Football

Class of 2019 Hall of Fame Announced

The 2019 Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner will be held on Saturday, September 21st at Fordham Prep. The event "kicks off" with a cocktail reception at 6 PM, followed by the induction ceremony and dinner. Tickets are $150. For more information, to register, or sponsorship information, please visit fordhamprep.org/gridironclub.

This year's inductees are: 

Michael Conway '59
William Morris '63
John Crabtree '74
Patrick Melendez '73
Arthur McCormack '83
Pasquale (Pat) Antolino '94
James LaMacchia '06 

Past Inductees

Re-started in 2014, the Gridiron Club provides a forum for Fordham Prep football alumni to come together with the current players’ parents to improve the quality of the Program, develop a relationship between current players and alumni members of the Gridiron Club, increase support for all of the teams within the Program, and assist in promoting the Program within the metropolitan area.

The Gridiron Club seeks to ensure that all students have the opportunity to participate in the football program and provide financial support to enhance the Fordham Prep football program.

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 - You can view game summaries and video highlights of the Varsity Football team on the Gridiron Club's Facebook page.

 - The Gridiron Club will be posting score updates on Twitter throughout the season. 

 - The Gridiron Club's Instagram page captures those special moments throughout the season.

Robert Henry “Bob” Abplanalp '39

Robert Henry Abplanalp was born in 1922 to Swiss immigrant parents and raised in Holy Rosary Parish in the Pelham Gardens section of the Bronx.  His mother was a homemaker, his father was a mechanic, and he spent hours with his father in the family’s basement machine shop. 

At Fordham Prep, Bob Abplanalp played football, kicking the winning point in the 1938 Turkey Bowl.  After Fordham Prep, Bob entered Villanova in the mechanical engineering program, leaving college early to open his own machine shop.  (He eventually received an honorary degree from Villanova.)  Bob served in the US Army in Europe during the Second World War.  Back in his machine shop in the USA, he invented the modern aerosol valve in 1949, leading the New York Times to describe him as “the Henry Ford of the packaging industry.” 

Bob Abplanalp is a founder of the current Fordham Prep.  He and his wife, Josephine Sloboda Abplanalp, launched the capital campaign for the current building with a then-anonymous $500,000 commitment in 1967, soon followed by an additional $1.5MM to fund the replacement for Hughes Hall in tribute to the school’s legendary dean of students, Rev. Arthur V. Shea, SJ. 

Shea Hall was dedicated in October 1972, but financial pressures built for the school through the rest of the 1970s.  In response, Bob worked behind the scenes with other Fordham Prep legends to ensure the survival of the school, including the organization of fundraising entertainment events headlined by Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Gloria Swanson and New York City Mayor Abe Beame.

Always the inventor, Bob is credited with hundreds of patents.  He ensured that his company, Precision Valve, remained headquartered in Yonkers as it built out plants and offices all over the world.  At the time of Bob’s induction into the Fordham Prep Hall of Honor, Precision Valve was producing billions of valves each year, and NASA had selected a Precision Valve product for use in beverage containers aboard the Space Shuttle. 

Bob was Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Precision Valve until his death in 2003. 

Inducted May 2017

Pasquale "Pat" Antolino '94

Born in the Bronx and raised in Yonkers, the son of Angelo and Antonietta Antolino who were born and raised in Andretta, Italy. Pat attended St. Joseph’s Grammar School in Bronxville where he and his family were also members of St. Joseph’s parish.

At Fordham Prep, Antolino played baseball and was a three-year, two-way varsity starter in football. Although Pat was primarily a Tight End where he started every game from Freshman to Senior year, he was a two-way starter playing some DE, but mostly safety on the defensive side of the ball. Pat was an exceptional athlete who started every game and rarely left the field as he also contributed on special teams where he was a kick returner, punt returner, kicker and punter.

“Patty 10 Fingers” earned his nickname given by his coaches during his Freshman year for his great catching ability. Pat exceled at the TE position where he ranks among Fordham Prep all time leaders in receptions, yards and receiving TD’s. He led the Catholic High School Football League in receptions, yards and TD’s during 2 seasons and also led his team in those categories all 4 years. During his career, he was the recipient of multiple awards including multiyear Catholic High School Football League All League selection, Most Valuable Player, and Clutch Player. After being awarded team MVP his freshman year while starting at Tight End, Defensive End, kicker, punter and returner, Pat was moved up the varsity team as a starting TE and kick/punt returner. As a Sophomore and Junior, Pat led the Catholic High School Football League in various receiving categories where he was part of a varsity teams that made it to the Division B Championship both years. During his Senior year, Pat was elected as a co-captain where he led the team in receiving and also interceptions while playing safety. Although it was not a particularly successful season, the team recorded two of its biggest wins in school history: beating Xavier 40-12 and upsetting Iona Prep 8-7, the first win against the Gaels in 35 years.

After high school, Pat earned his degree from the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. where he also played some football. During Pat’s freshman year in 1994, the Catholic University of America Cardinals finished 8-2 and tied the record for best turnaround in NCAA III football history. Upon graduation in 1998, Pat embarked on his Finance career in lower Manhattan. He currently works for a global bank in Trade Finance on Wall Street and has a successful 20 + career working for some of the largest banks in the world. His greatest joys are his three wonderful kids – Lillianna, Angelo and Michael. Pat enjoys watching his daughter Lilli play soccer and is a volunteer head coach for Angelo and Mikey’s baseball teams as well as a volunteer defensive coordinator for their football team.

Inducted September 2019

John Martin “Marty” Beck 1918

John Martin “Marty” Beck was born in 1900 in Akron, Ohio to Edward and Florence Beck.  The family later moved to New York City and Marty attended Fordham as a member of the Third Division, the former Fordham Prep grammar school.  

According to Fordham Prep lore, Marty took classes with the Second Division Prep freshmen and was talented enough to play on the freshman Football team.  After Fordham Prep, Marty did not attend college but he was always thankful to be known as a loyal alumnus of Fordham. 

Marty played professional football from 1921-‘22, in 1924 and also in 1926 for the Akron Professionals (later the Akron Indians) in the American Professional Football Association, the pre-cursor to today’s National Football League.  He was 5’ 9” tall, weighed approximately 175 lbs. and played as a back, kicker, kick returner, punter and punt returner.  Over his four professional seasons he played in 11 games.  With these appearances, Marty is considered to be the first Fordham Prep student to play professional football and is recognized as such by the New York City Catholic High School Athletic Association.

Marty died on May 20, 1971 in Wadsworth, Ohio.

Inducted May 2017

Mario Biaggi, Jr. '76

Mario was born and raised in the Bronx, and attended St. Philip Neri grammar school in Bedford Park..

Mario played four years of football at Fordham Prep.  On JV, he was co-Captain and MVP.  On varsity, he was a two-way starter at linebacker and fullback his junior and senior seasons.  As a junior, he was selected to the All-Metropolitan League First Team and the All-New York City Team.  As a senior, Mario served as co-Captain, and received identical All-Metropolitan and All-City honors.  He was also honored as the Metropolitan League MVP, the Prep’s MVP, selected as a Scholar Athlete to the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame, and was a member of the Maroon Key Honor Society.  During his two years of varsity play, Mario had approximately 1,500 total rushing yards and was among the team leaders in tackles.

After Fordham Prep, Mario played four years of football at Columbia University.  A three-year varsity starter at defensive end, Mario led the Lions in sacks for three years, ranking third in all-time sacks at Columbia.  He was an All-Ivy League selection, a two-time Second Team Academic All-American, and East Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Week Honors for his role in Columbia’s 14-10 homecoming victory over Princeton in which he recorded two quarterback sacks, a fumble recovery, blocked a field goal and registered 15 unassisted tackles.  Mario won the 1913 Class Cup for the highest G.P.A. among student athletes and was awarded an NCAA Post Graduate Scholarship.  In 1987, Mario was honored with a First Team selection to Columbia’s 20^th Century Team.  He graduated Phi Beta Kappa, cum laude and was a Frank Hogan Scholarship winner for Columbia athletes admitted to Columbia University Law School.

After law school, Mario became an accomplished civil trial attorney.   He has served as counsel for a variety of public and private clients, including the State of New York, the County of Westchester, and the Town of Eastchester, and has received over 100 judicial appointments from the justices of the State of New York for guardianship and related work. 

Mario was elected as a judicial delegate in Bronx County and is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Abbott House, a child care agency and residential treatment center. He is also a member of the Tri-State Italo-American Organization, Columbian Lawyers Association, and the Coalition of Italo-American Associations.  He is particularly proud to have been a founding member of the Forum’s Children Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing lifesaving operations for young children all over the world.  He has also spearheaded fundraising efforts for the St. Patrick’s and Providence Rest Nursing Homes, the New York City Police Department’s Columbia Association, the Shomrim Society, and the New York Foundling Hospital.

Inducted May 2017

Thomas “Buster” Brennan '56

Tom was born in Washington D.C. in February 1938 and moved soon after with his family to Eastchester NY, graduating from Immaculate Conception grammar school in Tuckahoe in 1952.

At Fordham Prep, Tom was a three-year varsity starter in football as a fullback and linebacker.  He received All-City honors at fullback in both his junior and senior seasons.  During the undefeated and un-tied season of 1954, Tom was the leading scorer in the CHSFL.  That season, his junior year, Tom and fellow Hall of Fame member Frank Costello ’55 were voted co-MVP. 

After Fordham Prep, Tom graduated from Holy Cross College in Worcester MA and then Fordham Law School.  During both college and law school, Tom served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, receiving his honorable discharge in 1963. 

After law school, Tom joined his father as an attorney in the Office of General Counsel of The Hearst Corporation in 1967.  From 1996 until his retirement in 2006, he was the Director of The Hearst Family Trust in New York, NY.  He also served as Counsel to the Westchester County Public Employment Relations Board from 1968 to 2006 and a was a member of the Advisory Board of Instructional Television of the Archdiocese of New York from 1975 through 1981.  Involved in a number of leadership roles at faith-based and cultural organizations, Tom was elected President of the Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick in the City of New York in 1992. 

Tom returned to the Prep and served as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1974-1976 and as President of the Fordham Prep Alumni Association from 1974-1982.  He was actively involved in raising support for the Prep until his death. 

Tom passed away on August 24, 2016.  

Inducted May 2017

Richard Cea '55

Richard Cea was born on October 29, 1937 to Alice and Nicholas Cea.  He and his family were members of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish in Pelham Manor section of Westchester County.  His mother was a nurse and his father was a doctor.  

Dick took over at quarterback early in the 1954 season after Tony Fiorello was injured. He led the team to an undefeated season, and the players voted him the MVP. One of his teammates later commented that “while Frank Costello was an All-American, we all realized that without Dick Cea, we would never have gone undefeated.”

Dick attended the College of the Holy Cross, graduating in 1959. He graduated from the Boston University School of Medicine in 1963 and interned at St. Luke's Hospital in New York City from 1963 to 1964 and completed his General Surgical Residency at St. Luke’s from 1964 to 1966.From 1966 to 1968, at the height of the Vietnam war, Dick served in the U.S. Army Medical Corp. He was on duty during the Tet Offensive, one of the bloodiest battles of the conflict. He then completed his orthopedic residency from 1968 to 1971 at St. Luke’s and became a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon in 1973. His private practice specialized in trauma and joint replacement.

Dick is married with four sons and lives in Westchester County, New York. He practiced orthopedic surgery until his retirement in 2010. His father, Nicholas, was also a doctor and served as the Prep team physician during the 1954 season.

Inducted May 2018

John Francis “Jack” Coffey 1910

“Mr. Fordham", Fordham Prep Head Football Coach (1910)

Born the son of Irish immigrants in Manhattan in 1887, Jack Coffey attended Morris High School in the Bronx.  In the autumn of 1905, Coffey entered Fordham University, then St. John’s College, at Rose Hill.  In his first college football game against Rutgers, he scored three touchdowns.  Coffey went on to win eight varsity letters for the University, four each in baseball and football.

During and after college, he played professional baseball over 16 seasons alongside such teammates as Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb.  He also found the time to serve as a high school football coach for Fordham Prep, then the Second Division, leading the 1910 team to an undefeated season.  Coffey’s devotion to Fordham University covered several decades, and he made his mark by serving the school as head baseball coach, freshman football coach and General Manager of Athletics. 

In 1954, he was elected to the College Baseball Hall of Fame and the University named its main athletic field in his honor.  In 1971, Coffey was an inaugural inductee into the Fordham University Athletics Hall of Fame alongside Vince Lombardi and Frankie Frisch.

Jack Coffey passed away on February 17, 1966.

Inducted April 2016

Michael Conway '59

Michael Conway was born on May 3, 1941 to James Conway and Gladys Mirthes Conway. He and his family were members of the South Bronx parish of St. Anglea Merici on East 163rd Street and Morris Avenue. His father, who was the son a Staten Island ferry captain, was the proprietor of a local tavern and his mother, who had immigrated from Germany with her family in 1916, was a homemaker and part-time secretary. He grew up within walking distance of Yankee Stadium.

As a Freshman in 1995, he was selected by Joe Ososki to play on the varsity team and awarded varsity letters as Freshmen – unprecedented in this particular era of the football program. However, Mike was not alone – he was joined by three other freshmen - Thomas Finneran, John Del Negro and Bruce Bott.

As a Sophomore, Mike helped lead the team to an undefeated season, serving as the starting left halfback and receiving the Madow Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the Prep’s victory over Xavier on Thanksgiving Day. He was a Second Team All-City honoree and the second leading rusher on the team behind fellow inductee, Bob Oswald ’57. Unfortunately, Mike was injured during the Summer of ’57 and was unable to play that season. However, he returned in dominating fashion for the 1958 Season. He was selected as Co-Captain of the team and helped lead the team to another successful season and another victory over Xavier on Thanksgiving Day. Mike was an All-City honoree as a Half-Back and the leading rusher for the team. One alumnus who had the chance to see Mike play commented that “he appeared to just walk over opponents and score 4-5 touchdowns every game.”

Mike described the teams on which he played as a great mixture of ethnic and regional personalities that included New York City kids from the Bronx, Manhattan, and Brooklyn and suburban kids from Westchester and New Jersey. Leadership started at the top with the self-described “Polish-Indian,” Joe Ososki, and continued down through the senior and junior players who in turn welcomed those among the freshmen and sophomores - provided that they were willing to put in a lot of tough work in Coach Ososki’s merit-based system of performance. If you could demonstrate your desire to play combined with a massive effort of work and talent, Coach Ososki would put an underclassman in for a few minutes of play in order to nudge the older players to perform or be replaced by the up-in-coming younger talent. There were a few fights and position battles during the week of practice, but when they walked off that field at the end of the week, they were a very confident team and ready for any opponent.
In addition to Conway’s accomplishments as a harrier and halfback, he was also a member of the Athletic Council, the Maroon Key, and the Knights of the Blessed Sacrament. He served as class president during his freshman, sophomore, and junior years and was president of the Senior Council in his fourth year.

Mike was recruited to play for several colleges, but chose to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. As a cadet, Mike played on the freshman team and reinjured his knee and had to stop playing football or risk not being able to graduate and qualify for military service. Mike graduated from West Point and served 6 years in the Army during the Vietnam War. He received a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart and an Air Medal as his main awards.

After leaving the military, he graduated from Columbia University with an MBA and spent 36 years in the Financial Services business with Goldman Sachs, as a limited partner at Lehman Brothers, as senior executive vice president at Wells Fargo, and as CEO and senior vice president at Comerica Securities, Inc. In addition, Mike has taught and continues to teach professional military ethics at West Point. 

Inducted September 2019

Howie Cook '72

Howie Cook was born on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and attended grammar school at St. Joseph’s Academy in Greenwich Village. 

At Fordham Prep, Cook was mentored by Fordham Prep Football Hall of Fame members Jim Feddeck and Joe Moglia.  Cook was a member of the 1971 championship team alongside Hall of Famer Orest Kozicky and six All-Conference players and three future All-City selections.  In that 1971 season, every Fordham Prep offensive record was broken, including scoring, rushing yards, passing yards, receptions and total offense, and the defense was ranked first in the conference. 

In 1971, Cook was selected First Team All-City, All-America by Scholastic Coach Magazine, Coach & Athlete and Scouting Systems, USA.  He was awarded the Conference Most Valuable Player and received the Varsity Clutch Award.  In the final Fordham Prep – Brooklyn Prep football game, Cook won the MVP award.  He started at wide receiver in the inaugural Metro Bowl versus Long Island, coached by PSAL legend Moe Finkelstein of Thomas Jefferson High School.

After Fordham Prep, Cook received a grant to Bucknell University, where he led the freshman football team in scoring and receiving.  He later transferred to William & Mary, playing two more seasons of college football.  After college, Cook began a three-decade career in the financial services industry.  Cook’s son Alex '17 was also a member of the Fordham Prep football program.

Inducted May 2017

Brian Corcoran '76

Defensive Back / Wide Receiver

Brian Corcoran was born on July 4, 1958 and raised in the Queen of Martyrs Parish in the Forest Hills section of Queens.  At Fordham Prep, in addition to starring both ways at defensive back and wide receiver in football, Brian was an outstanding rugby player.  Brian was the first recipient of the Corcoran Family Award for Clutch Play, so named in honor of his family’s contributions to the Prep and the Football Program.

After high school, Corcoran was a Freshman walk-on for the Fordham University football team and finished as a four year starter at defensive back and serving as team captain for the Rams his senior year.  Following his final season, he played for the West Virginia Rockets in the American Football Association and later received an invitation to tryout with the Dallas Cowboys. 

After college, Corcoran enjoyed a 20-year international rugby career.  He played all over the world, from Ireland to Australia, England to New Zealand and Canada to Argentina and Uruguay.  Highlights include his 1989 and 1990 selections to the U.S.A. National Team, the Eagles.

In 1992, Brian was inducted into the Fordham University Athletics Hall of Fame for both football and rugby.  In 2005, Brian was inducted into the Old Blue Rugby Club Hall of Fame.  In 2015, Brian was inducted into the Fordham Prep Rugby Hall of Fame. 

Inducted April 2016

John “Jack” Corcoran '34

Jack Corcoran was born on January 9, 1917 and raised in the Our Lady of Refuge Parish in Kingsbridge Heights, a short walk from Rose Hill.  Corcoran was a star athlete at Fordham Prep, competing on the football, basketball and golf teams.   He played on the historic 1933 Catholic High School Championship-winning basketball team and captained the golf team his senior year.  After high school, Corcoran played football at Fordham University. 

In 1973, Corcoran received the Jack Coffey Memorial Award for his service to athletics at Fordham University, and in 1987 he was inducted into the Fordham University Athletics Hall of Fame.  Corcoran served on the Fordham Prep Board of Trustees from 1981 – 1987, including three years as Chairman. 

For Fordham Prep football, the “Corcoran Family Award for Clutch Play” honors one of the anchor families in the school’s history.

Jack Corcoran passed away on June 28, 1998. 

Inducted April 2016

Michael Corcoran '61

Michael Corcoran was born in 1943 in Kew Gardens, Queens, the second of nine children (four girls and five boys) to John “Jack” Corcoran and Adele Grady Corcoran. They were members of Queen of Martyrs parish in Forest Hills. While his father’s first job was mopping floors at the Museum of Natural History, he then became a NYPD patrolman and a highly decorated detective.  His father then worked as a salesperson while going to law school in the evenings and became a lawyer at the age of 34.

Michael is the third member of his family to be inducted into the Fordham Prep Football Hall of Fame. His father, Jack ’34, and his brother, Brian ’76, were inducted in 2016 as members of the Hall of Fame’s second class of inductees. In traditional Fordham fashion, the Nominating Committee saved the best for last!Although his favorite sport was football, Michael ended up swimming for 4 years on the varsity and running track in his senior year. Michael was an honors student and was inducted into the Fordham Prep Honor Society and the Maroon Key.

At Fordham College, Michael majored in English and minored in Philosophy while swimming for the Rams. With the return of football to the University in 1964, Michael and his brother, John, helped lead the revival of the football program. Michael had the honor of playing in the first Fordham University football game in over ten years, playing before a crowd of nearly 15,000 fans as the Rams hosted their old football rival New York University, coming out on top 20 to 14.

Upon graduation, Michael was commissioned an officer in the United States Marines Corps and, after 6 months of infantry training at Quantico, was sent to Vietnam. Michael participated in numerous operations during his 3-yearsof service in the Marines. Michael then went to Australia for 4 years and taught social studies in New South Wales and West Australia. After returning to the United States, he attended Columbia Teachers’ College and earned a master’s degree in Physical Education.

Michael taught at The Loyola School and coached the girls varsity basketball team to their first championship. Michael returned to Fordham Prep in 1983 and served in various capacities for 33 years including physical education teacher, history teacher, and Football Coach.In recent years, he started teaching a course on the Vietnam War. He is a recipient of the Fordham Prep Bene Merenti award. While Michael retired in 2016, he is frequently seen at Fordham Prep football games, reunions, graduation ceremonies, and other special events.

Inducted May 2018

Frank Costello '55

Frank Costello was born in 1936 and raised in the St. Luke’s Parish in the South Bronx.  Costello was a two-way starter at Fordham Prep his junior and senior year, earning All-City and All-Metropolitan honors both years.  In his senior season of 1954, Costello was honored as a national All-American.  That season, Fordham Prep established an undefeated 8-0 record, and Costello was the first recipient of the Madow Trophy as MVP of the Fordham Prep – Xavier game. 

Following an injury his senior year, Costello was unable to play college football at Boston College.  Costello also served in the United States Army, rising to the rank of Sergeant. 

Inducted April 2016

Thomas Courtney '42

Thomas Courtney was born on November 25, 1925 to Thomas and Delia Courtney.  He and his family were members of the St. Barnabas parish in the Woodlawn section of the Bronx.  His mother was a registered nurse and his father was a foreman for Con Edison.

Tom played football and baseball for the Prep in each of his four years. He was elected to the All Private School Third Team as a Sophomore in 1940. According to classmates, Tom was one of the top two high school football players in his senior year - the other being Art Donovan, then a student at Mt. St. Michael and a future inductee into the National Football League Hall of Fame. The 1942 Fordham Prep Yearbook refers to him as “Touchdown Tom!”

He was awarded a football scholarship to Fordham University and played for one season at the University. However, World War II was in full swing so after the last game of his freshman year, Tom asked his mother to agree to permit him to join the United States Marine Corps because he was only 17 at the time. Mrs. Courtney agreed and Tom was sent to the Pacific Theater and fought in many battles including the Battle of Tarawa. He served with distinction and was highly decorated, including 5 purple hearts.

Thanks to the G.I. Bill, Tom graduated from Fordham College in 1949 with a B.A. in Economics. While it appeared at first that Tom may follow a career similar to that of Art Donovan, who received a scholarship to the University of Notre Dame in 1942 but also left after one semester to join the United States Marine Corps, Tom decided to join the New York City Police Department. He later acquired a law degree from Brooklyn Law School and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from CCNY, but remained as a member of the Department. When he retired in 1971, he was Supervisor of Detectives, Bureau of Special Services, at the time the most elite group of detectives in the Department. As a member of the Bureau, Tom had the opportunity to guard many Presidents of the United States during their visits to New York City. On one occasion, President Eisenhower asked Tom to hold his jacket. Tom quickly replied, “Mr. President, I’ll take a bullet for you, but I’m not holding your jacket.”

From 1972 to 1992, Tom served as the head of security at Fordham University, for both the Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses. In addition, he served as the Police Commissioner in Ridgefield, CT for over 20 years – an elected position which he proudly served on a Pro Bono basis.

Thomas passed away on May 8, 1994. Tom and his wife, Joan Tierney, had 9 children – many of whom followed their father’s footsteps at the Prep and at Fordham University.

Inducted May 2018

John Crabtree '74

Born in Red Bank, New Jersey, John Crabtree grew up in Yonkers, New York. While at the Prep John played and started all four years of football as wide receiver. During his four-year career at the Prep his team finished with a winning record and defeated Xavier each year in the Thanksgiving Day game. Earning awards such as the “clutch” player of the year, and runner-up MVP. John was named All-League wide receiver his senior year.

A stand out not only on the football field, John excelled at track in 220, 440, and relays. Recruited for football by Columbia, Duke, Lehigh, & Lafayette, John decided to continue his playing days at Columbia University. At Columbia, he played football his freshman (starting tight end) and sophomore year (varsity wide receiver) before switching to rugby his Junior and Senior years as inside center where he earned the ‘Heavy Hitter’ award his junior year.

While studying English literature at Columbia, Crabtree explored the city and sought out delicious cheap wines and ‘au courant’ fare, such as onion soup gratinée, at neighborhood restaurants. His football and rugby teammates thought him “a kook” when he subscribed to a cheese-of-the-month club. At night and on summer breaks, Crabtree worked at his father’s restaurant.

Shortly after Crabtree graduated, his father’s restaurant burned to the ground. The senior Crabtree remained, and he and John borrowed money from his future father-in-law to complete the rebuilding, while he went back to Columbia for his master’s degree, while helping rebuild the business. When he received his degree in 1981, the restaurant was booming and things were humming along, so he bid adieu to his father. He had found a run-down restaurant and inn in Chappaqua, NY, and convinced John that it would be an easy fix and flip and they would split the profits.

John agreed to a maximum of two years, and began the restoration and reinvention of the once famous ‘Kittle House Restaurant and Inn’. Crabtree then married his high school sweetheart, Amy, had his first daughter Kathryn, and very soon thereafter his second daughter Christine, and suddenly realized that he was enjoying the success of the restaurants. So he decided to enjoy the ride and start building a wine cellar in the former stable space of the grand old building.

Over the years, the Kittle House has served as an “informal northern outpost” for Fordham Prep alumni and the Class of 1974. Whether it be hosting alumni events or impromptu reunions, John has continued to welcome Rams of all ages to his restaurant.

Inducted September 2019

John Cullen '75

John Cullen was born on July 30, 1957 in the Clason Point section of the Bronx to Ellen and John Patrick Cullen Sr.  He and his family, which included five sisters, were members of Saint Joseph’s parish in Bronxville.  His mother was the long-time director of the Elinor Martin Pregnancy Care Center and his father had a long career with Consolidated Edison, retiring as Vice President, Radiation Safety at Indian Point nuclear power plant.  

John was a throwback to the 1950’s, sporting a close-cropped military haircut while the rest of his teammates were growing long hair like a bunch of hippies.  His personality matched his looks – he had the maturity, discipline, temperament, and strength of character of a true leader.  John always offered encouragement and inspiration to his teammates. John was not a showboat or flashy – while he took a quiet but determined approach to the game and as a leader, he was never intimidated. 

John began his Prep football career on the freshman team, but the following year he was brought up to be a starting lineman on the varsity squad. He had reached his substantial full adult size by the age of 13 and was able to attend the Prep on a scholarship, likely enhanced by his football potential. He played both offense and defense in football, and also played hockey, skating “like a milk truck” according to Coach Bruce Bott (and breaking his jaw in one memorable game).A former football teammate recounted that “after a few failed runs up the middle on the goal line, Coach Bott called for a quarterback sneak -- quick and straight ahead. As we were breaking the huddle, John quietly turned to me [the QB] and said to follow him. He was out at left tackle, but I followed him into the end zone. The touchdown was sweet and so was growing up with John.”

John was a walk-on player at Cornell during his freshman year, and then led a big group of committed friends (including his future wife, Kim) in an intramural sports team, eventually winning the Cornell Intramural Sports Championship (after distinguishing himself in the broomstick polo competition). John graduated from the Cornell School of Industrial and Labor Relations in 1979, working in that field for several years.

However, he was a man who could do pretty much anything he set his mind to and, ultimately, he was named Plant Engineer at an O-Z Gedney foundry in Terryville, CT (teaching himself to read blueprints at night). He left that job to start his own firm, Hoss Valley Restorations, a successful contracting business that he ran for many years. When his daughters, Jamie and Kara, were young, John was often the primary parent, attending school meetings and athletic events, preparing meals, and providing the support, direction, and wise counsel that provided a rock-solid foundation for both daughters.

He was a die-hard Yankee fan, and a quiet community leader, never hesitant to address an issue, or speak up when others were reluctant. He was generous in his praise when earned, and brutal in his wrath when aroused. His hard work and strength of character were legendary.

When he was diagnosed with small-cell lung cancer in 2008, he began writing entries on the wonderful CaringBridge website that showcased his remarkable strength, humor, and love. From January 2008 until he died in August 2009, his writing and musings inspired a wide range of people who’d never met him, in addition to the many dear friends he cherished throughout his life.

John was an astonishingly strong, unwaveringly determined, one-of-a-kind, 

larger than life, selfless character, who took care of so many people, and touched so many more. He approached his illness as he did everything else: with spirit, wit, humility, wisdom, and care.

Throughout his life, John focused on improving life for those he loved. Friends noted that John improved every situation he was in -- every event, every structure, every party, every team, every school, every community, and most important, every friendship. His integrity, determination, creativity, loyalty, fun-lovingness, and most of all his kindness made a profound impact on many and he is missed every day.

Inducted May 2018

Daniel Cunniffe '93

Dan was born in August 1975 in Pompton Plains, New Jersey.  He attended Katonah Elementary School and John Jay Junior High School in northern Westchester before heading off to the Prep in the fall of 1989.

Dan was a three-year starter for the varsity football team and served as Co-Captain his senior season with fellow inductee Jehu Richardson.  Dan played running back, linebacker, punter and kicker and never left the field.  He led the team in rushing and tackles over two seasons.  Dan was selected to the Daily News All-City First Team, the Newsday All-City First Team, All-League CHSFL in 1990, 1991, and 1992, and First-Team Football All County Gannett Suburban Newspapers.  He also received CHSFL Player of the Week honors during the 1992 season and received the Madow Trophy as the MVP of the Turkey Bowl in 1992 with three touchdowns scored, 153 rushing yards, and two interceptions.  Dan received the Michael Fischetti MVP Award in 1992. 

Dan also played lacrosse at Fordham Prep and received numerous honors including: First Team Lacrosse All-Star Gannett Suburban Newspapers, NY Metropolitan Lacrosse Association: All-League in 1992 and 1993, and All-Tournament Team in 1991 and 1993.  He was Captain of the team in both his junior and senior seasons, during which he was also selected MVP.

He received the 1993 Jack McLaughlin Memorial Award for Outstanding Athlete and was ranked among the Top 10 High School Athletes by the Gannett Suburban Newspapers in 1993.

At Georgetown University, Dan played running back during his freshman year and received All-MAAC Rookie of the Week honors.  He then moved to cornerback for the remainder of his career at Georgetown.  He was named captain during his senior year and was part of a Georgetown defense which led all Division 1-AA schools in total defense allowing just 216.4 yards per game.  He received the Jeremiah Minihan Coaches Award in 1996 and was selected to the All-MAAC Defensive Squad.

Dan graduated from Georgetown University in 1997 and the Stanford Graduate School of Business in 2004.  He currently serves as the CEO of Markin Tubing, a company located in Western NY that employs over 100 individuals to manufacture highly engineered small-diameter steel tubing for customers including GM, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, VW, John Deere, and Caterpillar.

Inducted May 2017

The Rev. Patrick Francis Dealy, Sj

Rev. Patrick Francis Dealy, SJ was born on April 7, 1827 in Rathkeale, County Limerick, Ireland.  He immigrated to the United States at a very young age with his parents and received his earliest education at New York City public schools.

He began at St. John’s College in 1843, a student in the Grammar Department, which would soon be known as Second Division, or as it is called today, Fordham Preparatory School. He completed the high school portion of his St. John’s education in 1846, making him a member of what is considered the Prep’s first graduating class. He entered the Society of Jesus on October 31, 1846 at just 17 years of age. He would be the first Fordham student to become a Jesuit. As a scholastic, Dealy spent 1852 and 1853 teaching Greek and Latin on the Prep level.

In 1882, Fr. Dealy was appointed 13th President of St. John’s College, or in other words, of Fordham Prep and Fordham University. Not only was he the first Prep student to become a Jesuit, but he was also the first graduate of the school to serve as its president.

Fr. Dealy’s tenure at Fordham was remarkable in many ways and substantively changed the direction of the school, from both an academic and athletic perspective. He is honored today as the founder of the Fordham University and the Fordham Prep Football Programs. While baseball was the most popular sport of the day on campus, it was Fr. Dealy who established the very first football program on the Rose Hill campus. One can only speculate whether football would ever have been played at the University or the Prep without his leadership and foresight in bringing football to Fordham!

After resigning from the presidency in 1885, Fr. Dealy served in various parishes, including St. Francis Xavier in Manhattan as well as parishes in Boston and Philadelphia before returning to New York where he was appointed to St. Lawrence Church in Manhattan. Tragically, he caught pneumonia while visiting a sick communicant and died in New York City on December 23, 1891. He was laid to rest on Christmas Eve in the College Cemetery, which by then had been moved to its current location on Campus near the University Church, just across the road from the Prep.In 1935, First Division Hall was renamed Dealy Hall ensuring that Fr. Dealy’s name would be remembered by generations of Fordham University and Prep alumni.

Inducted May 2018

Patrick Deane '88

Defensive Back / Wide Receiver, Fordham Prep Head Football Coach

Born the son of Irish immigrants, Pat Deane was raised in Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in the Pelham Bay section of the Bronx.  Deane was a two-way starter at Fordham Prep at wide receiver and defensive back, where he holds the career record for interceptions.  In 1987, Deane was a Catholic High School Football League 1987 First Team All League selection.  He was also selected to represent Fordham Prep at the 1987 Senior Bowl. 

After high school, Deane was a four-year varsity letterman for Pace University, again playing both defensive back and wide receiver.  Pat is currently ranked third for career receptions at Pace University.  After college, Pat returned to Fordham Prep to serve in a variety of ways, as Dean of Students, head baseball coach and assistant football coach.

Inducted April 2016

Ralph Dengler '84

Ralph A. Dengler was born on July 20, 1966 in New York City to Norbert ’49 and Marilyn Dengler.  He and his family were members of Our Lady of Refuge parish in the Fordham Manor section of the Bronx.  His mother was a homemaker and raised seven children and his father was an attorney; both parents are lifelong residents of the Bronx.

Ralph was an honors student/athlete and four-year football starter and three-year rugby player. As a junior he was a CHSFL Second Team honoree. As a senior, Ralph served as team captain, and was a CHSFL First Team honoree, CHSFL All Star Team member, Daily News All City – Second Team honoree, and the recipient of the Prep’s Fischetti Award. Ralph played both ways as a fullback and linebacker, and served as the long-snapper on special teams. During his varsity career Ralph scored 23 touchdowns and was coached by fellow Football Hall of Fame member and legend, Bruce Bott ‘59.

Ralph entered the United States Naval Academy in July 1984, but was cut from the football team at the end of Plebe Summer. However, he then went on to play rugby for four years and was team captain in his senior year. In his senior year, Ralph helped the Navy win the Potomac Rugby Union Champion-ship and was chosen as the team’s Most Valuable Forward. Ralph was also selected to the All Military U-19 Team and was a light heavyweight boxing champion as a senior.

Upon graduation in 1988, Ralph was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. He served as an Infantry Officer on Active Duty from 1988-1993 and in the Marine Corps Reserves from 2003-2010, commanding Platoon through Battalion sized Infantry units. He also served as an instructor at the Marine Corps’ Basic School and obtained a Masters of Education degree from the University of Virginia. Ralph served three combat tours during his Marine Corps career: on active duty in the Gulf War in 1991 as a Weapons Platoon Commander; and as a twice-activated Reservist in the Iraq War in 2003 as a Battalion Executive Officer and again in 2007-2008 as a Team Leader for a Combat Advisor Team embedded with the Iraqi Army. In 2010, he retired as a Colonel, with numerous personal and unit decorations.

Following his active duty, and in parallel with his Marine Corps Reserve career, Ralph attended Fordham University Law School from 1993-1996. Upon graduation, he served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office from 1996-1999, including one year in the Narcotics Bureau. Ralph then moved into private practice, specializing in intellectual property law litigation and counseling, which he continues to do today as a partner in the New York City office of Venable LLP. 

He served as volunteer little league, soccer and basketball coaches for his children’s various teams in Sparta, NJ. In addition, he served as General Counsel for the town’s youth football program from 2010-2014. Currently, Ralph is a member of the Board of Directors for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation.

Ralph is married to Kelly Connaghan Dengler, a Hall of Fame swimmer at Fordham University (’89) and proud parents of student/athletes: Matt, a at Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business and a member of the football team; Ryan (17), a junior at Pope John High School and also a member of the football and track teams; Krista (12), a 7th grader at Sparta Middle School and a soccer, basketball and track athlete; and Sloane (10), a 5th grader at Helen Morgan School and also a soccer and basketball player. The Denglers live in Sparta, New Jersey.

Inducted May 2018

Brendan Dolan '82

Quarterback

The son of Irish immigrants, Brendan Dolan was born and raised in St. John’s Parish in the Kingsbridge section of the Bronx.  At Fordham Prep, Dolan was a three-year varsity football player.  He was selected to represent Fordham Prep at the 1981 Senior Bowl. 

After high school, Dolan played quarterback for the University of Rochester, where he also played rugby.  After college, Dolan began a successful career in the energy derivatives industry. 

Brendan Dolan was tragically killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 at his office on the 92^nd floor of One World Trade Center.  He was 37 years old. 

Inducted April 2016

 

Mike Dunn

Fordham University Class of 1925

Fordham Prep Head Football Coach (1925-1929)

Mike Dunn played football at Fordham University in 1921 and 1923.  He also played three years of basketball for Fordham U.   After college, Dunn coached varsity football at Fordham Prep for five seasons.  He tragically died of spinal meningitis before the 1930 football season and was succeeded as head coach by Earl “Zev” Graham. 

In 1936, Joe Fox ’29 suggested that a trophy named in memory of Coach Dunn be awarded to the winner of the Fordham Prep – Xavier football game.  The annual tradition of the “Mike Dunn Memorial Trophy” has continued since the 1930s.   

Inducted April 2016

 

James “Jim” Feddeck

Fordham Prep Class of 1964

End / Safety

Fordham Prep Assistant Football Coach

The son of a FDNY fireman and a Bell Company telephone operator, Jim Feddeck was born and raised in Our Lady of Mercy Parish, two blocks from Fordham Prep.  At Fordham Prep, Feddeck was a two-way starter at both end and safety.  His senior year, he received the “best all-around athlete” award.  After high school, Feddeck played halfback for Boston College. 

After college, Feddeck returned to Fordham Prep where he served as an assistant football coach in 1968-1969 and 1986-1996.  

Inducted April 2016

 

Thomas Finneran

Class of 1959

Thomas Finneran was born on February 17, 1940 at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, New Jersey to Hugh and Elise (Wiedeman) Finneran.  The family eventually moved to Yonkers where they became members of the Sacred Heart Parish.  His mother was a bookkeeper for various companies and his father was a yardmaster for the New York Central Railroad.  

In 1957, “Tommy the Tank” Finneran burst onto the scene as a 6’3, 225-pound sophomore fullback, recording 5 TDs in a 7-game season that also included a 70-yard punt against Brooklyn Prep. As a junior, he earned national and local recognition as a 6’3, 245-pound fullback and defensive tackle. His honors included: 1958 Teen Magazine High School All-American, 1958 N.Y. Daily News All-City Tackle, 1958 New York Herald Tribune All-Scholastic Top Running Back, and 1958 New York Journal American First String All- City at Fullback, the only junior on the team. He was also named the October 15, 1958 New York Journal American Schoolboy Player of the week after scoring 3 TDs and recording 2 punts with a sixty-five-yard average in addition to dominating on the defensive line. He recorded 35 points in the first 3 games and finished 11th in City scoring across public, private, and parochial schools with 51 points in seven games and averaged fifty yards per punt. In November 1958, the New York Sunday News said he was “[p]robably the most desired athlete to come out of the Prep since the Late George “Snuffy” Stirnweiss (1937).”

Not surprisingly, his athletic achievements were not limited to the gridiron. He broke the Prep shotput record numerous times and continues to hold both the freshman and overall Prep shotput records. He was also a member of New York Athletic Club eight-oar crew team that competed in Cuba and Canada. He was a member of the 1954 NYAC team that recorded 44 victories including 6 Canadian, 1 U.S. National, 8 New England, 7 Metropolitan, and one Mid-States championship.

After Fordham Prep, Tom attended Fork Union in Virginia, where he starred on the gridiron and still holds the shot-put record. He received over fifty scholarship offers to play in college and accepted a scholarship to Notre Dame.Tom played a Notre Dame for two years and then transferred to Hofstra University, where he graduated in 1965 after starring as a fullback and defensive tackle. He became best friends with teammate John Schmitt, who went on to play center for the New York Jets’ Super Bowl III team.

Tom was invited to the San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders AFL Camps, eventually signing with the Oakland Raiders, but did not end up playing for them. After much deliberation, he decided to hang up his cleats and enter the business world, where he enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the textile and furniture Industry. He was Vice President in Sales for 18 years at Quaker Fabrics, Vice President in Sales at Joan Fabrics in Lowell for many years, and President of American Century Home Fabrics in Salisbury, NC.

Although his career took him away from the Prep, Tom dedicated himself to Catholic high school athletics, constructing a weight room in an abandoned horse stable to help the football program at Central Catholic in Andover, MA, where his six sons starred over a twenty-year span, then went on to stellar college careers across the Northeast. Thomas and Robert both won national championships at Ithaca College. Sean and Edward each started at the University of New Hampshire, with Sean starting all four years. Brendan, a two-time first-team All-Ivy selection, and Neil each were standouts at Brown.

Tom passed away at the age of 67 in 2007. He is survived by his wife Maureen A. (Adams) Finneran of Andover, his sons, their wives, and many grandchildren.

Inducted May 2018

 

Michael R. Fischetti, Prep Parent 1961

Michael Russel Fischetti, the son of Italian immigrants, was born in the Bronx in August 1917.  He attended St. Phillip Neri grammar school in the Bedford Park section. 

Mike graduated from De Witt Clinton High School and Fordham University with a degree in business.  He raised his family in the Bronx and was a parishioner of St. Brendan’s in Bainbridge.  He worked for the NY Central Railroad and also held side jobs selling life insurance and serving as an accountant.

Unfortunately, Mike died during his son’s senior year at the Prep.  His son, Dr. Michael Fischetti ’61, went on to graduate from Columbia College and Albany Medical School, and later specialized in fighting cancer.  Dr. Fischetti eventually moved to California where he founded a hospice and worked with the homeless, which he continues to do even today. 

Mike is best known for his founding of the Fordham Prep Father’s Club in 1959 – an institution which even decades later is still providing much needed support for the Prep and its students. 

The Fordham Prep Football Program’s Most Valuable Player Award was named in honor of Dr. Fischetti’s father and has been awarded annually since 1961.  The MVP Award recognizes the player who always played as hard from the beginning of the game until the final whistle; acknowledged his mistakes and weaknesses, worked harder than anyone else to become a better player; praised his teammates’ accomplishments and inspired his teammates to overcome mistakes; played to the best of his ability, put the team’s success ahead of his own personal achievements; and exemplified sportsmanship both on and off the field.

Inducted May 2017

 

Rich Flory, Class of 1963

Rich was born in June 1945 in Manhattan and attended Our Lady of Refuge grammar school in Bainbridge. 

During his senior football season at Fordham Prep, Rich served as the Captain and played both offense and defense as a 220-lb offensive guard and middle linebacker.  He received many awards including: the Moderator’s Trophy, the Madow Trophy, and the Michael Fischetti Most Valuable Player Award.  In addition, he was recognized as one of the best players in New York, the metropolitan area and the country as an Honorable Mention All American and as a member of the: News, Telegram, Tribune, Journal-American, Post All-City First Team; Telegram All-Met First Team; CFC All Star Team and Most Valuable Player; and Scholastic Coaches’ All-American Football Squad. 

After Fordham Prep, Rich went on to play offensive guard at Columbia University, serving as co-Captain of the 1966 Columbia Lions Football Team.  Rich was a three-time First Team All-Ivy League starter at guard for the Lions.  Unfortunately, his football career was brought to a tragic end when he broke his neck during a game against Dartmouth.  Prior to the injury, Rich was being scouted to play in the National Football League.

Instead of going to the NFL, Rich received an M.B.A. from Columbia University in 1969 and served as a consultant to companies which sold human resource systems.  He later formed his own consulting company, Vista Consultants, which he operated for over a decade. 

Rich’s wife, Bernadette, and their four children, Nicole Flory McLachlan, twins Matthew and Benjamin, and Richard, had a loving family relationship.  Rich was their father, their coach and the organizer of all the family trips. 

Rich died unexpectedly on July 13, 1993 of a heart attack while working out at the Wilton, Connecticut YMCA. 

The Fordham Prep Football Program’s Outstanding Defensive Player Award, named in Rich’s honor, remembers Rich as “one of Fordham Prep’s greatest football players.”

Inducted May 2017

 

Francis “Frankie” Frisch

“The Fordham Flash”

Fordham Prep Class of 1916

Halfback

Frankie Frisch was born on September 9, 1898, raised in the Bronx and attended the Fordham Grammar School (the Third Division).  At Fordham Prep, Frisch played football, baseball, basketball and ran track.  With his legendary speed, he was a four-year varsity football letterman and captained the 1915 championship team.  The New York press selected him to the 1916 All-Scholastic Football Team for Greater New York. 

After high school, Frisch spent two years at Fordham University, where he captained the football, basketball and baseball teams and also ran track.  He earned Second Team All-America football honors at halfback in 1918. 

Frisch then began a 19-year Hall of Fame professional baseball career for the New York Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals.  A career .316 hitter, the switch-hitting Frisch led the National League in stolen bases three times and was the 1931 NL MVP.  He won eight pennants and four World Series championships with the Giants and the Cardinals, where he led the famous “Gashouse Gang.” 

Frisch was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1947 and into the Fordham University Athletics Hall of Fame in their inaugural class of 1971.  Frankie Frisch died on March 12, 1973 and is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx. 

Inducted April 2016

 

William “Bull” Garrity

Fordham Prep Class of 1956

Fordham Prep Assistant Football Coach

Born in 1938, Bull Garrity grew up in St. Brendan’s Parish in the Bainbridge section of the Bronx.  At Fordham Prep, Garrity played both football and baseball.  He played on Fordham Prep’s undefeated 1954 football team and captained the 1955 varsity squad.  In 1955, Garrity was selected All-City in football. 

After high school, Garrity attended Fordham University on a baseball scholarship, but he also played four years of college football.  After college, Garrity returned to Fordham Prep to serve as assistant football coach and scout for over three decades. 

Bull Garrity died in 1992.  After his passing, the “William A. Garrity 12^th Man Award” was dedicated in his honor. 

Inducted April 2016

 

Earl Winfield “Zev” Graham

Fordham University Class of 1927

Fordham Prep Head Football Coach (1930-1942)

Born in 1903 in Akron, Ohio, Zev Graham arrived at Rose Hill in 1923 with a college baseball scholarship to play for Jack Coffey.  Graham was also an outstanding college football quarterback and kicker, leading the University to an 8-1 record in 1925 and earning Honorable Mention All-America honors. 

After college, Graham served as football and basketball coach at All Hallows High School in the Bronx.  After the tragic death of Fordham Prep football coach Mike Dunn, Graham returned to Rose Hill to coach football, basketball and baseball.  Over twelve years, he led Fordham Prep to ten winning football seasons, two CHSAA baseball City Championships and one basketball City Championship. 

In the words of the Class of 1936, “Coach Graham infuses into his cohorts his own unquenchable spirit and inexhaustible energy,” testament to his belief that great coaches do not just win games, they instill indelible qualities that stay with their players for the rest of their lives. 

In 1972, Graham was inducted into the Fordham University Athletics Hall of Fame.

Zev Graham died in August 1980. 

Inducted April 2016

 

The Rev. James T. Griffin, SJ 

Rev. James Thomas Patrick Griffin, SJ was born in Manhattan on March 16, 1914 to James Griffin, Sr. and Delia Carney Griffin. The Griffins were the parents of three: James, Virginia and Frank. The elder James, a streetcar conductor, died when his children were still young. The widowed Delia moved to the Bronx where she took in boarders to support her family.

Fr. Griffin attended Regis High School before entering the Society of Jesus on August 14, 1931 and completed his theological studies in Weston, Massachusetts, and was ordained on June 17, 1944. After teaching assignments in Rome, Italy, Woodstock, New York, and the Philippines, Fr. Griffin came to Fordham Prep in 1970 and served as a member of the Religious Studies Department and a student counselor — positions that he held until 1989. For nearly two decades, they called him counselor, teacher, theologian, philosopher-priest and wise man. Some even called him a mystic among us.

Today, Fr. Griffin is honored for his nearly two decades of service as the chaplain for the Fordham Prep Football Program. Although paralyzed on one side of his body, he rarely missed a class, a meeting with a student or alumnus in need of counseling, or one of his weekly masses for the football team. One alumnus commented, “after a week of beating each other up in practice, inhaling unquantifiable amounts of dirt from our practice field, running speed laps and wind sprints until we nearly collapsed, we’d gather in the warm glow of Loyola Faber Hall and listen to the wise words of one of the most genuine and kind-hearted men in the world. With a dry, but very sharp sense of humor, he would challenge us with philosophical questions during his sermons and would always remind us that men of Fordham Prep played every game to the best of their abilities – both mentally and physically, while also acting as gentlemen on the field of battle.”

Fr. Griffin died on August 5, 1993 in Murray-Weigel Hall, on the Rose Hill Campus. A standing-room only memorial was held in his honor in the Loyola Faber Hall Chapel and was attended by hundreds of Prep alumni, administrators, friends and family.

Inducted May 2018

 

Harry Urban Hamburger

Fordham Prep Class of 1911

Quarterback

Harry Hamburger was born and raised in Kingston, New York.  At Fordham Prep, Hamburger quarterbacked the undefeated 1909 varsity football squad, and also led the undefeated 1910 team as captain.  According to the September 19, 1912 New York Times, “The Prep went on through two seasons without a defeat being registered against it mainly due to the generalship and speed of Hamburger.” 

After high school, Hamburger played quarterback for one year for Fordham University.  After college, Hamburger served in the United States military at the end of World War I, and later moved to California.

Harry Hamburger died on April 25, 1961.  He is buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. 

Inducted April 2016

 

Charles (Colin) “Corley” Hays

Fordham Prep Class of 1915 (posthumous)

Halfback

Corley Hays was born the son of Irish immigrants in 1896 and grew up in Yonkers, New York.  At Fordham Prep, Hays played right half-back during the 1913 and 1914 seasons. 

During his senior season in 1914, Hays was injured while making a tackle during a game against St. Peter’s High School.  Hays tragically died afterwards as a result of internal injuries, and Fordham Prep cancelled the remainder of the 1914 season in the memory and honor of Charles “Corley” Hays. 

Inducted April 2016

 

Richard “Dick” Herzing

Fordham Prep Class of 1960

Center / Linebacker

Dick Herzing was born and raised in the Bronx.  At Fordham Prep, Herzing played three years of varsity football, playing both ways and earning All-City honors.  After high school, Herzing earned a football scholarship to Marquette University.  When Marquette discontinued football, he continued his standout play at Drake University. 

After college, Herzing was drafted by Vince Lombardi of the Green Bay Packers.  Note, the 1967 NFL draft included twenty (20) rounds and Dick was chosen in the 7^th round.  In comparison, future Hall of Fame Quarterback Roger Staubach was drafted in the 10^th round by the Dallas Cowboys.  Unfortunately, Dick was injured during the end of the Packers pre-season preparations and was cut from the Packers.  However, Dick signed with the Giants as a practice squad player in the hopes of eventually making the regular season roster.  He played for three years on the Giants practice squad and then retired from the NFL. 

Inducted April 2016

 

Brendan Higgins

Class of 1994

Brendan Higgins was born on August 18, 1976 in Hemp-stead, New York to Sean and Kathy Higgins. As residents of Westchester County, he and his family were members of the Transfiguration parish in Tarrytown, NY.  His mother was a nurse and his father was an attorney.  Interestingly, both of his grandfathers are Fordham Prep alumni - Dr. Malcom Metzer ’33 and Thomas Higgins ’39.

Brendan was a multi-sport athlete during his years at the Prep.  Brendan was a four-year football player at the quarterback position.  During his senior year, Brendan and fellow team captains Cliff Dealy and Pat Antolino led their team to an 8-7 victory over Iona Prep.  It was the first win for the varsity football team over Iona Prep in over 30 years.  Brendan and his teammates from the Class of 1994 proudly claimed victory archrival Xavier in each year  of their 4-year football careers at the Prep. At the conclusion of his senior season, Brendan was awarded the Bruce Bott Scholar-Athlete Award. Brendan also played two years of basketball for the Prep, but his other major sport was lacrosse. He was a four-year varsity lacrosse player, who at one time was the Prep’s all-time leading scorer and honored as an All-American lacrosse player at the conclusion of his senior year. In 2016, Brendan was inducted into the Prep’s Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

Brendan attended the United States Naval Academy and started off as a two-sport athlete. As a freshman, he walked-on and played quarterback for Navy’s football team. But after his freshman season, Navy switched to their current triple-option offense, which brought a quick end to Brendan’s football career. Brendan then focused his efforts on the lacrosse field and played four years for the nationally ranked Navy lacrosse team. At the conclusion of his senior season, Brendan was the recipient of the Lieutenant (junior-grade) Frank McKeone Award for Character, Leadership and Unsung Hero.

Upon graduation from the Naval Academy, Brendan was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. From 1998 to 2003, he served as an infantry and reconnaissance officer. In early 2003, he led a Marine Corps special operations platoon during the initial stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Brendan and his Marines were some of the first US forces to enter the city of Baghdad. His platoon successfully accomplished numerous surveillance, direct action and personal security missions throughout Baghdad and southern Iraq. Thankfully, every Marine and Sailor from his platoon returned home alive.

Brendan then pursued a career in medicine, graduating from Georgetown Medical School in 2011 and the Dartmouth Orthopedic Residency Program in 2017. He is currently in the process of completing his final year in orthopedic sports medicine fellowship training at the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado. He looks forward to continuing his career of service to others by concentrating his sports medicine practice in the care of high school, college and Olympic, professional, and recreational athletes and, along with his wife, Kim, enduing upon his three daughters – Sadie, Maggie and Clare, the ideal of “service to others” ingrained in him at Fordham Prep.

Inducted May 2018

Orest John Kozicky '73

Running Back

Orest was born on August 5, 1955 in the Bronx and raised in Yonkers as a parishioner at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church.  At Fordham Prep, Kozicky played three seasons of varsity football.  One of New York City’s premier running backs in the early 1970s, Kozicky was named the 1972 MVP of the Metropolitan Football League.  In 1972, he was selected All-New York City and First Team All-Conference.  Kozicky also played soccer during his time at Fordham Prep, serving as a member of the German-American All Star Team. 

After high school, Kozicky played football at the University of Pennsylvania.  After college, Kozicky earned his medical degree from the New York Medical College.  Dr. Orest Kozicky has served as the Yonkers Soccer Commissioner and is the Chairman of the Yonkers Sports Hall of Fame Committee.  He has a multi-decade track record of voluntary medical work on behalf of the people of Ukraine. 

Inducted April 2016

Richard Q. “LeRoy” La Fond '58

Quarterback / Safety / Placekicker

LeRoy La Fond was born in 1940 and raised in Englewood, New Jersey, attending St. Cecilia’s Grammar School.  At Fordham Prep, La Fond was Co-Captain of the 1954 junior varsity football team and the 1957 varsity football team.  In both 1956 and 1957, La Fond was named Honorable Mention All-City and Honorable Mention All-Scholastic.  He won the Madow Trophy as MVP of the 1957 Turkey Bowl. 

La Fond was also an outstanding pole-vaulter for varsity track, winning numerous gold medals in a series of championship meets.  After high school, a series of shoulder injuries at Fordham Prep limited his playing time at Yale University.  However, he did make one appearance as a pole-vaulter in a meet against Harvard.  

Inducted April 2016

James LaMacchia '06

The son of a New York City firefighter, James LaMacchia was born on July 22, 1988 in the Throggs Neck section of the Bronx, where he attended St. Frances de Chantal parish. James played both football and baseball for all four years at Fordham Prep, winning the Madow Award in both 2004 and 2005 for his performances in Turkey Bowl victories over Xavier, scoring a total of 5 touchdowns over two years. He was selected All-City at wide receiver in 2005, leading the Rams in receptions, total yardage and receiving touchdowns in both 2004 and 2005. In 2005, he was named team MVP and was selected to play in the Empire Game representing Fordham Prep. He was also awarded the MVP of the All-Star Senior Bowl in 2006. At graduation, James won Fordham Prep's Presidential Math award.

After high school James continued playing competitive football for Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY. He broke multiple Marist College records including all-time receptions, all-time receiving yards, all-time receiving TDs, single season receptions, and single season receiving yards. In 2010, he was named FCS National Pre-Season Favorite as a Wide Receiver and was named Punt Returner of the year. LaMacchia was also selected First Team All-Conference at wide receiver in 2009 and 2010.

After college, James was invited to the NFL Regional Combine in Atlanta, Georgia. He received his Master's Degree at SUNY Maritime and became a NYC Firefighter. At 28 years old, James played his first season with the NYC Fire Department football team and won Rookie of the Year award as he helped the FDNY win the National Championship.

Inducted September 2019

Christopher F. Lockwood '93

Fullback, Fordham Prep Assistant Football Coach

Chris Lockwood was born in 1975 and raised in Bronxville, New York, attending St. Joseph’s Grammar School.  At Fordham Prep, Lockwood capped his Fordham Prep career with a touchdown reception in a 24-14 victory in the Turkey Bowl.  He was selected to the 1992 CHSAA Senior Bowl and received the George Zambetti Outstanding Back Award as a senior.  He also played golf at Fordham Prep. 

After high school, Lockwood was a two-sport athlete at Siena College, playing three seasons of football and one of golf.  After college, Chris returned to Fordham Prep as a teacher and also served as head coach for freshman football, offensive line coach for varsity football and head volleyball coach.  He currently teaches in Bronxville.

Inducted April 2016

Rev. Charles Matthews, S.J., Fordham Prep Principal 1946-1952

Fr. Matthews was raised in the Throggs Neck section of the Bronx, graduating from St. Francis de Chantal.  After his high school years at Brooklyn Prep, he entered the Society of Jesus in 1927, following two brothers who were also Jesuit priests and one who was a Vincentian.   Fr. Matthews taught at Brooklyn Prep, St. Joseph’s College of Philadelphia, Fordham College and the Fordham Graduate School of Education. 

At Fordham Prep, Fr. Matthews served as a Latin and Greek teacher and, later, as Principal from 1946 to 1952.  During his years as principal, he did much to bolster Prep athletics, especially football.  Certain alumni insist that Fr. Matthews gave fellow inductee Bruce Bott his famous “Lefty” nickname.  In 1973, in honor of his contributions to the football program, Fordham Prep named the Award for Outstanding Linemen in his name. 

Fr. Matthews died at the age of 61 in 1972.

Inducted May 2017

Francis “Bull” McCaffrey 1907

Running Back

A 5’11”, 165-pound running back, Bull McCaffrey earned the nickname for his powerful running style.  At Fordham University, McCaffrey was the school’s first-ever All-American football selection as a junior in 1909.  He also played both basketball and baseball for the University. 

When Fordham U. discontinued its football program before McCaffrey’s 1910 senior season, he declined a football scholarship from Princeton University.  After college, McCaffrey coached football for Fordham University for one season.  In 1974, he was inducted into the Fordham University Athletics Hall of Fame.

Frank McCaffrey died in December 1952.

Inducted April 2016

Arthur "Artie" McCormack '83

Class of 1983

Quarterback/Defensive Back

Born in Tarrytown, NY to longtime Prep faculty member Arthur McCormack, Sr. and Regina McCormack, Artie followed his father and three brothers to the Prep in 1979. As a two sport athlete, he played both football and baseball while at the Prep. On the football team, he was named Second-Team All City as a junior, snagging a Fordham Prep record 10 interceptions as a defensive back, a record that still stands today. In his senior year, Artie started at both defensive back, recording 6 interceptions, and at quarterback. Artie led the Rams to a 8-3 victory over Xavier on Thanksgiving Day, one of only two Prep teams in the 1980s to beat Xavier. In addition to his stellar football career, Artie was an All-League selection in baseball his senior year and invited to the Senior All Star Game.

Following graduation, Artie was recruited to play football for Fordham University, but instead opted to walk-on to the baseball team. He played four years at Fordham, becoming a starting pitcher his sophomore year and compiling a 13-8 record. His junior year, the team went to the ECAC Championship and the following year, won the ECAC to secure a spot in the NCAA Regionals, falling two games short of the qualifying for the College World Series.

Following college, Artie returned to Fordham Prep, serving as a teacher, Dean of Students, Athletic Director and head coach for JV Basketball, Baseball, and Football, and assistant on the varsity football team. He became the Athletic Director for the Irvington School District in 2000 and recently became the Athletic Director for the Pearl River School District.

Artie and his wife Gina, also a Fordham University graduate, live in Ramsey, New Jersey. They have a daughter, Madeline, and two sons, Thomas and William.

Inducted September 2019

Calvin McCoy '08

Calvin was born on July 17, 1990 in the Morris Park section of the Bronx.  He attended Mt. St. Michael Grammar School in the Wakefield section of the Bronx. 

Calvin was a three-year varsity player at Fordham Prep, playing both offense and defense.  As a running back, he amassed over 2,800 yards rushing and 28 touchdowns.  During both junior and senior seasons, he started at running back, outside linebacker, safety and cornerback.  As a junior, he was selected Second Team All-New York State, Second Team All-Borough.  As a senior, he served as Captain and was selected First Team All-New York State, Journal News Super 11 Team, All-City, All-County, All-League and CHSFL Offensive Player of the Year.

Calvin was a three-year starter for Division I-AA Marist College where he led the team in rushing for three consecutive seasons.  In 2010 and again in 2012, he received Pioneer Football League Academic Honor Roll honors.

Calvin currently works in San Francisco for Bloomberg LP in Electronic Trading, but spends a lot of time in New York on various projects.

Inducted May 2017

Richard Raymond “Mickey” McGuire

Fordham Prep Football Athletic Trainer

Mickey McGuire was born in 1930 and raised in Our Lady of Mercy Parish, a few blocks from Fordham Prep. 

He graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx and then served in the U.S. Navy. 

McGuire was the legendary head trainer for the Fordham Prep football program over four decades, and he referred to Fordham Prep as his “second home.”  Selflessly providing physical training, guidance and life advice, Mickey kept his players on the field and off the sidelines.

McGuire was also one of the most highly respected Golden Gloves boxing referees, officiating hundreds of matches in the annual tournament at Madison Square Garden.  In addition, he was involved in the “Kid Gloves” youth boxing program at the Garden, mentoring many future champions.  McGuire also served as a high school and NCAA basketball referee. 

In his memory, Fordham Prep annually confers the “Mickey McGuire Award for Consistent Play” to a varsity football player. 

Mickey McGuire died on June 15, 1988. 

Inducted April 2016

Edmund J. McHugh '39

The son of a 1908 graduate of Fordham Prep, Edmund McHugh was born in the Bronx in 1920.  Ed graduated from St. Brendan’s grammar school and entered Fordham Prep in 1935. 

After Fordham Prep, Ed attended Fordham College, where he would receive both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.  He joined the faculty of Fordham Prep in 1947 and received his forty-year double Bene Merenti Medial in 1986, retiring from the school in 1988.  During his long tenure at both Hughes and Shea Halls, Ed served the Prep in a range of capacities: serving as dean of the faculty, dean of student activities, assistant director of admissions, moderator of the Fordham Prep Fathers’ Club, and executive secretary of the Alumni Association. However, we especially honor his service as director of athletics and the tremendous support that he provided to the Football Program over the years. 

According to Fordham Prep lore, Ed had a hand in the hiring of fellow Hall of Fame and Hall of Honor member, Joseph “Sammy” Ososki.  In any case, no one ever questioned Ed’s strong support of Sammy’s hiring and his decades of support of the football program.  In recognition of this service, a special football program award was named in his honor – the "Edmund J. McHugh Team Service Award."  As a student, teacher, athletic director, alumni director, mentor, counselor, and friend, Ed helped shape the lives of hundreds of members of the Prep football family. 

Ed’s son Mark became a third-generation alum as a member of the Class of 1976.  Edmund J. McHugh passed away on July 6, 2002.

Inducted May 2017

Patrick Melendez '73

Lineman

Patrick Melendez was born on December 8th, 1955 in New York City to parents Isora, a piano teacher, and Patricio Melendez, a musician. Growing up in a strong Catholic family, he attended Holy Name Elementary School in the Upper West Side, then moved on to Cardinal Farley Military Academy.  When Cardinal Farley closed, Patrick transferred over to Fordham Prep. At Fordham Prep, he was an honor student and an outstanding athlete in football. In 1970, he was part of the All-City Football Team by the Daily News and was part of Fordham Prep's Metropolitan Football League Championship in 1971. After graduation, he was attended Harvard University, where he graduated with his MA in Psychology. A few days before his graduation ceremony in 1977, Patrick Melendez’s young life ended due to a boxing tragedy. He was full of life and was loved by his family and friends, including his best friend George Jackson '76.

Since 1977, a Fordham Prep varsity football student-athlete is awarded the Pat Concepcion Melendez Team Spirit Award to honor Pat and keep his spirit alive.

He is survived by his brother Joseph Melendez, sister-in-law Wanda Melendez, his nieces and nephews Alina Melendez, Laura Rivera, and Patrick Melendez. Also, his great-nephew Tyler Rivera, who is hoping to have the opportunity to continue his Great Uncle's legacy at Fordham Prep.

Larry Miggins '43

Larry Miggins was born on August 20, 1925 in New York City, to John and Josephine Miggins, both of whom were born in Ireland.  He and his family were members of St. Benedict’s parish in the Throggs Neck section of the Bronx. His mother was a homemaker and his father was a fireman in the New York City Fire Department.  Larry earned an academic scholarship to the Prep, paid for by the FDNY.

Larry was coached by the legendary Zev Graham, on both the baseball and football teams during his years at the Prep. He was a member of the 1940 Prep Baseball championship team, and also played two years of varsity basketball during which he broke a scoring record with 38 points in an away game at Chaminade High School in 1943. Larry was a Tight End and Kicker for the 1942 Prep Football championship team, at that time coached by Ray Stoviak. Larry was both the President and Valedictorian of the Class of 1943. At Graduation, he received two gold medals, one in recognition of his athletic accomplishments and one from the Prep alumni.

While Larry received a football scholarship from the University of Pittsburgh, he was only a member of the football team for a brief period. He noticed that the Pittsburgh Pirates were always practicing across from the University so he ventured over one day and was eventually invited to participate in their practices. The University of Pittsburgh baseball coach found out and offered Larry a baseball scholarship. However, Larry wished to return to New York so he entered the New York State Maritime College, where he graduated as a licensed marine engineer with commissions in the U.S. Navy and Merchant Marine. Prior to arriving at Maritime, he signed with the New York Giants professional baseball team and played two weeks with the Jersey City Giants. Larry ended up playing basketball and baseball at Maritime before graduating in January of 1946 and serving as Third Assistant Engineer on two foreign trips.

In the Spring of ’46, Larry restarted his baseball career. In his first game, he played Third Base against Jackie Robinson during Jackie’s first minor league game in Jersey City on April 18, 1946, a game which was featured in the movie “42”.He played two seasons for the New York Giants minor league baseball teams in 1946 and 1947. From 1948 through 1951, he played for the St. Louis Cardinals’ minor league teams, where he regularly lead the league in home runs and RBIs. He finally made the big club in 1952 and played the entire season for the Cardinals as the fifth outfielder. The other outfielders included Major League Baseball Hall of Famers, Stan Musial and Enos Slaughter.

During his minor league playing days, he played for the Houston Buffs and ended up settling there when he retired from baseball in 1954. He earned a B.A. from St. Thomas University in Houston, and later an M.A. in Criminology from Sam Houston State. 

Larry joined the U.S. Probation and Parole staff in 1955, from which he took mandatory retirement in 1980, having spent 21 years as Chief of the second largest district in the country. Later, he spent ten years with the Houston Municipal Court System working for the Chief Judge and then retired for good in 1990.

He married Kathleen McMahon, from Woodford, County Galway, in 1953, and together they raised twelve children, putting all of them through college, and, to date, have 36 grandchildren.

Larry is the published baseball author of “The Secret of Power Hitting” and has two copyrighted songs. He was inducted into the Texas Baseball hall of Fame in 2003 after previously being inducted into the Maritime College baseball and basketball halls of fame.

Inducted May 2018

Joseph H. Moglia '67

Offensive Guard / Linebacker, Fordham Prep Assistant Football Coach

Born in 1949, Joe Moglia was raised in Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish in the Inwood section of Manhattan. 

At Fordham Prep, Moglia played four years of baseball and football.  He served as captain for both teams.  Joe received All-New York City and All-Conference honors as a player.  After high school, Moglia attended Fordham University and coached Fordham Prep football with school legend Bruce Bott. 

After college, Moglia coached college football for 16 years, winning two Ivy League Championships as defensive coordinator at Dartmouth College and setting national records as a defensive and special teams coach at Lafayette College.  During these years, Joe wrote a book on football entitled “The Perimeter Attack Offense – Key to Winning Football” and had 11 articles published in national coaching journals.

In 1983, Moglia left coaching for a career in finance, first at Merrill Lynch then as CEO of TD Ameritrade, which grew from $700MM to $10B in market capitalization during his leadership. 

Joe returned to college coaching in 2009 at the University of Nebraska where he coached for two seasons.  Joe then became the head coach Omaha Nighthawks in the United Football League in 2011.  In 2012, Moglia was named the head football coach at Coastal Carolina University, leading his team to repeat I-AA playoff success and a move to the FBS in the Sun Belt Conference.  In his last 9 seasons of coaching college football, Joe has been part of 7 championship teams. In his first three seasons at Coastal, he led his team to three conference championships, three National Playoffs, was named Conference Coach of the Year in 2012 and 2014, three times named a finalist for National Coach of the Year, both National Runner Up and American Football Coaches Foundation Regional Coach of the Year in 2014, and Eddie Robinson national coach of the year 2015.

Joe Moglia served on the Fordham Prep Board of Trustees from 1996-2002. 

He served as keynote speaker for the 2005 and 2008 Fordham Prep Wall Street Forum lunches and delivered both the school’s 2005 Commencement address and the 2015 inaugural Fordham Prep Football Hall of Fame address honoring Bruce Bott ’59 and Joe “Sammy” Ososki.

Inducted April 2016

Walter “Buzzy” Morris '56

Walter “Buzzy” Morris was born on May 1937 on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and attended St. Gabriel’s grammar school in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. 

Buzzy was a three-year starter on the Prep’s varsity football team. He was the co-Captain, with Mike Siano, of the 1954 undefeated and un-tied team.  While he achieved All-City and All-Metropolitan Honors as an offensive and defensive tackle in 1954, Buzzy is most remembered for his outstanding leadership and support of his teammates.  In 1955, in just the second game of the season, Buzzy tore ligaments in his knee, thereby bringing an end to his football career. 

After Fordham Prep, Buzzy attended Fairfield University, graduating in 1960.  After college, he served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1963. 

After his military service, Buzzy worked for The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation 37 years, retiring in 1999.  He is the father of four children, two of whom are Prep graduates; Walter ’85 and William ’86.  His daughters, Marie and Elizabeth, graduated from Harvard ‘85 and Manhattan ‘87 respectively.  A widower since 1991, he has four grandchildren: Emily, Connor, Ryan, and John.

Buzzy is held in high regard by his former teammates and classmates, and also well-known to Fordham Prep football alumni because of his dedication and support of the program over the last six decades.  He a fixture in the stands at Jack Coffey Field for both the annual Turkey Bowl and numerous regular season games.

Inducted May 2017

Willam Morris '63

Lineman

Bill Morris was born in November, 1945 in New York City. The son of Welsh and Slovak parents, he is the eldest of five children. Bill attended Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish School, Manhattan and traveled to the Prep each day via the "3rd Ave El", since deconstructed.

Bill played football for four years at Fordham Prep, where he learned to play the sport under the instruction of line coach Bill Garrity and Offensive Coordinator Bruce Bott. Bill played center, tackle on offense and nose guard on defense in Coach Joe Ososki’s 5-3 defensive scheme. He was given honorable mention in the Daily News and other publications in 1962, shortly after the Turkey Bowl victory over the Xavier at Randall's Island.

Recruited by Xavier University and Holy Cross College, he decided to attend Holy Cross. A "late bloomer", so to speak, Bill came into his own in his sophomore year, when he assumed the starting center role and played in nine games, including a televised game against Syracuse and a closely fought contest against Boston College on Thanksgiving Day. He soon started lifting weights and packed on muscle. That summer, Bill spent six weeks in Air Force ROTC training in Biloxi, Mississippi. Bill's head coach was college football legend Dr. Eddie Anderson.

Bill's senior year at the Cross was his best, playing offensive guard against Army, Dartmouth, Colgate, Syracuse, Buffalo, Rutgers, UConn, and closed the season with a spectacular victory over heavily favored Boston College, 32-26, in the last minute of the game, ending the year with a 6-3-1 record. That spring, Bill was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 9th round. 

NFL Hall of Famer Mick Tingelhoff was solidly positioned and reaching his prime years for the Vikings  under head coach Bud Grant, so Bill decided to try something else outside of football. That fall, he was hired by the IBM Corporation as a sales representative. He shed his football weight, getting down to 205 pounds and never looked back with thankfully no injuries.

Bill went on to hold numerous sales and marketing positions in several different divisions over the next twenty some years. He finished up his working years at Smith Barney, where he worked for fifteen years in general services and retired in 2007.

Bill has two grown sons; his youngest is a 1993 Xavier graduate and played in three varsity games against Fordham Prep. He also has five grandchildren who are of grade school age with the oldest about to start high school.

Inducted September 2019

John Neary '87

A son of Irish immigrants, a New York City police officer and a waitress, John grew up in the Kingsbridge section of the Bronx and graduated from St. John’s Grammar School in 1983. 

At the Prep, John played four years of football and ran track.  He started at wide receiver as a junior and moved to tight end and outside linebacker his senior year, earning CHSFL All-League First Team honors on defense, starting on offense for the CHSAA Senior Bowl versus Long Island and winning the Bruce Bott Scholar-Athlete Award. 

After Fordham Prep, John played four years for College Football Hall of Fame Coach Carm Cozza at Yale University at both outside linebacker and wide receiver for a nationally ranked I-AA program that won the 1989 Ivy League Football Championship.  He currently serves on the Board of the Yale Football Association. 

After college, John returned to Fordham Prep to work in the Development Office.  He then began a successful two-decade career with Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley on Wall Street, during which he earned an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.  John also serves as President and C.O.O. of the Kingsbridge National Ice Center, working to bring the world’s largest indoor ice arena to his old neighborhood.    

John again returned to Fordham Prep to serve as a Trustee from 2005-2014, including four years as Chairman of the Board of Trustees.  During his tenure, the Board completed several significant initiatives, including the Boller Science Center and the Patrick S. Joyce Jr. ’88 Scholarships for the school’s Endowment.  John delivered the Fordham Prep commencement address in 2009 and has introduced multiple guest speakers at the Fordham Prep Wall Street Forum. 

Inducted May 2017

Connor Nugent '06

Running Back / Punter

Connor Nugent was born in 1988 and raised in White Plains, New York, in the parish of Our Lady of Sorrows.  At Fordham Prep, Nugent played running back and led his team in rushing during his junior and senior seasons, carrying the ball for over 2,000 yards and over 20 touchdowns. 

Nugent won the Madow Award in both 2004 and 2005 for his performances in Fordham Prep victories over Xavier, averaging over 150 rushing yards with 2 touchdowns per game.  He was named the varsity football MVP his junior year and won the George Zambetti Outstanding Back Award as a senior. 

At Fordham Prep, Nugent also played lacrosse, and he was inducted into the Fordham Prep Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2016.     

Inducted April 2016

Robert Oswald '57

Robert A. Oswald was born on May 18, 1939 in Crestkill, New Jersey to Anthony and Margaret Oswald.  The oldest of five children, Bob and his family were parishioners of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church.  His mother was a home-maker and his father was the head of an accounting department in New York City.

Bob “the Rabbit” Oswald was two sport-player at the Prep. He played baseball on the JV level for one season and then three years on the varsity team. He played on the varsity football team during his sophomore, junior and senior years. He was the co-captain of the 1956 varsity squad, playing both running back and defensive back. While Mike Conway received the Madow Trophy at the conclusion of the Turkey Bowl, it was Bob who broke the tie with his 51st point of the season on the point-after-attempt (in addition to scoring the first touchdown in the game). In 1956, he was selected as an All-City First Team, All-Catholic First Team, and All Metropolitan – First Team honoree. In addition, he received the Lou Gehrig Award and the Hoffman Award for Outstanding Achievement in Football. As a result, he became known as “all-everything” at the Prep.Bob even served as his class president in his freshman, sophomore and junior years, and then on the Senior Council as its Vice President during his senior year.

Bob received a football scholarship from the University of Detroit. After graduating with a BA in 1961, he then returned to U of D to earn his master’s degree. Years later, he joined the Cintas Corporation in 1973 and instantly became one of the company’s best managers. He was often referred to as the "Wizard of Oz" in reference to his name and his fantastic business results. One of his first assignments was to open up and establish a presence in the Detroit market. Over the next 10 years, Bob not only established a presence in the Detroit market, but he also established Cintas as the preferred uniform supplier in the state of Michigan. In 1983, Bob was asked to transfer and fix the company’s struggling operations in Cleveland. Over the next 20 years, Bob would take the Cleveland market from $5 million to $200 million in revenue, and secure a dominant share of the market for Cintas. Over those years,Bob built state of the art facilities in Strongsville, Painesville, Akron, and Youngstown, Ohio. Although Cintas is an international company, with revenues of over $8 billion, its largest share of any market is still in the north-east section of Ohio…all due to the efforts of Bob Oswald. Not surprisingly, Bob was the recipient of several Cintas "outstanding achievement awards" which were given only to those managers meeting and/or exceeding company goals. His most coveted award was the first Cintas "Coach's Award” for his mentoring of other Cintas employees and executives. Upon his retirement in 2003, there were 22 executives at Cintas who Bob had personally hired, trained, and/or mentored and who were responsible for 35% of the company’s operations.

Bob then served as a consultant for Union Home Mortgage, founding and chairing the Union Home Advisory Board, training its management team to expect growth and become a growth company. According to Bill Cosgrove, CEO of Union Home Mortgage, “Bob’s business coaching, management training and his friendship continues to impact our company in positive ways. His name comes up in conversation on a continual basis.He prepared us for a future we couldn’t even see at the time but today is our reality because of Bob’s friendship and vision. Everything Bob did had a purpose.”

Among his family, Bob is remembered as a wonderful husband, father, “Papa” to his grandchildren, son, brother, and friend to all. He and his wife were blessed with 50 years of marriage, 3 children (Carrie, Mike and Robert) and 8 grandchildren (Jacob, David, Anna, Grace, Sophia, Maya, Riley, and Robert Anthony III.) Bob was devoted to his Catholic faith and his family, and devoted time to many youth programs and served as a member of the Strongsville Rotary.

Inducted May 2018

Kevin Plunkett '72

Kevin Plunkett was born on April 13, 1954 to Jerry and Meg Plunkett.  He and his family were members of St. Andrew’s parish in the Flushing section of Queens.  His mother was a school teacher and his father was a mechanic.

Described by Bruce Bott ’59 as one of the Prep’s all-time greatest athletes, Kevin was a multi-sport athlete at the Prep. He played both ways during his two years on the varsity football team – at running back and defensive back – and was the only player to do so during those years. He served as Co-Captain of the team during his senior year and lead the team to a record of 7-1, winning the Metropolitan Football 

League title and missing an undefeated season by 1 point in a 13-12 loss to the Eastern Military Academy. He also played baseball at the Prep, spending three years on the varsity and serving as Co-Captain during his senior year. His basketball career, admittedly, was uneventful except for a junior year Christmas tournament game against DeMatha in Washington, DC when Kevin was assigned to cover Adrian Dantley and ended up fouling out of the game in 3 minutes 57 seconds –a record for the tournament. He received the Fordham Prep Outstanding Athlete Award in senior year, which was presented to him by one of his favorite people at the Prep – fellow Football Hall of Fame member Joe Ososki.

Kevin was recruited to play football for Princeton University. However, after one season, the coaches decided that his talents were better suited for the baseball team. After playing on the Freshman Team (mandatory at the time), he was a 3-year starter on the varsity, winning the Ivy League Batting Championship in 1975 and receiving the Clarke Trophy, Princeton's equivalent of the team MVP award.

After graduation, he attended NYU Business School and accepted a job offer to join the Morgan Stanley Training Program. Eventually, he would lead the International Equity Trading Desk and, at the age of only 33,was one of the youngest people ever to be made a Managing Director of the firm. Over the next 20 years, he worked for a variety of investment banks and financial institutions including UBS, Smith Barney, and Lazard Freres.

Kevin is currently managing retirement assets for a handful of clients and driving up & down I-95 from New York to Florida with his dog.

Inducted May 2018

Joseph Reynolds '73

Joseph Reynolds was born on January 12, 1955 in New York City to Ruth and Francis Xavier Reynolds.  He and his family moved from Manhattan to Westchester where they were members of Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish in Ardsley.His mother, Ruth, was a graduate of Hunter College and his father was a doctor, who graduated from Fordham University and then NYU Medical School.

oe played three years of football during his days at the Prep.  As a junior he was a member of the Prep’s Metropolitan Football League championship team.  As a senior he led the team as Captain and was a First Team Metropolitan Football League honoree, an All-City selection and also received the Prep’s Outstanding Lineman award.

Joe went on to play rugby in college as a member of Fordham University’s Rugby Club in 1976 and 1977, and the White Plains Rugby Club in 1977 and 1978.While attending Fordham University, Joe returned to the Prep to serve as the defensive coordinator of the JV football team in 1976. Later, from 2002 to 2010, Joe served in a variety of coaching positions including as the Prep’s freshmen football team head coach and linemen coach, the JV head coach, linemen coach and defensive coordinator for the CHSFL AA JV championship team, and as varsity offensive line coach of the 2010 regular season undefeated team.

In between and after his years as a football coach at the Prep, Joe had a very successful career as the CFO of Emisphere Technologies Inc., a publicly traded bio-pharmaceutical company, and as partner, CFO and COO of CTA Bio Services, a clinical research company. He was also the co-owner of Bavarian Beverage Inc., a beverage distributor in Ardsley, New York.

Joe has been a longstanding and generous supporter of the Fordham Prep Football Program, and has been actively involved in the Ardsley CYO basketball and little league baseball programs, and the Stroudsburg, PA CYO basketball and flag football programs.

Inducted May 2018

Jehu “Jay” Richardson '93

Jehu was born in 1975 in Monrovia, Liberia to Evelyne Tolbert (daughter of then-President William Tolbert) and Jehu Richardson, Sr.  Jehu and his family were forced to flee the country during the 1980 military coup, immigrating to the United States and settling in White Plains. 

At Fordham Prep, Jehu was a four-year two-way starter for the varsity football team playing on both the offensive and defensive lines.  During his senior season, he was Co-Captain with fellow inductee Dan Cunniffe.  He was a very physical player and a leader among his teammates. 

After Fordham Prep, Jehu then played as a true freshman at Wagner College before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps.  Jehu served in the Marines with the Joint Task Force Headquarters Battalion & the 2nd Tank Division.  He was medically discharged after breaking his collar bone and undergoing surgery.

Since leaving the Marines, Jehu has owned and operated several start-up companies including: Food Mobile LLC, Urban Kings, and Strong Arm Holdings LLC.  Currently, he is the Chief Operating Officer of Official Protection Services, Inc., a private executive protection security company in Liberia which employs almost 400 people and provides services to clients such as Exxon Mobil, the British Embassy and the Swedish Embassy.

Inducted May 2017

Matthew Rinklin '01

Matthew Rinklin was born and raised on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. He and his family are members of the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola.

At Fordham Prep, Rinklin started at quarterback during his junior and senior years, passing for over 3,000 yards with 28 touchdowns. After the 1999 season, Rinklin was named to the All-League and All-City teams. In 2000, he was elected football captain, and at the end of the season was selected as the team’s most valuable offensive player. In the same year, he was named to the All-League, All-City and All-State teams. A three-sport athlete, Rinklin lettered in football, indoor track & field, and lacrosse while at the Prep. 

During college, Rinklin played football at the University of Illinois before going on to star at the University of Chicago. As starting quarterback, he led Chicago to the 2005 University Athletic Association (“UAA”) Championship. During his two-year career at Chicago, he threw for 3,364 yards, connected on 24 touchdown passes and had a 55% completion percentage. He was named to the All-UAA team in 2005 and 2006. To this day, Rinklin remains in the University of Chicago football record books across several passing categories.

After college, Rinklin began a career in asset and investment management. He is currently a Senior Vice President at Oaktree Capital Management. Rinklin remains grateful for the foundation provided to him at the Prep and for the many friendships that remain from his time at the school.

Inducted May 2018

Vincent Roman '86

Vincent Roman was born on October 21, 1968 in the Bronx to Juanita and Vincent Roman.  He and his family were members of St. Jude’s parish in the Inwood section of Manhattan.  His mother was a kindergarten teacher and his father was a mailman for the U.S. Postal Service.

At the Prep, Vinnie played both football and baseball, exceeding at both. He played both 2 years on the Prep JV football team and 2 years on the varsity football team. Among his many awards, Vinnie was selected as the Football Player of the Week as a senior in 1985 and was an All-City selection in his senior year. Vinnie also played 2 years on the Prep’s JV baseball team and 2 years on the varsity baseball team.

While still at the Prep, Vinnie was scouted by several Major league baseball teams, including the New York Yankees and Houston Astros. However at that time in his life, he was more interested in playing football. Thanks to his football and baseball coaches, especially Bruce Bott and Doug Faul, Vinnie’s game films and statistics reached the head coaches at several major colleges. As a result, Vinnie was recruited to play football by nationally ranked programs such as Nebraska and Syracuse. However, during a visit to Syracuse, Vinnie stopped to visit another Fordham Prep football alumnus, Sean Innis, at Ithaca College. While there, the football and baseball coaches made a unique offer to Vinnie – if he attended Ithaca, he would be permitted to play both football and baseball, something no other school was going to allow him to do. 

At Ithaca, Vinnie played 2 years of football before turning his focus to baseball. He was a fast outfielder, stealing 20 bases in only 28 games during the 1987 season. The decision to focus on baseball paid off as he was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 1990 MLB June Amateur Draft. Vinnie played for the Astros’ minor league teams from 1990 through 1994. He then served as a hitting instructor and outfield instructor for the Texas Rangers from 1995 through 2000. While at Ithaca, Vinnie received several awards including: 1988 Baseball All American - Second Team, 1989 Baseball All American – First Team. As a result of his baseball accomplishments, he was inducted into the Ithaca College Hall of Fame in 1998.

Vinnie married Jennifer Schuman and they currently live on Long Island with their two beautiful children – daughter, Hunter, and son, Cooper. He is a physical education teacher at Comsewogue High School, where he has served as a baseball, football, basketball and strength & conditioning coach.

Inducted May 2018

James Rowen '82

James Rowen was born in Rockville Center, New York on February 5th, 1964 to Joyce O’Rourke Rowen and James S. Rowen. He and his family were members of the St. Agnes Cathedral. His mother was a teacher in a nearby public school and his father was a corporate lawyer who owned his own firm. Jim married his wife Diane in 1989 and they have three children Kaitlin, Jim and Megan.

Jim joined the Prep football team as a freshman and played through junior year. It was a very hot and humid day in late August 1978 when he first walked on to the Prep’s pebble-encrusted back field and met a bunch of strangers who would become his teammates, his family, his closest friends and, most importantly,the guys who would provide him with the encouragement to push himself every day and live a life of continuous improvement.

Unfortunately, Jim was unable to participate in football as a senior due to an injury sustained during the off-season. However, by the end of his three-year playing career, Jim had demonstrated a commitment to his teammates, the football program and the Prep that is often overlooked by those focused on a player’s stats. While most players on the roster had a one-hour roundtrip commute to the Prep, Jim lived in Long Beach NY and beginning at the age of 13 would spend over four hours on his round-trip commute to the Prep. Despite this challenge Jim demonstrated his commitment to his teams by making every practice and every game.

After graduation, Jim attended Fordham University but had to limit his athletic pursuits in order to be able to work several days a week to pay for college and commuting costs. Jim then went on to obtain an MBA from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Business. Jim’s commitment to his studies and continued sacrifices would ultimately become the foundation of, and the catalyst for, his future success. Jim served as Senior Vice President at Kidder Peabody in the analytical proprietary trading unit – a joint venture with General Electric that became known as “Star Wars.” He then moved on to NatWest Securities where as a Managing Director he was responsible for Equity Derivatives and Financing. Following that role Jim became a Deutsche Bank Managing Director and Global Head of Prime Brokerage, Equity Derivative Financing and the Equity Division’s Strategic Resources. Jim eventually moved on to SAC Capital where he served as the Chief Financial Officer. For the past 10 years Jim has held the role of Chief Operating Officer at Renaissance Technologies LLC. 

As committed as he is to his professional and family pursuits, Jim has demonstrated an equal level of commitment to helping those in need of assistance. He has worked with schools such as Kellenberg Memorial H.S., Fordham Prep, Regis High School, Molloy College, Villanova University, and Fordham University to improve their educational offerings and to enable these schools to welcome some of the most deserving but financially challenged candidates for admission. One of Jim’s proudest accomplishments has been serving as the architect and sponsor of the Ignatian Challenge which annu-ally raises tons of food for the homeless and poorest members of our local communities and, in one year alone, raised more than 50 tons of food. In April 2018, Jim sponsored the first Social Justice Tournament -- a friendly competition among 5 Jesuit High Schools designed to raise awareness and funding for selected charities dedicated developing solutions to injustices in our communities.

Over the years Jim has been a consistent and dedicated supporter of the Prep. From 2010 to 2017, Jim served as a member of the Prep’s Board of Directors. He served as Chairman of the Board’s Finance Committee and,from 2014 to 2017, as Chairman of the Board. More relevant to today’s proceedings, he has been a loyal supporter of the Prep’s football program and, especially, of the revival of the Fordham Prep Gridiron Club. Having benefited in so many ways from participating in an organized high school football program, Jim wanted to ensure that other Prep students would have the same opportunity – thus leading him to help renovate the Prep’s outdoor athletic field in 2014.
Not withstanding all of the above accolades, one of Jim’s greatest attributes is his ability to engage with alumni, both young and old, to gently encourage them to join him in becoming more actively involved in and supportive of the Prep and its football program. More importantly, he has shown through his own actions that an alumnus can have a very positive, significant and long-term impact on the Prep and its football program. All that have had the opportunity to interact with Jim are extremely grateful to him for his leader-ship, his love of the Prep, and especially for his friendship.

Inducted May 2018

Michael Ayo Sangobowale '01

Tight End + Wide Receiver / Linebacker

Mike Sangobowale was born and raised in the Soundview section of the Bronx, where his father was the pastor of the United African Aladura Pentecostal Church.  At Fordham Prep, Sangobowale played both ways at tight end, wide receiver and linebacker.  In both 1999 and 2000, he was named the team’s defensive MVP.  In 2000, Sangobowale was elected football captain and named All-City and All-State.  He also competed in track & field at Fordham Prep, where he holds the record for the second longest discus throw in the school’s history. 

After high school, Sangobowale played football and competed in track & field at the University of Pennsylvania.  He was voted Second Team All-Ivy at defensive tackle in 2003 and First Team All-Ivy at defensive tackle in 2004, and was a shot-put and discus thrower.  While at UPenn, Sangobowale also worked as a teacher during the summertime Higher Achievement Program at Fordham Prep.

After college, Sangobowale earned a master’s degree in neuroscience and education from Columbia University, and he is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in neuroscience at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn. 

Inducted April 2016

Greg Santomero '86

Greg Santomero was born on July 16, 1968 in White Plains, New York to Vincent and Lauretta Santomero. He attended Iona Grammar School in the New Rochelle section of Westchester.

In 1982, during his first year at the Prep, Greg was one of  the captains for the freshman squad, suiting up as the Rams’ offensive guard and middle linebacker. During his second season, he was asked by fellow Football Hall of Fame member Bruce Bott ’59 to jump up to the varsity where he quickly earned the starting center position. During both his junior and senior seasons, Greg started on both sides of the ball and was recognized for his athletic ability and leadership with awards such as: All-League, All New York City, CHSFL All-Star Team and The Daily News High School All-Star. 

Greg continued playing football at The Catholic University of America where he earned a starting position on the offensive line as a guard for three of his four years on the team. Greg also played rugby for four seasons at Catholic University, continuing a rugby career that started at the Prep where he was co-captain along with Andrew “Crazy Legs” Dengler ‘86.

While at the Prep, Greg developed an eye for the creative arts – thanks in large part to his Studio Art Teacher Ms. Honigman. Later, while at Catholic University, Greg secured an internship at the U.S.Department of Health & Human Services that involved working in the digital realm. Upon graduation, Greg honed his creative art skills at a few animation studios and post facilities in Times Square. Later, he became the Creative Director at NBC Sports at 30 Rockefeller Center where he won multiple Emmy Awards for his work as a visual designer and creative director. Greg combined his passion for sports along with his artistic talents and shared responsibility for designing the digital broadcast package and graphics for NBC’s Olympic Games, Super Bowl, French Tennis Open, Wimbledon and other major broadcast programming. With an extensive background in film, broadcast, web, and print, Greg decided to start his own design studio, Santo Studios, and has continued to direct and create award winning visual communication productions. In addition to his Emmy Awards, Greg received several Broadcast Design and Promax Awards.

Married to children’s media creator, Angela Santomero, they live in New York with their two teenage daughters. Greg is one of several members of the Santomero Family to play football at the Prep. His brother Vinny Santomero ’84 (a 2017 Inductee to the Fordham Prep Football Hall of Fame), his cousins Camillo Santomero ‘75 and Christopher Santomero ‘87, and his uncle Dr. Anthony Santomero '64 (football teammate with Football Hall of Fame member Jim Feddeck ‘64) are all proud Prep football alumni.

Inducted May 2018

Vincent Santomero '84

Vinny was born in the Parkchester section of the Bronx on March 19, 1966.  He attended Iona Grammar School in the New Rochelle section of Westchester.  

Vinny played four years of football at Fordham Prep.  During his senior season, he was team Captain and selected to the CHSFL All-League Team as a middle linebacker.  He was also recognized as the Player of the Week in October 1983 in a win over Horace Mann, then coached by Ron Lombardi.  He was awarded the Mickey McGuire Consistent Player Award in 1983.  The late Bruce Bott, Vinny’s coach, noted that “Vinny always seemed to be matched against bigger opponents, but he always beat them.” 

In addition to football, Vinny was a four-year letterman and team captain of Fordham Prep’s wrestling team.  He finished in Fourth Place in the Heavyweight division of the City Championships.  Vinny was also a four-year Prep Rugby Club player and team captain during a time which was known as the last great Prep rugby club until last year’s championship season. 

Vinny played four years of football at Catholic University.  He was a three-year varsity starter and Captain his senior season.  As a nose guard, he led the team in sacks in his junior and senior seasons.  Vinny also continued his rugby career at Catholic University.  Despite losing an ear as a freshmen, he started for four years and served as Captain of the team his junior and senior seasons, achieving a #4 NCAA ranking, the highest ever for Catholic.

While studying Architecture at Columbia University and Drafting at the School of Visual Arts, Vinny was recruited back to the Prep by fellow Hall of Fame member Bruce Bott.  Originally intending to coach one year, Vinny served for eight very successful seasons as both offensive and defensive line coach with Hall of Fame member Jim Feddeck.  Over those seasons, the offensive lines led the league’s top rushing squads while the defensive lines anchored the top defenses by yards allowed.  Those teams won four consecutive Turkey Bowls and the 1994 Division A Varsity Championship.  Vinny continued as a coach with the Fairfield County Youth Football Association for 17 seasons, reaching the championship game 14 times. 

Vinny is not the first nor the last member of the Santomero Family to play football at the Prep. In addition to Vinny, his brother Greg Santomero '86 (Captain & All City football player), his cousins Camillo Santomero ’75 and Christopher Santomero '87, and his uncle Dr. Anthony Santomero (football teammate with Football Hall of Fame member Jim Feddeck) are all proud Prep football alumni.

Inducted May 2017

Sean Smith '95

Sean Smith was born in August 1976 and raised in Bronxville, New York. He attended Iona Grammar School in New Rochelle, New York before heading off to Fordham Prep.

At the Prep, Sean played running back and defensive back. As a running back, he amassed over 4,100 yards rushing in his four years at the Prep. Senior year, Sean was Co-Captain and rushed for 1,395 yards and 14 touchdowns. Junior and senior years combined, Sean scored 5 touchdowns and 4 extra points against Xavier. Those teams in 1993 and 1994 beat Xavier a combined score of 72-26.

Senior year, Sean was selected to the New York Daily News All-City First Team, the New York Newsday All-City First Team, the New York Daily News All Bronx, Manhattan and Westchester First Team, the Herald Statesman All County, the CHSFL All-League, the CHSFL Senior All Star Team, and the Downtown Athletic Club High School Heisman All Star Team. Sean won both the George Zambetti Outstanding Back Award and the Michael Fischetti MVP Awards in 1994. Sean co-won the Fordham Prep Jack McLaughlin Memorial Award for Outstanding Athlete in 1994.

After Fordham Prep, Sean attended The University of Dayton, graduating in 1999. Sean started his career on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, where he became the youngest person to own a direct access firm. Sean sold his company in 2006. He currently is the Founder and President of Jetty 14 Design Group.

Sean has dedicated a significant amount of his time in support of the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in honor of his father who died while Sean was a student at the Prep. In addition, he has supported both Secret Smiles and the Sean Lugano Foundation. Following the damage caused by Superstorm Sandy in October 2012, Sean worked tirelessly to help bring food and water to the residents of Breezy Point and helped with the demolition work on many condemned homes.

Sean and his wife Carrie have three beautiful children, Kylie, Hunter and Cooper.

Inducted May 2018

George H. “Snuffy” Stirnweiss '36

Quarterback

George “Snuffy” Stirnweiss, the son of a NYPD officer, was born in Manhattan in 1918 and raised on Van Nest Avenue in the Morris Park section of the Bronx. At Fordham Prep, Stirnweiss quarterbacked the varsity football team to winning seasons in 1933, 1934 and 1935.  He was selected All-City in both 1934 and 1935.  Stirnweiss also had an outstanding baseball career at Fordham Prep, leading his team to the 1935 CHSAA championship.  He also played basketball, leading the team to the Bronx-Westchester CHSAA title. 

After high school, Stirnweiss received an athletic scholarship from the University of North Carolina.  At Chapel Hill, he started at quarterback for three seasons, leading the Tar Heels to an 8-1-1 record and a #12 national ranking in 1939 while earning Second Team All-America honors.  Stirnweiss was also an outstanding college baseball player, and the first Tar Heel to captain both football and baseball. 

After college, he signed a professional contract with the New York Football Giants but soon decided to play professional baseball with the New York Yankees, who purchased his contract from the Giants.  With the Yankees, he won three World Series championships, won an AL batting championship and led the league in hits and stolen bases in 1944 and 1945.  Stirnweiss was an All Star in 1946 and set a Major League Baseball record with a .993 fielding percentage in 1948.  After the Yankees, he played for the St. Louis Browns and the Cleveland Indians. 

Of all the honors received during his career, this father of 7 said often that he was most proud of his “Father of the Year” award from Major League Baseball in 1946. 

Stirnweiss was killed in a tragic Jersey Central train crash into the Raritan Bay on September 15, 1958.  He was 39 years old. 

In honor of the years of volunteer work that George Stirnweiss and his wife Jane performed for underprivileged children at hospitals and orphanages, the gymnasium at Red Bank Catholic High School in New Jersey was named in their honor. 

Inducted April 2016

John Vrionis '64

John J. Vrionis was born in New Rochelle, New York in March of 1946, the son of Mary Kelly Vrionis and George Vrionis, Sr.  His mother sold real estate and his father, who arrived in this country as a child from Constantinople — today Istanbul — earned a living as an insurance salesman. John and his family grew up in Larchmont, New York and were members of St. Augustine’s Parish where John attended grammar school. 

John played both varsity basketball and football during his days at the Prep. His coach on the gridiron was fellow Football Hall of Fame member Joseph “Sammy” Ososki. John was a big, fleet tight end. During his last football season at the Prep, John was named to the Catholic Football Conference All Star Team, the CHSAA All-City Team and the All-City Prep School Team, among others. On the hard-court, he gave a memorable performance versus Power Memorial Academy, the team that USA Today named the #1 High School Basketball Team of the Century. He scored 20 points and pulled down 10 rebounds while matched against All-American junior center, 7’0" Lew Alcindor (NBA Hall of Famer, KareemAbdul-Jabbar). Whatever the field, court or venue, in addition to the sheer elegance of ability, Vrionis was admired and respected for his tenacity and fearlessness and was an inspira-tion to all around him.

John accepted a full football scholarship to Holy Cross, where he was a letter-winner on both the football and men’s lacrosse teams while complet-ing a demanding major in economics. Playing for the Crusaders, he caught 39 career passes for 570 yards and seven touchdowns. He was key in some of Holy Cross’ most memorable victories of the day, including a win against Boston College in 1966 and against Yale in 1967 — the Bulldogs’ only loss of that season. During his senior year, John led the team with 511 receiving yards and 42 points scored.On the lacrosse field, Vrionis led the Holy Cross team in scoring as an upperclassman, with 49 points on 36 goals and 13 assists. He scored eight goals against Worcester Polytechnic Institute on April 13, 1968 to set a school single-game record.John was selected to play in the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association North-South College All-Star Game.

Upon graduation he was invited to try out for the New York Football Giants by owner Wellington Mara. However, John had other plans and joined the United States Navy with the goal of becoming a pilot. While in training, he played two seasons with the Pensacola Goshawks, the football team of the Naval Basic Air Training Command. One of his Goshawk teammates was future NFL Hall of Famer, Lieutenant Roger Staubach. During his more than 4 years of active duty and 3 years as a reservist, Vrionis piloted several types of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. While the USS Forrestal was stationed in the Mediterranean, John, piloting a helicopter, rescued a downed pilot and his crew after their plane had crashed after launching from the carrier.After his years of service, John would go on to earn an MBA from Providence College in 1976. He pursued a career in sales at companies including Coral of Chicago, Masonite Corporation, and Hauserman, Inc.

In 2010, Vrionis was inducted into the Holy Cross Varsity Club Hall of Fame for his achievements in both football and lacrosse. In 2013, John was inducted into the Prep Hall of Honor.

John and his wife Lori now live in Roswell, Georgia. They are blessed with 3 children and 10 grandchildren and will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary this December. Although he has struggled with various health ailments for years, John has been a volunteer at the local VA Hospital and Samaritan House in Atlanta, where he helps indigent men and women find paying jobs.

Inducted May 2018

Rev. Victor R. “Chick” Yanitelli, SJ '33

Fr. Victor Yanitelli was born in 1914 in New York City and grew up in the Little Italy section of the Bronx.  At Fordham Prep, “Chick” served as captain of the varsity football team.  He was also a very good third baseman in baseball and played as a member of the basketball team. 

After high school, Fr. Yanitelli entered the Society of Jesus.  He received his bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, from Georgetown and his master’s and doctorate from Fordham University.  Fr. Yanitelli served as a faculty member at Fordham Prep from 1941 – 1943.  In 1965, Fr. Yanitelli was appointed President of St. Peter’s college in Jersey City, New Jersey, leading the school through an historic period of growth.  He also served the community on a variety of boards, including the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Fordham University, the Hudson County Planning Board and the National Advisory Council of Economic Opportunity. 

Following his tenure at St. Peter’s, Fr. Yanitelli become the pastor of St. Ignatius Church in Manhattan, and eventually assisted the New York Archbishop in administering 35 parishes on the East Side of Manhattan.  He also received numerous accolades for his community service, including honorary doctorates from Rutgers University and Monmouth College. 

Fr. Victor Yanitelli died in January of 1993.  

Inducted April 2016

George Zambetti, M.D. '68

George Joseph Zambetti Jr., was born in Yonkers and grew up in St. Gabriel’s Parish in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. His father was a general contractor and his mother was a homemaker, caring for George, his brother Edward ’83 and their three sisters. 

George was an All-City basketball player during his days at the Prep, spending three seasons on the Prep’s varsity squad. George was offered several college basketball scholarships, but chose to remain on campus at Fordham University.  During his first year on the university squad, he led the freshmen with a 22.3 scoring average.  During the 1970-‘71 season, he was an integral member of the 26-3 Rams NCAA squad — the Digger Phelps “Sweet 16” team. A two-time Academic All-American, he averaged 12.5 points and 5.7 rebounds for the 1971-1972 National Invitation Tournament team.  George was inducted into the Fordham University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993.

George Zambetti received a bachelor's degree in biology from Fordham University in 1972 and his medical degree from Albany Medical College in 1976. He did his internship at Roosevelt Hospital and his residency at Columbia Presbyterian. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the NYS Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. In 1994, he was awarded the Sports Medicine “Team Physician of the Year” award by The Medical Society of the State of New York and has also appeared on New York Magazine’s “Best Doctors” list.

Since starting his practice in 1981, "Doc" has been team physician to both the Fordham Prep and Fordham University Athletic Departments.  Over the last four decades, he not only helped hundreds of football players with various injuries and performed surgery upon dozens of players, but he was always on the sidelines serving as the Prep’s physician for the varsity’s games.  His loyal and gracious service to the Prep’s football program is unmatched. 

In honor of his athletic achievements and his extraordinary contributions to the Prep’s football program, the Outstanding Back Award was named in his honor. 

Inducted May 2017

John Zampino '62

John was born on September 27, 1944 in the Westchester Square section of the Bronx.  He attended Santa Maria grammar school in the Bronx.  

During his football career at Fordham Prep, John was known as “Mr. Football.”  As a senior during the 1961 season, John averaged approximately 10 yards per carry and was the leading rusher in that season, as well as in his Sophomore (1959) and Junior (1960) seasons.  He finished his football career with a command performance on Thanksgiving Day with three touchdowns in the Prep’s victory over Xavier 19-18. 

John received the Lou Gehrig Award in 1961 and was nominated to the All City Squads of the New York Post, Journal America and Telegram. He received an honorable mention for the Daily News as a junior.  In addition, he was the recipient of the Scholar Athlete Award for outstanding football ability, academic standing, and leadership from the Metropolitan Chapter of the Football Foundation and Hall of Fame.  He even received the acknowledgement of leadership and athletic ability by the Xavier Athletic Association.  He is a recipient of the Michael R. Fischetti MVP Award and the 1962 John E. McLaughlin Award for Outstanding Athlete. 

After graduating from Fordham University in 1966, John worked for Arthur Andersen and Arthur Young as a Certified Public Accountant while also attending Fordham Law School.  When he graduated from Fordham Law School in 1971, John was employed by Shearman & Sterling as an associate lawyer.  In 1975, John received an offer from Finley Kumble Wagner to become a partner in that firm where he practiced from 1975 to 1980 before joining Pryor Cashman as a partner.  In 1986, John formed his own firm, where he has practiced law for the past 31 years. 

Inducted May 2017