On a picture-perfect Friday night under the lights, Gonzaga Prep set aside time to honor Coach Dave McKenna `88 and his legacy. But McKenna gave all credit to the legacy of his parents, Jack and Marilyn. He spoke with a deep love for his family and for the hundreds of Bullpups he has coached, emphasizing the care he has shown each player. Filled with gratitude, he thanked administrators, coaches, past players, custodians, his parents, and his family.

More than 300 showed up: former players, their parents, friends, and McKenna’s family gathered to celebrate the profound impact he has had on the Gonzaga Prep football program and the lives of his student-athletes in his 30 years with the program – 16 as head coach.

“This is not just about Gonzaga Prep football,” McKenna stressed. “It’s so much bigger than that.”

The evening began with high praise from Gonzaga Prep President Michael Dougherty, followed by Vice Principal of Athletics Paul Manfred, McKenna's colleague and friend. While the team's impressive accomplishments were mentioned – the GSL championships, a 2015 state title, and numerous players who advanced to college and the NFL – the focus continually returned to McKenna’s love for his players and the game.

Paraphrasing the words of President Teddy Roosevelt, McKenna said, “They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. That's the core of how you coach. If your players don't know how much you care about them, you'll never win. That's how I coached.”

As McKenna concluded his remarks, U2’s “Beautiful Day,” a favorite of his, played over the stadium loudspeakers. That song, for his players, always included a blessing. “I’d walk around and place my hand on every player's head and I'd tell each kid I love ‘em.” Those same players also learned McKenna’s core Ignatian value by heart, “Love ought to show itself in deeds more than words,” and many live by it still.

At halftime, cheerleaders from his class of `88 joined current Bullpup cheer to show him some love before the school presented McKenna with a framed sign listing every Bullpup who had played for him.

He reflected on the significance of the evening, saying, “the legacy of my parents is important. It’s not about football, sports or athletics, it’s not even about acadmenics. It's about the whole person. They understood the importance of Gonzaga Prep and a Gonzaga Prep education. I want Gonzaga Prep to be around for an eternity.”