The evening started with Mass in our Chapel of the Three Companions, where Fr. Peter Byrne gave an excellent homily about what it means to Go Forth and Set the World on Fire. Once everyone gathered to dine on a wonderful dinner, guests heard words of thanks, gratitude, and love from each of the inductees.
Don Anderson touched on the importance of making connections with the students, both on and off the field, and how sometimes off the field connections make more of a difference.
Jim & Beth (Arnold) Brasch`76 thanked their families and friends and spoke of the importance of supporting our students and Jesuit education, for the next Galileo could be walking the halls of Prep at any time.
Tim Cronin`70 talked about how blessed he feels to have been a part of two of the most historic moments in Prep’s history: the start of Fair Share in 1992, and seeing fellow Hall of Famer John Traynor be named the first lay President of Gonzaga Prep.
Fr. Paul Fitterer gave thanks and blessed the school and its community with a prayer of hope from Jeremiah’s letter to the Exiles, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Kurt Kromholtz`55 was introduced by long-time friend and Prep graduate Dr. Pat Walsh`59. Surrounded by his family, Kurt joked about becoming a teacher because he liked being a show off, but got emotional when talking about how Gonzaga Prep helped make it possible to be a good scientist, as well as a man of faith.
Trish McGonigle`84 expressed her disbelief in being included in the same group as real heroes like Steve Gleason, but paid great tribute to her coach, and fellow Hall of Famer Nick Scarpelli, who told her to aim higher when she wanted to settle.
Michael Oriard`66 mentioned his concern about being inducted into a sports Hall of Fame at Prep, when his perception was that everyone at Prep was a student athlete. After researching Prep’s Hall of Fame, he was pleased to find out that honored scholar athletes as well. Of all his accomplishments, he is most proud of his academic career rather than is professional football career.
Last, with 10 members of the 1999 State Champion Wrestling team standing behind him, head coach Phil McLean wrapped up the evening by talking about how special the Gonzaga Prep community is, and how blessed he was to be a part of such a special group of young men who gave him is first and only state title in his more than 20 years of extraordinary coaching.