27
Spectacular Auction Sets Yet Another Record
The 2025 Spectacular Auction, Rock of Ages, on April 12 was a memorable night of fun and fundraising!
With more than $1.66 million raised, many Hawklets and their families will have the Rockhurst Experience because of the generosity of Spectacular supporters, from sponsors to attendees to virtual bidders – which led to a record-breaking event.
The night’s success would not have been possible without the selfless dedication of the Spectacular Co-
Chair couples over the last year (and two years for our Legacy Co-Chairs). Julie Walker Browne & Pete Browne ’85, Susie & Chuck Caisley, Adrienne & Chris Helvey (Legacy Co-Chairs), Annie & John Houlehan ’95 (Legacy Co-Chairs), and Kristin & Greg Kratofil ’92 .
Don’t miss out on Spectacular 2026, which has already been set for Saturday, April 18, 2026! Mark your calendar now!
Scan the QR Code to watch a short video recap of the 2025 Spectacular Auction.
Scan the QR Code to watch the Fund A Future video to see your giving in action, supporting current and future Hawklets.
OPERATIONALIZING THE STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS
Dear Rockhurst Community,
On behalf of President David Laughlin and our Board of Trustees, we are pleased to share this update on our visioning and strategic planning efforts over the last two years that will lead us into a capital campaign. Ultimately the campaign will ensure that the student, parent, and faculty experience is collectively enhanced and that every family that dreams of sending their son or sons to Rockhurst will be able to do so.
Understanding that a comprehensive, long-term plan to sustain and enhance Rockhurst High School provides the basis for forward planning and operations, Rockhurst supporters spent the last two years first identifying and then assessing four pillars of a Rockhurst education and formation and outlining priority components for growth and development. In addition to the 58 people listed in this spread, strategic planning focus groups, discussions, presentations, and requests for input involved all 139 Rockhurst High School employees as well as a 17-member President’s Advisory Council made up of alumni, past parents, and stakeholders. The result of these efforts is a working plan-in-progress to move these priorities forward through a capital campaign focused on investment in:
• Accessibility and Affordability SUPPORTING THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE financially, holistically, and also by recruiting, retaining, and developing our exceptional faculty who are the front line of each student’s daily experience.
• Academic and Professional Success
CONNECTING STUDENTS with faculty, families, alumni, and friends to provide robust and relevant real-world experiences and mission-delivery for advanced and credited experiences on- and off-campus.
• Formation of the Whole Person (FOWP) SURROUNDING STUDENTS with an advanced level of care through new and enhanced mental health, social, and educational programming and partnerships involving administrators, parents, and allied professionals.
• Athletics & Major Co-Curriculars ENGAGING STUDENTS through athletics and cocurriculars, aligning their interests and honing their determination, creativity, and discipline. This will be coupled with coaches and moderators upholding a consistent gold-level experience across these activities in support of our mission.
We are currently working through cost estimates and timelines as well as architectural and engineering proposals. And while there will be targeted facilities improvements that were identified and prioritized in our process, this is not prioritized as a brick-and-mortar campaign...
But it will absolutely be a building campaign: a campaign to fortify Rockhurst High School that it becomes a school for all young boys where – together – we will build whole men.
We look forward to sharing more in the 2025-26 academic year, and are happy to hear from you with your inquiries and thoughts in the meantime.
With gratitude for the strong foundation we stand upon and in anticipation for what lies ahead,
AMDG,
Diane Marty, EdD, CFRE Executive Vice President of Strategic Planning
Strategic Planning Committee
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Fr. Tom Pesci, SJ
Fr. Vincent Giacabazi, SJ
Mike Comiskey ’03
John DeGraffenreid
Tyler Baker Academics
Brad Batz ’95 Academics & FOWP
Katie Bland Academics
Chris Bosco FOWP
Jake Bradshaw Athletics
Ryan Brennan FOWP
Megan Caughron, PhD FOWP
Jason Crain ’05 Accessibility/ Affordability
Kevin Coker FOWP
Steve Coppinger ’94 Athletics
Matt Darby ’00 FOWP
Mike Dierks ’91 Athletics
Kelly Donohoe Athletics
Tim Dunn ’96 Athletics
Ray Evans ’78 Athletics
Ken Felter ’68 Academics
Greg Fendler ’94 ALL
Mike Garrett Athletics
Spencer Hardwick ’07 Academics
Mike Hoehn ’94 Accessibility/ Affordability
Amy Holewinski Accessibility/ Affordability
Jerry Kelly ’73 Accessibility/ Affordability
Drew Komenda Athletics
Greg Kratofil ’92 Athletics
Tom Kruse Athletics
Shannon Lillis FOWP
Billy Linscott ’09 FOWP
Pat Mc Inerney ’82 Academics
Terry Mc Mahon ’05 Accessibility/ Affordability
Dr. Mike Mc Shane, Ph.D. ’03 Academics
Fr. Gary Menard, SJ Athletics
Ben Meyer ’96 Academics
Dr. Greg Muehlebach, MD ’80 Academics
Matt Nickson FOWP
Ivan Nugent ’99 Athletics
Fr. Ronny O’Dwyer, SJ Academics
Courtney O’Farrell Athletics
Fola Okediji FOWP
Anita Paredes Accessibility/ Affordability
Stephen Penn FOWP
In addition to the 58 people listed in the spread, strategic planning focus groups, discussions, presentations, and requests for input involved all 139 Rockhurst High School employees as well as a 17-member President’s Advisory Council made up of alumni, past parents, and stakeholders.
Dr. Diane Marty, CFRE
Allen Roberson, CPA ’84
Emmet Pierson, Jr. ’84
Accessibility/Affordability
Alan Ratermann FOWP
Anthony Re Accessibility/ Affordability
Greg Reintjes, Sr. ’81 Accessibility/ Affordability
Allen Roberson, CPA ’84
Accessibility/Affordability
Dr. Kyle Salem, PhD ’93 FOWP
Dan Shaver Academics
Jeff Simon FOWP
Rob Sprague Athletics
David Staker ’88 ALL
Meredith Suarez Accessibility/ Affordability
Mark Teahan ’78 Athletics
Fr. Danny Tesvich Academics
Billy Thomas Athletics
Fr. Derrick Weingartner, SJ FOWP
Mike Wickenhauser Academics
Vanessa Wiegman Accessibility/ Affordability
Paul Winkeler Athletics
Gold indicates committee co-chair
YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS
From the Vice President of Philanthropy & Engagement
Dear Rockhurst Community,
It has been truly impactful to return to Rockhurst and witness how the school continues to grow since I was last at The Rock. I graduated from Rockhurst in 1998, and then returned in 2010, working in the school’s Advancement Office for the next 10 years. After serving roles at UMKC and the University of Saint Mary, I jumped at the opportunity to come back to RHS in December 2024.
Rejoining Rockhurst, meeting parents, and engaging with alumni and friends around Kansas City and across the country has been inspiring.
I’ve had the opportunity to share stories of the amazing things our students are accomplishing in academics, service, athletics, and co-curriculars – things you will read about in this publication. Since returning, I’ve visited seven cities and have heard countless alumni stories about how Rockhurst shaped their lives.
One out-of-town alumnus I met is heavily involved in his community; serving on advisory boards, volunteering, and even working to create a new charter school. He shared that he learned the importance of service and giving back while at Rockhurst High School, and that the foundation he built at 9301 State Line Road is a big part of who he is today. That falls right in line with our Admissions tagline for the year: For All Boys // To Build Whole Men
As we continue the tradition of shaping the leaders of tomorrow, I recognize that everyone is at a different point in their journey. With that in mind, I encourage all alumni and friends of Rockhurst to find a way to be involved, at whatever level you can. That can range from attending a free event to making a small annual gift to just talking positively about Rockhurst in your own circle. If you know a family with a son in grade school, encourage them to explore Rockhurst. It might be the best decision they ever make – just like it was for so many of us.
AMDG,
Mark Blanck ’98 Vice President of Philanthropy & Engagement
From the Director of Engagement
Dear Friends,
My heart is overflowing with gratitude for the incredible support you showed for Spectacular – “Rock of Ages”!
Thanks to your generosity and enthusiasm, we raised more than $1.66 million, making this a record-breaking event! Because of you, so many Hawklets and their families will be able to experience all that Rockhurst has to offer – truly, the Rockhurst Experience is alive and well because of your kindness.
A special thanks goes out to our amazing Co-Chairs: Julie Walker Browne & Pete Browne ’85, Susie & Chuck Caisley, Kristen & Greg Kratofil ’92; and our Legacy Co-Chairs Adrienne & Chris Helvey and Annie & John Houlehan ’95, who have devoted two years to leading Spectacular with incredible passion and dedication. They, along with an army of tireless volunteers, created a night that was truly magical.
We’re also deeply grateful to our Presenting Sponsors –Susie & Chuck Caisley, The John J. Sullivan Foundation, Lori & Chad Meyer, Polsinelli, and Sycamore Ridge – and to every single sponsor, guest, student, volunteer, and item donor. You each played an important part in making this event, well… Spectacular!
Looking ahead, mark your calendars now for Spectacular 2026 on Saturday, April 18… planning is already underway, and we can’t wait to do it all again!
In the meantime, there’s much to celebrate and look forward to this summer:
• On June 12 , we honored our incredible Hurtado Scholars at their annual celebration. This year’s Green Truck Award went to Franklin Monge, a standout Hurtado graduate who exemplifies the values and skills of the program. We also honored the late Rev. Terrence A. Baum, SJ, with the “Fire that Kindles Other Fires” award for his lasting impact. The program continues to thrive, with 32 Scholars currently in middle school and 41 graduates enrolled in high school.
• Back to School season will kick off with our popular Dad’s Football Tailgate on August 15 – an evening for dads, grandpas, uncles, and friends to gather, hear from Coach Kelly Donohoe, and get pumped for the upcoming season.
• The following morning, it’s the moms’ turn! Join us for Football 101, where moms will learn more about the game, hear from Coach Donohoe, and even get a few plays explained by the senior players themselves!
• Finally, we’re thrilled to welcome our Class of 2029 families at the Freshman Parent Social on Saturday, August 16 It’s a wonderful chance to connect with fellow parents, make new friends, and enjoy the warm spirit of the Rockhurst community.
Thank you once again for your generous spirit, your joyful presence, and your unwavering support. You make everything we do possible – and we’re so glad you’re part of the Rockhurst family.
Moira Healy Director of Engagement
Rock Giving Day Surpasses Goal
In Fall 2024, Rockhurst High School continued its special tradition in celebrating both its own institutional giving day and the national #GivingTuesday: On Tuesday, November 12, Rockhurst High School celebrated Rock Giving Day, and three weeks later on Tuesday, December 3, the three-weeklong campaign concluded with #GivingTuesday. The school’s fundraising goal was $200,000.
More than 260 alumni, current and past parents, grandparents, and other friends of Rockhurst from 23 states gave in excess of $220,000 to support the Eyrie Fund, Rockhurst’s annual fund that supports the daily operations to keep Jesuit formation and education a vibrant and accessible option for families throughout the Kansas City metropolitan region. Every student at Rockhurst benefits from Eyrie Fund support because the operational gap between tuition income and operating costs is $3,000 per student.
“Rockhurst High School is incredibly grateful for every single gift, from every benefactor as a part of Rock Giving Day and #GivingTuesday,” said Mark Blanck ’98, Vice President of Philanthropy & Engagement. “The Rock Giving Day campaign is an opportunity for all benefactors to come together to collectively support today’s young men receiving a Catholic, Jesuit education at Rockhurst. We are excited by the 2024 results, and we are looking forward to coming together as a community again in 2025.”
Benefactors had the opportunity to make their gifts through direct mail, email, and social media campaigns. Rockhurst alumni and students also led two call nights to support fundraising efforts: Alumni from the 1960s called the evening of November 12, while four National Honor Society students called on December 3.
The video campaign shared on social media and emails featured 12 faculty, staff, and administrators – many of whom are also alumni, current, and/or past parents – with their individual messages of support for Rockhurst. Fola Okediji, Director of College Counseling, noted the following in her Rock Giving Day testimonial video:
“What I enjoy the most about the work I do is the opportunity to accompany students on their journey of discovery, helping them discern the colleges and universities where they will thrive, both academically and personally, while guiding them in exploring activities that align with their interests and that prepare them for college. I am thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with faculty and staff in this endeavor.”
In addition to the community spirit of donations made, the Rockhurst community also participated in stewardship efforts. National Honor Society students worked in partnership with Dr. Scott Reagan ’99, Academic Services Director, in writing thank-you cards that were mailed to Rock Giving Day and #GivingTuesday donors immediately following the receipt of their gift.
Mark Teahan ’78, the 2024 Alumnus of the Year, and Cornell Ellis ’08, the 2024 Emerging Hawklet Award recipient, also filmed a thank-you video message at Alumni Reunion Week that was emailed to all Rock Giving Day and #GivingTuesday benefactors at the conclusion of the campaign.
Rockhurst is busily preparing for the 2025 Rock Giving Day campaign – please save the date for Tuesday, November 11, as well as the national #GivingTuesday on Tuesday, December 2 . More information will be provided in late-summer and in early-fall.
“Once again this year at Rockhurst, we are privileged to give witness to the many gifts and talents God has provided our young men,” said David Laughlin, President. “These young men continue to achieve in every area of formation we offer: academically, in service, in the Arts and Sciences, on national testing standards, in athletics, and in prioritizing their faith lives. We are humbled by the Rock Giving Day support given to these young men and the faculty who accompany them so that they can strive to reach the potential God has given to each one of them.”
Note: Staponski, Sr. later passed away on March 23,
Rockhurst alumni volunteers participated in a Rock Giving Day call night in November 2024 to help increase awareness and interest in the campaign (L-R) John Oades ’67, Virgil Staponski, Sr. ’67, Jim Kopp ’67, Greg Albers ’67, George Clark ’67, Tim George ’67, and Jake Smith ’66.
2025.
$200,000
SCHOLARSHIPS MAKE THE ROCKHURST EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE FOR MANY
Named Investment Funds (commonly referred to as scholarships) and Named Intent Funds (providing significant pass-through support of programs and financial assistance) provide highly-impactful support to Hawklets yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Contributions are gratefully accepted to continue growing each of the established funds listed here.
Albert and Mary Kleinman Memorial Scholarship Fund
Alexander Family Fund
Alfred and Anita Valenzula Memorial Scholarship Fund
Andrew A. Klughartt Memorial Scholarship Fund
Andrew S. Hagedorn Scholarship Fund
Arrupe Jesuit Community Scholarship Fund
Beach H. Tuckness Memorial Endowment Fund
Bernard J. Glynn Scholarship
Bernie and Sue Dierks Memorial Scholarship Fund
Bessenbacher Family Endowment Fund
Bickimer/Franck Memorial Scholarship
Bill Rockers Fund
Bourk Family Endowment Fund
Bowen Family Memorial Scholarship Fund
Br. Lawrence W. Eilert, S.J. Scholarship
Brain McCann Family Foundation
Brenneman Family Endowment Fund
Brian M. Anselmo Memorial Scholarship Fund
Brian P. Euston Memorial Endowment Fund
Brown Family Scholarship Fund
Ways to create a named investment fund, outside of a cash gift or pledge, include estate gifts and gifts of stock. To learn more, visit rockhursths.edu/give.
Bryan A. Gromowsky Memorial Scholarship Fund
Bryan Funk Memorial Scholarship
Cavanaugh Family Scholarship Fund
Charles and Mary Regan Endowment Fund, Honoring Rev. Robert L. Poirier, S.J.
Charles G. Haake, Jr. Scholarship Fund
Christopher Camarena Memorial Scholarship Fund
Class of 1956 Endowment Fund
Class of 1962 Financial Aid Fund
Class of 1968 Endowment Fund
Class of 1970 Scholarship Fund
Class of 1974 Scholarship
Class of 1978 Endowment Fund
Cosentino Family Scholarship Fund
Daniel W. Campbell Memorial Trust
Dehaemers Family Endowment Fund
Dominic L. Passantino Memorial Scholarship Fund
Don and Evelyn Foley Fund
*Donald Joseph Clarkson Memorial Scholarship Fund
Donnelly Family Scholarship Fund
Drs. William and Louise Barry Endowment Fund
Ed and Vi Stein and Children’s Endowment Fund
Edward J. Reardon Memorial Scholarship Fund
Elizabeth and John Travalent Endowment Fund
Emmett and Barry Scanlan Scholarship
Evans Family Endowment Fund
Find A Way Scholarship Fund Honoring Tony and Marilyn Severino
*Forster-Powers Scholarship Fund
Francis J. Brosnahan Scholarship Fund
Frederick W. Hess, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund
Gabriel M. and Michael A. Rieke Memorial Endowment
Gabriel T. Van Boven Endowment Fund
Gary C. Batz Memorial Fund
Gene and Mary Lib McGannon Scholarship Fund
Gene and Peggy Freeman Scholarship Fund
General Endowment Fund
George B. Byrnes Scholarship
George P. Reintjes Memorial Scholarship
Goppert Endowment Fund
Greg A. Wilkerson Memorial Scholarship
Hager Family Scholarship Fund
Hal J. Reno Memorial Scholarship Fund
Harrison Thomas Rupp Memorial Endowment Fund
Named Investment Funds 2024-25
Named Investment Funds provide critical financial support in the form of annual scholarships from their combined invested earnings. These funds - established as Board-Designated Funds - are legally entrusted donated asset(s) to Rockhurst High School for permanent pooled investment. In the current year, the minimum threshold to establish a Named Investment Fund is $300,000.
At this level, after a year of healthy investment, a single fund might provide up to $15,000 in scholarship assistance, calculated on the current 5.00% spending rate. We remain grateful for the significant investment and trust placed in Rockhurst High School by the individuals and families indicated in the following roster.
Hawley Family Endowment Fund
Henry J. Massman, III Scholarship Fund
Holland Family Memorial Scholarship
Howard M. Mayer Memorial Scholarship Fund
Hurtado Scholars Program Fund
Hurtado Scholars Tuition Assistance Fund
Ismert Family Endowment Fund
J. Bernard Finucane Memorial Endowment Fund
Jack and Martha Spence Endowment Fund
*Jack S. Accurso Memorial Scholarship Fund
Jake Marsh Disabilities Fund
James F. Haake Memorial Endowment Fund
James H. Hess Memorial Endowment Fund
James M. Gorman Memorial Endowment Fund
James M. Kuklenski Memorial Scholarship
James T. Glynn Family Scholarship Fund
Janice and William E. Clarkson, Sr. Memorial Endowment Fund
Jeanne & Byron Thompson Family Scholarship Fund (3)
Jed & Sharon Ervin Scholarship Fund
Jim and Joanie McLaughlin Family Endowment Fund
Jim Kennedy Memorial Scholarship
John and Sandra Hess Faculty and Staff Development Fund
John and Sandra Hess Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund
John E. Grier Memorial Endowment Fund
John J. Gramlich Memorial Endowment Fund
John J. Kopp Scholarship Fund
John J. Reichmeier Memorial Endowment Fund
John M. Lillis Memorial Endowment Fund
John Sherman Fund
John Wilkerson Memorial Scholarship Fund
Joseph Patrick McCormick Memorial Scholarship Fund
Joseph S. Geisel, III Memorial Scholarship Fund
Joseph Sr. and Maureen Gravino Memorial Endowment Fund
Kahn Family Scholarship Fund
Kairos Retreat Fund
Kathie Pazell Memorial Fund
Kelly Family Foundation Scholarship Fund
L. Alton Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund
Larry E. Ruby Family Endowment Fund
Laughlin Scholars Fund
Lauren’s Fund
Laurence Wade Freeman Man for Others Fund
Laurie and George McLiney Family Scholarship Fund
Lawrence D. Love Memorial Scholarship Fund
Leiker Scholarship Fund
Leonard G. Seck Scholarship Fund
Lou B. Anderson Memorial Scholarship Fund
*Louis B. McGee Memorial Scholarship Fund
Louis R. Trigg Scholarship Fund
Luke Bresette Memorial Endowment Fund
M. Kelley Wilson Memorial Scholarship Fund
Mabel Batchel Scholarship Fund
Mallouk Family Scholars Fund
Manuel A. Deleon Memorial Scholarship
Marcia and Brien Boggess Scholarship Fund
Margaret and Frank McGee Memorial Scholarship Fund
Marie and Henry Zahner Memorial Scholarship Fund
Mary Liston Family Memorial
Matthew C. McGilley Memorial Endowment Fund
Matthew McCullough Scholarship
Matthew W. Bloskey Memorial Scholarship Fund
McAnany Family Scholarship Fund
McDonnell Family Scholarship
McGurren Family Endowment Fund
McKibbin Family Scholarship Fund
McMahon Family Scholarship
McNamara Family Scholarship
Meiners-Hodes Family Scholarship Fund
Michael Mangan Scholarship Fund
Michael Patrick Sullivan Fund
Mike Darby Financial Aid Fund
Miller Family Scholarship Fund
Mother’s Club Scholarship Fund
New England Alumni Scholarship Fund
Nicholas S. Callegari Endowment Fund
Parents’ Club Scholarship
Paul G. Damon Memorial Scholarship Fund
Peakes Family Endowment Fund
Philip and Mary Gravino Scholarship Fund
Phillips Family Scholarship Fund
Pierce M. Lawless Memorial Scholarship Fund
Raymond and Helen Sonnenberg Family Scholarship
REP Scholarship Fund
Rev. Charles E. Sullivan, S.J. Scholarship Endowment
Rev. Luke J. Byrne, S.J. ’52 Memorial Scholarship Fund
Rev. Mario T. Puricelli, S.J. Scholarship Fund
Rev. Ron Windmeuller, S.J. Memorial Fund
Rev. Terrence A. Baum, S.J. Endowment Fund
Rev. Thomas A. Pesci, S.J. Ignatian Scholarship Fund
Rev. Thomas W. Cummings, S.J. Scholarship Fund
Rev. William Steiner, S.J. Scholarship
Richard and Bernadette Miller Scholarship Fund
Richard F. Bennett Scholarship Fund
Richard Joseph Donnelly Fund
Robert J. and Joan E. Metzler Scholarship Fund
Robert M. Ryan Endowment Fund
Robert W. and Helen C. Jantsch Scholarship Fund
Roche Family Scholarship Fund
Rockette’s Fund
Rockfest Scholarship
Saint Robert P. Bellarmine Scholarship Fund
Sam Saviano Memorial Scholarship Fund
Samuel L. Woodell Memorial Scholarship Fund
Sean S. Fitzgerald Memorial Scholarship Fund
Shea Family Scholarship
St. Francis Xavier Memorial Scholarship
St. Peter Claver Jesuit Community Scholarship
Stephen M. McGannon Memorial Scholarship Fund
Stephen Neenan Memorial Scholarship Fund
Steven J. Adams Memorial Fund Student Council Scholarship
Susie Haake Memorial Food Assistance Fund
*T. Michael and Janet Lillis Memorial Scholarship Fund
Teahan Family Endowment Fund
The Brannan Scholarship
The Jim and Kathy Polsinelli Hurtado Scholars Program Fund
The Kilker Fund
The McGee Book Fund
The Murphy Brothers Endowment Fund
The Rev. William T. Sheahan, S.J. Scholarship
The Reverends Tom and John Divine, S.J. Faculty Compensation Fund
The Richard B. and Kathleen S. Connor Scholarship Fund
Thomas E. Murphy, III Endowment Fund
Thomas M. Murphy Faculty Development Fund
Thomas R. McGee, Sr. Leadership Incentive Award
Tom and Deb Swenson Fund
Tommy Simone Memorial Scholarship Fund
Twenty-Five Year Class Endowment
Tyler Bradley Hansen Memorial Scholarship
Van Dyke Family Endowment Fund
Vines/McCarthy Endowment Fund
Weiford Family Scholarship Fund
Wholey Family Endowment Fund
William E. Franke Memorial Scholarship Fund
William J. McGraw Memorial Scholarship Fund
Gold text indicates a fund created between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025
An asterisk (*) indicates a legally-restricted Named Investment Fund
Named Investment Funds
The following funds have been committed to Rockhurst High School by intention of the donor to fund a scholarship with a legacy giving vehicle (i.e., an estate gift, an annuity or charitable remainder or lead trust, etc.).
Robert P. and Ellen J. McCarthy Endowment Fund
Wyatt Joseph Hawkinson Scholarship
Named Intent Funds
Named Intent Funds are created with a gift of $50,000 or more to support specific programs, financial assistance, and/or to recognize a loved one. These funds are spent out annually in the fiscal year they are received, applied to the designated purpose as established when the fund was created. For every year after the fund is established that any gift/gifts is/are received to the fund, the fund name will appear on the donor roster, thus perpetuating the memory, honor, and impact as intended by the founding donor(s).
Connor Phillips ’17 Memorial Fund
Day 2 Leadership Development Fund
Garcia Immigration Law Firm Fund
Judie Scanlon Memorial Scholarship Fund
For more information or to inquire about establishing a Named Invested Fund or a Named Intent Fund, contact Mark Blanck ’98, Vice President of Philanthropy & Engagement (mblanck@rockhursths.edu); Diane Marty, EdD, CFRE , Executive Vice President of Strategic Planning / Vice President of Philanthropic Investments (dmarty@ rockhursths.edu); or Meredith Suarez, Director of Alumni Engagement (msuarez@rockhursths.edu).
Members of the great Class of 1969 returned to Rockhurst over October 9-12, 2024 to celebrate their 55th Reunion. The class is nearing its $350,000 goal for the Class of 1969 Scholarship.
The great Class of 1970 reunited in 2021 for their Golden Jubilee, after it was postponed for a year. The group created a scholarship with a goal of $150,000 at the time, which is now nearing the $300,000 mark.
Alumni in the Massachusetts area gathered for a dinner hosted by Ken Felter ’68 (far right) on November 18, 2024. Felter announced the New England Scholarship Fund with a goal of $300,000, with Felter pledging to match up to $150,000 as a challenge gift.
Alumni Lead Scholarship and Fund Efforts
Rockhurst alumni understand how their experience at The Rock helped shape the rest of their lives. Acknowledging the positive impact and lifelong relationships formed over their four years, many vow to ensure that the same opportunities are possible for all students who want to attend Rockhurst. That has become even more true in the last year after Rockhurst announced its commitment to meet 100% of exhibited financial need.
Nearly 200 Named Investment Funds exist to help make the Rockhurst experience possible for young men of all backgrounds. An alumni connection exists in just about every one of those funds. Below are just a few that have recent updates in aiding current and future Hawklets.
Ken Felter ’68 hosted a Massachusetts alumni reception at Monteverdi restaurant in Cambridge on November 18, 2024. The first-ever alumni gathering in New England attracted more than 20 Rockhurst alumni spanning seven decades of graduating classes, 1966 through 2023. At the reception, Felter announced the launch of the New England Scholarship Fund. The goal is to raise a total of $300,000 from New England alumni to permanently endow a scholarship to benefit academically qualified students whose families need financial assistance to attend Rockhurst.
At the time of print, The Class of 1969 Scholarship is nearing the finish line of the $350,000 goal. In honor of their 55th Reunion in the fall of 2024, the class formed an eight-member steering committee - Gary Bennett , Joe Clabots, Bob Cotter,
Ken Hager, Mark McGilley, Jerry Reardon, Gary Smith, and John Whitaker to help lead the charge.
In celebration of its Golden Jubilee in 2020, the great Class of 1970 created the Class of 1970 Scholarship with a goal of $150,000. Now five years later, the same scholarship is approaching a new milestone of $300,000 as the group prepares for their 55th Reunion this fall. And in honor of the reunion year, an anonymous alumnus agreed to match up to $10,000 for all gifts received or pledged to the fund in 2025.
The Class of 1974 Scholarship, led by Steering Committee Chairman Tim Metzler ’74, continues to progress toward their $350,000 goal. With class participation being a big component of the fund, the class has the highest participation of alumni donors of any existing class scholarship with over 70 individual alumni donors.
If you would like to learn more about these scholarships and funds supporting Rockhurst, please contact Mark Blanck ’98, Vice President of Philanthropy & Engagement at 816.363.2036 x553 or mblanck@rockhursths.edu.
As part of their 50th Reunion in October 2024, the great Class of 1974 enjoyed a round of golf at Heritage Park. These Hawklets started the Class of 1974 Scholarship, which is approaching their $350,000 goal.
Day 2 Leadership Fund Dedicated to Coach Winkeler
For many, Paul Winkeler has been this once-in-a-lifetime presence through The Rock. Through his tireless commitment to Rockhurst, to Jesuit ideals, and to the development of each Hawklet into a “man for others”, he has impacted literally generations of students – and their families – through his selfless mission-centric servanthood.
Consider the imprint of Winkeler’s involvement through the AquaHawks. Baseball. Hockey. Conservation Club. Countless Kairos Retreats. Service learning and volunteerism through Eagle Scout projects, Ignatian service, and through the indoor and outdoor science labs and classrooms.
In all of his endeavors, Winkeler fosters leadership skills while educating and forming young men at Rockhurst High School. He has also helped to educate and form the parents, mentors, and role models of the AquaHawks, as well as their Rock Brothers.
“Coach Wink means the absolute world to me. I was lucky to have him as a coach and mentor in high school and the impact he had on me in those formative years was tremendous and lasting,” said Matthew Margritier ’11, the most decorated swimmer in AquaHawk history, and Rockhurst Assistant Coach under Winkeler since 2017. “Now I am incredibly grateful to be on the coaching staff with him and call him my friend. There is no one I would rather turn to for advice or a listening ear, and he brings out the very best in me. Words could never truly encompass all he has done for me and all of those whose lives he touches.”
The answer to all of these is yes. And – because this fund will support a myriad of school operations where Wink is involved, gifts to this fund are considered and receipted as gifts to the Eyrie Fund designated for in courses or activities where Coach Winkeler is involved.
“Even as we know that Paul will likely cringe at the thought, we want to honor him and his involvement in the education and formation of so many students across his storied tenure,” shared the AquaHawk Families. “We invite you to think about the influence Coach/Educator/Moderator/Role Model Winkeler has had in your own family’s life and consider making a gift to the Day 2 Leadership Development Fund today.”
Winkeler responded to the announcement of the fund as most would expect – with genuine appreciation, and focus on those who will benefit from the support.
In creating the Day 2 Leadership Development Fund, it is the stated intent of AquaHawk Families to honor Paul Winkeler for his talents in caring for everyone in the Rockhurst Eyrie and for challenging all in his midst to celebrate our accomplishments today while challenging ourselves to ask, “What about Day 2? What will I do tomorrow?”
As a spend-through fund (meaning that all gifts received will be expended in the fiscal year of their receipt), gifts to the Day 2 Leadership Development Fund will create direct impact for students and the school by supporting the myriad operations where Winkeler’s influence is felt. Questions about the fund may include:
• Will this fund support the areas where Wink teaches?
• Will this fund support the areas where Wink coaches?
• Will this fund support the non-athletic co-curriculars (clubs, service projects) where Wink is involved?
“While I was deeply moved by the generosity of so many people, I am just so thankful that this benefits the students of Rockhurst. I am humbled, but like each of you, the boys at Rockhurst bring so much to my life that I’m glad that I can do something to give back to them,” wrote Winkeler in his AquaHawk Alumni Facebook group in April following the fund’s announcement. “For Rockhurst, alumni keep our school functioning and allow us to continue to create the same positive experiences for our students that impacted each of you. Without the alumni, there would be no Rockhurst.”
Learn more and make a gift at rockhursths.edu/Day2
Scan to make a gift to the Day 2 Leadership Fund in honor of Coach Paul Winkeler.
Perhaps once in a lifetime any of us will be lucky enough to encounter an educator who literally changes our life. At Rockhurst, we have an entire Hawk’s nest of these wonderful teachers, mentors, confidantes, and friends.
The AquaHawks participate in the annual Christmas In October day of service, improving living conditions for neighbors in Kansas City. Coach Winkeler notes this as the group’s favorite day of the season each year.
Since joining the Rockhurst faculty in 1999, Paul Winkeler has served in countless roles at the school, including Head Swim & Dive Coach and Science Department Chair.
ALUMNI ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Richard Henige ’71 was awarded with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). This recognition of Henige’s remarkable 47-year career in structural engineering celebrates the indelible mark he has left on the industry with significant contributions to the field.
Gerard Grimaldi ’77 was one of four distinguished Missourians honored with the Mel and Jean Carnahan Public Service Awards, recognizing their dedication and contributions to the state. Grimaldi is the Chief of Health Policy and Government Relations for the University Health/Truman Medical Centers, and is a long-time leader in protecting Missourians’ access to affordable healthcare.
Mark Stipetich ’71 was selected to the Baseball WA (Western Australia) Hall of Fame. Stipetich was dominant both on the mound and at the plate while he played in the State League from 1976-1980. He won three consecutive President’s Medals (BWA League MVP) and four club MVP Awards. Stipetich had a 63-4 win/loss record with a 1.08 ERA, plus a .368 batting average.
James Grimaldi ’80 was conferred the honorary degree Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa from Creighton University. Grimaldi is Executive Editor of the National Catholic Reporter (NCR). He was given this honorary degree “in recognition of his decades of public service as an investigative journalist, ongoing work covering the important issues facing the Catholic Church, longstanding commitment to protecting freedom of speech and dedication to forming young men and women into discerning leaders in the field of journalism.”
Gib Bourk ’74 was promoted to Vice President and General Counsel for PBI and its subsidiaries, PBI-Gordon Corporation, Pegasus Laboratories, and Pet-Ag, Inc. Bourk joined PBI in 2019 as the Senior Director of the PBI legal department and reports directly to Steve Clifford ’79, President and CEO of PBIGordon Companies.
Kevin Connor ’81 announced his retirement from AMC Entertainment following a 23-year career as Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary. Connor joined AMC in 2002 and played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and transformation, providing legal oversight for significant milestones.
Gib Kerr ’81, Managing Director of Cushman & Wakefield’s Kansas City office, was the focus of the Kansas City Business Journal’s Real Estate Quarterly feature. Kerr has brokered more than $2.2 billion in downtown Kansas City projects during the past 10 years, in a local real estate career dating back to 1992.
John Gromowsky ’85 was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for Jackson County in the 16th Judicial Circuit. Gromowsky is a seasoned attorney with extensive experience in both prosecution and defense. He began his career serving in the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office as a Drug Task Force Prosecutor, Community Prosecutor, and Violent Crimes Unit attorney before going into private practice.
Emmet Pierson, Jr. ’84 was selected as The Voice’s 2024 Person of the Year. Pierson is the President and CEO of Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC), and is recognized for his leadership in challenging times and continued commitment to economic development and opportunities on KC’s predominantly Black east side. Under Pierson’s guidance, CBKC has become KC’s largest urban core developer.
Brian Schorgl ’87, owner of O’Neill’s Restaurant and Bar, celebrated the restaurant’s 25th year in business. With the help of his family, Schorgl opened O’Neill’s in Prairie Village in March 2000. The restaurant, originally at 4016 W. 95th St., moved across Mission Road to its current location at the Ranch Mart North shopping center in 2009.
Pete Browne ’85 was elected as President of the Heavy Constructors Association. Browne is the Co-Founder and President of Kissick Construction Company, and brings over 30 years of experience and leadership in the construction industry to this new role. He also serves as the President of the Board for the Kansas City Public Library, Board Member for The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and member of the KCUR Community Advisory Board.
Tom Knox ’88 was inducted into the Rockhurst University Athletics Hall of Fame. Knox played soccer for the Hawks from 1988-1991 and was a member of three straight NAIA National Tournament teams. He was a two-time NAIA All-District and All-Area selection. In 1991, he was selected as an NAIA All-American. Knox finished his career with 37 goals and 20 assists, and was drafted by the KC Attack (Major League Indoor Soccer) and played five seasons in the MISL.
Nick Griffin ’85 was featured in IN Kansas City Magazine’s “IN Conversation”. Griffin lives in New York City as a standup comedian, which he’s been doing for 35 years. He has notched 11 appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman among many late-night TV sets for hosts including Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert, and Conan O’Brien.
John Owen ’95 is the CEO of Overland Park-based private aircraft services provider Airshare. He was highlighted in the Kansas City Business Journal for his company, now managing about 140 aircraft, providing private flights to New Orleans for the Super Bowl.
Eric Vossman ’02 was named to Kansas City Business Journal’s list of “20 to Know” in construction. Vossman became President of McAnany Construction in 2017, and has since guided the company through its acquisition of a concrete company in De Soto in March that grew its team to 170 local employees. He leads the company alongside Ben McAnany ’08, Vice President.
Brandon Shelby ’00 was named the Defensive Backs Coach for KU Football. He joined the Jayhawks’ staff in 2024 as an analyst following 13 seasons at Indiana. In total, Shelby has more than 18 years of coaching experience, including stints at the University of Oklahoma, Portland State University, and the University of San Diego.
Sal Marsala ’03 started his own agency of Goosehead Insurance (The Marsala Agency) in Scottsdale, AZ. With access to over 40 carriers, The Marsala Agency works to bring clients the best coverage in home auto, renters, motorcycle, watercraft, umbrella, term life, and small business. The agency is licensed in Arizona, Kansas, and Missouri.
Michael Nigro ’01 was promoted to Vice President of Sales & Client Success at Rx Savings Solutions in Overland Park. He has been with the company for over four years. In his new role, Nigro will assume responsibility for growth and client retention.
Cory Van Dyke ’03 is part of the 2025 Leadership Team for the American Cancer Society - Kansas. VanDyke joined the Chairman’s Circle Kansas City Board as one of three Subcommittee Chairs. VanDyke is a shareholder at Polsinelli Law Firm in Kansas City.
Jeff Angold ’02 and Patrick Roth ’05 lead
The Angold Roth Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley, which was named to the Forbes list of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors for Missouri in 2025. The team was also included on the same list in 2023 and 2024.
John Mumford ’04 has been named Director of the Value Creation Team at Five Elms Capital in Kansas City. Mumford has been with the company since November 2024. The Value Creation Team works to expand reach and build stronger partnerships throughout the portfolio.
Steve Redmond ’04 released his book, Proverbs for the Faith Driven Athlete. It is a powerful playbook designed to challenge your thinking, inspire you to action, and equip competitors to honor God, embrace discipline, and commit to excellence –not just in sports, but in life. Redmond is a Licensed Realtor in Gladstone, MO with REMAX Revolution and also owns Cornerstone Athletics, LLC.
Jeff Barthouse ’05, Mark Davidson ’05, Mike Wirtz ’05, and Quinn Damon ’08 were selected to Ingram’s 40 Under Forty Class of 2025. Barnthouse is a Partner and Wealth Manager at Creative Planning. Davidson is Vice President, Corporate Controller and Head of Treasury at MGP Ingredients. Wirtz is the Controller for VanTrust Real Estate. Damon is an Executive Vice President and Partner at Lockton.
Jack Euston ’08 is the Co-Founder and General Partner at Fountain Health Partners, based out of Kansas City and Boston. Euston previously worked at Citizens Financial Group, Inc. for over eight years, serving as the company’s Director - Healthcare for his final 2.5 years before moving on to Director of MBF Healthcare Partners. He then decided to start his own company.
John Fryer ’08 was named to Modern Healthcare’s 40 Under 40 list. Fryer is the Chief Growth and Corporate Development Officer of Lumeris, a healthcare technology company. Based out of the Denver, CO office, Fryer also serves as President of Tribus, powered by Lumeris. Fryer has been with the company for almost eight years.
Brian McGannon ’05 has moved to Greenville, SC to join the Greenville Swamp Rabbits as the team’s Vice President of External Affairs. The Swamp Rabbits are part of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL). From 2019-20, McGannon served as the Director of Communications for the Kansas City Mavericks hockey team. Most recently, he was the Communications Manager for Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun for 2.5 years.
Jack Caffrey ’09 has been named the Chief Financial Officer of SOFTwarfare, a leading innovator in the cybersecurity sector, based in Overland Park, KS. Prior to joining SOFTwarfare, Caffrey served as Vice President of Finance at Rx Savings Solutions where he played a crucial role in streamlining and enhancing its financial operations.
Scott Bluhm ’07 was named Broker of the Year by REjournals at the Midwest RE News 2025 Real Estate Awards. Bluhm is a Senior Managing Director with Newmark Zimmer in Kansas City. He has been with Newmark/Zimmer companies for over 13 years.
Taylor Jantsz ’09 was named Senior Vice President for Finance and Budget and Chief Financial Officer at New York University, effective Feb. 3, 2025. Jantz joined NYU after working at the University of Florida as the Senior Vice President, CFO, and University Secretary.
Drew Agnello ’15 has joined Lockton as an Associate Producer, specializing in Property and Casualty, in Kansas City. He brings a strong background of industry experience and passion for cultivating relationships. Most recently, Agnello was a Vice President with Accordion.
Max Kaniger ’09 expanded the support of his company, Kanbe’s Markets, to Kansas. With grants from the Reinvestment Fund’s HFFI Planning Grant Program and the Kansas Health Foundation, Kanbe’s is bringing its Healthy Corner Stores to 25 locations in Wyandotte County. This expansion allows Kanbe’s to distribute fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables to 100,000 more residents, many with limited access to grocery stores.
Paul Odu ’18 accepted a Summer 2025 Judicial Internship with Judge Amit Mehta in Washington, D.C. Odu is working toward his J.D. at the University of Chicago Law School. He graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2022 with degrees in Economics and Constitutional Democracy and a minor in History and a Multicultural Certificate. He then earned his Masters of Philosophy from the University of Cambridge
Nate Scheelhaase ’09 was named to The Athletic’s 50 Under 40 list, highlighting rising coaches, executives, and other NFL personalities in the league. Scheelhaase was recently promoted to Pass Game Coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams after joining the staff prior to the 2024 season as an Offensive Assistant and Pass Game Specialist. An anonymous NFL executive told The Athletic that Scheelhaase “will be a head coach in two years.”
Caden McLagan ’20 signed his first professional soccer contract. McLagan joined Grótta in the town of Seltjarnarnes in the Capital Region of Iceland. His brother, Kyle McLagan ’14, also plays in Iceland, currently with Fram Reykjavik. Caden played collegiately at the University of St. Thomas and Columbia College. As a defender, he was selected to the All-AMC 1st Team while at Columbia College and was also a CSC Academic All-American.
Matt Winterhalter ’09 joined Edward Jones as a Financial Advisor in Lenexa, KS. After spending 10 years as a Choir Director and Organist in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Winterhalter moved to helping people stay on track toward meeting their financial goals.
Joseph Tutera, Jr. ’20 is the Co-Founder and CEO of CarePilot, a startup with the mission to bring AI and automation to smaller medical clinics that don’t always have access to cutting-edge technology. Tutera and his team, which includes Tanner Helton ’20 as a Co-Founder and the VP of Engineering, hopes to grow CarePilot in 2025 from 60-plus clients to 200, while also adding more engineers to the team.
James Reintjes ’21, a senior at the University of Notre Dame, was named a 2025 Yenching Scholar. He is one of 114 Yenching Scholars overall, representing 40 countries and regions around the globe. He is Notre Dame’s 12th Yenching Scholar and its 9th since 2018. The Yenching Scholarship is a selective graduate program at the Yenching Academy of Peking University in Beijing, China. The program, which started in 2015, provides Yenching Scholars with full scholarships for a two-years master’s degree from Peking University.
Will King ’22 was featured on the University of Kansas’ Wave The Wheat as “KU’s best (only?) molecular cellular developmental biologist golfer.” King is the first pre-med major under KU Head Golf Coach Jamie Bermel, who has been the head coach for more than three decades across four universities. On the course, he is one of the Jayhawks’ top golfers. As a sophomore he was KU’s top individual at the Big 12 Championship, tying for 8th place. In the fall season of his junior year, King carried a scoring average of 71.07 in six events.
Andrew Murga ’22 was elected as the next Student Body President at the University of Kansas. He was sworn in on April 30. With 65 senators and 10 executive staff members, the Student Senate allocates approximately $24 million in student fees to support initiatives and services that matter most to students. The group serves as the official student voice at the university, state, and national levels, working to develop policies in students’ best interests.
Angel Becerra ’24, a freshman at Georgetown University, was named Director of Uncommon Grounds (UG) on the campus of Georgetown. UG is a coffeehouse that is run by Students of Georgetown Inc. (The Corp), a non-profit charitable organization at the school consisting of eight subsidiary companies generating annual revenues in excess of $4 million, employing around 300 Georgetown undergraduates and funding tens of thousands in philanthropic work.
Alumni Marriages
Births
Conner Smith ’03 and Sarah Dill
Scott Finucane ’07 and Anna Franke
Mark Boushka ’11 and Bianca Gallub
Robert Keenan ’11 and Margaret Merrell
Bryan Ezell ’13 and Betsy Snell
Greg Watkins ’15 and Caroline Bourquin
Adrian Pulido ’98 and Iris, a son, Marco
Paul Damon ’02 and Catherine, a daughter, Charlotte Elizabeth
Jimmy Goetz ’02 and Nicolette, a son, James Patrick III
Ryan Melgaard ’03 and Lauren, a daughter, Merritt Joan
Conner Smith ’03 and Sarah, a daughter, Sarah James
Brian Illig ’04 and Michelle, a daughter, Ariella Rosaria
John Mumford ’04 and Anne, a daughter, Reagan Claire
John Nagle ’05 and Callie, a daughter, Elizabeth Michelle
Ryan Brenneman ’06 and Carey, a son, Finn Wallace
Mike Burns ’06 and Beth, a son, John James
Tom Herring ’07 and Andie, a son, James Thomas
Paul Boushka ’08 and Taylor, a son, Jackson Richard
Alex Cowan ’08 and Abigail, a daughter, Frances Louise
Jack Euston ’08 and Taryn, a daughter, Eleanor Ruby
John Fitzpatrick ’08 and Julia, a son, Leland James
Parker Klinginsmith ’08 and Liz, a son, Louis Robert
Michael Looney ’08 and Amy, a son, Mark Jack
Joe Tulipana ’08 and Maggie, a son, Joseph Miller
Matt Winterhalter ’09 and Ariel, a son, John Paul
Adam Ungashick ’09 and Victoria, a daughter, Katherine Lucy
Kevin Jantsch ’12 and Taylor, a daughter, Jovie Evelyn
Padraig Flanagan ’17 and Gabrielle, daughters, Evelyn Colette and Nora Ann
In Memoriam
Alumni
Dr. Mick Himmelberg III ’48
John Male ’49
John Benson ’50
Jim Runyan, Jr. ’50
Fr. Curtis Van Del, SJ ’51
Joe Fleming ’52
Frank Bader ’55
Fritz Gastreich ’55
John Redmond ’55
Gary Vogelbaugh ’55
Bob Reece ’56
Tim Eagan ’57
George Hager, Jr. ’57
Jim Healy ’57
Ronald Hopkins ’58
Tom Gordon ’59
Dr. John Gorton ’59
Col. Joe Singleton ’60
David Hokanson ’65
Russ Mullin ’65
Pat Dobel ’66
Dr. Rick Pribyl ’66
Virgil Staponski, Sr. ’67
Claude Aldridge ’68
Steve Daly ’72
Mike Pendergast ’74
John Prather ’74
John LaPorta ’75
Jim Nelson ’75
John Shields ’75
Mark Redmond ’83
Danny Neenan ’03
Friends
Maria Accurso
Ciro Badami
Richard Brown
Coly Bryant
Ethan Burke
Sal Cali
Sandy Cory
Mike Edler
Jackson Erwin
Rosemary Fladung
Daniel Flavin, Jr.
Rinaldo Geldhof
Steve Gwartney
Mary Pat Hanger
Margaret Hardy
Mary Heiman
Charlotte Humphrey
Mike Igoe
Jo Kleinman
Fr. Jim Knapp, SJ
Helen Kopulos
Fall 2024 Rock News correction: Rockhurst’s Philanthropy & Engagement Team made an egregious error as a result of a miscommunication. Tim Kelley ’70 was listed in the “AlumniIn Memoriam” section of the magazine. Thankfully, Tim Kelley is very much alive. The P&E Team apologizes to Tim, his Class of 1970 classmates, and all of Tim’s family and friends for the mistake
Linda Kowalczyk
John Paul Laramie
Linda LaTona
Carol Lynn
Bob McShane
Bernice Migliazzo
Sam Neenan
Mary Nigro
Anthony Romano
Dorothy Schmidt
Peggy Scovil
Robert Slater
Mary Jo Smith
Larry Verbon
Fr. Jim White, SJ
Fred Yeager
A WORD FROM THE PRINCIPCAL
Principal Fr. Vincent Giacabazi, SJ, presided over the celebration of Mass at the 109th Commencement Exercises on May 18. Fr. Giacabazi has been called by the Society of Jesus to serve as the next President of Jesuit High School in Tampa, FL.
Dear Rockhurst Community,
From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace.
This verse comes from the prologue of the Gospel according to John. As a lifelong learner, open to continuous growth, I only more recently understood – in a deep-down way – what this passage means, at least for me.
Consoled
That’s the best word, I think, to name the feeling inside my chest when I revisit – in my prayerful imagination, in a kind of extended examen – the various classrooms and corridors, the individual persons, places, and moments where our talented faculty and staff and our wonderfully gifted students allow their lights to shine brightly, to the greater glory of God. Looking back, ten years to the present, I am indeed consoled, comforted, at peace.
God has shone His light upon our boys and wider community, filling them and us up with divine love, so much so that the natural inclination of the students especially is to generously give of themselves in whatsoever focused task they engage, from group projects in our Entrepreneurialism for Others courses, to playing offense or defence in any given competition whether athletic or other co-curricular opportunities, from the Saint Joseph of Arimathea Society burying the cremains of the indigent dead of Jackson County, to service-immersion trips to as far away as Guatemala and Mexico and as close as Tennessee and even here at home in KC, from class Masses and all-school Masses, to serving as peer ministers in our four-year retreat program, from rising to some of the greatest academic achievements ever seen at Rockhurst, to just having great fun at spirit assemblies and home games and matches.
Along with my fellow Jesuits, loving and serving the boys of Rockhurst and their families has been, for me, the greatest
honor and joy of my life. And, to observe the barely countable daily achievements in human flourishing of our boys, in the Catholic and Jesuit traditions – let alone the immeasurable ones throughout the course of even a single school year – is a consoling privilege, whereby I, in a secondary sense, in comparison to the boys, receive from Christ “grace in place of grace.”
In sum, the uncountable, consoling graces being offered at every moment to individuals and to our wider Rockhurst High School community continue to console my heart and to fill me with overwhelming gratitude to our Lord, our holy Father, our almighty and eternal God.
If indeed it is the case that, as is attributed to the second century Church Father Saint Irenaeus, “The glory of God is man fully alive,” I am confident in and consoled by the fact that our boys are surrounding God – who is Father, Son, and Spirit – by reflecting God’s marvelously brilliant light back unto Him.
In the consolation that comes from the Way, the Truth, and the Life: Come, let us worship the one true God, whose onlybegotten Son received from the Father the fullness of grace; from the Divine Son, we, too, are sharers in this fullness with “grace in place of grace.”
Thanks for a consoling ten years!
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam,
Fr. Vincent Giacabazi, S.J. Principal, Rockhurst High School
Rockhurst Honors Departing Jesuits and Faculty
Rockhurst held its annual Mass of Thanksgiving on April 30, recognizing members of the faculty and staff celebrating significant years of service, and thanking departing members of Team Rock.
5 Years of service
Austin Barnes, Lari Bunch, Matt Crowson, Alex Dobens ’08, Kelly Donohoe, Tom Kruse, Shawn Schmezle ’88
10 Years of service
Mark Blanck ’98, Dirk Lawson, Tim Nendick ’08, Martin Radosevic, Alan Ratermann, Dan Shaver, Lisa Weis
20 Years of service
25 Years of service
Luke McLellan ’00, Matt Nickson, Loretta Verbanic
Jeremy McElduff, Mike Sullivan ’84, Mike Wickenhauser
The school also thanked and offered best wishes to two faculty/staff members who were retiring after the end of the school year: CJ Armenta (Mathematics Faculty) and Steven Robbins (Swim & Dive Assistant Coach).
Rockhurst also recognized faculty/staff members who would be departing RHS: Ali Cooper (School Counselor), and Dr. Philip Nahlik, SJ, and Ignatius Nguyen, SJ, both of whom were on three-year Missions to Rockhurst as Jesuit Regents.
And finally, the school celebrated two Jesuit priests who faithfully served Rockhurst High School and were being called elsewhere by the Society of Jesus.
Fr. Vincent Giacabazi, SJ, was selected as the next President of Jesuit High School in Tampa, FL in January. Fr. Giacabazi joined the Rockhurst Community in 2004 for a year of Alumni
Service Corps (ASC) volunteer service. He later returned in 2015 as a priest. He served Rockhurst for the next 10 years, with the last six as Principal.
Fr. Tom Pesci, SJ, led Rockhurst High School as its President from 1993-2004. He was missioned to The Rock in 2022 to assist in the school’s strategic planning, Sacramental community life, and alumni and donor relations. He was called to join the Jesuit Community at Loyola University in Baltimore, MD.
These men and women honored at the Mass of Thanksgiving combined for 295 years of service to the young men of Rockhurst High School.
Brendan Ortbals ’26, Student Body President-Elect, presented Fr. Vincent Giacabazi, SJ, with posters that included messages of gratitude from students at the final pep rally of the school year on May 16. Fr. Giacabazi will serve as the President of Jesuit High School in Tampa, FL.
Faculty/staff members who were
for completing 25
of
celebrated
years
service at Rockhurst, with Principal Fr. Vincent Giacabazi, SJ, and President David Laughlin: (L-R) Mike Wickenhauser, Mike Sullivan ’84, and Jeremy McElduff.
President David Laughlin thanked retiree CJ Armenta for his dedicated service to Rockhurst High School.
Fr. Tom Pesci, SJ, President Emeritus, accepted the Rockhurst Community’s gratitude at the Mass of Thanksgiving on April 30. Fr. Pesci has been missioned to the Jesuit Community at Loyola University in Baltimore.
(MIddle right) Steve Robbins announced his retirement from the AquaHawks, Rockhurst’s Swim & Dive Program, and was joined on stage at the Mass of Thanksgiving by Principal Fr. Vincent Giacabazi, SJ, President David Laughlin, and Head Coach Paul Winkeler.
I am deeply honored to join Rockhurst, an institution renowned for its excellence in academics, athletics, co-curriculars, and human and religious formation. Returning home to the Midwest, I am thrilled to work with the Rockhurst community to advance our shared mission of forming the powerful and good young men that our world so desperately needs.
— Fr. Stephen Kramer, SJ
FR. STEPHEN KRAMER, SJ, SELECTED AS NEW PRINCIPAL
President David Laughlin shared the following message with the Rockhurst Community on March 25.
Dear Rockhurst High School Community,
Greetings to you this late March as we begin the 4th Quarter of our academic year at Rockhurst High School.
In early January, I wrote to you to share with you the news that our school Principal, Fr. Vincent Giacabazi, SJ, would be completing his service to Rockhurst High School at the conclusion of our school year and that he has been missioned to become the President of Jesuit High School in Tampa, FL.
At that time, I also outlined our process for the succession planning for our Principal’s position.
After receiving applications from a broad base of educators with professional interest in our position, and gathering input from members of our faculty, parent community, and Board of Trustees, I am pleased to share with you that beginning July 1, 2025, Fr. Stephen Kramer, SJ, will become the Principal of Rockhurst High School. Fr. Kramer is a Jesuit of the United Central and Southern Province of the United States, to which Rockhurst belongs.
Fr. Kramer has served in a variety of roles in his 18 years in the Society of Jesus. He will be coming to Rockhurst from his most recent position of Prefect of Students (similar to our
Dean of Students) and Special Assistant to the President of Jesuit High School in New Orleans, Louisiana. In addition to his administrative roles at Jesuit High School, Fr. Kramer was a teacher of Theology. He has also been a teacher at De Smet Jesuit High School in St. Louis and Regis Jesuit High School in Denver, CO.
Fr. Kramer is a native of St. Louis and a graduate of St. Louis University High School. He holds his undergraduate degree from St. Louis University and master’s degrees from Boston College. He has also completed the University of Notre Dame McGrath Institute Capstone Program for Curricular Development in Science and Religion.
Fr. Kramer will be coming to Kansas City at the beginning of July following his Tertianship program (Jesuit formation), which he has undertaken in Nairobi, Kenya.
Thank you to many members of our community who provided important feedback for my discernment in hiring our next Principal. Please hold the transitions of Fr. Giacabazi and the Tampa Jesuit community, and Fr. Kramer and our Rockhurst High community in your prayers.
Cardinal Rosa Chávez Visits Rockhurst
Rockhurst High School had the distinct honor of welcoming His Eminence, Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chávez, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of San Salvador, to campus on March 28.
Cardinal Rosa Chávez is one of only 252 Cardinals in the world, and he is the first Cardinal from El Salvador. It’s exceedingly rare for an Auxiliary Bishop to be created a Cardinal, but Pope Francis very much wanted to recognize Rosa Chávez with this high honor back in June of 2017.
Cardinal Rosa Chávez was friends with St. Óscar Romero, the former Archbishop of San Salvador who was shot to death while saying Mass; the 45th anniversary of his martyrdom – and his feast day – was earlier in the week of his Rockhurst visit, on March 24.
He spoke to Rockhurst students (via translator) about the Jesuit priests and others who were executed/martyred in El Salvador around the same historical period as St. Romero. He challenged students to make the world a better place by living out the ideals of St. Romero.
“I noted Cardinal’s emphasis on our collective faith within the Church, and I trust students grasped the importance of unwavering faith in God,” recalled Ignatius Nguyen, SJ, Rockhurst Theology teacher. “This understanding can inspire us to live sacrificially for Christ, following the example of St. Óscar Romero.”
Rockhurst welcomed Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chávez to campus on March 28. He shared stories of his friendship with St. Óscar Romero.
Five students, including Manuel Mascote ’25, were called upon to share their thoughts on Servant Leadership.
Cardinal Rosa Chávez added a Rockhurst Hawklet golf shirt to his closet.
Students were engaged in Cardinal Rosa Chavez’s talk, despite his message coming via a translator.
Senior Describes Rockhurst Brotherhood in Commencement Speech
For the 109th time in Rockhurst High School’s storied history, a class of young men crossed the graduation stage to become alumni of The Rock.
The great Class of 2025 included 240 Hawklets who have earned the distinction of alumnus. After receiving his diploma, each graduate shook hands with Pat Mc Inerney ’82 , President of the National Alumni Association Board of Governors, and Meredith Suarez, Director of Alumni Engagement. They also received an alumni pin signifying their alumni status.
The class’ commencement speaker was Jeb Koetting ’25, winner of the Rockhurst Senior Class Award of Excellence and Achievement.
Koetting addressed his classmates and their family and friends who joined together at Municipal Auditorium.
“Over these four years, we’ve studied together, we’ve cheered together, we’ve competed together, and we’ve prayed together,” shared Koetting. “And even though we’re leaving Rockhurst, Rockhurst will never be leaving us. It is a part of who we are now – mentally, physically, and spiritually. Rockhurst is in our DNA; it is in our blood. We have been formed into Rockhurst men.”
teammates were in the Sacred Heart Chapel for team prayer and final gameplan prior to the home game, Jeb’s father, Jake Koetting, suffered cardiac arrest in the Rockhurst parking lot.
The family rushed to the hospital and Jeb recalls the overwhelming support they received. President David Laughlin and Principal Fr. Vincent Giacabazi, SJ, were there comforting Jeb and his younger brothers. Once Jake was in recovery, Greg Fendler ’94, father of Jeb’s classmate Will Fendler ’25, was there to give Jeb a fatherly hug and encouraged him to go back to The Rock and play in the game.
Scan to watch the commencement speech from Jeb Koetting ’25.
Koetting described the class’ bond that formed over four years, and the countless examples of achievement and excellence attained by the class, from academics to co-curriculars to service.
He then shared a very personal story from October 11, 2024 highlighting the strength of the Rockhurst Brotherhood that spans all classes. While Koetting and his Hawklet Football
Arriving back at Rockhurst, Koetting was greeted by his waiting coaches, including Van Marshall ’08 and Chance May ’17. As he ran out onto the field, Koetting’s Hawklets teammates, including fellow game captains Charlie Loose ’25 and Jack Manning ’25, told him that the team was dedicating that night’s game to the Koetting Family.
“That is the day I realized what Rockhurst really means. And it is one that I will never forget,” remarked Koetting. “Because of my Rockhurst family – my Rockhurst brothers – having my back, I was able to do what my dad wanted me to do that day, and that was play in that game. And I’m very blessed to say that my dad is present with us here this morning.”
Koetting summed up his definition of the Rockhurst experience as a lifelong fellowship, and being part of something bigger than yourself.
“The blue and white lifeblood of Rockhurst spirit creates a bond of brotherhood with all graduates of Rockhurst High School. When we meet another Rockhurst grad we instantly
The great Class of 2025 sang the Alma Mater together for the final time as Rockhurst students.
Jeb Koetting ’25 served as the commencement speaker for the great Class of 2025, sharing his experiences within the Rockhurst Brotherhood.
connect with them because we share the same Jesuit values and ideals,” said Koetting. We are part of a lineage that dates all the way back to 1910 and a tradition that will continue for the classes to follow. We are forever part of the Rockhurst story. The campus may change, the Hawklet has been redrawn, teachers and priests have come and gone, but no matter what, our Rockhurst tradition will never die.”
With the great Class of 2025 joining the Rockhurst alumni ranks, the school’s alumni base has grown to 15,844 strong, spanning between the graduating Classes of 1917 and 2025.
Ibrahima Balde ’25 and all 240 members of the great Class of 2025 received diplomas from Principal Fr. Vincent Giacabazi, SJ, and President David Laughlin.
Jack Braun ’25 proudly displayed his Rockhurst diploma to his family in the stands while processing out of the graduation ceremony.
Pat McInerney ’82, President of the National Alumni Association Board of Governors, welcomed Eric Algrim ’25 and his fellow graduates to the National Alumni Association.
Rockhurst’s Bee Club includes Alex Manis ’26, Scott Suter ’26, Chris Hopper (moderator), Sam Robinson ’27, Ryan Brennan (faculty/staff volunteer), and (front row) Tyler Baker (faculty/staff volunteer). The group oversaw the installation of the apiary on April 2.
The apiary will serve as a learning tool for students and an exceptional way to “Care for Our Common Home.”
Fr. Vincent Giacabazi, SJ, led a blessing of the oncampus apiary at Rockhurst High School on April 15.
The New Buzzzzz Around Campus
The focus of one of the newest clubs on campus is generating literal buzz. The Rockhurst Bee Club started meeting in January. On April 2, the apiary that houses a pair of hives was installed, giving students first-hand experience tending to honey-producers.
The two hives each consist of 20,000 to 30,000 Golden Cordovan Italian bees, which are the most docile variety of bee. The apiary is located next to the cell phone tower pole in the northeast corner of the student parking lot, near the Al Davis, Jr. Field.
The Bee Club was started by Chris Hopper, English teacher, and Tyler Baker, Entrepreneurship teacher and STEAM Director of Experiential Learning. Members of the Class of 2024 designed and researched the apiary and presented the concept to administration in the Client-Based Project Management course. Once approved, the goal was to get student help with managing the hives.
“Our current efforts with the Rockhurst strategic plan is to create sustainable, purposeful experiences for all our students. This is one effort in many to come,” said Baker.
The club currently includes 10 student members, after starting with just two in January.
“Ever since I was young, I’ve loved the outdoors and had my own garden for a few years,” said Sam Robinson ’27, Bee Club
Vice President. “I saw this as an opportunity to learn something new about our pollinators and work in a garden.”
The students’ role in the club is to gear up in bee suits once a month and inspect the hive to make sure the queen is safe and healthy. In addition, students will come up during the summer and collect the honey, with help from the non-profit MO Hives KC as well as students from St. Teresa’s Academy. All of the honey harvested will be donated to Rockhurst’s annual Spectacular Auction, friends of Rockhurst, or anyone else who wants some to enjoy.
Keeping bees will also help pollinate and promote the growth of wildlife around Rockhurst.
The students are looking forward to promoting the club and getting other classmates involved.
“I want to be able to teach my fellow classmates and other students about bees and the club during wmy senior year,” said Campbell Luzar ’26, Bee Club President.
In addition to producing something for the Rockhurst community and the campus, the club will also provide students with an expertise they can use going forward.
“This is a great skill for graduates to take with them into the future. Perhaps it may be a hobby or even profession,” said Hopper. “It’s simply value added to a Rock graduate.”
Story written by Ted Truebner ’25 Prep News Online Editor
Senior Reflects on Meaningful Service Project
“Amigos para siempre.”
Three simple Spanish words that sum up the Rockhurst experience for Kingston Del Cid ’25
“Friends for life” brings on two meanings for the recent Rockhurst graduate. It signifies the lasting bonds that he formed over four years with his 239 classmates; and also the memorable Senior Service Project that Del Cid experienced.
The phrase was spoken to him by María, a seven-year-old in San Andrés Itzapa, Guatemala while Del Cid and 25 of his fellow seniors were helping María’s community by roofing houses, constructing stoves, building chicken coops, and pouring concrete floors.
In January, as is a 60-year tradition at Rockhurst, all members of the senior class embark on a three-week service project. The Hawklets partnered with 42 Kansas City organizations, and two groups totaling 47 seniors opted to travel to Guatemala for a week. Their remaining two weeks were spent with Habitat For Humanity in Kansas City.
Signing up for the trip was an easy decision for Del Cid, who was born in Guatemala.
“I’m very grateful for this opportunity. I remember being a freshman and hearing that this service trip was offered, and I was so excited for three years leading up to it. I knew I would be taking advantage of the experience and use it to help Guatemalan people,” reflected Del Cid. “And on top of that, we still got two weeks to work with Habitat For Humanity here. So getting both the local and international community service was awesome.”
While Del Cid moved from Guatemala to Portland when he was just a baby, he still has family in the Central American country. That included a great-aunt and cousins who traveled to meet Del Cid and his Rockhurst classmates at the airport, and again at the Carmelite Convent where the group was staying.
Del Cid noted that he wanted to try to make an impact in the place where he’s from by helping people in his extended community. Most of his family emigrated to New Orleans, but still some still remain in Guatemala. Del Cid and his immediate family try to visit every few years, but it had been over five years since he had been able to return – making his Senior Service Project extra special.
Spending time with the locals, including María, is what Del Cid will remember most from the trip. And while that part of his family remains some 2,000 miles away, he will soon be much closer to others. Del Cid is attending LSU in the fall to study Construction Management and minor in Music. In Baton Rouge, he will be just an hour away from his extended family in New Orleans.
His next four years are set, and his aspirations beyond that are built on family and community.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time doing hands-on service projects, and I plan to continue working with Habitat For Humanity wherever I go,” said Del Cid. “And while it’s a dream right now, I hope to one day have my own construction company where I can donate a lot of my time, effort, and resources back to my community.”
Forty-seven seniors split between two groups in the Class of 2025 spent a week of their Senior Service Projects in San Andrés Itzapa, Guatemala.
Kingston Del Cid ’25
middle) worked with classmates to improve home conditions for families in Guatemala, where Del
was born.
Many connections were made with the people of Guatemala, including between Kingston Del Cid ’25 and a seven-year-old María, who called the Rockhurst senior a “friend for life.”
(front,
Cid
Upon arriving at the Guatemala airport, Kingston Del Cid ’25 (middle left) and the Rockhurst crew were greeted by members of Del Cid’s family, including Lourdes (cousin), Eva (great-aunt), and Pedro (cousin).
RECORD-SETTING SPEECH & DEBATE HIGHLIGHTS
CO-CURRICULAR SUCCESSES
Rockhurst set a new MSHSAA record with five event wins at the Speech, Debate & Theatre State Championships. (L-R) Michael Redlich ’25 and Lane Christopher ’25 in Public Forum Debate, Pete Mandacina ’25 in both Lincoln-Douglas Debate and Informative Speaking, Patrick Sanders ’25 in Storytelling, and Langston Humphrey ’26 in Prose Reading.
The Speech & Debate Team won the 2025 State Championship in Debate and was Runner-Up in Speech.
Rockhurst High School students’ commitment to excellence extends far beyond the classroom. Co-curricular participation and community service beyond the required hours are a staple for most students.
These are just a few of the many highlights between December 2024 and May 2025:
• Rockhurst won District Championships in both Speech and Debate, and then had another great showing at the State Championships. The Hawklets won the Class 1 Debate Team Championship and were Runner-Up in Class 1 Speech Events. RHS students won five events, which is the new state record for most champions in a single year.
• Champions included Pete Mandacina ’25 (Lincoln-Douglas Debate AND Informative Speaking), Lane Christopher ’25 and Michael Redlich ’25 (Public Forum Debate), Patrick Sanders ’25 (Storytelling), and Langston Humphrey ’26 (Prose Reading). Sanders, Humphrey, and the duo of Christopher and Redlich are the first Rockhurst students to win their respective events. This brought the school’s Speech & Debate event champion total to 25 - the second most in state.
• Six members of the Speech & Debate Team qualified for the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) National Speech & Debate Tournament in June. The students were Lane Christopher ’25, Pete Mandacina ’25, Solomon Naraine ’25, Michael Redlich ’25, Patrick Sanders ’25, and Liam Dennis ’26
• Solomon Naraine ’25 became Rockhurst’s first-ever student to qualify for the NSDA National Tournament all for years. He will receive a special four-year qualifier trophy at Nationals. In late-May, Naraine then won Student Congress among 188 competitors at the National Catholic Forensic League (NCFL) Grand National Tournament, becoming Rockhurst’s first NCFL National Champion
• Pete Mandacina ’25 won the 2025 Missouri Regional Competition of the Ronald Reagan Debate Series Mandacina will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in Simi Valley, CA this July to compete for a share of $50,000 in college scholarships. This is the second year in a row that Mandacina was Champion of the Regional Qualifier to advance to the National Championship.
Continued on
page
Solomon Naraine ’25 is the first student in Rockhurst history to qualify for the NSDA National Tournament all four years. Naraine also became the first Hawklet to become a National Champion at the National Catholic Forensic League (NCFL) Grand National Tournament.
Pete Mandacina ’25 won the Missouri Regional Competition of the Ronald Reagan Debate Series in both 2024 and 2025, and will again travel to Simi Valley, CA for the National Championship.
next
Mocklets, Rockhurst’s Mock Trial Team, placed 2nd at the State Championship Tournament, matching the program’s best-ever finish. (L-R) Davis Long ’26, Tom Fimmen ’26, Caleb Doyle ’27, Pete Mandacina ’25 (Captain), Michael Redlich ’25, Owen Nielsen ’25 (Captain), Connor Clune ’26, Peyton Cunningham ’27, Patrick Sanders ’25, Will Fanning ’26, Liam Dennis ’26, Jack Brackett ’25 (Captain), and Andrew Hayes ’26.
Rockhurst’s Concert Choir and Chamber Singers competed in the Lone Star Music Festival and scored Superior Ratings in all categories. The group was recognized with awards that included Best Men’s Ensemble and Best Chamber Ensemble. Jack Manning ’25 received an Outstanding Soloist Award.
Yang
• The Mock Trial Team (The Mocklets) placed 2nd at the Missouri Mock Trial State Championship. The Mocklets went 4-1 in competitions, defeating Chaminade College Prep, Cor Jesu Academy, Lincoln College Prep, and Westminster Christian Academy before losing a 2-1 verdict to MaplewoodRichmond Heights in the State Championship. This matched the best finish in RHS Mock Trial program history.
• The Instrumental Music and Choral Programs had multiple Hawklets earn top ratings at the MSHSAA State Solo and Ensemble Festival in Columbia. Seven instrumental soloists and three vocal soloists received Gold Ratings, the highest honor, as did the four-student percussion ensemble. Three instrumental soloists and one vocal soloist received Silver Ratings, as did the sixfreshman vocal ensemble.
• Rockhurst’s Concert Choir and Chamber Singers traveled to Dallas to compete in the Lone Star Music Festival in April. The festival featured ensembles from across Texas and surrounding states. Both Rockhurst ensembles earned top honors from the adjudicators and scored Superior Ratings in all categories. The Concert Choir and Chamber Singers were also recognized as Outstanding Performances in the top performance category, and Concert Choir was then recognized as Best Men’s Ensemble and Chamber Singers were the Best Chamber Ensemble. In addition, Jack Manning ’25 received an Outstanding Soloist Award.
Fourteen instrumental music and vocal soloists, as well as two ensembles, received Gold or Silver Ratings at the
MSHSAA State Solo and Ensemble Festival.
The Theatre Department received four nominations for Blue Star Awards for its production of Shrek The Musical.
Aldric
’25 won the Blue Star Award for Technical Contributor Award in Stage Management and Sound Design. He is the first Hawklet to win a Blue Star Award since 2018.
The
• The Theatre Department received four nominations for Blue Star Awards, presented by Starlight Theatre. For its production of Shrek The Musical, the cast earned three Ceremony Ensemble nominations: George Nessinger ’28, Charlie Tietjen ’28, and Delilah Pellow; Aldric Yang ’25 was nominated for the Technical Contributor Award in Stage Management and Sound Design. This was the first year since 2018 that individual Rockhurst students received nominations for awards.
• Aldric Yang ’25 was selected as the Blue Star Award recipient of Technical Contributor Award in Stage Management and Sound Design. This was Rockhurst’s first Blue Star win in seven years, and the school’s 11th overall win in Blue Star Awards history.
• The Model United Nations Team traveled to Canada for the 18th iteration of the University of Toronto Model United Nations (UTMUN). There were 1,500 students from over 70 schools across the globe participating in 27 different committees to debate solutions to real-world crises. Rockhurst was named the Best Overall Delegation at the conference, earning the top honor among all competing schools. Ten Hawklets also received individual recognition for their performances.
• The Software Engineering – CyberSecurity Club competed in Northwest Missouri State University’s Programming Contest . The competition’s questions focused on both code complexity and efficiency, which challenged students to meet several requirements to solve problems during the three-hour contest window. Out of 19 teams, Rockhurst’s two groups placed 6th and 7th.
• Scholar Bowl competed in the Missouri National Qualifier in Columbia, with Rockhurst’s top team placing 6th out of 36 teams from across the state. Their performance included a victory over the second-ranked team in Missouri. Kevin McConville ’25 was named to the All-Tournament Team, and the team earned an invitation to the National Tournament in Atlanta. This is the group’s second national tournament qualification this season, as it also earned an invitation to the PACE competition in Chicago.
• At the completion of the regular season, Rockhurst’s Varsity eSports Chess Team (Team Magnus) ranked 2nd in the Central Region, which is composed of 90 teams. The JV team (Team Fisher) ranked 10th in the region. Varsity went on to finish 4th overall in the playoffs.
Model UN traveled to Canada for the University of Toronto Model United Nations. Among 1,500 students from over 70 schools across the globe, Rockhurst was named the Best Overall Delegation at the conference, earning the top honor among all competing schools.
Rockhurst had Software Engineering – CyberSecurity Club teams place 6th and 7th at the 19-team programming contest hosted by Northwest Missouri State University. (L-R) Gabby Kelsch, Lukus Lamming ’26, Jeremy Smith ’26, Robby Lewellen ’25, and Grayson Hunt ’28.
Scholar Bowl took 6th out of 36 teams at the Missouri National Qualifier and earned an invitation to the National Tournament in Atlanta. (L-R) Cal Hughes ’25, Kevin McConville ’25, Owen Nielsen ’25, and Shiv Patel ’26.
The Varsity eSports Chess Team finished the season 4th out of 90 teams in the Central Region. (L-R) Robby Lewellen ’25, Shiv Patel ’26, and Sudipto Bhowmik ’27.
(L-R) Caleb Bridges ’25, Aldric Yang ’25, Sam Reintjes ’25, and Bill Hayes ’25 were selected as candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
students
and Southern
the
on vocational discernment, whether specifically in Jesuit
or another
(L-R) Antionette Ishmael, Joey Bonino ’25, Anthony Totta ’25 (Committee Leader), Nick Pizzichino ’26, and Charlie Bondi ’27 organized a St. Joseph Table; all of the food dishes were then donated to the Wyandotte Pregnancy Center. Fr. Carlos Esparza, SJ, blessed the table before the donations were made.
Six Rockhurst
attended
High School Discernment Retreat hosted by the Jesuits’ Central
Province. Students engaged in two days of silent prayer focused
religious life, priesthood,
vocation. (L-R) Dr. Philip Nahlik, SJ, Xavier Aleman ’26, Ben Molen ’25, Isaac Pesek ’26, Van Pham ’25, Leo Borders ’25, Flavio Rubio Espinosa ’26, and Ignatius Nguyen, SJ.
• Four seniors were selected as candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Caleb Bridges ’25, Bill Hayes ’25, Sam Reintjes ’25, and Aldric Yang ’25 represented excellence in education and the promise of greatness in young people, according to the program’s selection process. Students can be selected based on broad academic achievement, academic and artistic scholarship, and ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. The selection of approximately 4,000 general program candidates, for the most part, are made based on SAT and ACT scores.
• Student Government Association (SGA) led the fundraising efforts for the annual Mission Week, which has Rockhurst roots back to the early 1970s. The four classes combined to raise nearly $18,000. The money went to the following organizations, as selected by each class: Seniors - Carmelite Convent in San Andrés Itzapa, Guatemala; Juniors - Habitat For Humanity Appalachia in Robbins, TN; Sophomores - Catholic Charities USA; Freshmen - The Cura Personalis Fund at Loyola High School in Los Angeles (for those affected by the California wildfires in January).
• Three seniors and three juniors attended the High School Discernment Retreat over January 17-19, hosted by the Jesuits’ Central and Southern Province at the Strake Jesuit Retreat and Leadership Center, located between Houston and Dallas. Students engaged in two days of silent prayer focused on vocational discernment, whether specifically in Jesuit religious life, priesthood, or another vocation. This was the fourth year this retreat was offered by the Province. In total, 46 students from 12 Jesuit high schools attended the retreat.
• Rockhurst students organized a St. Joseph Table for the fourth consecutive year. All of the food dishes for the table were generously donated by Rockhurst faculty, staff, alumni, local restaurants, and student families. The food was then donated to the Wyandotte Pregnancy Center.
• Landon Lobaugh ’25 organized the Teddy Bear Takeoff for the second straight year. It is a fundraiser and stuffed animal drive that supports Children’s Mercy Hospital and the Jewish Vocational Services (JVS). Through two years, Lobaugh has raised over $86,000 and 3,300 stuffed animals
• John Giocondo ’25 received an Honorable Mention for the Walsworth Publications Signature Scholarship. This program recognizes the outstanding efforts of junior and senior yearbook students who embrace the role of yearbook storyteller to spotlight the stories that may otherwise be overlooked. Only the top 10% of all submissions received Honorable Mentions. Giocondo served as a yearbook editor in his junior and senior years.
Jack Creger ’25 spoke to the Rockhurst community at the all-school assembly kicking off Mission Week, encouraging his fellow Hawklets to be generous in donating to the charitable organizations selected by each class. Rockhurst students raised $18,000 during Mission Week.
(R) John Giocondo ’25 received an Honorable Mention for the Walsworth Publications Signature Scholarship. He is pictured with (L) John Kelley, Rockhurst’s Walsworth representative.
Landon Lobaugh ’25 led the Teddy Bear Takeoff drive for two years, benefitting Children’s Mercy Hospital and the Jewish Vocational Services. Lobaugh raised over $86,000 and 3,300 stuffed animals.
ATHLETICS RECAP:
RUNNERS RACE ROCK ATOP STATE PODIUMS
Track & Field won the school’s first State Championship in the sport since 1976. Fifty-one points were scored by the team’s middle and long distance runners (800m, 1600m, 3200m, 4x400, 4x800). Rock had two individual State Champs (Henry Acorn ’25 and Bill Hayes ’25), won the 4x800 Relay, and had two individual runners-up (Andrew Davis ’25 and Jack Meyer ’26). The team was led by Head Coach Troy Harding.
Along with winning the Missouri Class 5 Team State Championship, a highlight of the track & field season was the 4x800 Relay winning the 2025 Penn Relays. (L-R) Jack Bond ’26, Henry Acorn ’25, Bill Hayes ’25, and Andrew Davis ’25 ran 7:33.83 to beat some of the top teams in the country. Their time broke the Missouri state record by over seven seconds, and made them the 12th fastest group in the U.S. since 2000.
Photo courtesy of MileSplit PA.
Rockhurst High School enjoyed another successful year of athletics across its 13 varsity sports.
A quick recap of the fall (included in the fall edition of The Rock News): cross country won its third State Title, led by individual State Champion Henry Acorn ’25. The Hawklets then went on to finish 2nd at Nike Midwest Regional, and qualified for Nike Nationals for the first time. Rock placed 13th at Nationals, capping off the best season in program history. Swim & Dive was the State Runner-Up, led by Andrew Baklanov ’25 winning both the 200 IM (in state record time) and the 100 Back (for the second straight year). Soccer finished with a 21-2-0 record and took 3rd at State, ending the program’s run of three consecutive State Titles. Football went 6-4, with four losses by three points or fewer.
Moving on to the winter sports, Rockhurst had exciting seasons on the court, ice, and mat.
Basketball finished the regular season at 20-4, earned the top seed in the District Tournament, and went on to capture the District Title, giving Rockhurst its first back-to-back District Championships in 17 years. The team advanced to the State Quarterfinals again, but came up short in a competitive game at Nixa, ending the year at 23-5 and ranked #5 in Missouri Class 6. Callen Eskew ’25 became the first Hawklet to win All-State honors since 2019, averaging 15.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.
Wrestling enjoyed another winning record in dual meets, going 4-2 in head-to-head competitions. The team placed 8th out of 16 teams at the District Tournament, with four wrestlers finishing in the top-four of their respective weight divisions and qualifying for the State Meet. That was the most State qualifiers for Rockhurst since 2016. Among them was Anthony Totta ’25, who became the Hawklets’ first two-time State qualifier since 2017.
Hockey closed out its 2024-25 season on a high note, winning in a shootout over OKC in the consolation bracket of the MidAmerica High School Hockey League (MAHSHL) playoffs. The team was led by its five seniors, each of whom were selected to the All-Conference Team.
Spring is the busiest season for Rock Athletics, with six sports competing.
Track & Field returned to the mountaintop for the first time in 49 years! Led by many of the cross country State Champs from the fall, Rock’s middle and long distance runners guided the Hawklets to the program’s third-ever State Title and first since 1976. Henry Acorn ’25 repeated 1600-meter champion (4:05.42, a new Class 5 record) and finished 4th in the 3200-meter (9:09.10); Bill Hayes ’25 was 800-meter State Champ (1:52.56), while Andrew Davis ’25 was runner-up and Jake Bond ’26 was 6th. On the field side, Jack Meyer ’26 placed 2nd in the long jump (23-0). The four aforementioned runners also repeated as State Champs in the 4x800 Relay (7:40.91) and at the end of May owned the second fastest PR in the country (7:33.83), which they ran to win the 2025 Penn Relays on April 25.
Rock Basketball won back-to-back District Championships for the first time since the 2007-2008 seasons. Hawklets advanced to the Elite Eight again in 2025 and finished ranked #5 in Class 6.
Rockhurst Wrestling had four State qualifiers, the most for the program since 2016. (L-R) Cash Lewandowski ’27, Anthony Totta ’25, Chase Quinn ’27, and Kade Tholen ’25.
All five seniors on the Hockey Hawklets earned AllConference honors. (L-R) Fin Arthur ’25, Johnny Greco ’25, Roy Postlethwait ’25, Tyler George ’25, and Ben Holewinski ’25.
its
State Final
Tennis Hawklets were State Runner-Up, the program’s best finish since 2021. (L-R) Coach Max Dunmire ’18, Ben Bautista ’28, Leo Menghini ’26, Hunter Stout ’27, William Volker ’25, Henry Stevens ’25, Bobby King ’25, Luke Johnson ’26, Ahbi Joseph ’28, Coach Rich Sullivan. The duo of King & Stevens were Doubles State Champions.
Lacrosse had 19 seniors on the 2025 team that finished 14-2 and Runner-Up in the LAKC Championship. The team had an overall goal differential of +103.
The golf team finished 3rd at State, led by All-State performances from Henry Mayor ’27 and Charlie Homsey ’28. (L-R) Coach Kevin McGill, Coach Mark Nusbaum, Hank Homsey ’27, George Besch ’27, Mayor, Blake Hartner ’25, Conner Vickers ’26, C. Homsey, and Coach Ron Huska.
Rock Volleyball earned
first
Four appearance since boys volleyball became an official MSHSAA sport in 2024. The Hawklets defeated Ft. Zumwalt South in five sets in the 3rd Place Match, earning the school’s first State volleyball banner. Rock finished the season at 23-5.
Tennis earned another trip to the State Final Four, and advanced to the State Championship Match for the first time since 2021. The Hawklets finished as Runner-Up after coming up short against John Burroughs.On the individual side, both of Rock’s doubles teams were All-State, with William Volker ’25 & Hunter Stout ’27 placing 6th and Bobby King ’25 & Henry Stevens ’25 winning the Doubles State Championship. They are the 14th duo to win State in Rockhurst history, and King became just the fourth Hawklet ever to be a Singles (2024) and Doubles (2025) State Champion.
Lacrosse entered the 2025 season with a target on its back, having won four consecutive LAKC Titles and finishing the 2024 season as the #4 ranked team in the Midwest. Rockhurst was ready for the challenge, ending the regular season at 12-1, with the lone loss coming to Roswell (GA), the two-time Georgia
5A-6A State Champs. The Hawklets made it back to the LAKC Championship, but fell 7-6 in a back-and-forth game with Lancer Lacrosse. Goalie Draden Torline ’26 was named the 24th All-American in program history.
Golf won the District Championship and had all five of its players finish in the top-13 to earn All-District honors. At the State Meet, Rock was tied for 3rd after the first round, shooting 295 (+7) as a team. The Hawklets played much better on day two, shooting 288 (E) to easily secure a 3rd Place finish. Henry Mayor ’27 shot 144 (E) to tie for 11th individually, and Charlie Homsey ’28 shot 145 (+1) to tie for 15th individually; both players won All-State medals.
Volleyball entered the second year of the sport being under the MSHSAA umbrella. Rockhurst went 18-4 in the regular season, with one loss to a KC team and the others to SLUH, De Smet, and Regis (CO). Hawklets swept their way through Districts, Sectionals, and the State Quarterfinals to earn the program’s first MSHSAA Final Four appearance. Rock lost to SLUH in the State Semifinals, but then beat Ft. Zumwalt South in the 3rd Place Match to hang the first State volleyball banner in school history.
Baseball, under new head coach Will Gorden who returned to Rockhurst after teaching and coaching at RHS from 2006-2011, found its momentum at the end of the regular season. The Hawklets had big wins over Pembroke Hill and Liberty North before moving on to postseason play. But Rock lost a late lead to Lee’s Summit West in the District Quarterfinals, ending the season. Tyler Coffin ’25 and Evan Damario ’25 were AllDistrict selections.
The 12 seniors on the Baseball Hawklets helped lead the team in the first year under Head Coach Will Gorden.
Your gift is their present… and future.