Athletic Hall of Fame Welcomes Third Class The 2011 <strong>McQuaid</strong> <strong>Jesuit</strong> Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony was held Saturday, June 11, in the Deborah and John DiMarco ’60 Field House. More than 280 attended as six individuals and two teams were part of the third induction class. <strong>McQuaid</strong> <strong>Jesuit</strong> graduate Rich “The Bull” Gaenzler ’85, voice of the Buffalo Bills, was the emcee for the evening and had the pleasure of introducing the inductees. First on the podium was the 1975 Two Mile Relay Team. Coached by Bob Bradley, the team held the Section V outdoor relay record until four hours prior to the ceremony, when the Rush Henrietta team broke their record of 7:45.5. Using a baton, as they had 36 years prior, each of the members -- John Farrell ’75, Tom Horton ’76, Tim Lawrence ’75 and Thomas Lott ’76 -- spoke of the honor and pride of being elected to the Hall of Fame. The significance of their now broken record was summed up by Tim Lawrence: “It’s a big deal for a kid in high school to break two minutes for the half mile. It’s a really big deal for four high school kids to do it at the same time, same day. It’s a super big deal if four kids run under 7:50 and it’s crazy when somebody runs 7:45.” Keeping with the track theme, Bill Bruckel ’63, who graduated from <strong>McQuaid</strong> with five records to his name, was the next inductee honored. Bill could not be present. His nephew, Will Bruckel ’07, accepted the honor on his behalf. The next two inductees brought honor to the <strong>McQuaid</strong> hockey program both on the ice and behind the bench. Mike Doyle ’82 graduated from <strong>McQuaid</strong> as its all-time leading goal scorer. His record was broken three years later by his brother, Mark ’85. Mark was inducted into the <strong>McQuaid</strong> <strong>Jesuit</strong> Hall of Fame in 2008. “It’s a great honor to go in following my brother,” said Mike. “I’m glad he considered me such a good teacher.” Bob Pedersen led the formation of the hockey program in 1968. “He demanded hard work, expectations were very high,” said Bob’s son, Paul ’84, who accepted the award in honor of his late father. “But at the same time he asked very little. He said, 'Give me your best effort, do the best you can, do it the right way and we will let the chips fall where they may fall.'" Coach Pedersen won three Section V titles, compiling a record of 160-31-12 in 10 seasons at <strong>McQuaid</strong>. Mike Ryan ’70, a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and baseball, credited his time at <strong>McQuaid</strong> and playing sports with shaping him into the man he is today. “What I remember about my sports career at <strong>McQuaid</strong> is not the wins or the losses, but what sports taught me: hard work, commitment, sportsmanship and competitiveness,” said 10 Athletic Hall of Fame The 2011 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees Ryan. “Just as important, <strong>McQuaid</strong> did this in a first-class way...I continue to take pride in being a <strong>McQuaid</strong> alumnus. Thank you, <strong>McQuaid</strong>.” Byron Schneider ’89 became the first volleyball player to go into the Athletic Hall of Fame. “It’s great to be the first athlete to represent volleyball in this Hall of Fame,” said Schneider. “I think the recognition earlier tonight for the (2010 volleyball) State Championship Team shows how important volleyball is and how successful it is at <strong>McQuaid</strong>.” Schneider recalled finishing third in a speech competition in middle school. His prize was a $500 scholarship to a Rochester-area Catholic high school. He chose <strong>McQuaid</strong>. As he stated, the rest was history. In a very thoughtful and meaningful way, Tom Schott ’79 accepted his award for being a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and baseball. He credited those affiliated with <strong>McQuaid</strong> for his success. “My belief is that I am standing in front of you because my playing career was a direct reflection of what was modeled for me as I grew up here,” said Schott. “There were lots of people back then who helped to yank more out of me than I ever thought possible and I’m proud if I resulted in a good model of their handiwork.” Schott, the 1979 Knight of the Year, went on to say, “It was through their help and motivation that I can happily say that I never gave <strong>McQuaid</strong> anything less than my all.” The night concluded with the tallest team to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Coached by Joe Marchese ’68, the 1988 basketball team captured the first state title for <strong>McQuaid</strong> in the sport. Marchese spoke for the team and their achievements both in high school and beyond. “What these men have accomplished in their personal lives is as much a tribute to their talent, their work and their character as anything they accomplished on the hard court,” said Marchese. “The preparation they got at <strong>McQuaid</strong> not only served them well on the basketball court but also in the real world. They should be very proud. <strong>McQuaid</strong> should be very proud.” A total of 29 plaques now hang on the wall, representing 27 individuals and two teams. All of the men on the plaques found success on the playing field, but most importantly found success in becoming "Men for Others". Speeches are available to listen to on our website, www.mcquaid.org.
Top Row(l-r): Tom Schott ’79, <strong>McQuaid</strong> <strong>Jesuit</strong> Athletic Director Dave Spiehler with Paul Pedersen ’84 (son of Bob Pedersen), Mike Doyle ’82 Middle Row (l-r): The 1975 Two Mile Relay Team, The 1988 Basketball Team Bottom Row (l-r): Byron Schneider ’89, Will Bruckel ’07 (accepting for his uncle Bill Bruckel ’63), Mike Ryan ’70 Athletic Hall of Fame 11
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