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Mendel Catholic Prep High School

All Mendel Men are notable in their own right because Mendel simply graduated the best young men in the Catholic League.

Here we acknowledge the Mendel alumni who we have been able to locate and acknowledge what they accomplished at Mendel and their accomplishments since leaving the hallowed halls of Mendel Catholic Prep High School.

If you are aware of other Mendel Alumni who you believe should be noted on this page please let us know at mendelalumni@comcast.net

VINCENT FALK CLASS OF 67 If you are a regular viewer of local morning TV news you have probably seen a very interesting man decked out if fancy color designer suits during a twirl and dance at the end of news segments. He has come to be known as the “fashion man’ and he is Mendel’s own Vincent Falk, Class of 1967. Vincent’s story is a truly great and inspirational one. Born legally blind, and making it through Mendel’s touch academic program to graduate in 1967. Born with glaucoma, Vincent was abandoned as an infant. They called him Vincent because according to family lore he had been found on the steps of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Lincoln Park. He went to live at St. Joseph’s Home for the Friendless, then an orphanage on the south side of Chicago. When he was 8 years old, Mary and Clarence Falk, a deeply religious couple from Roselle Illinois adopted him, They sent him to Mendel where he graduated and went on to the University of Illinois in Champaign Urbana, where he studied computer programming. In the mid 80s he landed a job as a computer programmer for Cook County, where he as been ever since. He is an exceptional employee because he is known for having an incredible photographic memory and is highly respected by his peers. He became known as the fashion man and is one of Chicago most recognizable local celebrities. His story is so compelling that Jennifer Burns, Director & Producer of Zweebie Films, a prominent film production company in Chicago made a documentary about Vincent and the documentary not only has won many awards but a feature film is being made about Mendel’s own Vincent Falk. Read more about Vincent at www.zweebiefilms.com or at www.vpfalk.net __________________________________________________________ WILLIAM GENUS CLASS OF 55 1st African-American graduate of Mendel Catholic. Older brother of the 2nd African American graduate of Mendel Catholic , Raymond Genus. __________________________________________________________ RAYMOND GENUS CLASS OF 58 2nd African-American graduate of Mendel Catholic. Younger brother of the 1st African American graduate of Mendel Catholic, William Genus. __________________________________________________________ RON DUBIN CLASS OF 63 Membership Chairman of the Mendel Alumni Association. Keeper of the ever growing Mendel alumni database and its interactive website www.mendelchs.com. Treasurer of the Men of Tolentine. All Catholic League Bowler at Mendel. Mendel won several consecutive Catholic league Bowling Championships while Ron’ was a student at Mendel, and he was a member of several of those championship teams. __________________________________________________________ TOM BOSKEY CLASS OF 75 Simply one of the fiercest, toughest football players to come out of Mendel. Made all catholic/All state in football. Went on scholarship to Iowa State University. Archived information from a 1978 Iowa State Media Guide said the following about Tom Boskey: “Iowa State was led on offense by a bouncy dynamic running by the name of Dexter Green and a strong offensive line. They don’t show much threat in the passing game but they didn’t have to. Green and a rugged defense had made for a winning combination. The defense is powered by the linebacking Boskey brothers, Tom (Chicago Mendel Catholic & soon to be the 1st Team All Big 8, and Chris (soon to be Big 8 Defensive Newcomer of the year. Defensively, Iowa State has lost two-fifths of its interior line, and while three starters return to the secondary, that unit intercepted only seven of 187 passes thrown against it in 1977. The defense, however, again will be well served by and by veteran Linebacker Tom Boskey, a sure tackier. Tom played in the 1978 Hall of Fame Bowl More news about Mendel’s Tom Boskey. “The Cyclones returned 14 starters from the 1977 Peach Bowl team including Heisman Trophy candidate, Dexter Green and Outland Trophy hopeful, Mike Stensrud. Iowa State's post season hopes came down to their last game against Colorado which was nationally televised. The game was close throughout, with ISU clinging to a 17–10 halftime lead. A 27-yard first-half TD pass from Grant to Hardee and a 24-yard field goal from Steve Johnson gave ISU a 10–0 lead. After a CU touchdown closed the gap, Grant rumbled into the end zone from five yards out before the Buffs closed the half with a field goal. The second half was a defensive battle, but the ISU defense came up with big plays down the stretch. Mike Stensrud had 16 stops and caused a fumble to help ISU preserve a 20–16 win over the Buffs. The win earned ISU a Hall of Fame Bowl bid. Cyclones that made the Big Eight first team were Dexter Green, Mike Stensrud, Tom Boskey and Dick Cuvelier. Chris Boskey was named Big Eight Newcomer of the Year Chris Boskey was Tom’s younger brother who went to St. Francis De Sales and was Sun-Times Player of the Year in 1978. Mendel’s Tom Boskey taught his younger brother well, but Tom will always be remembered a one of the best ever to come out of Mendel. __________________________________________________________ KERWIN HUDSON CLASS OF 77 Outstanding student and athlete at Mendel. Was starting center and linebacker of Mendel’s 77 football team. As recognition for his talent at both positions Kerwin was selected as a member of the Catholic League All star football team, and made all catholic in football his senior year. He was also a member of the National Honor society. A graduate of the University of Kansas where he earned his degree in radio, television and film in 1982 .Kerwin, became a videographer/editor for news and sports assignments for WDAF-TV in Kansas City. He won the UPI Missouri Broadcast Award for sports videography. He is a member of the National Press Photographers Association. He moved on to work for ESPN in Bristol Conn. Since leaving ESPN he as returned to WDAF-TV in Kansas City. He is the executive producer of its 5pm and 6pm newscasts. Nothing less was expected from this great Mendel Alumnus. __________________________________________________________ ED HAMMER CLASS OF 70 Resident of Orland Park. Hammer operates Ed Hammer’s Identity Theft and Consulting which trains law enforcement personnel and offers victim consulting. Hammer is a retired captain of the Illinois Secretary of State and was once a fire and police commissioner with suburban Oak Forest, Illinois He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy. He was a key witness in the George Ryan trial and recently completed writing a book titled “One Hundred Percent Guilty: The Inside Story of the Corruption, Conspiracy and Cover-ups of George Ryan”. Hammer has also worked for the Orland Park Police Department and Northwestern Business College. Between writing and his training business he fills his time as a substitute teacher for Orland Park District 135 and Chicago Public Schools. __________________________________________________________ BILL CALLAHAN CLASS OF 74 Bill was born in Chicago and raised near 95th & Cottage Grove Avenue and attended Mendel Catholic High School. Bill Callahan was retained by Rex Ryan for a second season as assistant head coach/offensive line. with the NFL’s New York Jets. Callahan joined the Jets in 2007 after leading the Nebraska Cornhuskers to a 27-22 record, one Big 12 North championship and two bowl appearances in four seasons. Callahan served as head coach for the Oakland Raiders for two seasons (2002-03), logging a 15-17 regular season record and a 2-1 postseason mark. In his first season as a head coach on any level, Callahan led the Raiders to an 11-5 record, an AFC West title and a berth in Super Bowl XXXVII. Callahan became only the fourth first-year head coach to lead a team to the Super Bowl. As a result of his accomplishments Bill was named Coach of the Year by the Columbus Touch Down Club of Ohio and Rookie Coach of the Year by Football Digest. In a three-season span, all with Callahan as either offensive coordinator or head coach, the Raiders went from leading the NFL in rushing, with 154.4 yards per game in 2000, to leading the league in passing, averaging 293.1 yards per game. He directed an offense in 2000 that set a Raiders single-season record for fewest sacks allowed with 28, and then reset the record the next season, allowing 27 sacks. In 1999 Oakland ranked third in the NFL in rushing yards and fifth in total offense. From 1999-2002, the Raiders’ offensive players earned 12 Pro Bowl appearances. Before joining the Raiders, Callahan coached the offensive line for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1995-97. His unit helped the Eagles rank second in the NFC in passing, fifth in rushing and third in total offense in 1997. In 1996 Philadelphia led the conference in passing, ranked second in rushing and led the NFC in total offense. In 1995 the Eagles placed fourth in the league in rushing. Prior to joining the NFL, Callahan served as offensive line coach at the University of Wisconsin, with Badgers offensive linemen earning nine All-Big Ten first-team honors. During his time in Wisconsin, the Badgers won the Big Ten title and played in the 1994 Rose Bowl. As the offensive coordinator of Southern Illinois in 1989, his offense set 18 school records. Callahan also spent two seasons (1987-88) as offensive line coach at Northern Arizona. He held various offensive positions for Mike White in seven seasons (1980-86) at the University of Illinois, where he was first exposed to the West Coast offensive system developed by Bill Walsh, whom White coached for at San Francisco before coming to Illinois. PLAYING CAREER: Callahan started at quarterback for three seasons (1975-77) at Illinois Benedictine (Lisle, IL) and earned All-America honorable mention honors in 1976 and 1977. there. Shortly after joining the University of Nebraska, Callahan established Coach Callahan Charities Inc. During his time in Lincoln, Callahan Charities Inc. raised more than $335,000 to benefit various causes, including: UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, Breast Cancer Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Association, Special Olympics, Red Cross, Fresh Start, and Make-a-Wish. __________________________________________________________ FRANK SOLATKA CLASS OF 55 When Mendel opened its doors in 1951 Frank was the 1st in line with a football helmet and pads. Simply one of the nicest gentlemen one would ever want to meet. In the beginning years of Mendel football, the practice uniforms came from Northwestern University. Was the starting quarterback on the 1st Mendel football team in 1951. Played all 4 years at Mendel. 1st President of the Mendel Alumni Association. Most valuable player in 1952. Selected 3rd team quarterback for the New World All Players All star team in 1954. Attended Kansas State University. Retired Clark Oil Stationary Engineer. Regular attendee at the all class Mendel reunions and one of the most dedicated alumni of Mendel. Simply laid the foundation for Mendel in the years after his graduation. A really great man. __________________________________________________________ BOB MUNOZ CLASS OF 65 President/CEO of Fitness Warehouse, the largest distributor of Fitness Equipment in the Caribbean. Outstanding Football player for Mendel. Earned 3 varsity letters in football. Holds Catholic League Record for longest touchdown run 103 yards. Wrestled and earned 4 varsity letters. Compiled a record of 120-2. Captain of Wrestling team his junior and senior years. 3 time Catholic League Wrestling Champion. Went to Colorado State College (University) from 1966-1968, Inducted into the Colorado State Wrestling Hall of Fame. 2 time National Wrestling Champion of Puerto Rico. Coached 2 state high school and 1 Collegiate Wrestling Championship team. National Olympic Wrestling coach for Puerto Rico in 1975. Former Director of Puerto Rico Olympic Wrestling Federation. Former Athletic director/Dean of Discipline. __________________________________________________________ ED BURKE CLASS OF 59 In the early days of Mendel, outstanding all catholic-all state football player. Member of the National Honor Society. Notre Dame University, 63-Lettered 3 years in Football. Member of the American Football League Houston Oilers in the early days of the AFL. One of the best ever to come out of the Chicago Catholic League. Chicago Catholic League Hall of Fame inductee. University of Houston Law Degree, 1966. Attorney specializing in Creditor Representation/Commercial Litigation. __________________________________________________________ MIKE WOULFE CLASS OF 58 One of the greatest players in Catholic League Football history. All City prep team All state linebacker. High School All American Co-Captain on 57 Prep Bowl team. Played basketball for Mendel and earned 3 letters. Attended the University of Colorado. Played Professional football for the Philadelphia Eagles. Assistant Coach on the 1968 Mendel Prep Bowl Championship team. After professional sports became a lieutenant with the Chicago Fire Department.(RIP) __________________________________________________________ FRANK GANSER CLASS OF 63 Lettered 3 years as player on Mendel baseball team. Co-Capt in Senior year. All Catholic in junior/senior years at Mendel. All City Team. Member of 1963 Catholic League Baseball Champions. Teacher/Coach at Andrew High School in Tinley Park, Ill. Member of the Illinois High School Baseball Hall of Fame. __________________________________________________________ FRED LUSTER CLASS OF 76 Son of Fred Luster, Sr. a successful African-American businessman in Chicago. Currently Vice-President/Director of Research & Development at the company his father started, Luster Products Incorporated. Luster Products is one of the leading Black Hair Care Product companies for African Americans in the United States. One of the top Black Businesses on the Black Enterprise Top 100 Black Businesses in America. Brother of Mendel graduate Jory Luster. __________________________________________________________ GREG SMITH CLASS OF 77 A 6”3’ 275 lbs, one of the most dominating and intimidating lineman in the Catholic League. Opposing teams would purposely run away from him. All Catholic offensive/defensive tackle at Mendel. All Catholic heavyweight wrestler at Mendel. Helped lead Mendel to Chicago Catholic League Wrestling Championship in 1977. IHSA Regional/Sectional/Wrestling Champion in 1977. Played college football at the University of Kansas. Played professional football for the Kansas City Chiefs. & Minnesota Vikings. __________________________________________________________ JIM ANDREOTTI CLASS OF 56 Mendel football-earned 3 letters, 53-55, Northwestern University –BA (Economics, 1961, As a sophomore at NU won the Coyne Award for proficiency in academics, athletics and leadership in 1957. Co Captain NU Football 1958-1st junior in schools history to be named co-captain-All big ten conference team in 1959-All American Football team, Football Writers Association of American/Look Magazine, in 1959-Drafted by 3 NFL Pro Football teams in 1960-Played Pro Football from 1960-1969 in Canadian Football League-Selected All-Pro 5 times. NU Men’s Club-All-Time All American Team, 1970-Loyola Defensive Football Coach in 1972-1977-Northwestern University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994-31 years with Wall Street Investment firms as Branch Manager, Senior VP, regional Manager/Member of Board of Directors. Older brother of All Catholic Football Player Pete Andreotti. __________________________________________________________ JOHN 'TIM' PHELAN CLASS OF 62 Past president of the AFL CIO Chicago Port Council. General vice-president in the International Union of Operating Engineers and served on the boards of directors of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau and the Illinois Port Authority. In 1997 became the first labor leader appointed to Cook County's economic development advisory board. Engineers Union Chief.(RIP) __________________________________________________________ JORY LUSTER CLASS OF 71 Son of Fred Luster, Sr. a successful African-American businessman, and pioneer in Chicago. Currently President/CEO of company his father started, Luster Products Incorporated. Graduate of Bradley University. Received MBA from the prestigious Kellogg Business School at Northwestern University. Older brother of Mendel Graduate Fred Luster. __________________________________________________________ KEVIN WILLIAMS CLASS OF 79 Excellent student at Mendel. Illinois State Scholar. Free-lance Newspaper Columnist in Chicago Has written columns for the Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, and other major and independent newspapers. Avid Bike-Rider. Past winner of the Commuter Challenge, which is a race to see which method of city transportation is the fastest. __________________________________________________________ MICHAEL SHEEHAN CLASS OF 61 Part of the great Mendel Class of 1961. Sheahan is a product of the powerful 19th Ward organization on the far South Side of Chicago. Grew up in Morgan Park, and now lives in Beverly. Son of a Chicago policeman and one of many brothers who also attended Mendel. Joined the police after spending several years as a teacher and coach at Mendel. Member of the 1961 Catholic League Championship football team. All catholic in Football. Has a bachelor degree from St. Joseph’s College and a master’s degree from Chicago State University. Has been a staunch supporter of Mendel since he was a student at Mendel. The high school football teams that play at Gately Stadium on 103rd & Corliss Avenue owe Sheahan a debt of gratitude become he is responsible for saving Gately Stadium from being torn down years ago when the city wanted to tear the stadium down. Became Superintendent of the Cook County Sheriff's Department. After being elected cook county sheriff in 1990. Also has a 25 year career as a college football referee officiating many major bowl games. He was one of the referees in the Auburn vs. Nebraska game in 2006 when fellow Mendel graduate and close friend Mike Callahan coached the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Mike was also elected alderman of the 19the ward in 1997. __________________________________________________________ PETER CETARA CLASS OF 62 Founder of the rock group Chicago Transit Authority, which became "Chicago". Career stated as the opening act for both Janis Joplin & Jimi Hendrix. Lead singer and bassist for the group “Chicago” One of the most successful group of the 70s and early 80s. The group ‘Chicago had 17 albums of which 3 went platinum, and nearly all went gold. Many years as a successful Grammy award winning solo artist. __________________________________________________________ ROGER SALTER CLASS OF 79 Outstanding student at Mendel. Part of the class of 1979 the year Mendel was recognized as one of the top high schools in America. Roger is the son of Roger Salter SR. who is only the 3rd African American to become a member of the Million Dollar Roundtable, Mendel’s Roger Salter is currently Senior vice-president of Sanmar Financial Network one of the largest black owned investment firms in the United States. __________________________________________________________ STEVE SZABO CLASS OF 61 Graduate of the great Mendel Class of 1961. Steve’s accomplishments are too numerous to mention in this small space but we will try to provide a brief history of this outstanding Mendel alumnus. Steve was an all catholic football player at Mendel. Upon graduation from Mendel, entered the US Naval Academy where he graduated in 1965. A halfback and defensive back at the Naval Academy Szabo played along side Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Stabauch who went on to play for the Dallas Cowboys. Steve played in the 1964 Cotton Bowl. Steve also played midfield on 3 National Championship Lacrosse teams at the Naval Academy before being stationed in Quantico (1965-1969) and serving a year in Vietnam. Steve is 40 year veteran college and professional football coach. His coaching experience started in 1969 at John Hopkins University, as an Asst. Coach & Defensive coordinator. He has coached in various capacities at the following universities: University of Toledo, University of Iowa, Syracuse University, Iowa State University, Ohio State University, Western Michigan University, Edinboro University, Northern Iowa University, Colorado State University and Boston College, the University of Michigan and Colgate University. He is currently Associate Head Coach (Linebackers) at Eastern Michigan University. Steve has also been a coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the New England Patriots, and the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. Steve has appeared in 11 College Bowl Games 10 as a coach and one as a player. He is a Chicago Catholic league Hall of Fame inductee. __________________________________________________________ STEVE T. WILBOURN CLASS OF 79 All Catholic league offensive/defensive tackle at Mendel. Steve played at Mendel at a time when the Chicago Catholic league had turned its back on Mendel because Mendel had become a black catholic high school. They did not want to recognize the great black players at Mendel. But Steve was simply too good to be ignored. Played College football at Illinois State University. Started his professional football career in the Canadian Football League. Also played professional football for the Minnesota Vikings and the New England Patriots. After professional football became a coach at Elk Grove Village High School. (RIP) __________________________________________________________ TRACY D. CAMPBELL CLASS OF 72 Chicago Spots Columnist Taylor Bell some years ago picked his list of the greatest Halfbacks in Catholic League History. Billy Marek of St. Rita was his choice for the No.1 His 2nd pick was Tracy Campbell of Mendel as the 2nd greatest running back in Chicago Catholic League Football History. One can conclude that if Billy Marek didn’t have future Chicago Bear Dennis Lick blocking for him Tracy would have been ranked as the greatest running back in Catholic League History. Tracy lettered in Football & Basketball at Mendel. Co-Captain of the Football & Basketball team in 1972. Simply an outstanding student and running back for Mendel. Rushed for over 1,000 yards in 1971. Led the Catholic league in scoring with 15 touchdowns in 1971. Selected by the Roseland newspaper as “running back of the week” several times. Member of the All-Mendel Football Team. Honored by the Chicago Sun-Times as one of the greatest running backs in Catholic League History. All Catholic football player on defense/offense in 1971-72. All State in 1972. Member of the 1971 KICK-OFF Magazine All-America Team. Recognized by KICK-OFF Magazine as one of the “100 best backs in America” in 1971. Earned scholarship to the University of Illinois. Founder/CEO of KiDsGyM USA, Inc. a non-profit organization that provides gymnastics and fitness programs to children, specifically those living in low/medium income communities. Appointed as the “506th” point of light for the nation by President George Bush in 1991. Awarded the president’s “volunteer Action Award” from President Clinton in 1993. Recipient of many awards for his community service work with kids across the nation. Received his BS Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois. Has personally raised over 2 million dollars for programs that have served more than 25,000 children in the Metro Atlanta area since 1986. A current resident in the Atlanta area. __________________________________________________________ KENNY FULMAN CLASS OF 86 Baseball Player at Mendel. Coached by the legendary Mendel baseball coach Mike Manderino. Played baseball at Kentucky State. Former minor-league professional baseball player in the Pittsburgh Pirates system. Currently head baseball coach at Harlan High school. Has made Harlan High School Baseball into a regular contender for the Public League Baseball Championship. Also a Chicago Police Officer since 1995 assigned to the 2nd district community police office’s prevention program. Also on the IHSA Boys Baseball Advisory Committee Division 1. Member of the Illinois High School Baseball Hall of Fame Board of Directors.(Chicago Public League Chairman) __________________________________________________________ MICHAEL O'HARE CLASS OF 70 Actor-lead acting role in television series 'Babylon 5' .Michael has appeared in numerous plays, movies, and television roles and guest appearances on television. Michael O'Hare (born May 6, 1952) is an American actor, best known for playing Jeffrey Sinclair in the science fiction television series Babylon 5. Michael O'Hare was born in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Harvard University (where he majored in English literature) and studied at the prestigious Juilliard School of Drama, as well as with Sanford Meisner. Michael O'Hare appeared in a number of theatrical productions in the New York area, including the role of Col. Jessup in the original stage version of A Few Good Men (the role played by Jack Nicholson in the film version).He was the first white actor nominated by the black theater community of New York for the AUDELCO Award for the Best Actor for his performance in the play "Shades of Brown" which examined the effects of apartheid in South Africa. In 1992, he was cast in the lead role of Commander Jeffrey Sinclair in the science fiction television series Babylon 5. O'Hare remained with the series for one full season; both he and series producer J. Michael Straczynski said the decision for the character to depart was mutual and amicable.[2][3] O'Hare subsequently reprised the character in season two as well as in a two-episode guest appearance in season three, enabling the show to complete the character arc. He has appeared on a range of television shows, including Kate & Allie, The Equalizer, Tales from the Darkside, The Cosby Mysteries, and Law & Order. __________________________________________________________ RICK STELMASZEK CLASS OF 67 All Catholic League Baseball Player at Mendel. Professional Baseball player with the Washington Senators(1971); Texas Rangers/California Angels(1974); Chicago Cubs(1974); Current member of Minnesota Twins coaching staff. Richard Francis Stelmaszek (born October 8, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois) is a Major League Baseball bullpen coach for the Minnesota Twins. In 2009, Stelmaszek will observe his 29th consecutive season on the Minnesota coaching staff, the third-longest such tenure with the same club in baseball history. (Nick Altrock spent 42 consecutive years as a coach with the same franchise, when it was the Washington Senators, between 1912 and 1953. Manny Mota, entering his 30th consecutive season with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2009, ranks second.)During Stelmaszek's coaching career with the Twins, which began in 1981, he was a member of two World Series championship teams (the 1987 and 1991 Twins) and he has worked under five different Minnesota managers.Stelmaszek was a catcher during his playing career, appearing in 60 games for the expansion Washington Senators and its successor franchise, the Texas Rangers, California Angels and Chicago Cubs, during three brief appearances in the major leagues in 1971, 1973 and 1974. In those MLB trails, Stelmaszek hit .170 in 88 at bats with one home run and ten runs batted in. He batted left-handed and threw right-handed. June 6, 1967: Drafted by the Washington Senators in the 11th round of the 1967 amateur draft. Player signed August 28, 1967. May 20, 1973: Traded by the Texas Rangers with Mike Epstein and Rich Hand to the California Angels for Lloyd Allen and Jim Spencer. July 28, 1974: Traded by the California Angels to the Chicago Cubs for Horacio Pina. January 23, 1976: Traded by the Chicago Cubs to the New York Yankees for Gerry Pirtle. Minnesota Twins Bullpen Coach, He attended DePaul University, studying liberal arts. He was drafted in the 11th round by the Washington Senators in 1967. He was signed by Jack Sheehan, the same scout who signed his father. Rick has always had a passion for baseball and has earned many awards for his excellent playing. In 1966, he was named to Western Carolina League All-Star team, and in 1970 he was an Eastern League All-Star selection. He made his major league debut in 1971 vs. New York. It wasn’t until 1973 that he got his first major league hit when he singled off Nolan Ryan in California. He was then traded to California with first baseman Mike Epstein and pitcher Rich Hand for pitcher Lloyd Allen and first baseman Jim Spencer. In 1974, he was traded again to the Chicago Cubs for pitcher Horacio Pina. Playing for the Cubs, he had his lone big league home run, off Don Sutton, in Los Angeles. In 1976, he was traded again to the New York Yankees for pitcher Gerry Pirtle. In 1978, he traded in his playing glove and joined the Twins organization as manager of Wisconsin Rapids. In 1980, Rick was named Midwest League Manager of the Year. In 1992 and 1998, he was the Bullpen coach for American League All-Star team. He holds the longevity record for the Twins coaches; 2005 is his 25th season. __________________________________________________________ THOMAS PURCELL CLASS OF 70 Defensive Back on 1968 Prep Bowl Championship Team; Most Valuable player, First team All-Conference (North Central College, 1974); 300 Victories (coaching milestone) at North Central College; College Conference of Illinois/Wisconsin "Coach of the Year" ; NCAA division 3 Midwest Coach of the Year; Illinois High School Baseball Association President's Award. (RIP) __________________________________________________________ LIONEL BARNES CLASS OF 80 Chicago Police Officer. Grambling State University graduate. Participated in March of Dimes "Superwalk" with Chicago Bear Walter Peyton in 1977. (RIP) __________________________________________________________ RAMEL D. WERNER CLASS OF 87 Actor-appeared in Grammy nominated film "ALI" starring Will Smith; Music recording star; has appeared on Grammy nominated recording featuring Hip-Hop artist Common, and background vocals on track by the recording artist 'TEEJAY'. __________________________________________________________ MICHAEL KRYDA CLASS OF 64 Vice-president, Medical Affairs Ministry Health Care' President/CEO Ministry Medical Group. __________________________________________________________ ALPHEUS FIELDS CLASS OF 79 Radio Personality/Production Manager, WVON Chicago, Illinois. Was a member of Mendel’s award winning Jazz Band as a student. When the Mendel Jazz Band played during the halftime of one of the Chicago Bulls games the band made national headlines for its performance. Helped Mendel band win numerous awards. __________________________________________________________ BOB PHELPS CLASS OF 55 Career long-distance runner. Ran the St. Pat's 5k in Baltimore in 2003 at age 66. Tan the Baltimore Road Runners 100m, 200m, 400m, 800 mile races. Holds the Virginia record for 800m, Masters 1 7 finished 4th in the marathon, Masters 1 in the National Championships at North Carolina State University. Senior Olympics runner. Graduate of Mendel’s Premier Class of 1955. __________________________________________________________ JAMES THORNTON CLASS OF 87 One of the top 12 graduates in 1987 with the highest GPA at Mendel. All Catholic in football and baseball at Mendel. Member of the 1987 Mendel Catholic League Championship Baseball team. Played in the Annual North All-Star baseball game and the Public vs. Catholic Baseball game. Played college baseball at the College of St. Francis, graduating with a degree in Communications in 1991. Currently college counselor at Hales Franciscan High School, and Asst Varsity baseball Coach on the Hales Franciscan.(2002 Regional Baseball Championship team) __________________________________________________________ ERNIE YOUNG CLASS OF 87 All Catholic All State Baseball player at Mendel. Played on the 1987 Catholic League Baseball Championship team for Mendel in 1987. Drafted out of Lewis University and Played for the Oakland A's and San Diego Padres. Played on the 2002 USA Olympic Baseball Team winning gold medal Ernest Wesley Young (born July 8, 1969 in Chicago, Illinois) is a former Major League Baseball outfielder who played for Oakland Athletics (1994-1997), Kansas City Royals (1998), Arizona Diamondbacks (1999), Detroit Tigers (2003), and Cleveland Indians (2004). He also played one season in Japan for the Yokohama BayStars (2002). In 8 seasons, he played in 288 games, had 179 hits, 27 home runs, 90 RBI, 10 stolen bases, and a .225 batting average. He won an Olympic gold medal for the United States in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. On June 12, 2006, he hit his 300th career minor league home run. As a member of the Oakland Athletics, in a game against the Detroit Tigers, Young started a triple play with a leaping catch in center field. Following his retirement after the 2007 season[1], Young became the hitting coach on the Chicago White Sox's rookie-level team, the Great Falls Voyagers. On November 21, 2008, he was named the manager of the Kannapolis Intimidators for the 2009 season. __________________________________________________________ ALDERMAN HOWARD BROOKINS JR CLASS OF 81 Alderman Howard B Brookins was elected in 2003 to the Chicago City Council representing the city’s 21st ward. He is currently serving his 2nd term in office. Howard follows a lineage of politics in the footsteps of his father, former Senator Howard B Brookins, Sr. This outstanding Mendel graduate has a distinguished career in holding past capacities of Assistant Public Defender, Assistant State’s Attorney and Special Assistant Attorney general. He is currently a partner with Brookins and Wilson Law Firm. Howard is a graduate of Southern Illinois University and Northern Illinois University. He is a licensed attorney and active member of committees and organizations that include Chicago’s Trinity United Church of Christ, Prince Hall Mason Eureka Lodge#64, Board of Directors Community Media Workshop, Board of Directors; Northern Illinois Alumni, a member of the oldest African-American Fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the 9100 South union Block Club. __________________________________________________________ JOHN MCTIGUE CLASS OF 55 Member of premier graduating in 1955.Jewel-Osco Human Resources executive. Grew up on the South Side of Chicago, attending St. Dorothy. Holds degrees from DePaul, and Loyola University. Held advisory board positions at Lewis University and the Food Marketing Advisory Committee at Western Michigan University. In 2003 honored by the Christian Brothers of the Midwest with a Lasallian Award for his work on the board of directors at St. Joseph High School. (RIP) __________________________________________________________ DAVE BOZE CLASS OF 59 Member of 1959 Catholic League Baseball Championship team. 1988/1989 coach of the Chicago Breeze(Professional Major League Women's Volleyball) 1987 High School volleyball coach of the year. In 1987 head coach of the Illinois/Mizuno girls volleyball all-star team. In 1993 head coach of the Illinois/Mizuno boys volleyball all-star team. Held the most wins of any boy’s volleyball coach in Illinois upon retirement in 1999. Founder of the Circus volleyball club (oldest club in the Midwest). Coached scholastic girl’s teams to 8 national AAU championships, 7 silver and 7 bronze medals since 1976. Received the award of National Club Coordinator of the year by the AAU in 1985 and 1987. Coached 94 AAU volleyball all-Americans since 1976. 134 girls graduating his Circus club have received full division 1 scholarships to 83 different universities. __________________________________________________________ JAMES SHEAHAN CLASS OF 60 Brother of Michael Sheahan(61). Assistant General Manager of McCormick Place. __________________________________________________________ DAVID MAHER CLASS OF 61 Alumnus of the great Mendel Class of 1961. One of the founders of the Mendel Alumni Association. Staunch supporter of Mendel throughout the years. Clerk of the Village of Orland Park, Illinois.(Retired) __________________________________________________________ JAMES 'JAMS' MONTGOMERY CLASS OF 79 Member of Mendel's award winning jazz band. Well known musician in Chicago Blues circles. Has played with some of the industry's best known artists, and musicians including George Clinton, Phil Upchurch, and George Benson. Leader of blues band, and plays local and national blues clubs. __________________________________________________________ BOB LOPEZ CLASS OF 73 All Catholic League Football player at Mendel. Played quarterback at Illinois State University. Earned his Bachelors degree from ISU in Science, health, and physical education. And also earned his Maters Degree in Educational Administration. Bob spend 14 years coaching football at the high school, junior college and collegiate levels. Bob started as director of football operations at UCLA in 2003 where he managed the administrative side of UCLA Bruin Football. He spent 5 years with UCLA and in 2008 was named Director of Football Operations at San Diego State University and was hired by legendary University of Iowa quarterback and current San Diego State football coach Chuck Long. __________________________________________________________ ROBERT W. CAVANAUGH CLASS OF 69 Grew up in Roseland area. Played center on the 1968 Prep Bowl team. Outstanding public defender in the City of Chicago. Assistant Cook County Public Defender. Famous for getting first acquittal in Cook County history for a man charged with killing a police officer. Credited with having outstanding trial skills. (RIP) __________________________________________________________ DARRELL JACKSON CLASS OF 76 Outstanding academic student at Mendel. Lettered in Basketball and Cross Country. Senior Class Secretary, Member of Student Senate, Black Student Union, Black Christian Students. Has a BA degree from St. Xavier University, Has MBA from Northwestern University’s Prestigious Kellogg Graduate School. Vice President/Deputy Head of Private Client Services at Northern Trust Bank. On Board of Directors of many civic organizations and recipient of many civic awards including the distinguished Service Award from his college alma mater, St. Xavier University. __________________________________________________________ DALE BLOUIN CLASS OF 56 Graduated in 2nd graduating class in 1956. Former general manager at Ulbric Stainless Steel & Special Metals. Lived in Oak Lawn. Active with Misericordia and St. Linus Catholic Church. Member of the US Army Reserves.(RIP) __________________________________________________________ ERIC ROUSE CLASS OF 75 One of the greatest football players in Catholic League History. Outstanding student-athlete at Mendel. Honor Roll student at Mendel (1973-1975). Member of the Black Student Association. Letterman Club and Black Catholic Students Association while a student at Mendel. Outstanding wide receiver for the Mendel Football team. All Catholic, Honorable Mention in 1973, All Catholic in 1974. All Catholic/All State player who was recognized by the Chicago Daily News, Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune, Champaign News Gazette, Prep All America Magazine. Outstanding Track man as well at Mendel. Catholic League Champion in Track. Holds record for 880 yard dash and current record holder (28 year record) in mile relay in 1975. Made High School All American Honorable Mention in Track. Picked by legendary Chicago High School Sports writer Taylor Bell as one of the greatest receivers in the History of Illinois High School Football. Played his college football at the University of Illinois. Played professional football for the Chicago Fire back in the early 80s. Member of the All Century team. Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, one of the oldest Black Fraternities in America. Eric is currently living in Arizona and is an account executive with the US Public Health Division in New Mexico and Arizona for Eli Lilly & Co. A true Mendel great. Chicago Catholic League Hall of Fame Inductee, 2004. __________________________________________________________ SHAWN J. MCMAHON CLASS OF 81 Lettered in football for 3 years at Mendel. Deputy United States Marshal, Southern District of Texas at Houston. __________________________________________________________ DARYL S. DUNCAN CLASS OF 80 Founder, President/CEO & Chief composer of Gamebeat Studios. Has written and/or produced for many music industry notables, such as Michael Jackson, Earth, Wind, & Fire, Chaka Khan, Jeffery Osborne, Shanice Wilson, Barry White, Young MC, Sharon Bryant, Dawnn Lewis, E.U., Elisa Florillo, Vesta, Keisha Jackson, Foster Sylvers, Howard Johnson, Karen White, O'Brien, Jerry Butler, and countless other artists. Solo artist on the Motown label in 1987. Daryl has written music for commercial product lines for Toyota, Miller Bear, BP/Amoco, McDonald's Wal-Mart, and Sears. __________________________________________________________ ED KRESS CLASS OF 71 Outstanding wrestler on the 1971 Catholic League Wrestling Championship Team. Degreed Black Belt and Instructor at the world renowned Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts. __________________________________________________________ MICHAEL HINSBERGER CLASS OF 70 Alumni who knew Mike say he was simply one of the greatest guys ever. A truly great friend, family man, and associate. Played on the 1968 Prep Bowl Championship team, as well as setting many athletic records while at Mendel. Went on to the University of Illinois. Was the CEO of a successful septic and sewer company in New Lenox, Sullivan's Septic and Sewer. Inducted into the Mendel Hall of Fame in 2005. (RIP). __________________________________________________________ MICHAEL CLANCY CLASS OF 71-72 Lifelong Southside of Chicago resident. Member of the powerful 19th Ward democratic organization. Coordinator for the City of Chicago's Transportation department. (RIP) __________________________________________________________ TONY ANDERSON CLASS OF 72-73 While Tony Anderson was at Mendel, he realized that the only way he’d be able to stay at the prestigious catholic high school, was by getting a part-time job. My parents believed in education and worked nights so that I could attend Mendel. One of the greatest lessons I learned at Mendel was that I could do more than I was doing. It seemed like everyone at Mendel was bright, intelligent, talented and going on to do great things. I wanted more too. Tony earned his BS degree in business administration from Chicago State University in 1977. He joined Ernst & Young as an auditor upon graduation from Chicago State and has moved up through the powerful international accounting from since graduation. He currently is Vice Chairman /Managing Director of Ernst & Young's Midwest office. __________________________________________________________ RICHARD J. O'HEIR CLASS OF 55 Graduate of Mendel's premier graduating class in 1955. Basketball standout at Mendel Catholic in the development days of Mendel Catholic. CEO of M&O Insulation in Hazel Crest, Ill. Was a generous supporter and funds raiser for Misericordia for decades. (RIP) __________________________________________________________ JOSEPH NOLAN CLASS OF 59-60 Longtime Evergreen Park resident. Former Santa Fe Railroad official. Avid golfer and President of the Beverly Country Club. (RIP) __________________________________________________________ GENE SMITH CLASS OF 67 Outstanding student at Mendel. Served as President of the National Association of County Administrators. Recognized by his peers in public administration as Secretary Treasurer of the Minnesota Association of County Administrators. First recipient of that Minnesota Association’s Award for Excellence; President of the Illinois Association of County Administrators, and President of the Illinois Association of Criminal Justice Planners. Served as the Chief Administrative Officer for a variety of county governments in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin over the past 22 years serving as a County Auditor, Chief Probation Officer and a Regional Criminal Justice Planner for the State of Illinois. __________________________________________________________ ANTHONY “TONY” WILKINS CLASS OF 75 Outstanding academic student at Mendel. 1st of 5 brothers that graduated from Mendel. Catholic League Sprint Champion at Mendel (1973-1975) National Achievement Scholar and Mendel and member of National Honor Society. Student Council President in 1974 and Class President in 1974. CO Captain of the Northwestern University Track Team in 1974. Has a MBA from the prestigious University of Chicago. Has undergraduate degree from Northwestern University. Has a long career with the Northern Trust Bank. In September, 2009 Anthony was named Global Head of Defined Contribution Sales and Service for its asset Management arm, Northern Trust Global Investments (NTGI). Anthony was a former senior vice president and CFA charter holder who led the NTGI’s consultant relations effort for the last 8 years. Anthony joined Northern Trust as an institutional sales representative. Prior to Northern Trust he was an institutional sales representative at Weiss, Peck & Greer and a portfolio manager for Stein Roe & farnham. Wilkins is treasurer and board member of the Association of Investment Management Sales Executives and a member of the Disciplinary Review Committee of the CFA Institute. Anthony is another example of the outstanding academic students that Mendel was so well known for graduating. __________________________________________________________ TERRANCE “TERRY” GAINER CLASS OF 65 The 38th and current Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate. Has served in this appointment since 1997. Candidate for Cook County States Attorney in 1988. Raised in Evergreen Pak, Illinois. Considered one of the top law enforcement officials in the United States. Appointed by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid as Sergeant at Arms of the US Senate for the 110th United States Congress in 2006. __________________________________________________________ JIM “MOOSE” MURPHY CLASS OF 67 Graduated from St. Kilian Catholic Grammar School and Mendel in 1967. For 19 straight years Jim was the 1st in line to get the 1st cook county picnic permit, for his Oak Lawn Raiders and Athletic Club. Inducted into the 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame in 2006. (RIP) __________________________________________________________ LEN J. MARTURANO CLASS OF 75 Prominent attorney that specializes in Estate Planning and Real Estate. Law offices located in Palatine, Illinois. Member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. __________________________________________________________ RONALD R. KUBIAK, D.D.S. CLASS OF 68 Another alumnus of the great Mendel Class of 1968. Attended the University of Illinois from 68-72, graduating with a BS. Attended University of Illinois College of Dentistry. Was in private practice from 1976-2000. Settled in Las Cruces, NM. Presently working with La Clinica de Familia, a community Health Center with clinics in southern New Mexico. __________________________________________________________ HONORABLE JUDGE GEORGE STEPHENSON CLASS OF 76 Outstanding student and wrestler at Mendel. He and the 1976 wrestling team set the stage for the 1977 Mendel wrestling team to win the Catholic League Wrestling Championship in 1977. Attended St. Mary’s College in Winona, Minnesota on a wrestling scholarship. Was only 1 of 13 Black students at the school. Made varsity wrestling team at St. Mary’s as a freshman. Won Best Freshman honors. Named team captain of the St. Mary’s College wrestling team as a sophomore. Won the National Catholic Championship and was named team MVP. Earned his BA in English and Education at St. Mary’s. Inducted into the St. Mary’s Hall of Fame as the most successful wrestler in the school’s history. Attended law school at William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul Minnesota. Worked as an assistant city attorney, assistant county attorney, and Federal attorney and as Deputy City Attorney for St. Paul Minnesota before being appointed to the Ramsey County Bench by Governor Jesse Ventura in 2001. Credits legendary Mendel wrestling coach Don Ledin for mentoring him. One of Mendel’s true great alumni. __________________________________________________________ JAMES SHEPHARD CLASS OF 76 One of the best wrestlers in Mendel History. Named all catholic wrestler at Mendel in 1976. Mendel wrestling team MVP. Was Mendel’s 1st IHSA District Champion in 1976. Attended St. Mary’s College with classmate George Stephenson on wrestling scholarship. Made St. Mary’s varsity wrestling team as a freshman. Won Team MVP honors. Posted the best wrestling record at St. Mary’s along with fellow Mendel alum George Stephenson. Was the only St. Mary’s wrestler to place in the Catholic conference tournament at St. Mary’s along with fellow Mendel alum George Stephenson. Went on to complete his college career at Marion College in Indiana. __________________________________________________________ JOHN DALY CLASS OF 69 John was raised on the south side of Chicago and graduated from Mendel in 1969. He graduated from Lewis University, and had a successful career at the Chicago Board of Trade and the Mercantile Exchange. (RIP) __________________________________________________________ BILL AITKEN CLASS OF 71 Long time supporter of Mendel. Bills parents were the founders of the 1st Mendel Fathers and Mothers Club. Bills father worked the chains along the sidelines for the 1957 championship game at Soldiers Field for Coach Magee. His two other brothers graduated from Mendel as well. John, Mendel Class of 57, and Tom, Mendel Class of 61. Bill played on the 1968 Prep Bowl Championship Football team. __________________________________________________________ CHARLES TRIBBETT III CLASS OF 73 One of the most influential Black Americans in the United States. Excellent student at Mendel Catholic. Raised in the Chatham area of Chicago and Pill Hill neighborhood. Attended Neil elementary School, and St. Dorothy’s Catholic Grammar School. Received his B.S. degree in accounting from Marquette University and his J.D. Degree from the University of Virginia Law School. Former Chairman of the Board for Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center. In 2005 was elected to the board of directors for Amoco and Abbott Laboratories. Fortune Magazine named this Mendel alumnus one of the 50 most powerful African American executives. Also recognized as one of the “HistoryMakers”. The “HistoryMakers is a national non-profit video oral history archive headquartered in Chicago. Charles is currently with the prestigious consulting firm of Russell Reynolds Associates. He is the Co-Leader of the firms, CEO/Board Services Practice in the United States, and also co-leads the firm’s Diversity Practice. __________________________________________________________ ANDRE BANKS CLASS OF 82 In the annals of Mendel Catholic Basketball, Andre will always be remembered as one of the greatest basketball players in the history of the school. He will also be remembered as one of the greatest Catholic League Basketball players in the history of the Catholic league and will be remembered as on of the greatest high school basketball players in the history of Illinois High School Basketball. Andre was recruited out of St. Ethelreda Grammar School by former Mendel basketball standouts such as Jamie Mayes, Mendel Class of 1978. He was a High School All American and an all catholic, all state players selected by Associated Press, United Press International the Chicago Tribune, and the Chicago Sun-Times, Averaged 20.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in leading Mendel to the Illinois Class AA 2nd place finish in the 1982 IHSA State Basketball Tournament. All Conference, All City, Mendel MVP and co-captain and the Chicago Catholic League MVP. Andre was an all catholic league baseball player at Mendel as well. Played in the Dapper Dan Classic and the National Sports Festival. Earned scholarship to University of Iowa. Was voted Iowa Basketballs most promising freshman in 1982. At Iowa was a 3 year starter at point guard. Led the Iowa basketball team in assists as a sophomore, junior and senior. Was named to the All Big Ten Basketball team as a senior. Received his degree in communications from Iowa. Was drafted in the 3rd round by the Atlanta Hawks. After his pro basketball career, returned home to Chicago and now resides in Chicago Was recently inducted into the Chicago Catholic League Hall of Fame. In May, 2009 joined other Mendel basketball alumni in a final farewell game to Mendel’s legendary gymnasium. Truly a Mendel great. __________________________________________________________ BERNIE TAFOYA CLASS OF 75 Outstanding alumnus from the Mendel class of 1975. Born on the North Side of Chicago. Grew up in the projects-the CHA’s Trumbull Park Homes in the South Deerring neighborhood. Graduated from O.T. Bright Public School. After Mendel graduated from the University of Illinois –Chicago. Has been employed with WBBM Radio since 1986. General assignment reporter who has covered everything from education, and politics (including the Democratic National Convention in 1996, 2000, and 2008. Has earned Best reporter awards from the Associated Press, United Press International, Peter Lisagor Awards from the Chicago Headline Club, the prestigious Edward R. Murrow award, and a Boyden Award from the Chicago Journalists Association. Currently resides in the Beverly/Morgan Park community on the Southwest Side of Chicago. __________________________________________________________ ALDERMAN BOB FIORETTI CLASS OF 71 Bob was elected alderman of the city of Chicago’s 2nd ward in 2007. Bob’s roots are in Chicago South side. He was born and raised in the Pullman/Roseland area and got a job with the Pullman train car company. Bob received a Pullman scholarship to attend the University of Illinois where he earned his undergraduate degree in Political Science and served as Student Body President his senior year. Bob attended St. Anthony’s Grammar School on Kensington Avenue in the Pullman district and in 1966 was named one of the youngest Eagle Scouts in Illinois history. Bob is also a lawyer and partner in the firm of Fioretti, Lower & Carbonara and practices in the areas of governmental law, administrative law, zoning law and complex litigation. Bob is an active member in several civic organizations and serves on numerous boards and committees including serving as Past President of the Historic Pullman Foundation, the Character and Fitness Committee of the Illinois Supreme Court and the Judicial Evaluation Committee of the Chicago Bar Association executive Committee. Still filled with Mendel pride. __________________________________________________________ BILL HENRY CLASS OF 73 CEO/Chief Executive Officer of Affy Tapple, LLC, Niles, Illinois. Maker of the original caramel apple and Mrs. Prindable’s gourmet gifts. Earned BS. Degree in Computer Systems Engineering from University of Illinois at Chicago in 1977. Earned his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Chicago in 1981. When Bill was an 8th grader he thought he wanted to be a priest and enrolled at Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary (Quigley South). By the end of his sophomore year it was quite apparent to all parties that he wasn’t priestly material. So he transferred to Mendel Catholic Prep High School also on the South Side. He says that the Quigley experience taught him how to survive in business. He felt that all the guys at Mendel were tough guys of wise guys. He says that the Quigley experience taught him to make sure that he really wanted something, before pursuing it. His silver lining was that Mendel helped him relate to people at more levels. The Mendel guys I went to school with turned out to be really great guys”. __________________________________________________________ J.C. CRANE CLASS OF 84-85 Outstanding athlete and academic student at Mendel. He was a well noted academic student and football player, and was nationally recruited as a student athlete following his senior year at Mendel. JC played football at Drake and graduated from Drake University in 1989 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communications and became a free agent in football. He was a member of the Los Angeles Raiders NFL Tryout Camp. He ended his pro football career with the Dallas Cowboys Rookie Combine during the 1989 season. After he retired from football, JC became a college administer for 10 years. He has served as Associate Director of Admissions for Valparaiso University, and Kentucky Wesleyan College. In addition he has served as Director of Admissions for Mount Mary College, Assistant Director of Admissions f& Operations for the University of Notre Dame’s MBA program, Assistant Director of Admissions for Midwestern University of Osteopathic Medicine in Downers Grove, Illinois and College Admissions Specialist for Triton Community College. During this time JC has been a motivational speaker and counselor mentoring to young kids and at risk youth and various adult populations. While having success as a college university administrator JC relied on his personal experience with college and professional football to launch a 2nd career in athletics. He became Camp Director for Team Challenge, a youth football clinic in Country Club Hills, Illinois. He also served as football specialist for the University of Notre Dame, assistant football recruiting coach recruiting coordinator and Director of Intramural Sports for Triton Community College and combine instructor for Pro Football Scout Camp, which is a professional football regional combine and seminar service. In 2000 he combined these talents with his educational background in Journalism and Mass Communications and became the WBIO 94.7 FM Radio Play by Play Color Commentator for the Kentucky Wesleyan College Football team. JC is also a member of many civic organizations and he is a youth director for Mount Zion Baptist Church in Michigan City, Indiana. He has a long history of being active in various churches and holding significant offices with those churches. He is an accomplished author who has written many published articles and continues to be a motivational speaker who speaks at various workshops regarding athletics, urban gang violence, multicultural diversity, post-secondary education, and team building. Currently JC is the Vice-President Chairman of the Board for Crane Enterprises and Director of the commit 2 Action Program. He is truly a success story and a young man that the Augustinians Fathers who operated Mendel are very proud of. __________________________________________________________ JOHN P FARRIS CLASS OF 68 Member of the outstanding Mendel Class of 1968. Member of National Honor Society State of Illinois Science Fair Finalist, lettered in cross country and track while at Mendel. Placed 4th in City Cross Country Meet in 1965 and 20th in City in 1967. Graduate of Annunciata School in Chicago and played on the football team. Won numerous cross country and track individual competitions. JP has a Masters Degrees from the University of Illinois and Governors State University, and earned his BA from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Expert in governmental budgeting and financial management. Recently retired from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago as Administrative Services Manager. Also JP is a graduate of the GFOA Advanced Government Finance Institute and the City of Chicago Intergovernmental Executive Development Program. Certified Government Finance Manager Speaker/Instructor on governmental budgeting and finance issues for over 20 years. Organized the 40th anniversary reunion for the class of 68 that was culminated by the 1968 Mendel Prep Bowl Championship Team being honored at Soldiers Field in 2008 __________________________________________________________ BRUCE VEZINA CLASS OF 67 Graduated from the University of Northern Colorado. Successful State Farm Insurance Agent in Westminster, Colorado for 27 years. Soccer coach in Westminster. Charter President and member of the Service Organization (Westminster Optimist Club) for 21 years. Has worked on an Educational Foundation for his children’s school district. Spent 2 year s as President of the Educational Foundation. Avid golfer/skier. Past President of the Community Reach Center, a local mental health center, and current President of the Board of Directors for the center. Organized a charity golf tournament for his fallen friend, Larry Silver and the Larry Silver Memorial Golf Tournament has raised $60,000 for charitable purposes. __________________________________________________________ MIKE HAMPTON CLASS OF 82 Never in the shadow of his best friend Andre Banks, Mike was the spirit and heart of the 1982 Mendel Basketball Championship Team. Mike made Andre and those around him better and those around Mike made him a better player. Was the muscle that propelled the team to its greatest heights in school history. The headlines from the Chicago Tribune reporter, reporting from Champaign read, “Quincy’s streak comes to a shocking end”-“It was a shot that killed a dream. Mike Hampton, Mendel’s sensational shot maker, fired home a 25-foooter with 2 seconds left to give Mendel a stunning 53-52 victory over Quincy’s Heartbroken Blue Devils in the Semifinals of the Class AA Tournament” Mendel had broken Quincy’s 64 consecutive victories streak. It was Mendel’s Mike Hampton who broke Quincy’s streak. Mike went on to selected all catholic /all state and went on to play his college basketball at Howard University where he was a 1st team selection on the MEAC all tournament team in 1986. Mike also enlisted in the United States Navy. Mike is doing well and now resides in Minnesota. He speaks of his Mendel days fondly and will always be remembered for making the basketball shot that shook the state of Illinois in 1982. __________________________________________________________ MARK O’HARE CLASS OF 72 Mark is the 2nd of 2 Mendel gentlemen who attended Mendel. Like his brother Mike, Mark played football, wrestled, and was in the honors section at Mendel all 4 years and was president of his junior and senior class. Mark played and earned 7 varsity letters in 3 different sports at Mendel; Football (4 yrs); were he was one of the Captains his senior year. He also wrestled 3 years and compiled a record of 76 wins (65 by pin) and 4 losses. Was on the Mendel Track team (2 Yrs.) in which he threw the shot put. Mark was an active member of Mendel’s 3rd Order of Augustine’s. While at Mendel, Mark received several awards, including the Mendel Medal at graduation. Was selected by USA Today as a 1st team Football All American, and was also selected 1st team All State, 1st Team All Catholic and the Chicago Tribune’s 1st Team for football at the position of tackle. In wrestling he also won over 12 tournaments for Mendel. Mark was highly recruited out of Mendel by over 75 schools. His top choices were Notre Dame, Harvard, and the United States Naval Academy. Mark chose the Naval Academy and spent the next 26 years in the United States Navy. Today Mark is the Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Security First Corp., a data-centric information protection company. He also discovered the science of multifactor Secret-Sharing. His company works with the Federal Government Agencies and the Department of Defense, and several Fortune 500 companies. Mark received his BS Degree from the Naval Academy and his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Naval Post Graduate School, and attended both the Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate School and the University of Virginia Darden Graduate School of Business Senior Executive Schools, both prestigious business schools. He won many military awards and many business awards and considers his years at Mendel as his best ever. __________________________________________________________ WILLIAM “BILL” WINDAUER CLASS OF 68 Graduate of the great Mendel Class of 1968. Played Football, Wrestling, and Track all 4 years. Lettered in all 4 years in Football, wrestling, and Track & Field. Played offensive/defensive tackle. All State in Senior Year. Wrestled as a heavyweight and earned varsity letters all 4 years. Under the leadership of legendary Catholic League Coach, and Dean of Catholic League Coaches Lou Guida, started on the Mendel Wrestling team that won 5 straight Catholic League Wrestling Championships in 1965, 66, 67, 68, & 69. Part of the record setting 99 straight dual meets victories and undefeated tournaments. Chicago Catholic League Hvywt Champion junior & Senior Years as well as National High School Champion and National YMCA Champion in his Senior Year. Recruited to the University of Iowa for football where he lettered in football wrestling and track. Make all big tem team his senior year. Graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and earned Master’s Degree in Journalism and Design. Drafted in the 8th round of the 1972 NFL draft by the Baltimore Colts and played 5 years in the NFL, as defensive tackle. Spent 2 years with the Colts, 1 year with the New York Giants, 1 year with the Atlanta Falcons and 1 year with the Miami Dolphins. Mark currently works for the University of Iowa Alumni Association and University Foundation. He has been in this capacity for the past 30 years. Still a Mendel Monarch forever. __________________________________________________________ PETE ANDRIOTTI CLASS OF 61 In the early days of Mendel, and after the historic Prep Bowl win in 1957 Pete simply became one the greatest football players in Mendel History and in the Catholic League. He was one of the best running backs in the history of the Catholic League in late 1950s and early 1960’s. Was a star running back on the 61 Catholic League Championship team. Pete was halfbacks coach on the 1968 Prep Bowl Championship team. He was the athletic director at Mendel, taught business and coached football at Mendel from 1966 through 1972. Pete attended St. Margaret of Scotland grammar school on 99th & Troop and his family was a member of the parish. Graduated from Notre Dame and played for the legendary Ara Parsegian and ran along side the legendary Notre Dame halfback Nick Eddie. After college became a successful real estate professional with Century 21. (RIP) __________________________________________________________ CRAIG J. LARSON CLASS OF 68 Member of the great Mendel Class of 68. Graduate of St. Neri Elementary School on the east side of Chicago. Earned his BA degree in Comprehensive Design & Communications from Southern Illinois University. Specialized post graduate studies in Business Administration. Earned Masters Degree in Comprehensive Design. Industrial Design Engineer and Intellectual Property Consultant. Owner of Numerous Patents. __________________________________________________________ MIKE MANDERINO CLASS OF 70 Manderino was a great athlete and student at Mendel. Mike earned all-conference honors in basketball and baseball at Mendel, where he graduated in 1970. His achievements as a player and coach earned him a spot in the Chicago Catholic League Hall of Fame. After completing his prep career at Mendel, Manderino attended Lewis College (now Lewis University) and was a standout on both the basketball court and baseball field. As a senior captain on the 1974 baseball team, Manderino, a second baseman, helped the Flyers capture the NAIA national championship. Furthermore, he collected a pair of Defensive Player of the Year awards from the basketball team. Manderino continued his baseball career with the Cleveland Indians organization as he played three years (1975-77) in its minor-league system. Mike Manderino has assembled an impressive run at both the collegiate and high school levels After his pro career in baseball Mike returned to his alma mater Mendel Catholic High School in Chicago, in 1976. as Mendel’s baseball coach and assistant basketball coach. Mike turned Mendel into a regular competitive baseball team in the Catholic League. Several of his players earned all catholic honors in baseball. He led Mendel to the 1987 Catholic League Baseball Championship. Becoming the 1st all African American catholic league baseball team to win the title. Prior to the 1987 baseball championship Mendel contended for the league championship several times. As assistant basketball coach he and coach Mike Flaherty took Mendel downstate in basketball, in the 1981-82 campaign when they took second in the Class AA state tournament (lost to East St. Louis Lincoln) after putting an end to Quincy’s 64-game winning streak in the semifinals. In 1984, Manderino was elevated to head coach at Mendel, and stayed on when Mendel bid its farewell to the Catholic League in 1988. A co-ed catholic high school named St. Martin de Porres took over what was Mendel Catholic for 37 years. His 1991 and 1994 basketball teams both advanced to the Class A state tournament. The 1994 team also won the Chicago Catholic League title and was led by Tyron Tripplet and Jerry Gee, the recipient of the state’s Mr. Basketball Award, who went on to star at the University of Illinois. Along with the assistance of Mendel’s Billy Hawkins, class of 1979, Manderino’s success then carried over to Leo Catholic High School as he won the Catholic League basketball crown in each of his three seasons there beginning in 1997-98. His inaugural team also advanced to the Class A state tournament, where it took fourth place. Since joining the coaching profession over 30 years ago, Manderino, is now in his fifth season as the head basketball coach at Prairie State College, After departing Leo in 2000, Manderino served as an assistant coach at South Suburban College for four seasons before taking over the Prairie State program in 2004-05. In his four seasons at PSC, Manderino has a 54-68 record. His 19-12 finish in 2007-08 marks his best showing with the Pioneers. Along with basketball, Manderino has always been a successful high school baseball coach. His success in baseball firmly established at Mendel, and St. Martin De Porres Manderino took over the head coaching duties of the Thornridge High School baseball team in 1998. As well as his coaching duties at Prairie State. Manderino continues to coach baseball at Thornridge in addition to teaching in the school’s special education department. For his coaching and athletic accomplishments, Manderino was named as the Catholic League’s basketball Coach of the Year in 1994 and 2000 and the baseball Coach of the Year in 1985. In 2001 and 2008, the Northwest Indiana Times chose Manderino as its baseball Coach of the Year. __________________________________________________________ PAUL SISKA CLASS OF 66 Paul was voted “Board Member of the Year” by the Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council at its statewide conference banquet in Breckenridge, Colorado on October 3rd, 2009. Paul was one of 18 individuals chosen to represent their individual mental health center boards for this prestigious honor. Paul, Under-Sheriff for Adams County, has been on the Community Reach Center’s volunteer board of directors since 1999 and is a past president. Community Reach Center is a mental health provider serving the Adams County, Colorado area. Paul’s principal focus has been to address the mental health needs of law enforcement and to create successful programs for inmates who suffer from mental illness. Paul has worked with law enforcement agencies, mental health providers, DA’s, Judges and County Commissioners to achieve positive outcomes in the interaction of officers and persons with mental illness. Paul has been an advocate and an innovator in this arena. After 32 years in the Adams County Sheriff’s Department, Paul is well known not only in his own county, but also statewide. A frequent contributor to testimony on bills regarding law enforcement and programs for individuals with mental illness he is a recognized expert in Colorado. __________________________________________________________ DENNIS D YOUNG CLASS OF 65 Dennis DeYoung (born February 18, 1947, Chicago, Illinois) is an American singer, songwriter, musician and producer best known for being a founding member of the rock band Styx, a tenure which lasted from 1970 to 1999. Growing up in the Roseland neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois, DeYoung's career as a vocalist started in 1963 at the age of 16 when he teamed up with his 15 year old neighbors, Chuck and John Panozzo, in a three-piece combo. The trio later added guitarist James Young and John Curulewski to form the band Tradewinds in the late 1960s. The band renamed itself TW4 in 1968 before becoming Styx in 1970. Styx had a string of successful singles and albums but disbanded in 1984. DeYoung began a solo career of modest success. His first solo album, Desert Moon, generated a top 10 hit, "Desert Moon", and the follow-up single, "Don't Wait For Heroes", cracked the Billboard Top 40 as well. Desert Moon was followed by albums Back to the World (1986) and Boomchild (1988). Desert Moon was certified gold in Canada in 1984. DeYoung, a devout Roman Catholic, joined a touring revival of the stage musical Jesus Christ Superstar. He appeared in about 200 performances across North America as Pontius Pilate. The experience inspired him to record his 1994 album of Broadway standards, 10 on Broadway, and to begin work on a musical of his own based on The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Styx reunited once more in 1995, this time including Shaw but minus a terminally ill John Panozzo (who died a short time later in July 1996), and recorded a new version of the DeYoung-penned "Lady" for their 1995 Styx Greatest Hits album. In February 2000, DeYoung was approached to perform a concert featuring his many songs from Styx, as well as his solo works and his 1997 stage musical The Hunchback of Notre Dame, with an orchestra. The show, performed at the Rosemont Theatre in DeYoung's hometown of Chicago. DeYoung made his major motion picture debut in 2005's The Perfect Man, in which he played the lead vocalist in a Styx tribute band. In 2006 DeYoung appeared with Hal Sparks on Celebrity Duets, a show produced by Simon Cowell. They sang "Come Sail Away" and "Mr. Roboto." DeYoung was invited back to perform on Celebrity Duets on September 28, 2006 with finalist Hal Sparks. The pair performed the Styx breakthrough hit "Lady" written by DeYoung in 1973, In 2007, DeYoung released in Canada, One Hundred Years from Now, his fifth solo album, which marks a return to his rock roots. In 2008, a DeYoung-written musical of The Hunchback of Notre Dame premiered at the Bailiwick Repertory Theatre in Chicago. Also in 2008, DeYoung performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame benefit concert for the John Entwistle foundation. John was a founding member of the legendary rock group the “WHO”.In 2009, DeYoung was honored by his native Chicago with the "Great Performer of Illinois Award."[4] Following the award ceremony in the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavillion in Millennium Park in Chicago, DeYoung and his band performed many of Styx's hits in a free concert.On October 13, 2009. __________________________________________________________ JOHN A PANOZZO CLASS OF 66 John Anthony Panozzo (September 20, 1948 – July 16, 1996) was the drummer for the American rock band Styx. Panozzo grew up in the Roseland neighborhood, the south side of Chicago, Illinois with his fraternal twin brother, Chuck (born 90 minutes apart). At age 7, the twins took musical lessons from their uncle in which John took an interest in drums and percussion. They attended Catholic school and eventually they were part of a 3-piece accordion band in which John played drums and Chuck played guitar. They would play weddings at age 12 and were paid $15 a piece. Then, in 1961, John, Chuck, and their neighbor, Dennis DeYoung, formed a band called the Tradewinds in which John played drums, Chuck played guitar, and Dennis played the accordion and sang. They played local rock and roll gigs at bars and began gaining popularity as a garage band on the south side. In 1968, Chuck switched to bass and they added guitarists/vocalists James "J.Y." Young and John Curulewski, changing their name to TW4. The band signed to Wooden Nickel Records and changed their name to Styx.Years of partying with Styx and excessive drinking began to take a toll on his liver. In the mid-1990s, as Styx was about to embark on its first tour with the classic line-up since 1983, John fell seriously ill and began battling cirrhosis of the liver,eventually dying of gastrointestinal hemorrhaging; he was 47 years old. __________________________________________________________ CHUCK PANOZZO CLASS OF 66 Chuck Panozzo (born Charles Salvatore Panozzo, on September 20, 1948, in Chicago) is a bass player. A longtime member of the rock band Styx, he founded the group with his fraternal twin brother, drummer John Panozzo, who died in July 1996. After three decades as a Styx mainstay, Chuck Panozzo left the band. In 2001, Panozzo announced he was gay and living with HIV,[1] and he has been involved in campaigning for AIDS awareness and gay rights. In 2006, he spoke with Frontiers for the first time about his decision to come out. The following year he released his autobiography The Grand Illusion: Love, Lies, and My Life With Styx. __________________________________________________________ LAWRENCE VARNADO CLASS OF 81 Fulfilled his goal of becoming a successful actor, producer and director. A graduate of Wiley College. Graduated from Chicago's Mendel Catholic High School. In 1981. Lawrence is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. As an actor has performed in Shotgun Kiss (2009) (post-production) "Friday Night Lights" Mo Hall (1 episode, 2009), Episode #4.4 (2009) TV episode Mo Hall "Crash"Sgt. Oscar Rodriguez (2 episodes, 2009) Episode #2.5 (2009) TV episode Sgt. Oscar Rodriguez Always See Your Face (2009) TV episode . Sgt. Oscar Rodriguez "Breaking Bad" .... Agent Buddy (1 episode, 2009) Breakage (2009) TV episode .... Agent Buddy "Pink" .... Besson (1 episode, 2009) No Country for Young Women (2009) TV episode .... Besson Beyond a Reasonable Doubt (2009) .... Detective Hollis "Exposed" .... Nick (1 episode, 2008) The Hunter and the Monkey (2008) TV episode .... Nick Missionary Man (2007) .... Gomez The Last Tomorrow (2007) .... Lionel "Prison Break" .... C.O. #1 / ... (2 episodes, 2006-2007) aka "Prison Break: On the Run" (Australia: second season title) Orientación (2007) TV episode .... Constable Itzuris Manhunt (2006) TV episode .... C.O. #1 Walking Tall: Lone Justice (2007) (V) .... Agent Anderson ... aka Walking Tall 3 (USA: alternative title) Jack's Hit (2007) (V) .... Bad Guy The Waiter (2007) Hector ... aka The Waiter: Chronicles of Purgatory (USA: video title) 7 Angels in Eden (2007) (V) Wrathen Serum (2006) .... Sheriff Road House 2: Last Call (2006) (V) Luthor Keyes ... aka Road House 2 (Australia: DVD title) Killing Down (2006) Reuben The Night of the White Pants (2006) Prison Guard The Prodigy (2005) King Taylor "Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad" .... Uncle John Lee Davis (1 episode, 2005) aka "Beck" (International: English title: short title) Burûsu (2005) TV episode .... Uncle John Lee Davis Quiet Desperation (2003) Shane When Zachary Beaver Came to Town (2003) .... Army Officer "Walker, Texas Ranger" .... Axel-T / ... (2 episodes, 1999-2000) ... aka "Walker" (Australia) White Buffalo (2000) TV episode Axel-T The Principal (1999) TV episode B.J. Shanks, King of the Mountain (1999) (V) Jacob As a Producer:2009) (post-production) (associate producer) The Prodigy (2005) (co-producer) As a Director:In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema (2007) (V) Narrator Rising from the Rails: The Story of the Pullman Porter (2006) (V) Narrator. __________________________________________________________ ROBERT "BOB" NAPOLI CLASS OF 58 Simply one of Mendel’s greats. Student Senate all four years at Mendel. President of the Student Senate, President of the National Honor Society junior and senior years. Lettered 3 years in a row in basketball and football. Starting Left Defensive End on the 1957 Prep Bowl Championship Team. Awarded Activities Medal Class of 1958. Teacher at Mendel from 1963-1965. First Coordinator for Chicago Park District for the first Special Olympics at Soldiers Field. Member of the Men of Tolentine. In 2009 was voted “Man of the Year” by the Men of Toletine, the organization stated by Mendel’s own Father John Seary. Current Honorable Mayor of Willowbrook, Illinois. __________________________________________________________ THE 1957 PREP BOWL CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM We note the 1957 Prep Bowl Championship team not because of its historic win, but because of the history that it made in the Chicago Catholic League. The Chicago Catholic League was organized in 1912 and through the years leading up to Mendel opening in September, 1951, there have been many Catholic League teams that went on to win the Prep Bowl which started in 1930. But the 1957 Prep Bowl win by Mendel was the fastest that any Catholic School made it to the prep bowl and won in the history of the Catholic League. Mendel was only a 6 year old school when it won the 1957 Prep Bowl. Absolutely no team in the Catholic League won a prep bowl 6 years after opening and this is why this 1957 Mendel Football team is noted on these pages. __________________________________________________________ THE 1965, 66,67,68,69, 71, & 77 CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING TEAMS We note the seven Catholic League Championship Wrestling team, because Mendel was the power in Catholic League wrestling in the 60’s as Mendel won 5 straight Catholic League Wrestling Championships and also won 99 straight team victories. No other Chicago Catholic League school has ever won 5 straight catholic league wrestling championships and won 99 straight wrestling matches. This record still stands and has not been matched by any other Catholic League school. The 1971 Mendel Wrestling team not only won the Catholic League Championship but also won the 1st Catholic vs. Public League Meet which made Mendel the All Chicago Wrestling Champions. This record will always belong to Mendel. The 1977 Catholic League Wrestling Championship team is the 1st and only All African American team to win the Catholic League Wrestling Championship. This win shook the Catholic League at its core because many in the Catholic League had written Mendel off after Mendel became an all African American Boys Catholic High School. Mendel’s win shook the whole Catholic League at its core. __________________________________________________________ THE 1978 & 1982 MENDEL BASKETBALL TEAMS We note the 1982 Catholic League Championship Basketball team. This team is noted because while Mendel had been a consistent powerhouse in basketball since the 1950’s winning many basketball championships in various weight levels before Mendel and the rest of the Chicago Catholic League joined the IHSA in 1973 and won league championships after joining the IHSA, this team was special. It was a special as the 1978 team that fought to a 3 way tie for the Catholic League Championship. The Catholic League became a very racist league when Mendel became an all black school and the sports writers had turned against Mendel as well and many negative articles were written about Mendel. The press favored St. Laurence High School because they had the one-two tandem of Kevin Boyle and Jim Stack. The game between Mendel and St. Laurence was played in the Mendel gym and the IHSA officials who called the game clearly favored St. Laurence. It was later found out that the officials who called the game were biased because they had either financial or alumni ties to St. Laurence. This game was poorly officiated and a complaint was logged against the IHSA, but no one took action. The season finished with Mendel finishing in 2nd place with a 10-3 record. It was widely known that the game was poorly officiated and the league wanted to make sure that Mendel did not win this game. Mendel went on to win its IHSA regional Championship in 1978. Boyle and Stack went on to win the title for St. Laurence. If the game had been called fairly Mendel would have won this game. They could not beat Mendel’s All State Ray Collins and his team mates, but the fix was in and those in the know, knew the fix was in. If you ask high school basketball experts Boyle and Stack would have been no match for Andre Banks and Mike Hampton and the 1982 Mendel basketball team. For all the praise that was heaped on Boyle and Stack and St. Laurence they could not take St. Laurence to the super sectional round of the 1978 IHSA state basketball tournament. While Loyola Academy was the 1st Catholic League school to make it to the quarterfinal round in the state tournament in 1976 and DeLaSalle took 3rd place in the state tournament in 1977 no catholic league team made it to the championship game before Mendel did in 1982. Mendel was the 1st Catholic League school to make it to the championship game. The 1978 Mendel basketball team found vindication from the Mendel basketball team in 1982. Banks and Hampton were simply better than Boyle and Stack and if the game had been called fairly in 1978. Boyle and Stack would not have beaten Mendel in 1978.The 1982 team was vindication for the 1978 team, and silenced the racial critics of Mendel.

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