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Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner & Program

Saturday, September 28, 2019 Michels Commons Ballroom St. Norbert College

Order of Events Reception: 5:30 p.m. | Dinner & Program: 6:30 p.m.

Welcome: Geno McKenna, Director of Events & Alumni Relations

Opening Remarks: Sr. Patricia Clement, CSJ, SJA 1963

Opening Prayer: Fr. Rowland DePeaux, O. Praem., CCHS 1944

Awards Presentation: Academic Division Kevin Harlan, PHS 1978 - Arts Jeff Kaftan, APHS 1981 - Education Joe Pierre, NDA 2004 - Science Col. Lester Rentmeester, SNHS 1937 - Military

Athletic Division Brian Buss, PHS 1982 Kevin Heuvelmans, PHS 1973 Todd Danen, APHS 1973 Jenny Everson-Wallberg, SJA 1979 Lauren Sesselmann, NDA 2001 Joe Walker, NDA 2004

Legends Division John Zegers, APHS 1970 – Coach Fred Dillon - Coach Sr. Ella Kaster, CSJ, SJA 1943 - Faculty Helen Reince - Faculty St. Joseph Academy Softball 1987 & 1988 – Team Notre Dame Academy Girls’ Golf 2006 - Team

Closing Comments: Sr. Patricia Clement, CSJ, SJA 1963

Closing Prayer: Fr. Ken DeGroot, O. Praem., CCHS 1953

3 President’s Welcome Dear alumni, staff and friends,

It is a great honor to welcome you to this second Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner & Program!

Tonight it is our privilege to recognize, honor and preserve the memories of 14 individuals and three teams, who accomplished outstanding achievements and success while attending one of our schools: Notre Dame Academy, Abbot Pennings, Premontre, St. Joseph Academy, Central Catholic and St. Norbert High School. All of our honorees have left a significant legacy of excellence while bringing honor and distinction to themselves and our heritage. Our goal for the Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame is simple: to remember and to celebrate moments in our past and present that comprise the tapestry we recognize as the history and tradition of this extraordinary institution.

Finally, we want to pause and thank God for the innumerable blessings and graces God bestows on everyone associated with this school. We thrive because, with God at our side and within our hearts, all things are possible.

Peace in Christ,

Sr. Patricia Clement, CSJ, SJA 1963 Interim President Notre Dame Academy About the Hall of Fame Medallion

Each inductee of the Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame receives a medallion inscribed with his/her name, induction year and category on the back. The front features the Hall of Fame logo, which includes a flag to represent Notre Dame Academy and each of its legacy schools. Created with a nickel finish, the medallion represents the strength of our alumni, staff and friends as they have accomplished many academic, athletic and professional successes.

4 2019 AbbreviationInductees Guide: NDA: Notre Dame Academy, APHS: Abbot Pennings High School, PHS: Our Lady of Premontre High School, SNHS: St. Norbert High School, CCHS: Central Catholic High School, SNC: St. Norbert College Academic Division

Kevin Harlan, PHS 1978 Academic Division (Arts) Recipient: Bob Harlan

Kevin joined the CBS Television Network’s NFL broadcast team as a play-by-play announcer in 1998, after four years of broadcasting the NFL on Fox Sports. He joined Fox in 1994. Kevin called CBS Sports’ HDTV coverage of the 2001 AFC Championship and Super Bowl XXXV. He also has called CBS Sports’ coverage of the NCAA Division I Men’s Championship since 1999, and called the NCAA Final Four and Championship game for CBS Radio Network and Westwood One for five consecutive years (2003-07), as well as the regionals (2009, 2010, 2011).

A veteran football and basketball broadcaster, this NFL season marks his 35th consecutive season broadcasting the NFL. Kevin once again called play-by-play for “” games, teaming with on Westwood One Radio Sports as the lead announce team, including all the playoffs, a Conference Championship game and the Super Bowl. Last year, he called his ninth consecutive Super Bowl, tying a record set by former CBS Radio broadcaster Jack Buck. Again this season, Kevin will broadcast more NFL games than any other broadcaster for the 10th consecutive season. This upcoming NBA season marks his 33rd broadcasting the NBA. Kevin also has called play-by-play for ’ coverage of the NBA Playoffs since 1996. He has called regular-season action for TNT and TBS since the 1997-98 season, serving as play-by-play announcer for TBS’s coverage of the 1998 and several college football bowl games. For five seasons, Kevin broadcasted NFL pre-season games for the on WBBM-TV. He began broadcasting the ’ pre-season games in 2003. Kevin also has called pre-season games for the , , Washington Redskins and NFL Network. Kevin was voted the 2017 Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sports Media Association, joining other CBS Sports broadcasters to win the award, including , Pat Summerall, Ray Scott and Chris Schenkel.

Kevin was the voice of the NBA’s for nine seasons on KFAN-AM Radio and KARE- TV. He has called NFL action for NBC Sports and college football for ESPN, as well as college football, college basketball and championship for the Mutual Broadcasting System. In addition, Kevin has been the voice of the NBA’s “2K” video games series since 2006, the last seven years with CBS Sports colleague as analyst.

Kevin landed his first job, as the radio and television voice of the NBA’s Kansas City Kings, at the age of 22. He called basketball broadcasts for the Jayhawks Radio Network (1983-84) and also spent nine seasons (1985-93) as the radio voice of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs. In addition, he provided radio play-by-play for the Football and Basketball Network (1986-89).

Kevin was born June 21, 1960, in and was raised in Green Bay. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1982 with a degree in broadcast journalism. Kevin’s father, Bob, was the longtime President & CEO of the Green Bay Packers. He and his wife, Ann, live in Mission Hills, Kan., and Fish Creek, and have four children and one grandchild.

5 Jeffry Kaftan, APHS 1981 Academic Division (Education) Recipient: Julie and Anna Kaftan

Jeff received multiple awards in sports, leadership and school activities at APHS. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Creighton University. He also attended the University of Loyola, Rome, ; the University of - Green Bay, where he studied Spanish, and Marian College, earning degrees in elementary education and a Master of Arts in education.

Jeff switched careers in 2007, after working in the world of finance at Wells Fargo Bank for five years and Robert W. Baird for 12 years. He redirected his energy and enthusiasm to education where he felt he could make a greater difference. He was principal of Notre Dame of De Pere and St. Thomas More School of Green Bay. He inspired students, faculty, family and friends with his personal set of commandments: 1) Live each day to its fullest - Give it all you’ve got, even if you’re not feeling great (I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me -Philippians 4:13); 2) Devote yourself to others’ betterment; 3) Never pass up an opportunity to help someone in need (follow the golden rule); 4) Let your love of God, family and friends pour forth; 5) Perform “acts of kindness” wherever and whenever possible. Jeff’s enthusiasm and dedication to these principles were contagious.

Jeff received awards and honors for his many volunteer endeavors. He served Scholarships, Inc. as President, Vice President, Chairman of Finance, and on selection committees. He taught evening ELL (English Language Learner) classes, cooked meals for the St. John’s Homeless Shelter, coached various sports and worked with Hispanic families at St. Willebrord’s.

After a courageous battle with cancer, Jeff passed away on August 13, 2016, leaving his wife, Julie, and children, Joseph and Anna. Many miss his dynamic personality and upbeat attitude.

Dr. Joseph Pierre, NDA 2004 Academic Division (Science)

Joe graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with his Bachelor of Science in 2009 and a Ph.D. in 2012. He then completed a fellowship at the University of Chicago in gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition, where his research focused on examining the gut microbiome, host-microbial interactions in metabolism, and host physiology. In 2017, he joined the faculty at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Medicine in Memphis, Tenn., where he is currently an Assistant Professor of the Departments of Pediatrics and Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry. He also serves on faculty for the College of Graduate Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences Training Program. Upon joining UTHSC, Joe established the first germ-free/gnotobiotic murine laboratory ever built in the state of Tennessee, which he now directs. Using these technologies, he and his team explore how human microbial communities shape health and disease processes. He is also the co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer ofAVnovum Therapeutics, Inc. in Chicago, an early stage pharmaceutical company with patented novel antifungal compounds designed to prevent and treat fungal infection in immunocompromised patients.

In addition to excelling in science, Joe was a competitive middle-distance runner, receiving All-American recognition in track and field while attending UW-Madison in 2007. Joe lives in Memphis, Tenn., with his wife, Kate, and their three children.

6 Col. Lester Rentmeester, SNHS 1937 Academic Division (Military) Recipient: Ken Weidner

Les was born in 1919, the son of Andrew and Anna Rentmeester. After attending SNHS, he received a Bachelor of Science from USAF Institute of Technology, Dayton, Ohio, a Master of Business Administration from George Washington University, Washington, D.C., and Doctor of Public Administration from NOVA University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Les enlisted in the Army Air Corps and flew a combat tour as pilot of a B-17 over in 1943-1944. During his Air Force aviation career, he developed new battle techniques at Eglin Air Force Base, flew as a test pilot at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, trained Turkish pilots in photoreconnaissance, flew in the Berlin Airlift and initiated the U.S. satellite program. At Patrick Air Force Base, he ensured that NASA launches from Cape Canaveral were executed safely. After retiring from his career in the Air Force, he wrote a college textbook on Federal Government financing and was a professor for a dozen years at the University of Florida and NOVA University.

President Harry Truman was very concerned about the USSR taking over many countries and threatening and . As a result, Les spent a tour in Turkey and then put in charge of US Air Force Reconnaissance Research and Development in the Pentagon. One of three major developments he initiated in 1953 was the earth satellite, which provided critical intelligence and the GPS.

As a member of the Melbourne, Fla., Library Board, he successfully fought for funds for a new library in the African American section of the city. The governor of Florida appointed him to a committee that recommended an improved city and county government in the state.

Les has written eight books on local history around Green Bay, such as “TOMAH,” “The Flemish in Wisconsin,” “Early Duck Creek History,” “The Wisconsin Creoles” and “The Wisconsin Fur Trade People.” He has authored numerous magazine stories such as “Open Skies Policy and the Origin of the U.S. Space Program,” “Big Brothers and Little Friends,” “Help from an Unexpected Source” and “Yes…... We Are Going Back to Berlin.”

Les was recognized as an NDA Distinguished Alumnus in 2014.

7 Athletic Division

Brian Buss, PHS 1982 Athletic Division (Track and Field)

Brian was a four-time WISAA state champion in the discus from 1979- 1982. He was also a two-time WISAA state champion in the shot put from 1981-1982. His personal record for discus was 191 feet, 3 inches, and for shot put his best mark was 58 feet, 1½ inches.

After graduating from Premontre, he attended Stanford University, lettering in track and field during his junior and senior years. He graduated from Stanford with an Electrical Engineering degree in 1986.

Brian is now Executive Vice President of MedCAD, a customized surgical planning and device manufacturer in Dallas. He’s also principal and founder of Genesis Biosystems in Lewisville, Texas, and was formerly Vice President of Research & Development at Osteomed Corporation in Dallas along with his brother, Rick, who was an All-American hammer thrower for Stanford in 1980 and former WIAA state champion in the discus.

Brian is married to Susan Dennis-Buss (Stanford, 1986), and they have three children, Grant, David and Sarah. Grant is a junior at the Colorado School of Mines, majoring in engineering and is the quarterback of the football team. David is a junior at Trinity University in San Antonio, majoring in finance and running cross- country in addition to competing in the steeplechase and javelin for track and field. Sarah is a sophomore at Trinity University, majoring in finance and competing on the women’s golf team.

Brian said, “I am a proud member of the Premontre family and athlete for the best coaches and men I have known in this sport, Harold Geiser and Richard Hietpas. The Premontre support system was nothing short of a family commitment. I truly remember the people of Premontre and the staff much more than any sports accomplishment. It was a pleasure to work hard on behalf of the school and, hopefully, help the school gain well-deserved notice as a leader in academic and athletic excellence.”

Kevin Heuvelmans, PHS 1973 Athletic Division (Basketball)

Kevin was a standout athlete in basketball, who anchored the PHS team for three very successful seasons. He led the team to two state tournaments in his sophomore and senior seasons. Kevin ranks fourth on the all-time leading scorer list at Notre Dame with 1,223 career points. He earned first team all- conference honors twice and was named first team all-metro player twice. He was also selected to the all-tournament team at state his senior year.

Kevin married Mary Peot (SJA, 1973) in 1977, and they have two daughters, Elizabeth and Teresa. After high school, he attended Carroll University, where he started all four years on the basketball team and scored over 1,000 career points. After graduating from Carroll, he went on to get his Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University.

Kevin has lived in Waukesha for many years and is the Wisconsin territory manager for an electronics firm. Over the years, Kevin has coached youth basketball and softball. He has been a member of the men’s club at his local church and has served on its lay council. He enjoys golf, travel, and is an avid reader. Kevin especially enjoys spending lots of time with his children, son-in-laws and grandchildren.

8 Todd Danen, APHS 1973 Athletic Division (Basketball)

Todd was born on Feb. 19, 1955, a month prior to the passing of Abbot Pennings. His father, Kelly, played basketball at St. Norbert High School, graduating in 1947. His mother, Joan (Janssen) Danen, a 1947 graduate of Nicolet High School, was the oldest child of Robert “Buck” Janssen, proprietor of Buck’s Tavern.

As a youngster, Todd watched his father play basketball in “money” tournaments and referee high school games throughout northeastern Wisconsin. The experience introduced him to several referees, legendary high school coaches and many of his father’s teammates. His father passed away in 1969, when Todd was 14 years old. Amongst the many gifts his father left him, the most significant were the relationships Todd enjoyed with his father’s friends.

Todd’s playing career began in 1965-66 as a fifth-grader at St. Joseph Grade School located on De Pere’s west side. At the time, Todd was also hanging around Van Dyke, the historic gymnasium built in 1930 on the campus of St. Norbert College. His father introduced him to the old gym and Abbot Pennings High School basketball games. Todd’s dream was to be a Squire.

As a freshman at APHS, Todd played with Paul Gigot from Resurrection and three kids from St. Boniface – Phil Arant, Paul Deacon and Dick Hendricks. The five became good friends and were starters on the freshmen basketball team, junior varsity squad as sophomores and varsity during their senior season.

As a junior in 1971-72, Todd helped APHS to a Fox Valley Catholic Conference title and the consolation championship at the WISSA State Tournament in Milwaukee. The Squires finished with a record of 23-3, and Todd was a second-team all-conference and all-metro selection. As a senior in 1972-73, Todd led the Squires to a 20-2 record, including a perfect 18-0 run in FVCC. The Squires ranked as high as fifth in the state rankings, and Todd was named conference player of the year, Green Bay Metro player of the year, and earned first-team Associated Press (AP) and United Press International (UPI) all-state honors.

Following high school, Todd accepted a scholarship to play basketball at Florida Technological University in Orlando, now known as Central Florida University. Todd played in every game as a freshman and enjoyed his short stay in Florida. However, his heart was in the old Van Dyke Gym. He transferred to St. Norbert College where he was regarded as a solid teammate and a selfless player known for his passing, rebounding, shot blocking and occasional on-court shenanigans.

Todd married Anne Vandeveld in 1990, and they have two children, Patrick, a sophomore at SNC, and, Sean, a freshman at De Pere High School. He worked for Journey House in Milwaukee for 12 years, as their director of development. Following Patrick’s birth, the family moved to Missouri where Todd taught special education in the St. Louis Public School District. The family located to De Pere in 2006, and Todd spent two years at Rawhide Boys Ranch before joining the advancement office at SNC.

9 Jenny (Everson) Wallberg, SJA 1979 Athletic Division (Volleyball, Basketball, Track and Field)

Jenny competed for the Sajoacs all four years of her high school career. She excelled in volleyball, basketball, and track and field during a time when SJA was just entering into the Fox Valley Christian Conference (FVCC) in many sports. Interscholastic athletics was in its infancy at SJA, but the Sajoacs fielded many strong teams to compete in the FVCC.

Although Jenny enjoyed being active in all sports, she truly stood out in track and field. Jenny was SJA’s first individual WISAA state champion in the school’s history, doing so for the 220-yard hurdles in 1978 and then repeating as champion in 1979. She also placed fourth and second in the long jump at WISAA state track and field meet.

In the 1978 and 1979 FVCC Conference track and field meets, Jenny placed first in the 220-yard hurdles, long jump and 880-yard relay. As a sophomore in 1977, she placed second in the 220-yard hurdles, long jump and 220-yard dash at the FVCC Conference meet. Jenny earned varsity letters in basketball and track and field her sophomore, junior and senior years at SJA. She also earned a varsity letter in volleyball in 1978 and 1979.

Jenny graduated from UW-Eau Claire with a Bachelor of Science degree. That degree included a comprehensive major in physical education, athletic training and coaching. She started her teaching and coaching career at her alma mater, SJA, in 1987. She taught physical education while coaching cross country and track. She continued those efforts at NDA, teaching physical education, health education and introduction to sports medicine and athletic training until 2012. She also coached the girls’ cross country team at NDA, which won the WISAA state meet in 1990. It was NDA’s first team state championship in school history. Jenny left coaching at NDA in 1993 to coach her daughters’, Katy and Sarah, soccer, volleyball, and track and field teams at Holy Family School in Green Bay.

Lauren Sesselmann, NDA 2001 Athletic Division (Basketball, Soccer)

Lauren played varsity basketball all four years at NDA and was an important part of the 28-0 WIAA state champion team her senior year.

In soccer, Lauren was a true superstar. She was first team all-conference and first team all-state for all four years. She was the leader in goals and assists for all four years and ended her career as the state’s second all-time leader in goals 101 goals. She was also Green Bay Press-Gazette Player of the Year all four years. Lauren’s soccer team was a three-time FRCC conference champion.

After graduating from NDA, Lauren played soccer at Purdue University. She set records for the Boilermakers in points, goals, assists, game-winning goals, multiple- goal games and shots on goal registered. She was second team all-Big Ten during her freshman year, first team all-Big Ten for three years and was a two time All- American. She was one of the top goal scorers in the conference.

Lauren was drafted in 2009 to the Chicago Redstars before being traded and winning her first Pro Championship with New Jersey SkyBlue. She has played in the WPS, NWSL and the Canadian National Team. She won a gold medal in the 2011 Pan American Games, bronze medal in the 2012 London Olympics and played in the 2015 World Cup in .

Lauren retired from professional soccer. She is co-owner, producer, trainer and host of the fitness DVD “Fit As A Pro” and has a travel TV show releasing in 2020 called “Fit Destinations.”

Lauren loves giving back to our youth and does soccer and mission trips around the world. She also mentors players that want to play collegiately and professionally.

10 Joe Walker, NDA 2004 Athletic Division (Football)

Joe received a full athletic scholarship to the University of Wisconsin- Madison after a successful athletic career at NDA, which included two state championships – for track and field in 2002 and football in 2004 – in addition to multiple all-state awards. He was named the Associated Press State Player of the Year for football in 2004. Due to a significant back injury while playing at UW, Joe had to step away from the game he loved. He was able to continue to participate in the sport behind the scenes at Wisconsin, which ultimately led to an internship with the Green Bay Packers scouting department in 2009. Joe graduated from the UW-Madison with a Bachelor of Science in legal studies in 2008.

Post internship, Joe moved to Minnesota, where he worked for Yale Materials Handling in St. Paul. He made a connection with the company thanks to Mr. Fairchild, a fellow member of the NDA community. Minnesota is where Joe cut his teeth in sales and had his first date with his future wife,Anna Collins- Joe. While in Minnesota, Joe came across an opportunity to get into the medical device world, which led him to the east coast. He relocated to northern Virginia, just outside of Washington D.C., where there is a wide variety of hospitals and facilities specializing in spinal care. His previous injury and love of technology inspired him to work with professionals who wanted to make a difference in how spinal conditions were diagnosed and treated. He eventually landed at NuVasive, a company known for utilizing technological advancements in order to make surgeries more streamlined and less invasive for patients. At NuVasive, Joe supported orthopedic spine and neurosurgeons, assisting in over 1000 spine procedures. From there, Joe became an award-winning Chairman’s Club level salesman and an entrepreneur.

Joe is an investor with his longtime friend and NDA alumni, Kenzie Yewman, and board member of two companies. One of the companies, SVR, is located in Madison. SVR is an augmented/virtual reality software company, specializing in localized next-generation fully immersive training technologies. SVR is in partnership with Hewlett-Packard and the University of Wisconsin Athletic Department and is currently developing its first go-to market training system. SVR was founded by Cody Ross, a NDA and UW alum.

The other company that Joe is an investor/board member of is NuEyes in Newport, Calif. NuEyes is an Augmented Reality company that utilizes glasses with heads-up displays, which help people who are legally blind navigate through the world. These award-winning glasses have helped NuEyes become the first company in the U.S. to have Medicare/Medicaid approval as a visual prosthetic. NuEyes is also notable for being founded by a veteran, Mark Greget, and its contributions to helping veterans and wounded warriors live normal lives. NuEyes has also been awarded a government contract from SOCOM for facial recognition technology.

Joe currently works for Stryker Medical as a Senior Spine Representative and lives with his wife, Anna, and five dogs, Charley, Tucker, Watson, Holmes and Moriarty (Arty) in the hills of Warrenton, Va. He travels for work throughout the eastern seaboard, and all over the world for leisure when he gets the chance. He is an avid sports fan, a technology guru, a news fanatic, and still has a great love and appreciation for his hometown team, school, family and friends.

11 Legends Division

John Zegers, APHS 1970 Legends Division (Coach)

John is an inaugural member of the CatholicLink Society, which is comprised of individuals who attended/graduated from all three CatholicLink institutions: St. Francis/Notre Dame of De Pere (1966), Abbot Pennings High School (1970) and St. Norbert College (1974).

John began his 44-year journey in education as a K-8 physical education teacher at Notre Dame of De Pere from 1975-1983. In 1983, he taught English and physical education at APHS as well as acted as recruitment/development director until the school closed. John was appointed as the first Director of Development for Notre Dame de la Baie Academy in 1990. Following his path in Catholic education, John succeeded long-time principal Joan Klister as Principal of Notre Dame in De Pere from 1991-1995. John was Principal at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Green Bay from 1995-2006, Superintendent for the Waupun Area School District in 2006-2008 and recently retired as Superintendent of the School District of West De Pere 2008-2019. Recently, John was presented with the 2019 Founder’s Award by the Travis J. and Jessica L. Vanden Heuvel Family Foundation named in honor of Dr. Frank Shankwitz, creator and founding president of “The Make a Wish” Foundation for his dedication and selfless service to children in the Greater Green Bay Community.

His professional goal was always to give back to the school communities that have given him so much through his educational life. It only seemed like the right thing to do as his parents sacrificed so much to ensure that John and his five siblings attend Catholic schools. John considers his time teaching and coaching atAbbot Pennings High School as a highlight in his long career.

During his tenure at APHS, John coached basketball and, of course, golf, a sport he truly loves to this day. Building a solid golf team that led to three straight WISAA state championships (1986-1988) was the pinnacle of his coaching career. When addressing the team each year, John consistently said to his players, “If we don’t have at least four golfers better than me, our success will be limited.” Fortunately, and thank God, the young men that played during those years possessed the skill, passion for the game, temperament and caring attitude for each other that led to their team success. John received Coach of the Year honors during the championship years but gives the credit for those honors to his players and their parents who were so supportive of each other.

John married his high school sweetheart, Jean Van Wassenhoven (SJA, 1971), in 1975. They celebrated their 44-year wedding anniversary in June. They reside in the Town of Lawrence and have two successful adult children, Scott (NDA 1999) and Jenny (NDA 2003). John retired in July 2019 and plans to spend more time visiting Scott and his wife, Carly, in City and Jenny and her husband, Andy, in Johnson Creek. Immediate goals for John would include maintaining wellness, traveling and improving his golf game, which his players know needs some work.

Congratulations to all of this year’s inductees. Thank you to the Notre Dame Academy Induction Committee for this prestigious award and opportunity to join the previous and future legends in the Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame.

12 Fred Dillon Legends Division (Coach)

A memorial in the St. Norbert High School 1958 Yearbook reads:

Fred Dillon, January 8, 1909-March 23, 1957 – ‘The Era of Fred Dillon’ ended at SNHS on March 23, 1957. Most people knew Fred as the coach of SNHS for more than 25 years. During that time, he produced more championship teams than any other coach in this part of the country. He inspired mediocre teams to be real champions. He won his first state Catholic basketball championship in his early 20s. His last one was won just two weeks before he died at the age of 48.

Yet, the greatness of Fred Dillon was not shown only in his athletic achievements. He was a real friend to all SNHS students. The story of his charity to those who were in need may never be known to us. Over the years, he helped many of “his boys.” Each year, hundreds of them wrote to him and he answered every letter.”

Fred coached SNHS to six Catholic school state basketball championships between 1936 and 1957. In his years as a coach, his teams posted a record of 312-124-1. Fred had a 75-30-4 record as football coach and coached to two St. Norbert College-sponsored Catholic High School boxing team titles. Post-World War II, Fred coached six football, seven basketball and two baseball conference champions. Before winning his last basketball state title, which was the first in WCIAA history, Coach Dillon left his hospital bed to attend the first-ever regional game at Premontre High School and stayed to the end to inspire his team to victory. He was presented the state trophy in his hospital bed and died two weeks later.

Sister Ella Kaster, CSJ, SJA 1943 Legends Division (Faculty)

Her philosophy was simple: “Every day, I ask, ‘God, what do you want me to do today? How do you want me to be with you? How can I serve you?’ It’s not always easy. It takes a lot of prayer, talking it over and listening. Then it requires making a decision.”

She had known from high school that she wanted to be a sister. She was 20 when she entered the St. Louis-based order that had taught her at St. Joseph Academy. Sister Ella received the habit of Sister of St. Joseph in 1946.

Even though she joined religious life at a time when members were told what their ministry would be, she was able to do everything she dreamed of as a girl. Since she loved to study, Sister Ella earned a Bachelor of Arts in education from St. Xavier College in Chicago, a Master of Arts in American History from St. Louis University, and an M of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University in New Orleans.

She wanted to be a secretary, like her favorite aunt. So, she was a secretary for two years after high school. Later, she served as a secretary in the diocesan offices for six years before becoming archivist at the Diocese of Green Bay, a position that she held until October of 2000.

She wanted to be a teacher, like her mother. She taught elementary school in Chicago, St. Louis, Indianapolis and Peru for 15 years. She also taught for 22 years in her hometown of Green Bay, becoming a teacher at St. Joseph’s Academy in 1963, teaching history.

Sister Ella served as a member of the Corporate Board of Notre Dame Academy from its inception in 1990 until 2004. She was awarded the NDA Distinguished Alumna Award in 2003. Sister Ella died on October 31, 2007. She always embodied the spirit of faith, the tradition of excellence, and the mission to serve that have been the hallmarks of Catholic secondary education in Green Bay. 13 Helen Reince Legends Division (Faculty) Recipient: Jamie Reince Koepke

Helen taught junior English literature at Saint Joseph Academy from 1970- 1988. She taught part-time in the afternoons, but she contributed to SJA in a “full-time” way promoting and participating in many SJA events. All four of her daughters graduated from SJA. She also participated on the Parents Committee at Premontre High School, where her son graduated.

Helen loved teaching and had a unique talent for making each girl in her class feel special. Many comments about her had a consistent theme, “She made me feel like I was important and always encouraged me.”

Helen fostered academic, social and faith development in her students directly aligning with the tradition of all the schools that comprise Notre Dame Academy today. She used creativity to spark the interest of each student, providing English literature of “old” and made it “new” and relatable to her students. Think of Romeo and Juliet in the context of West Side Story. She could captivate the girls’ interest even by what she was wearing. As the girls entered the classroom, the talk would be, “I wonder which fashion boots, Mrs. Reince has on today.” As one student shared, “She always rocked her footwear!”

Don’t forget the “thought of the day.” She would begin each class with a quote/thought of the day on the blackboard to jumpstart participation and energize the classroom. This was just another way Helen provoked mindfulness in young girls on their journey to young women, full of thoughtfulness, faith and hope.

After leaving SJA, according to Helen, there was never enough time in the day to accomplish all the things she wanted to do. Whether it was traveling, spending time with her mother who lived into her 90s, spending time at her cottage in Dykesville or with family; she had a knack of giving everyone the sense that they were the only one in her world as she spread her God-given traits with people around her.

In March 1997, Helen passed away after a short, but well-fought battle with cancer. She leaves behind a legacy of her creativity, passion, religious spirit and laughter to all who had the opportunity for her to touch their lives. Most importantly, she leaves behind a legacy of hundreds of young women whom she inspired to enjoy education, be the best they can be, aspire to achieve their dreams, and take a positive influential role with their families and community.

We all have a path in a life. Helen’s children are glad the students at SJA in the late 70’s and 80’s crossed our mom’s path. In gratitude, we appreciate the induction of Mrs. Helen Reince into the 2019 Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame.

14 St. Joseph Academy Softball 1987 & 1988 Legends Division (State Title Team) Recipient: Coach Beth Kiene

First Row: Barb Brunette, Michelle Miller, Debbie Tomcheck, Kristin First Row: Debbie Tomcheck, Susan Maulick, Michelle Miller, Kelsie Crowley, Jenny DeWane. Lisa Thomas, Julie Frease. Middle Row: Brosteau, Kristin Crowley, Sheila Thomas. Middle Row: Marybeth Sheila Thomas, Susan Maulick, MiMi Brunette, Kelsie Brosteau, Holewinski, Erica White, Jenny DeWane, Cindy Beams, Lori Nowak, Tracy Motiff, Jenny Micolichek, Kathy Hogan, Lori Nowak. Third Row: Jenny Micolichek. Third Row: Coach Beth Kiene, Manager Paula Coach Beth Kiene, Heidi Hietpas, Marybeth Holewinski, Kristin Newman, Kathy Hogan, Tracy Motiff, Kristie Whipp, Kristin Vandenhouten, Kathleen Hartmann, Sarah Diedrick, Lisa Roshak, Vandenhouten, Statistician Julie Schauer. Lisa Schingen, Kristie Whipp, Coach Dick Hietpas.

I have NEVER been good about remembering stats. In fact, I had forgotten I had been named Conference Coach of the Year for both championship seasons! What I have always been good at is remembering the faces and the names of the teammates, players, coaches and parents who have been such a big part of my career and this applies to this amazing group of women being recognized tonight, including my amazing sidekick, Dick Hietpas.

So let us start at the end of the 1986 season. I wasn’t there yet, but I was told the team lost a heartbreaker in extra innings to Milwaukee Pius in the state finals. Kathleen Hartmann confidently predicted preseason (in a conversation with sportswriter Len Wagner) that the Sajoacs WOULD win the 1987 WISAA state championship. And that’s exactly what they did. Knowing they were going to have to work with their third coach in four years, the team could have folded, but they didn’t. They took a chance on this “rookie” and invited me on the ride to the top. And what a ride it was! A big revenge victory against Pius in the final game. Let’s go back 31 years …

As I said before, I am not big on stats, but, when you look at the numbers these young women produced in two seasons, you can’t help but be impressed. During both seasons, the Sajoacs were undefeated in conference play and led the league in all stats: two-year record of 41-3, outscored opponents over the two seasons 427-71. In ‘87, pitchers Kristin Vandenhouten and Sarah Diedrick had ERAs below 1.0 and threw several no-hitters. Batting averages for 17 players were over .300 and the overall batting average for the team was .345. The ‘87 Sajoacs dominated all- conference honors and six players were elected to the all-state team.

That brings us to ’88. Diedrick graduates and we are left with one pitcher. Kristie Whipp got the nod for the No. 2 spot. In a preseason interview I stated, “If Whipp comes through, we won’t have a glaring weakness”. An opposing coach predicted, “I won’t be surprised if they win it all. It all depends on how their second pitcher does.”

And that, my friends, is exactly what it boiled down to in the final game. Our offense had sputtered, so every run was crucial. Knowing Kristin had limited innings in the championship game against Pius, Dick and I had to strategize. We decided to pitch Kristie to the bottom of their lineup and use Kristin during innings when we would face the top of the order. Kristin and Kristi worked their magic and stellar defense brought the house down. The Sajoacs were back-to- back state champs, a feat which had never been accomplished in WISAA’s 12-year state tournament history. Five players received all-conference honors, and Kristin Vandenhouten was named Conference Player of the Year for the second year in a row and also the state tournament MVP.

I’d like to end with a statement from Kristin who was instrumental in providing material I used in sharing these incredible memories with you. She says, “I know a lot of the articles focused on pitching, but those years were filled with amazing contributions and highlights from every position. Sometimes it was a huge catch to end an inning, a spectacular double play, someone gunned down trying to steal second base, our own runner stealing home, a clutch hit to keep us alive in the state tournament, the list is really endless. Even though 30/31 years have passed, certain things still make me think back to those days and all the faces and smiles and jokes and laughs, and high fives and celebrations. Those were some pretty fun times.” Kristin, you said it all. 15 Notre Dame Academy Girls Golf 2006 Legends Division (State Title Team)

Bottom Row: Chelsea Novinska, Liza VanLanen, Jenny Konop Middle Row: Maureen Liddy, Heidi Beimborn, Stephanie Pott, Brittany BaDour, Madeline Hinkfuss, Erin Sharpee. Top Row: Stephanie Scholer, Susan Brusky, Coach Brian Bobinski, Morgan Heyrman, Chelsea Clark.

In 2003, the NDA girls golf program was a below average high school golf team that averaged 200.9 shots and finished with an overall record of 94-30. It did not win the conference or qualify for the state tournament.

In 2005, the team went to the state tournament and finished in fifth place, but only nine shots out of first. On the ride home from Madison in the team van, the girls spoke about realizing they had let an opportunity slip by. They had not thought of themselves as having state championship potential, but that changed immediately. The entire team would be returning for the 2006 season. The girls committed to each other and the program that they would do everything in their power to improve and return to Madison one year later to bring home the WIAA state championship trophy.

The 2006 season saw the Tritons roll through tournament after tournament. The varsity went undefeated, winning the Fox River Valley Conference and all six invitationals. They won the WIAA regional and the WIAA sectional. They returned to Madison as they discussed one year prior and blew away the field at the WIAA state tournament, winning the state championship by 23 shots. They finished with a record of 151-0 and averaged 166.08 shots per nine holes. They became the first Green Bay area team to win a golf state championship.

The dramatic improvement in the program from 2003 to 2006 can be attributed to the hard work and dedication of the players who committed to becoming a record-breaking team.

Three of the five players went on to play NCAA Division I College golf (Hofstra University, Nebraska University, and the University of Illinois).

16 About the Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame

Purpose Started in 2018, the purpose of the Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame is to honor those, living or deceased, who have brought distinction to themselves and Notre Dame Academy and/or its legacy schools (St. Joseph Academy, St. Norbert High School, Central Catholic High School, Premontre High School, and Abbot Pennings High School) through their achievement, commitment, and leadership in academics, professional endeavors and athletics.

Members Hall of Fame inductees may include alumni, faculty, coaches, administrators, or friends of the NDA or legacy school community. Teams that are exceptionally distinguished through outstanding achievement or significant accomplishment may also be considered.

Eligibility/Criteria Alumni, coaches, teams, administrators and friends/supporters shall be eligible for induction into the Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame. All nominees must represent the NDA and legacy school traditions of excellence and the mission of Notre Dame Academy.

Alumni, Coaches, Teams: • Eligible 10 years after graduation from NDA or a legacy school • Candidates for the Academic Division must demonstrate achievement, character, and leadership in academic pursuits that merit special recognition • Candidates for the Athletic Division must demonstrate athletic ability, sportsmanship, character, contribution to team and the game(s) he/she participated in. The Committee may also consider post-graduate activities including college and professional experience. • Coach candidates for the Athletic Division must have had 10 years coaching experience at NDA or legacy school. (The committee may make exceptions in special circumstances.) The nominees must be inactive. Accomplishments must have merited league and/or statewide recognition, as well as made significant contributions to the athletic programs at NDA or a legacy school. • Team candidates for the Athletic Division must be of championship caliber.

Administrators, Faculty, Staff, and Friends/Supporters: • Administrator, Faculty, and Staff candidates for the Academic, Athletic, or Legends Division must demonstrate exceptional leadership, character, loyalty, passion for, and support of the success of NDA or legacy school athletics and/or academics. The nominees must be inactive. (The committee may make exceptions based on special circumstances.) • Supporter and Friend candidates for the Academic, Athletic, or Legends Division must demonstrate exemplary commitment to the success of academic and athletic programs of NDA or legacy school.

More Information To learn more about the Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame, visit www.notredameacademy.com/alumni/alumni-hall-of-fame

17 Do you know someone who should be in the Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame?

Nominations for the 2020 Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame can be submitted through March 31, 2020 at: www.notredameacademy.com/alumni/alumni-hall-of-fame

Hall of Fame Dinner & Program 2020 The Hall of Fame Dinner & Program 2020 will be held on a date to be determined.

In Appreciation Notre Dame Academy gratefully recognizes the staff, alumni, and friends who volunteered their time, treasure, and talent to make the Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner & Program a memorable occasion.

Hall of Fame Selection Committee Mike Meeuwsen, APHS 1972; Jane Schumacher Campion, SJA 1975; Jenny (Everson) Wallberg, SJA 1979; Pat Hogan, APHS 1981; Joe Thibaudeau; and Dick Hietpas.

18 Abbot Pennings High School Premontre High School Notre Dame Academy St. Joseph Academy Central Catholic High School St. Norbert High School

NDA Mission Statement Notre Dame de la Baie Academy, as an educational ministry of the Roman Catholic Church, educates the whole person by developing each student’s Christian faith, commitment to service, and full academic potential within a caring Church community.