2013 Athletic Hall of Fame Program

The Fifth

Saint Peter’s Prep

Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Dinner October 10, 2013

Casino in the Park Jersey City, New Jersey

THANK YOU to all our mentors at Prep!

The Koch Family George, ’29 Frank, ’61 Peter, ’64

2013 Induction Ceremony

Master of Ceremonies John Irvine, ’83 t Invocation and Welcome t Induction of the Hall of Fame Class of 2013 John “Hip” Evers, ’26† (Football & Baseball) Don Guide (Volleyball Coach) Mike Pedone, ’56 (Basketball) Thomas O’Keefe, ’45 (Basketball) Gavin Cummings, ’84 (Basketball) John “Rocky” Hanlon, ’53 (Football) Don Melega, ’58† (Baseball) Jack Dow, ’59 (Football) Frank Koch, ’61 (Track & Field) t Pride & Glory

†

indicates posthmous inductions.

John “Hip” Evers, ’26 football & Baseball “During his stay at the Prep,” the 1926 Petrean tells us, “‘Hip’ distinguished himself in all branches of sports, especially on the gridiron, where he brought to Saint Peter’s the esteem, admiration and respect of all.”

A Paterson native, John A. Evers made the trek to Jersey City in the fall of 1922 and quickly carved out a place on Prep’s football, baseball and basketball teams. He would remain a mainstay of the two former throughout his four years, while also serving as class president as a junior and a senior.

While his pitching would see him through to a baseball career at Holy Cross and a tryout with Connie Mack for the Philadelphia Athletics, it was on the football field that he became captain in his senior year, and become the benchmark for Prep running backs for decades to come. The 1949 Petrean, for instance, invokes “the mythical Hip Evers” when describing the heroics of fellow Hall of Fame member Jackie Hyatt, ’49.

Hip’s shadow extended into the locker rooms of Coach Bill Cochrane’s championship football teams of the 1950s. Players from that era still recall their coach citing Hip Evers as an example of the toughness and skill that would lead them to victory.

And so it seems only fitting that Hip himself be added to Prep’s Athletic Hall of Fame, joining some of those whose heroics he helped to inspire, as they built Prep’s athletic tradition year by year, decade by decade.

Don GuidE Volleyball Coach In 1998, Don Guide arrived at Grand & Warren to become just the second head coach in Prep Volleyball history, bringing decades of experience to the young program. Over the next 15 seasons Prep would post a 345-83 record, earning six county championships, five state sectional titles and four straight appearances in the finals of the state Tournament of Champions – a fitting conclusion to a volleyball career that had begun in the 1950s.

Don discovered volleyball while serving in the Air Force during the Korean War. He continued to play and coach throughout the 1950s and 1960s – “before there were high school and collegiate teams,” he notes. He helped to organize both men’s and women’s teams that crisscrossed the country to play in YMCA and USVBA tournaments, and as schools began to add volleyball to their athletic programs, he supported many new coaches as a volunteer. He served as USAV Commissioner for New Jersey & New York. While coaching at Fairleigh Dickinson, he brought the program into Division I play en route to a winning percentage over .700. Buisiness demands kept him from continuing to coach full time, but he still performed one-year stints at Kean, Ramapo & Upsala, started the Bergen Volleyball Club, and served as Assistant Director of the USVBA National Championships.

After retiring in 1995, Don re-dedicated himself to the sport, coaching Paramus Catholic to three girls’ state titles in five years – overlapping with the start of his Prep tenure. An NJSIAA Hall of Famer and NJSIAA Legends honoree, he has numerous Coach of the Year awards to his credit, and humbly states, “I have been very lucky.” So, too, have the players and colleagues who have benefited from his dedication and wisdom, on the court and off.

Mike Pedone, ’56 basketball In the 1950s, Hudson County schools dominated New Jersey high school basketball, and Prep stood above all the rest, winning the state Catholic A championship three years in a row from 1954 to 1956. Two common threads on those teams were Hall of Fame Coach Roy Leenig, and three-year starter Mike Pedone. His classmate, nominator and now fellow Hall of Famer John Crotty, ’56 recalled his versatile play, as well as his extraordinary jump shot, with a quick release and impressive accuracy off the dribble.

True to that description, he played both guard positions as well as small forward, while pouring in a total of 1,089 points. That mark made him just Prep’s second 1,000-point scorer (following 2005 inductee George Waddleton, ’53). During a senior season in which he averaged 18 points per game, he earned first-team honors at the All City, All County, All Jesuit Tournament and Catholic All State levels, as he led Prep to each of the four corresponding championships.

His work on the court earned him numerous scholarship offers. Joining the powerhouse Saint John’s University program, he went on to Holiday Festival and N.I.T. championships in his junior year. As a senior he was considered the team’s best defensive player, covering future legends such as Lenny Wilkins, Jerry West and Oscar Robinson while averaging 15 points per game at the other end, the team’s third-highest mark. Reflecting the true wellrounded Prep man, he also earned the Palmer Memorial Award as the player with the team’s best academic record.

A resident of New Milford, Mike is the uncle of current Prep senior Fred Turco.

Thomas O’Keefe, ’45 basketball The Petrean’s recap of the 1944-45 Prep Basketball season reads a bit like the prose equivalent of a Tom O’Keefe highlight reel. In an era when teams might score 30 to 50 points per game, Tom was busy scoring 9, 13, 15, even 17 points in one outing. In a losing effort vs. Union Hill, he demonstrated his defensive prowess as well, holding the feared Harry Donovan scoreless from the floor. Prep finished the season as city champions, with Tom earning well-deserved All County honors.

His heroics on the hardwood at Prep are exceeded only by his follow-up act at Georgetown.

He led the Hoyas in scoring for three straight seasons, on his way to a total of 1,018 points that made him the first 1,000 point career in program history. He would go on to play a season in the NBA with the Washington Capitols – a charter franchise which closed its doors in 1951.

After a stint in the Army, including coaching duties at Fort Myer, he returned to the Jesuit basketball scene as head coach at Gonzaga, before heading back to Georgetown as freshman coach in 1957 and then head coach in 1960. In an era where coaches were paid so little that he had to maintain another full-time job, Tom had little time to spend on the recruiting efforts that strengthened many rival teams. He still managed, however, to lead his Hoyas to 82 wins over six seasons.

He is a member of the Georgetown Athletic Hall of Fame, and the Georgetown Basketball History Project ranks him #46 on their list of the 100 greatest players in school history.

Tonight we are proud to add to his accolades, and welcome him to Prep’s own Hall of Fame.

Gavin Cummings, ’84 basketball Gavin excelled in all sports in his native Guyana as he tried to keep up with his five older siblings. His passion for basketball began around age 11, following his brother Avery, ’83. Soon after arriving in the United States in 1980, he found himself at the doors of Prep – and thenprincipal John Browning, S.J., ’46. Playing for freshman coach Thomas Hart, ’61, then three more years for Prep Legend Jerry Halligan, his passion would develop into an exceptional career.

During his All-County junior season, he was instrumental in leading Prep to 18 wins. In his senior year, he was selected As a senior co-captain along with Billy Herenda, ’84, he led Prep to the Parochial State final. Gavin was considered by many as the finest athlete in Hudson County during this time. And Gavin still had more to give on the court.

Recruited by Greg Herenda, ’79 (now head coach at FDU), Gavin attended UMass Lowell on a full scholarship. He went on to notch 1600 points, and contributed to the 1988 Division II championship. After graduating with a degree in criminal justice, he returned to Guyana to represent his native land in the Caribbean Basketball Championships.

With the help and guidance of fellow hall of famer Bob Hurley, ’65, Gavin began his career with the State of New Jersey Judiciary over 24 years ago. He is currently a Court Services Supervisor II and the First Vice President of the Probation Association of NJ.

Gavin and his wife Lori, were married by Father Browning in Saint Peter’s Church in 1993.

They have three children: Sean, ’13, a freshman at the University of Scranton; Maxwell, a senior at Notre Dame High school in Lawrenceville; and Sydney, a freshman at Saint John Vianney in Holmdel.

John Hanlon, ’53 Football Known to some as Sean and to most as Rocky, John Hanlon was known virtually to all as pound-for-pound the toughest back Prep football had ever known. The Jersey City native was second in rushing only to fellow hall of famer George Waddleton in his junior year, helping the team to an 8-1 record as the starting fullback. Moving to halfback as a senior, he led the team in both rushing and touchdowns – the latter despite several would-be touchdowns that were erased by penalties. He finished out another 8-1 season (the only loss came in a 95-degree season opener in Rochester, New York) by hoisting the Tommy Myers trophy as MVP of the Thanksgiving Day game vs.

Dickinson.

Attending Fordham on a four-year football scholarship, an injury took away John’s freshman season, but it was an injury to the team’s senior starting halfback that opened the door to a breakout sophomore campaign. It was a challenging year for Fordham, which posted a 2-7 record, but John managed to outrush future NFL legend Jim Brown in a game vs. Syracuse, and to hold his own against legendary linebacker Sam Huff when the Rams played West Virginia. Fordham would cancel its football program at season’s end, but Coach Ed Danoski commented, “If I had 11 John Hanlons, we would have been undefeated.” As for his work at Prep, Coach Bill Cochrane placed him with fellow inductees Waddleton and Tim Hawkes, ’65 as his three best running backs.

John has six children with his late wife Harriet, and among his grandchildren is Jack Hanlon, ’02, who proudly followed his footsteps to Grand & Warren.

Don Melega, ’58 baseball Few teams in Prep history have dominated a season so comprehensively as the undefeated 1958 baseball team, which remains the only squad in program history to finish with an unblemished record. And on that stellar team (inducted as a group in 2007) Don Melega’s star shone particularly bright. He led the team in RBIs with 15, and ranked second for hitting with a .452 batting average. Going 4-4 against Snyder with the perfect season on the line, his 9th inning hit drove in the winning run to lift the team to 19-0 (they would finish 22-0).

Don’s abilities at the plate were matched only by his exploits in the field, where Prep’s sturdy shortstop could be counted on to set a rally-killing double play in motion at just the right time. In a game against Saint Benedict’s, his efficiency allowed his teammates time to complete a spectacular 6-4-3-2 triple play. With his well-rounded play, he was naturally a four-year varsity starter, earning first team all-county, all-parochial and all-state honors in his senior year. He would go on to play on a scholarship at Villanova, before enjoying a long and successful career in banking.

Don’s greatest athletic accomplishments might have come in baseball, but it was after one of his Prep basketball games, at Snyder in 1956, that he met his future wife Mary. They were married in 1964 with Prep Legend Charles F.X. Dolan, S.J. co-officiating. Together they raised two daughters, Tara and Katie, and now have a grandson, Avery, and another grandchild on the way. Don passed away in 2010, but lives on in the hearts of his family and friends, and through his contributions to the history of Prep athletics – contributions we are proud to celebrate this evening.

Jack Dow, ’59 Football “It’s been a long time, but his leadership is still present to me.” Those are the words of Anthony Bianciella, ’59 as he nominated his classmate, Jack Dow, for the Hall of Fame. He should know; as the right guard on the undefeated 1958 football team, he lined up right next to Jack at the start of each play. On his other side, left guard Joseph Contreras, ’59 had this to say of the sturdy center: “I have never played with or against a player with greater zeal for excellence than Jack.”

If one were to consider only Jack’s football credentials, those accolades would be true enough. In his senior year, he took first team all-state honors at center in both the Newark Star-Ledger and the Catholic Advocate, and was recognized as the outstanding lineman in the Thanksgiving Day Dickinson game. But one nomination after another notes that Jack’s “zeal for excellence” went far beyond the line of scrimmage, motivating him to be an outstanding student. “Jack was tough and rugged on the field,” wrote one nominator, “but quiet and respectful off the field. He was a true Prep gentleman.”

Recalled by Coach Bill Cochrane as one of his top 20 players in a storied career, Jack and his then-perfect 1600 SAT score headed next to Notre Dame to continue his work on the field and in the classroom. After earning his Ph.D. in physics, he would later return to South Bend to join the faculty, eventually chairing the physics department. He and wife Carole now reside in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Jack is an emeritus professor of physics at nearby Arizona State University. In 2009, Jack told Prep magazine that he believed Prep “did more for me than anywhere else,” and tonight we celebrate a man whose academic and athletic achievements have done much to make Prep proud.

Frank Koch, ’61 Track & Field One mark of a true champion is that he takes on a challenge not because it’s easy, but because he knows it will test him. When young Frank Koch was told it was hard to get into Prep, he pushed himself in his 8th grade studies. When offered a scholarship to Seton Hall Prep, he followed the footsteps of his father, George Koch, ’29, to Saint Peter’s instead. And when Prep track coach Bill Sharlow encouraged the young sprinter to test himself at longer distances, he responded by setting school, meet and state records ranging from 60 yards to the half-mile.

In his senior year he took the city, state, and state Catholic school championships in the 440 yard run, and led his relay teams to victory at prestigious meets including the Melrose Games at Madison Square Garden, the All Hallows (the team’s 3:22.5 mile was the fastest in the tri-state area), the Seton Hall Relays 880 (setting meet and Newark Armory records), and the Philadelphia Inquirer meet (mile meet record) among others. He was named New Jersey Runner of the Year by the Catholic Advocate.

Perhaps the greatest tribute came from teammate, nominator and fellow Hall of Famer Wellington Davis, ’62: “I spent a good part of my track career chasing Frank Koch...history would not be right unless the exploits of Frank Koch were recognized.”

His academic and athletic prowess earned him a scholarship to Fordham University, and while health issues limited him on the track, he excelled in the classroom. He and wife Mary Margaret now reside in California, where Frank serves as clinical adjunct professor of cardiology at Stanford University Medical Center. He has also had a private practice in internal medicine and cardiology in Palo Alto since 1977. Sons John and Joseph live nearby.

CONGRATULATIONS

to my good friend and teammate

GoPrep!

John “Sean” “Rocky” Hanlon, ’53

Paul Schaetzle, ’71 Joe Herlihy, ’53 Dayton, Ohio

Congratulations to

Gavin Cummings, ’84 for becoming a Hall of Famer!

Tani, Mike, and K-Max (’13) Mauer

CONGRATULATIONS

to Mike Pedone, ’56, a great player who truly deserves to be in the Prep Hall of Fame!

Sincerely,

John Crotty,’56

CONGRATULATIONS Mike Pedone A GREAT PLAYER A GREAT TEAMMATE A GREAT PERSON Mike, your father would be proud of you and all your accomplishments.

kEN kUNZMAN,’54

Thank You

to my two great coaches

Bill Sharlow Don Williamson,’54

Frank Koch,’61

Thanks to all my teammates over the years at Prep!

Frank Koch,’61

IN MEMORY OF PAUL M. HANLON, ’51 WILLIAM L. HANLON, ’55

CONGRATULATIONS “ROCKY”

FROM MARK & JACKIE HANLON DENNIS & CHRISTINE HANLON BOB & MARY ELLEN (HANLON) BOLAND CHRIS & NOREEN HANLON

Congratulations

to tonight’s hall of fame induCtees!

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legend

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL 2013 SAINT PETER’S PREP ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES AND THEIR FAMILIES. TO MY BROTHER, DONALD MELEGA, CLASS OF 1958, THIS IS A SPECIAL MOMENT, AND I AM SO VERY PROUD OF YOU AND YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS!!

YOUR LOVING SISTER, ROSE MELEGA KESELICA

Proud Track Coach of Inductee Francis Koch , M.D., ’61 Don Williamson, ’54 (Coach ’59-’61)

2013 PPA Fashion Show Sunday, November 24

spprep.org/fashionshow

Acknowledgments & Special Thanks

Prep’s Office of Institutional Advancement, along with other members of the Saint Peter’s Prep staff, have played an essential role in ensuring the success of this evening’s event. In particular, we thank the following.

For Their Leadership Support:

Kenneth Boller, S.J. President Chris Casazza, ’97 Chief Advancement Officer For Their ongoing logistical Support: Barkha Cardoz, P’11,’15; Nancy Cunningham, P’99,’01, Jim Horan, ’70, Mike Jiran, ’03, Debbie Peko-Lillis, P’10, Frances Salvo and Liz Walsh

t

Program design: Mike Jiran, ’03

The Athletic Hall of Fame was created in 2005 by the Saint Peter’s Prep Alumni Board, which sponsors this evening’s induction ceremony and dinner. For their leadership and continued support, we wish to thank the members of the Alumni Board:

Bob Colacurcio, ’73 President

Ray Aumack, ’55 Tony Azzarto, S.J. John Bergin, ’50 Kenneth Boller, S.J. Kevin Brodbeck, ’89 Mike Cardino, ’92 Lou Castelli, ’66 Jack Caulfield, ’71

Lou Cella, ’50 Len De Pinto, ’76 Sam De Luca, ’86 Gabe Doria, ’81 John Feeney, ’80 Joe Giglio, ’87 Rich Hamilton, ’90 Steve Hudik, ’85

Jerry Lally, ’56 John Mahoney, ’02 Joe Massarelli, ’80 Sean McNally, ’97 Jim Ryan, ’66 Jack Savage, ’57 Paul Schaetzle, ’71 George Taite, ’73

We are grateful to our sponsors, whose generous contributions support the Hall of Fame Scholarship Fund.

Jesuit, Honoree & Special Guest Sponsors Mr. and Mrs. Roger W. Breslin, Jr., ’55 Mr. Joseph V. Burakevich, ’56

Mr. and Mrs. John V. Caulfield, ’71, P’00,’03 Mr. and Mrs. Louis E. Cella, ’50

Mr. and Mrs. Philip R. Martorelli, ’59

Mr. and Mrs. Michael C. Mauer, P’13 Mrs. Mary Melega

Mr. and Mrs. John E. Savage, ’57 Mr. J. Paul Schaetzle, ’71

Pride & Glory It is our Pride and our Glory, old in song and in story; and we cherish your name and we love your fair fame for the days of long ago.

And we your sons will be loyal to Saint Peter’s so royal.

May your banners still guide us wherever we go!

It is a story of gladness, with no shadow of sadness; our years spent with you, Saint Peter’s so true, and you hold our hearts’ love yet.

And through the years we will treasure, with a joy beyond measure, the gifts you have given.

We shall never forget.

Thank You, Ed Grant, ’43

Frank Koch,’61