Sports Hall of Fame

The Rockhurst High School “Sports Hall of Fame” honors alumni, coaches, and friends who have had a major impact of the school’s athletic tradition. Given The Rock’s storied heritage of sporting excellence in the Midwest, selection to the Sports Hall means recognition among the “best of the best” in Midwestern athletic history.

The Sports Hall was established in 1991 by legendary coach and athletic director, Al Davis, Jr., along with his devoted student and friend, Mike Lillis ’56.  Members of the Sports Hall have distinguished themselves in many ways and were considered for a variety of reasons to be honored.

Learn more about the nomination and selection process here.

Honorees are determined by a Selection Committee that carefully reviews nominations. Click here to submit a nominee.

Formal induction ceremonies occur each year during the Alumni Reunion Weekend.
Find the alphabetical list of Rockhurst High School Hall of Fame inductees below.  The year of induction is noted in parentheses.

Note: The Hall of Fame Committee is still working on updating the bios of some of the inductees.  If you see one that needs updating and can provide information, please email rhaden@rockhursths.edu.

**Any inductee's rankings within a program were according to the time of induction

List of 53 items.

  • Douglas C. Albers '97 (2020)

    Doug Albers of the great Class of 1997 was a staple on the Rockhurst golf team during his time at The Rock.  Doug was a four-year letterman who helped push Rockhurst to the State Tournament all three years.  As a junior he placed 5th individually, while the team took 2nd.  As a senior he battled to a 3rd place individual finish and Rockhurst was runner-up again, coming up one stroke short.  Doug was an All-State medalist both seasons.
  • Paul D. Ammatelli '82 (2012)

    Paul Ammatelli is universally remembered as one of the top players for the Soccer Hawklets as the school's program matured in the early-80's in a time when teams from the eastern side of the State were often dominant. "Ammo" was a three-year letterman who was All-District as a junior, while leading the first ever soccer team from outside the St. Louis area to compete in the State Tournament - where the Hawklets placed 8th. Although Paul was lost to injury during his senior year, he was praised during his leadership career at The Rock for performance, persistence, and pride that echoes today, serving as Co-Captain.
  • W. Robert Aylward '45 (2006)

  • L. Robert Bauers '63 (2003)

    A three-year letterman in basketball, Bob Bauers of the Class of 1963 developed into one of the most feared and respected big men in Kansas City. As a junior and senior, he accounted for a strong portion of Hawklet scoring and rebounding, despite being double-teamed or even triple-teamed in games. During his junior season, Bob led the Rock to a 22-5 record and compiled an average game stat line of 20.7 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. He was given postseason honors of an All-District player. In Rockhurst’s 19-7 season of 1962-63, Bob padded his stats even more. He punished opposing teams for 23.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. He deservingly earned All-District, All-State and Catholic All-American recognition. After his decorated Rockhurst career, Bob continued to play at the University of Colorado where he earned Second Team All-Big 8 honors and Academic First Team All-Big 8.
  • Eric Berg - Coach (2012)

  • E. Anthony Blevins '93 (2018)

    Tony earned his spot on the football field as just a sophomore. Considered “undersized” by appearance, he was said to be the hardest hitter on the field, pound for pound.
    Tony was a highlight reel on both sides of the ball; breaking off big rushes at running back and intercepting passes at cornerback. In Tony’s senior season Rockhurst earned a national ranking of 12th in the USA Today Super 25, while averaging more than 31 points per game.
    Garnering countless accolades during his high school career, Tony was named Player of the Year in Kansas City, a Simone Award Finalist, and a USA Today All-American.
    Tony stayed close to home at KU, despite having Division 1 offers from across the country. He would then go on to play his way into the NFL for three seasons.
  • Daniel L. Boyd '03 (2021)

    Dan Boyd of the great Class of 2003 stood out on the football field in many aspects. At 6’3 and 280 pounds, Dan intimidated defensive linemen from his tackle position. But Dan was also technically sound and opened huge holes for the likes of Tony Temple and Marcus Perry who recorded monster rushing seasons.  Dan earned himself All-District, All-Metro, and 1st team All-State honors both his junior and senior seasons.  The offenses both years averaged 37 points per game, and Rockhurst won by an average margin of 27 points. Dan was a catalyst to The Rock’s success from 2000-02, when the team went 36-2 and had two undefeated championship seasons. Dan went on to play football at Northwest Missouri State University.
  • Paul E. Brooks '93 (2020)

    Ted Brooks of the great Class of 1993 was a feared defensive lineman who made a name for himself throughout the state as a junior, as he recorded a school-record 15 sacks and earned 2nd Team All-State honors.  Senior year, on a Rockhurst team ranked as high as #12 in the country, Ted anchored a defense that gave up less than a touchdown per game and held eventual State Champions Blue Springs to 0 and 3 points in the team’s two matchups.  He was honored with 1st Team All-State recognition.  Ted was also a contributor on the basketball and baseball teams, earning two varsity letters in each sport.
  • Peter C. Brown '76 (2012)

    Peter and William J. Krizman `76 were without a doubt one of the most powerful tennis teams in the history of the State and Rockhurst High School. They claimed The Rock's first State Championship in tennis in 1976, as both men anchored the school's tennis program during their time at Rockhurst High School, earning multiple letters. Peter helped launch the modern era of tennis in 1975 and 1975 under Head Coach Ron Geldhof that resulted in 17 State Championships and average doubles winning percentages of 98%.
  • Douglas A. Bruce '67 (2008)

    Former athlete, former basketball coach, former athletic director. Coach Doug Bruce left his imprint on Rockhurst High School in many ways - as an athlete, a coach, a teacher, and most recently as the athletic director. Those who spent time with Doug realized that he was passionate about Rockhurst and helping students maximize their talents and efforts. As an athlete Doug made his impact in many sports including baseball and basketball and then went on to St. Benedictine to star in both sports. Coach Bruce returned home to the Rock as a teacher and coach in 1978. He led the Hawklets to a 68% winning percentage and three State Championships. In the classroom Doug “coached” many students to their finest hours in Calculus -establishing a high level of performance in Advanced Placement Mathematics. In his final 17 years at RHS, Coach Bruce served as a very successful athletic director seeing programs expand, participation increase and State Titles multiply.
  • Brad E. Budde '76 (2004)

    Brad is considered one of the top offensive and defensive linemen in Rockhurst High School history. He was a three-year letterman in football at Rockhurst, as well as a monogram player in both basketball and track. Brad reached his high school playing height and weight early in his junior year at 6’5”, 245 lbs., which contributed to his selection as an All-Metro, Second Team honoree at Offensive Tackle that year; he then earned First Team, All-Metro honors his Senior Year at tackle on defensive with 50 tackles, known for his quickness off the ball and powerful striking ability. Brad is one of the only a hand-full of two-year, two-way starters in Rockhurst history.
  • Patrick J. Caldwell '61 (2007)

    Patrick was the ever-rare athletic big man. He was a 6’6” three sport athlete who, between football, basketball and track, never wanted to take a season off. On the football field, he was a blocking tight end who helped lead the Hawklets to a 19-6-3 record during his three years on the squad. He was rewarded with All-District honors as a senior. But on the basketball court is truly where Patrick shined. Despite constantly double-teamed as a junior and senior, he still managed to be The Rock’s leading scorer both years. He was a three-year starter, averaging 12 PPG as a sophomore, 20 PPG as a junior and more than 24 PPG as a senior, along with 13 rebounds per game. He accounted for 40% of the team’s scoring in the 1960-61 season. Other accolades included breaking the 10-year-old record for points in a game, when he scored 37 during his senior campaign. Patrick led the Hawklets to the State Tournament twice and was a constant name on the All-District list. He is also a member of the Rockhurst Basketball All-Time Team.
  • Michael A. Chonko '88 (2016)

    Michael was a head above most players on the soccer field, in more ways than one. A towering defender, Michael rarely allowed opposing forwards to even have the opportunity to score. In his two years as a starter, Michael held a combined record of 42-5-2. The defense gave up just 17 goals in 1986 and only 15 in 1987, including 20 shutouts that season. He led Rockhurst to a 3rd Place finish at State in ‘87, which made The Rock the first Kansas City school to make it to the Final Four. Both years, Michael won All-District, All-Metro and All-State honors. He also took his height and talent to the basketball court as a two-year letterman, where he helped Rockhurst win the 1987 State Championship. His All-District senior season on the court, Michael averaged over 11 points per game and was described as a “dominating force on the boards”.
  • Aaron R. Clevinger '00 (2020)

    Aaron Clevinger of the great Class of 2000 was an immediate impact player for the Rockhurst lacrosse program.  As just a freshman, Aaron was an All-State player.  He would earn that honor junior and senior seasons as well.  Each of his four years, Aaron helped lead the Hawklets to the State Semifinals.  In 2000 he was 1st in the state in assists and 2nd in points. Aaron was an All-American nominee in both 1999 and 2000. At the time of his induction, Aaron sits on the Rockhurst record board as 1st in assists in a season and career, 2nd in points in a season, and 1st in career points.
  • Jason L. Cole '99 (2019)

    Jason was instrumental in Rockhurst Soccer winning its first State Title in 1998 and helping build the program into the powerhouse it is today. Jason played his way onto the varsity squad as a freshman and began his consistent goal scoring over his four seasons.
    Following three successful underclassman seasons, Jason was named co-captain his senior year. Leading the team in scoring with 30 goals, Jason guided the Soccer Hawklets to their first ever State Title, going 27-0-1 on the season; still the only undefeated team in program history. Jason scored the game-winning goal in the 1998 State Championship game against Chaminade and was named All-State and the Metro Player of the Year. He would go on to play at SLU and was drafted to the MLS by the Colorado Rapids.
  • David B. Cone '81 (2005)

    It’s weird to think that the most accomplished Major League Baseball player to ever come out of Rockhurst did not actually play baseball for the Hawklets. David attended The Rock when baseball was not a varsity sport at the time. He only played summer baseball in the Ban Johnson League. But David was an extremely gifted athlete in sports Rockhurst did offer. He was the starting quarterback for the football team and starting point guard for the basketball team his junior and senior seasons. On the field, he led the Hawklets to a combined 17-4 record as starting QB. On the hardwood, he led the basketball squad to an impressive 22-2 regular season as a junior and a 17-7 season during his senior campaign. After graduation, David was drafted in the 1981 MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals in the third round.
  • Sean T. Connelly '98 (2018)

    Sean was the first lacrosse star not just at Rockhurst, but also in Kansas City. Sean is a founding member of the lacrosse program, which was recognized as a varsity sport in 1996.
    In just the sport’s second year in existence, and Sean’s junior year, he put Rockhurst lacrosse on the map. Already the team’s leading returning scorer, he captained the squad that went 8-4 and reached the State Semifinals. Sean was named 1st Team All-Conference and All-State.
    Sean’s senior season, the Hawklets went 6-5, but had two one-loss games against St. Louis powerhouse DeSmet, which had been an established program for several years. Sean was again leading scorer for The Rock and was renamed All-Conference and All-State. He was also named the Missouri Player of the Year. Sean played collegiately at Boston College, becoming the first Rockhurst graduate, and player out of Kansas City, to play Division 1 lacrosse.
  • John A. Cooper '87 (2011)

    John was absolutely vital in bringing back Rockhurst basketball dominance in the late-80s. A single-sport athlete, John was all basketball all the time. By his junior year, John was the go-to player for the Hawklets. He averaged 18 points and 9 rebounds per game during a 23-8 season that ended in a 2nd place finish in the State Championship. He was named to the All-District First Team, All-Metro Second Team and All-State Second Team that year. John’s senior year was monumental, both individually and for Rockhurst. Earning First Team All-Disrict, All-Metro and All-State honors, he averaged an outstanding 20.5 PPG and 10.1 RPG. Rockhurst went on to a school-record 29-2 on the season and won the school’s first State Championship since 1932. In the State final game, John set a 4-A record with 28 points.
  • Jeffrey S. Crippin '76 (2004)

    Jeffrey was the athletic big man that Rockhurst coaches dream about. Along with his size and strength, Jeffrey was sports savvy enough to translate his athleticism to success in three different sports: football, basketball and track & field. While playing football on the offensive and defensive line, Jeffrey was All-Metro his junior year and All-State his senior year. He was a two-year starter on the Varsity basketball team. In track, Crippin was an All-State Discus thrower. More than just a terrific player, Jeffrey was a team leader who could get the whole team to rally around him. He was named the captain of all three teams his senior year. Jeffrey continued his football career after leaving Rockhurst, playing center for the University of Notre Dame.
  • Jerome C. Culver - Coach (2006)

    Jerry Culver enjoyed a stellar football coaching career at Rockhurst. In seven seasons at the helm of the Football Hawklets from 1976-1982, Coach Culver and his teams combined for a record of 63-16. Rockhurst made it to the State Championship in his final two seasons, winning the program's second ever State Title in 1981. Coach Culver is also a member of the Missouri Coaches Hall of Fame.
  • Christopher K. Cummings '72 (2009)

    After transferring in as a sophomore, Chris had to sit out. But he made up for it, earning two letters in both football and basketball. Standing at 6’5 and 220 lbs., Chris was a linebacker his junior year, and switched to be an unstoppable quarterback as a senior and helped win State. In basketball, he led the Hawklets to a third place finish in 1971. Chris did not limit himself to the sports he played in high school, though. After playing football at Missouri and Louisiana Tech, he got to try out for the Chiefs and the Royals, and eventually earned his PGA card in golf. 
  • Christopher G. Damico '89 (2015)

    Chris was the last person opposing teams wanted to see when walking onto the soccer field. A three-year starter at goalie, Chris compiled 47 shutouts in 74 career starts. As a junior, he helped the Hawklets to a 3rd place finish at State and improved to 2nd place in Chris’ senior season, which made The Rock the first Kansas City team to ever play for a State Soccer Championship. Chris earned All-Metro and All-State honors both years, and was a member of the Under-17 United States National Team. He went on to play Division 1 soccer at the University of Akron and then 13 years of professional indoor soccer in the MISL.
  • Samuel S. Davidson '01 (2021)

    Sam Davidson of the great Class of 2001 was at the heart of a dominant Rockhurst tennis program that won 10 consecutive State Championships from 1996-2005. Sam was instrumental in the 1999, 2000, and 2001 team titles, while earning 1st Team All-Metro and All-State honors each season.  As a sophomore he was a doubles State Champion, and a doubles State runner-up as a junior.  His combined doubles record was 48-8.  Then, in his senior season as team captain, Sam moved up to the number one singles player on the team and won the 2001 singles State Championship along with the team title.  His career postseason record was an incredible 36-1. Sam went on to play at DePaul University.
  • Alton Davis, Jr. - Coach (1998)

  • James C. Dorlac, Sr. '88 (2018)

    Jim was the conductor during the best two-year stretch in Rockhurst football history. After being thrown into the starting quarterback role with just two games left in his sophomore season, Jim led the Hawklets to consecutive wins. He would get used to the taste of victory. Over his junior and senior seasons, Jim orchestrated a high-powered veer offense that went 23-2 and won back-to-back State Championships for the only time in program history. Jim’s running ability, matched by his passing threat, kept Rockhurst rolling down the field every game. His decision-making was the key factor in a two-minute drill that put the Hawklets into field goal range for the game-winning kick in the 1986 State Championship. Named a team captain senior year, he earned 1st Team All-District and All-Metro honors, as well as 2nd Team All-State. Jim would go on to play at Benedictine College.
  • Sean J. Doyle '99 (2017)

    Sean was a playmaker on both sides of the football who rarely left the field for Rockhurst for three years. As just a sophomore, Sean led The Rock in both tackles and interceptions out of his linebacker position. As a junior, he again led the team in tackles and also in points scored, with 103, as fullback. And of course, his senior year he led in points, as well as notching 139 tackles – still the 5th most in program history. Combined, he has the most career tackles of any Hawklet to put on the uniform. Sean was a three-time All-State selection, and his senior year won the most prestigious honor in Kansas City: the Simone Award. He was recognized by many as the best all-around football player in the city for two seasons, and still managed to play three years of varsity baseball. Sean continued his football career at the University of Missouri, where he earned First-team All-Big 12 honors and led the conference in tackling for a season.
  • Justin M. Dro '97 (2023)

    Justin Dro of the great Class of 1997 was a name recognized throughout the state in both football and track & field. Justin became a starter on the football team as just a sophomore, eventually working his way to being an All-District, All-Metro, and 1st Team All-State offensive lineman as a senior. He also won Rockhurst’s Bukaty Award, the top recognition within the program, as well as the KC Star Scholar-Athlete for Rockhurst. In shot put, Justin was the State runner-up as both a junior and a senior, throwing further than 56-feet in both meets.
  • William H. Dunn, Sr. '40 (2018)

    Bill is one of the longest lifetime supporters of Rockhurst High School. Now known more for his philanthropy, Bill was revered in the late 1930’s for his accomplishments on the athletic fields. He was the starting fullback who played a key role on the 1939 football team that went undefeated. But Bill really stood out on the baseball diamond, where he starred for the school’s first baseball team his senior year. The 1940 team played just six games, but won them all. Bill was the starting and winning pitcher for four of those games. After leading Rockhurst to an undefeated season, Bill and all of his other teammates, with the exception of one player, would play for the Murray Davis American Legion Team that ended up representing Kansas City in the State baseball playoffs. For the first game, they beat the defending State Champions from St. Louis, which had Yogi Berra and Joe Garagiola as teammates before eventually getting knocked out of the tournament. St. Louis went on to win the 1940 American Legion National title. Combining the spring and summer seasons, Bill would go 13-1 as a starting pitcher.
  • Michael S. Ertz '85 (2013)

    Mike was one of the Football Hawklets’ greats. As a junior starter, Mike helped lead the Hawklets to a 12-2 record and a State Championship. His senior season, although cut short by a loss in the playoffs, Mike anchored one of the greatest defense in program history, which allowed just 23 total points during the regular season. Mike was named 1st Team All-State Defense from his linebacker position. On top of his football abilities, Mike also lettered twice in track and once in basketball.
  • Thomas H. Freeman, Sr. '83 (2010)

    With three varsity letters in both wrestling and track, Tom graduated with a successful athletic career at Rockhurst even without football. But Tom did play football, and he excelled at it. Starting as varsity lineman his junior and senior seasons, he made his mark as one of the greatest big men to ever wear the Hawklet jersey. Following an All-District junior bout on the offensive line and a State Championship, Tom switched over to the defensive side, where he made a living. As a defensive end, Tom raked in All-District, All-Metro, All-State, Adidas All-American honors and started in the MO/KAN All-Star Game. He went on to play at Notre Dame, where he swapped back to the offensive side.
  • Zachary E. Frisch '05 (2022)

    Zach Frisch of the great Class of 2005 is the first Rockhurst athlete to win a State Championship for the Hawklets as both a player and as a coach. Zach was the Tennis State Doubles Champion his junior and senior seasons, and placed 2nd as a sophomore while helping the Hawklets win State Titles all four years of his career - bringing the program’s streak at the time to 10 consecutive titles. Zach was named to the KC Star’s All-Metro Team three times and still ranks 3rd in MSHSAA history for most doubles wins in a season, going 28-0 in 2004. His career varsity doubles record was 64-2 before playing college tennis. Frisch returned to The Rock as head coach from 2012-2017, winning three State Championships, two 2nd Place finishes, and one 3rd Place finish, while holding a career coaching record of 85-8.
  • Robert K. Gamble '89 (2014)

    Robert might be the only Hawklet to win four different State Championships over two different sports. He was part of State title runs for basketball in ’87 and ’89 and football in ’86 and ’87. Robert was impressively named a starting cornerback as a sophomore among a team that now boasts 11 players on the Rockhurst All-Time Football Team. Junior and senior year, Rockhurst would need Robert’s talent on both sides of the ball. Individually, Robert went on to be an All-Metro, All-District and All-State football player, and also won the 1988 Bobby Dodd Back of the Year Award.
  • J. Randall Gardner '72 (2011)

    Randy Gardner was a three-year letterman in football who was instrumental in the program's first ever State Championship in 1971. During that historic season, Randy's senior year, he was a force on the line, earning All-District and All-Metro honors while the Hawklets went a perfect 11-0 on the season.
  • Merle L. Gardner '87 (2019)

    Merle is still revered as one of the best all-around athletes in Rockhurst history. Whether it was on the football field or around the track, Merle was going to outrun you. Merle was a three-year starter out of the backfield who led Rockhurst in scoring as a sophomore and junior. And the tandem he formed with Kenyon Rasheed in 1985 and 1986 was one of the most lethal backfields the state has ever seen. The duo led Rockhurst to the 1986 State Championship.
    Merle was just as impressive on the track. He was a rare four-year letterman and a three-time State qualifier as a sprinter. And Merle could not even play perhaps his best sport for the Hawklets: baseball. Rockhurst did not have a baseball program at the time, but he was drafted by the Royals in 1987.
  • Christopher J. Garlich '75 (2004)

  • James A. Gates '96 (2018)

    Jim made the switch from baseball to golf after his freshman year; a decision that would heavily affect the Rockhurst golf program. For the next three years, Jim would help lead the squad to three straight top-five finishes at State. Individually, he was the top Hawklet finisher as a sophomore, placing 14th out of 160 golfers. Junior and senior years he would put himself in the running for the best big class golfer in Missouri. In 1995, Jim won Districts and the Hawklets won the team title. At State, Rockhurst placed 4th and Jim was the individual runner-up. His senior year, coming off of a mid-season wrist injury, Jim returned for Districts. He again won the individual title and the Hawklets won as a team. Rockhurst played its way to a 2nd place finish at State; and Jim notched another runner-up finish of his own, earning individual All-State honors all three years. Jim continued his golf career at the University of Kansas.
  • Ronald L. Geldhof - Coach (2004)

  • Alex T. George '55 (1998)

    Alex was a four-year lettermen in baseball and a three-year monogram player in football and basketball He was a Catholic League All-Star player at quarterback in both his junior and senior years who sparked Rockhurst to a Catholic League Basketball championship in 1955 with his stellar play at guard. He was also a Catholic League All-Star in baseball in three of his four years at Rockhurst, spearheading the squad’s three-straight championship seasons from 1953 to 1955. Alex's incredible hitting and fielding skills led the highly successful Rockhurst Baseball Team to a 17-1 record his senior year, which brought Rockhurst a regional championship in baseball and qualified the team for State competition in 1955. Although he obtained an athletic scholarship to the University of Kansas at quarterback, signed with the Kansas City Athletics upon graduation from Rockhurst.
  • James J. Gleeson '29 (1991)

  • Mark J. Goodspeed '75 (2004)

    Rockhurst Football has a noted history of outstanding linemen, but Mark Goodspeed might just be at the top of the list. Even at 6'6 and 225 lbs., Mark was more athletic than most skill position players. He earned 1st Team All-State honors as a tackle his senior year, while opening holes for an impressive Hawklet backfield. In track & field, he was also one of the best throwers in the state and the country. He was the discus State Champion in 1975 with a throw of 188-0, which is still a school record. That 1975 team also won the first State Championship in program history.
  • Joseph B. Groner '64 (2004)

  • Louise Grovenburg - Parent (2006)

  • Eddie Halpin - Coach (1991)

  • Mark P. Hanrahan '76 (2013)

    Mark is considered one of the best golfers in school history. The scope of his game goes beyond champion level. Mark’s combination of tremendous physical ability and mental focus on the golf course allowed him to dominate the competition. His powerful shot-making and game management calculated every factor on the course to make him the game’s best of the day. Mark was a rare kind of competitor with a complete game package of golfing mastery in strategy, focus, and ability…his kind of play is unique even by modern standards for the game.
  • Chris S. Heller '89 (2014)

    Chris was a basketball center that coaches dream about. At 6’11”, Chris bodied his way into a decorated Rockhurst basketball career. He played an important role as a sophomore in the 1987 State Championship, but was the key figure in the team’s title run during his senior year. He dropped a Sectional-record 42 points against Blue Springs en route to a championship victory over Vashon, a top-10 team in the country. Afterwards, Chris was chosen as the DiRenna Award Winner for the best player in the KC metro area, as well as the Gatorade and Naismith Missouri Player of the Year Awards. He would go on to a successful basektball career at the University of Missouri.
  • Vincent V. Hodes '90 (2022)

    Vince Hodes of the great Class of 1990 helped Rockhurst football make its dominant run in the late-80s. Vince was a three-year member of the Football Hawklets, playing safety and doubling as the place kicker. In his three varsity seasons, Rockhurst went 32-5 and made the State Finals twice. As a sophomore in 1987, Vince was the hero by booting a 40-yard field goal in the waning seconds of the Semifinal game that ousted Jefferson City 18-16 on its home field, and Rockhurst went on to win the State Title. Vince was named 2nd Team All-State his senior year as a defensive back, and is second in program history with seven interceptions in a season. He went on to play at the University of San Diego. 
  • Christopher S. Holmes '89 (2019)

    Chris was a do-it-all athlete at The Rock. In the fall, Chris stood out on the gridiron as a special teams player before taking over as the Hawklets’ leading receiver as a senior. Chris was part of the 1987 State Championship team and then in 1988 earned himself All-Metro and 2nd Team All-State honors from his wideout position. In his two seasons as a starter, Rockhurst went 22-2-1.Chris lettered in basketball as a junior before narrowing his focus to football and track. You can still find Chris’ name on the track record board today as a member of the 1988 State Champion 4x400 relay team, which ran a blazing time of 3:16. Between his junior and senior track seasons, Chris qualified for State in seven events. He would go on to play football at Southwest Missouri State (now Missouri State).
  • Donald J. Hord '05 (2022)

    D.J. Hord of the great Class of 2005 is still revered as one of the best athletes in Rockhurst history, whose speed made him feared on both the football field and on the track. He was a four-year letterman in track, who by his sophomore season had broken the school records in both the 100-meter and 200-meter. He still holds both records, with blazing times of 10.35 and 21.17. D.J. placed in the top-4 at State in both the 100 and 200 in his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons. He was just as talented as a slotback and wide receiver.  D.J. was a three-year starter and member of the 2002 undefeated State Championship team, scoring an 81-yard touchdown in the Finals, a state record at the time. He then led the team in receptions and receiving yards in 2003 and 2004, averaging 20 yards per catch for his career, and went on to be named a US Army All-American and the Gatorade Missouri Football Player of the Year in 2004 before playing at Notre Dame.
  • James T. Houston, III '82 (2020)

    Jim Houston of the great Class of 1982 was a dominant linebacker for the Hawklets. Jim led a defense that pushed Rockhurst to its second football State Championship in school history, winning the 1981 title.  That defense turned in one of the most impressive statistical seasons in Rockhurst history, tallying six shutouts in 13 games, and allowing just 5.2 points per game.  For his efforts, Jim was named 1st Team All-State Linebacker.
  • Travis L. Huenfeld '97 (2016)

    Travis brought speed and power to the football field and baseball diamond. He was part of the 2nd place 1989 squad that beat Jefferson City in four overtimes in the playoffs, which is still noted as the greatest game in Rockhurst football history. His senior season, Travis rushed for 1,362 yards and 17 touchdowns in just 10 games. Those numbers earned his All-District, Metro and State honors. Travis also helped reintroduce baseball to The Rock, which returned as a varsity sport after more than 20 years in 1989. He played Varsity for three years, and the team improved its record each spring, ultimately reaching 13-4 and a District Championships his junior and senior seasons. Travis was an All-District, All-Metro and All-State selections his final two seasons, and was named the Gatorade Circle of Champions Missouri Player of the Year in 1991.
  • John W. Hungerford '83 (2014)

    John was the face of the resurrection Rockhurst soccer program, which has since risen to be a national powerhouse. When the program came back to fruition in 1979, John was a catalyst even as a freshman. He lettered all four years and was recognized as All-Metro and All-District his junior and senior seasons. John was also the first Kansas City player to be named to the St. Louis-dominated All-State team. Playing centerback, John was the backbone of the defense and led as the team captain.
  • Thomas W. Jantsch '77 (2004)

  • Timothy C. Jantsch '77 (2004)

List of 55 items.

  • Matthew R. Jewett '00 (2020)

    Matt Jewett of the great Class of 2000 was a force on the soccer field.  Matt stepped on campus as a freshman and made the varsity team, and was even named to the All-Metro Team, and again sophomore year.  As a junior team captain he was All-State, leading the Hawklets to an almost-perfect record of 27-0-1 and the program’s first State Title.  In his senior campaign, Matt was the Kansas City Player of the Year, Missouri Offensive Player of the Year, All-Midwest, and an All-American nominee.  Rockhurst went 27-1-1 and was again the State Champs.
  • William O. John '03 (2020)

    Will John of the great Class of 2003 was a prolific goal scorer for Rockhurst soccer.  As a freshman he earned a spot on varsity and by his sophomore year was an All-State player.  His senior season, Will was a top player in the country; he was named All-American, All-West Region, Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year, MVP of the State Playoffs, and Missouri Offensive Player of the Year en route to leading the Hawklets to a 2nd place finish at State. Will scored 36 goals his senior season, breaking the school record by five.
  • John M. Kafka '68 (2019)

    John was a pure scorer on the basketball court. As a senior, John earned himself the reputation as a top player in the city and state. He averaged more than 21 points per game while leading the Hawklets to a 20-5 record in the 1967-68 season. He shot 54% from the field and 78% from the free throw line. John dropped 42 points in one game - and this was prior to the three-point line! During that senior campaign, John led the Hawklets on a 19-game win streak and was eventually named 1st Team All-State for his efforts. John would go on to play basketball at Regis College (now University).
  • Kevin M. Kane '02 (2021)

    Kevin Kane of the great Class of 2002 helped anchor the defenses on some of the best teams in Rockhurst’s history. In Kevin’s three years as a linebacker and offensive guard, Rockhurst went 35-4 and made it to the State Finals twice. Known especially for his defensive work, Kevin earned 1st Team All-District, All-Metro, and All-State linebacker honors as both a junior and senior. He led the Hawklets in tackles both seasons, combining for 239 tackles while also leading the team in interceptions in Rockhurst’s perfect 14-0 season in 2000. After the 2001 season, Kevin was selected as the Metro Sports Defensive Player of the Year and won the Buck Buchanan Award, given to the best lineman or linebacker in Kansas City. Kevin went on to play linebacker at the University of Kansas.
  • Timothy G. Johnson '80 (2005)

  • Thomas P. Knox '88 (2013)

    Tom was born to play soccer. He is the consummate sportsman who played matches with “calm and confidence.” Statistics cannot capture the scope of his skill, nor the astonishing speed and ball control Tom displayed season after season. There have been many great players to wear the blue and white, but few standout like Tom. He was agile, strong, and blessed with a stunningly powerful shot. Tom had an adventurous style of play, always attacking, and constantly looking to move the ball into position to score. Tom’s love for the game was an inspiration for a steady stream of Hawklets’ State Championships for teams to come.
  • Kevin P. Kopp '93 (2018)

    Kevin was an eight-time letter winner here at The Rock. He was varsity for three years in track & field, two years in basketball where he was an Honorable Mention All-District and All-Metro player, and three years in football where Kevin really stood out. He earned his way into the defensive starting lineup as just a sophomore, and from there on out had a knack for finding the ball carrier. Leading a vaunted defense, Kevin gained individual notoriety his junior season, earning 2nd Team All-District and All-Metro honors. Kevin wowed the Midwest his senior year, noted as a top defensive player in the surrounding states. He earned 2nd Team All-State recognition and was runner up for the Buck Buchanan Award, given to the best lineman or linebacker in the KC area. Kevin still ranks among the top sack leaders in Rockhurst history. He went on to be a starter at KU for two seasons.
  • Jerry L. Krause '56 (2012)

    Jerry earned the first State Championship in golf for Rockhurst High School his Senior Year. He was known for his exceptional control of the game and ability to maintain a technique that allowed 100% of his energy into connecting with the ball; a far more advanced player than his age in ability and maturity. Jerry was recognized by the Kansas City golf community as the best golfer in the area, which quickly earned respect across the State and Midwest. His work ethic in practice and tournament play defined the sport at his time on the amateur level.
  • William J. Krizman '76 (2012)

  • Matthew D. Krull '94 (2016)

    Matt headed a hard-nosed Hawklet football defense that was known throughout the Midwest. A two-year starter at linebacker, Matt seemed to know exactly where the ball was going. His junior year, he anchored a defense that allowed opposing teams under 70 yards and just 6.3 points per game, including five shutouts. Matt broke the school tackling record in 1992, only to re-break it his senior year with 160 tackles - over 13 per game. In his final two seasons, the Hawklets boasted a record of 18-5. Matt was named All-District twice and All-Metro and All-State his senior season. Matt also brought his power to the baseball diamond, where he was a three-year letterman. He hit for a whopping .417 average his junior year, helping The Rock win the Sectional Championship.
  • Christopher Lawson - Coach (2020)

    For 25 years, Coach Chris Lawson ensured that the Rockhurst soccer team was always in contention for a State Championship. From 1994-2018, Coach Lawson led the Hawklets to a record of 553-151-25, including 21 Final Four appearances. Rockhurst won seven of those State Titles.  He won Missouri State Coach of the Year six times and Regional Coach of the Year four times.  Coach Lawson ended his Rockhurst career with 12 consecutive Final Four qualifications.
  • Leonard P. LeCluyse '43 (1992)

  • Jonathan R. Lecuyer '01 (2023)

    Jon Lecuyer of the great Class of 2001 became the fifth-ever Rockhurst lacrosse player to be inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame. A four-year starting defender and two-time captain, Jon helped lead The Rock to four straight State Final Four appearances, including the first State Finals berth in program history in 2001, as the Hawklets took home 2nd place. Jon earned 1st Team All-Conference and All-State honors three times, and was named to the US Lacrosse National All-Star Game. Jon still holds the career groundballs record, and his single season mark of 98 groundballs is 3rd most for a defender, and 9th most overall.
  • Helm W. Lillis '50 (2007)

  • Michael T. Lillis '56 (2004)

    Mike played on the football and track team all four years. He was a two-time letterman in football and a letterman in basketball, as he served as manager his junior and senior years. Alongside Al Davis, Mike played a pivotal role in helping setting up the Rockhurst High School Sports Hall of Fame back in 1991.
  • Thomas F. Lillis '49 (1998)

    Tom was a three-year lettermen in basketball and one of the school’s storied players in the sport. He smashed all-league and city scoring records with numerous 30-point games through his quickness and agility from the post and a powerful rebounder. Tom scored 508 points to lead Rockhurst to a second place finish in State competition his senior year. He teamed with his brother, Helm, in 1949 to be the city’s top players, each selected to the Catholic League All-Star team. Tom was the only unanimous selection as captain of the Missouri All-State team in history.
  • William H. Lillis '76 (2009)

    Bill found himself busy with athletics year-round. He earned nine varsity letters, three in football, basketball and track. For three years, Bill was the starting quarterback for the Hawklets, and was named All-State his junior and senior seasons. He led the Hawklets to more than 25 wins as starter, and added a 40-yard punt average his two years kicking. More than just an athlete, Bill was captain off all three sports his senior campaigns, and was the captain of the last track and field championship team in 1976. Also a basketball standout, Bill scored 38 points in a game against Hogan, nearly a school record at the time.
  • Michael J. Long '84 (2014)

    Michael was a nightmare for the opposing team’s backfield. A dominant force on the defensive side, Michael still ranks second for most tackles in a single season in Rockhurst football history; he had 148 for the season, and also recorded 31 in a single game. More than just a tackler, Michael was a true winner. During his three varsity seasons at The Rock, he saw just four losses and played for a State Championship each year. This included a State title in Coach Tony Severino’s first season as head coach in 1983. Along with his Rockhurst accolades, Michael was also voted as an All-Metro, All-District and All-State player.
  • Patrick W. Mason '17 (1991)

  • John C. Mayberry, Jr. '02 (2020)

    John Mayberry of the great Class of 2002 was a true dual-sport athlete at Rockhurst.  He was an All-Metro basketball player who led the team his senior year with 14 points and 10 rebounds per game. He is one of the most decorated Baseball Hawklets in school history, being named a USA Today All-American, Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year, and 1st Team All-State his senior season.  John was drafted 28th overall in the 2002 MLB Draft, elected to play college baseball at Stanford, and was 19th overall in the 2005 Draft.
  • Kenneth C. Mayer '65 (2009)

    Ken, a three-sport stud, could do it all. With his track skills transferring to the football field, he started on both sides of the ball in his junior and senior years, and still punted on special teams. He was the proud winner of both the Bukaty and Muehlbach Awards at Rockhurst, after being named All-District, All- Metro, and All-State his senior bout. On the court, Ken was notorious around the city for his deadly scoring ability, as he was the leading scorer in the city in 1965, averaging 19 points per game.
  • Paul T. McGannon, Sr., MD '44 (2005)

  • Paul T. McGannon, Jr. '72 (2002)

    Paul McGannon of the great Class of 1972 has been a highly-respected Athletic Trainer in Kansas City for more than 40 years, including his work with the NBA and the Kansas City Royals.  Paul founded Sports Rehab in KC in 1978 and began volunteering at The Rock and assigning one of his company’s trainers to Rockhurst Athletics. Paul officially joined Rockhurst’s staff in 2012 as the Athletic Trainer, and countless Rockhurst student-athletes have relied on Paul’s expertise to get them back on the playing field after injuries. Known for his fist-bump after taping each of the thousands of ankles and wrists each year, Paul’s expertise, care, smile and patience has made his training room the most popular place in the Hawklets Center for student-athletes.
  • Raymond T. McKee '25 (1991)

  • William J. McMahon, Sr. '37 (2012)

    William was a multi-sport letterman at Rockhurst High School in football and basketball. He played fullback, linebacker and kicker for the Football Hawklets, as well as guard for the Basketball Hawklets. William was named to Catholic Interstate Conference All-Star Team in football and consistently led the team in points scored for basketball, while also earning letters of leadership commendation during each of his four years by head coaches Eddie Halpin and Martin O'Keefe.
  • Edward W. Mehrer '56 (1998)

    Edward was a four-year letterman in baseball, three-year monogram player in football and basketball. He was the winner of the Rockhurst Bukaty Award for the football player elected by his teammates who exemplifies the four primary phases of Rockhurst athletics and life: playing ability, sportsmanship, leadership, and scholarship. He served as the feature back in Rockhurst’s first year as an independent school his senior year, known for his explosive speed, with punishing power at fullback. Edward was named to the Catholic League All-Star team in 1955; he scored a school-record five touchdowns against Westport High School in 1956.
  • Andrew M. Metzler '00 (2017)

    Andy was a catalyst to Rockhurst’s domination of Missouri tennis that lasted more than a decade. During a stretch when The Rock won nine consecutive State Titles, Andy was instrumental in four of them. As a freshman, Andy played his way onto the varsity and qualified for the State Quarterfinals in doubles. As a sophomore, he tallied a 12-2 singles record and a 25-2 doubles record, ultimately finishing 2nd in State doubles. Then, Andy worked his way to being the top Hawklet in the program as the number one singles player. His junior season ended with a 2nd place singles finish at State, before his individual Championship his senior season to go along with a fourth straight team title. He still holds the Missouri record for single wins in a season, as well as the State record for career combined singles and doubles wins. Andy signed to play tennis at the University of Kansas before transferring to the University of North Carolina to finish his collegiate career.
  • Brian T. Meyers '72 (2012)

    Brian was unquestionably one of the core players for the Football Hawklets first State Championship team in 1971. He was a four-year football player with multiple letters and an All-American defensive end in numerous seasons who also added a powerful presence when playing the offensive line. The press reports referred to him as "the most dominant lineman in Kansas City". 
  • Paul S. Migliazzo '82 (2008)

    Paul Migliazzo made his mark in football and track & field at Rockhurst High School. Although The Rock had enjoyed a storied history of talented individual running backs and linebackers, never had the positions been combined like Paul into such a specimen of sheer size, stamina, power and grace. Paul helped lead the Hawklets to a Football State Championship in 1981, and along the way collected All-State, Metro, and District recognition. As a fullback he handled the ball and blocked with equal expertise. As a linebacker, his tackling ability and sure hands made the middle a dead zone for opponents. Paul earned letters during three varsity seasons in football, which was complimented by two letterman season in track when he was not only one of the strongest, but fastest “weight-men” in the state.
  • Carlton M. Miller '81 (2013)

    Mickey was the most versatile wing back of his era for Rockhurst High School football and perhaps in the school’s history. Mickey was a powerful and reliable blocker; a dependable receiver; and one of the most prolific runners in the state. His leadership made the Football Hawklets one of Missouri’s premier teams during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Mickey’s played on both sides of the ball, racking up thousands of yards offensively and devastating opponents at cornerback defensively, came through a natural grouping of strength, speed and quickness to be one of the game’s all-time best.
  • Steven B. Mingori '62 (2007)

    A dual-sport athlete, Steve was a three-year letterman in both varsity basketball and baseball. During his senior season, he helped the basketball team to a solid 22-5 record. On the baseball field, Steve was in a league of his own. The star pitcher throughout the majority of his time at Rockhurst, he was known for his death-dealing screwball and his lethal fastball. Following his career at Rockhurst, Steve went on to play baseball at Pittsburgh State. He was signed by the Cincinnati Reds in 1970 and ended his illustrious career with the Kansas City Royals in 1979.
  • Harold G. Mitchem, Jr. '86 (2013)

    Harold absolutely loved to play the game of basketball. While at The Rock, he always had a basketball in his hands and wanted to play the game morning, noon, and night. Harold’s sound fundamental play gave him a maturity high school players simply don’t have - he could jump, run, shoot, score, dunk, play defense, rebound, and electrified gymnasiums anywhere he played. Harold had an “in-your-face” style of competing that shook opponents’ nerves and game plan, but appealed to crowds of Basketball Hawklets’ fans. He redefined the game for his time, with commanding and inventive performances, leading The Rock to one of its four State Championships.
  • Joseph H. Moore '55 (2009)

    Joseph was one of the many standout talents to come through Rockhurst, Joseph Moore played under legendary coach Al Davis, proving himself day and day out on the football field. In his senior year, Joseph was selected as an All-American. He went on to play football at Holy Cross.
  • John W. Morris '74 - Coach (2021)

    Coach John Morris of the great Class of 1974 has spent more than 40 years here at The Rock between his time as a student and faculty member and coach.  Coach Mo returned to Rockhurst as a Theology teacher in 1984 and has been working with Hawklet students and athletes ever since. Coach Morris joined Coach Tony Severino’s football staff in the ’84 season and remains on the Rockhurst sidelines today.  His work with the linemen has helped win 331 games and six State Championships. Coach Mo is also recognized for his work in the basketball program, where he has been a sophomore and JV head coach and varsity assistant since 1985, helping win three State Titles.  He also spent 25 years working with the throwers in the track & field program. Collectively, at the time of his induction in 2021, Coach Mo has coached nearly 2,000 football games, basketball games, and track & field meets for The Rock. His JV basketball coaching record is 482-120, and his JV football coaching record is 167-6, including a 71-game win streak from 1993-2004.
  • Christopher J. Muehlebach '73 (2003)

  • Thomas F. Muehlebach '64 (2004)

  • Matthew L. Muehlebach '87 (2014)

    Matt played basketball for just one year after transferring in as a senior… but he made that one year count. To this day, Matt is considered the best point guard to have ever played at The Rock. His standout skills helped Rockhurst win its first State Championship in basketball in 55 years. Along with winning the State title, Matt was named to the All-State team after averaging six assists and 15.6 points per game. Matt was well known as a deadly long-range shooter, and opponents are lucky that he played just before the origin of the three-point line, or Rockhurst wins may have been much larger.
  • Sean F. Mulcahy '72 (2009)

    The true definition of a force at linebacker, Sean’s defensive legacy still lives on in Rockhurst football history. Opposite Chris Cummings on offense, Sean's job was to make sure his defense preserved any lead the Hawklets would get all season. Sean was very good at his job. In the 1971 State Title game, defense only gave up 80 yards in the last three quarters and held off Baeumont of St. Louis for a 20-14 win. Following the championship game, Sean was named All-District, All-Metro and All-State, and most impressively, All- American.
  • Owen F. Murphy '32 (1992)

  • Mark Nusbaum - Coach (2023)

    Coach Mark Nusbaum was born and raised in Iowa, but he has a special place in Rockhurst High School history. He joined The Rock in 1999 and immediately got to work. In his first season leading the Basketball Hawklets, the team made its first Final Four appearance since 1989. In Coach Nusbaum’s 14 years as head coach, Rockhurst made the State Final Four five times, notching two 3rd Place finishes, a State Runner-Up, and a State Championship in his final season in 2013. He owns the most wins in program history with 284 after averaging over 20 wins per season, and was inducted into the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2013. Coach Nusbaum was called back to lead the Hawklets again in 2014, but this time on the links. He has since served as the head golf coach for eight seasons (didn’t coach in 2016, and 2020 season was canceled), helping win two State Titles, two Runners-Up, and three 3rd Place finishes to go along with coaching two individual State Champions.
  • Sean M. O'Donnell '01 (2021)

    Sean O’Donnell of the great Class of 2001 helped Rockhurst’s running programs reach new heights. Sean was a middle distance staple for the track & field team, qualifying for State as a member of the 4x800 team as just a sophomore. His junior season the 4x800 team earned All-State honors with a 5th place finish and new school record of 7:57.26. Sean added a 13th place finish in the open-800. As a senior, Sean joined the cross country team after playing soccer for three years. As varsity captain, he helped lead the cross country team to its first State qualification since 1984.  Individually, he placed 14th and the team took 8th.  And in track, Sean broke both the 800-meter and 1600-meter records, running 4:19.56 and 1:56.29, respectively, and placing 6th at State in the 1600. Sean went on to run collegiately at the University of Notre Dame.
  • Thomas A. Officer '94 (2019)

    "Tay" was a two-sport superstar at The Rock. As just a sophomore, Tay was significantly contributing to both the varsity football and basketball teams. As a junior, Tay was a two-way starter for Coach Severino’s Hawklets while leading the team in receiving. He earned All-District and All-Metro Honors.Tay took it to another level on the hardwood. As a junior, Tay was an All-District and All-Metro selection. From the point guard position, Tay then averaged 17 points and 6 assists per game his senior season, including a school-record 46 point performance against Creighton Prep. Helping lead one of the most prolific offenses in school history, Rockhurst regularly scored in the 80s, 90s and 100s. Tay earned All-State status and was a McDonald’s All-American nominee. He would go on to play basketball at the University of North Texas.
  • Jonathan F. Osgood '97 (2020)

    Jon Osgood of the great Class of 1997 helped spark a streak of 11 consecutive State Championships for the Tennis Hawklets.  As a junior, Jon was a State Champion in doubles and helped earned a team State Title that 1996 season.  As a senior, Jon was the State Runner-Up in singles, only losing to teammate Casey Smith ’98 in the finals.  Rockhurst would also win that 1997 team State Championship, and nine more in as many years.
  • Jerome C. Overton '55 (2006)

    Jerry was a star for both the football team and the track team. In both his junior and senior years, Jerry was named a Catholic League All-Star for his contributions toward the Rockhurst Football team. Starting as halfback, Jerry helped the team to a two consecutive Catholic League Championships. In his senior year, he led the league in touchdowns as well as punt return and rushing yards.
  • Phillip J. Poppa '70 (2015)

    Phil was a three-year starter known for his exceptional quickness playing right tackle and defensive end for the Football Hawklets. In fact, the Kansas City Star dubbed him as “super cat quick”. His senior year, he helped lead The Rock earn its first ever football banner, finishing second at State. Following the season, he made All-District, All-Metro and All-State teams. Phil was also elected by his teammates as the winner of the 1970 Rockhurst Bukaty Award, which is given annually to the Hawklet football player who best exemplifies athletic ability, sportsmanship, leadership and scholarship characteristics.
  • David C. Poskin '78 (2005)

  • Christopher M. Powell '90 (2015)

    Chris was instrumental in the success of Rockhurst athletics in the late-80s. A two-way starter at fullback and linebacker for three years, Chris rarely came off the field during his 34-5-1 career record as a player. As a sophomore, he scored eight touchdowns during the Hawklets’ playoff run, including the lone score in the 1987 State Championship victory. Chris won another State Title on the basketball court as a guard on the 1989 team. But the gridiron is where he stood out. Chris’ accolades included: 1st Team All-District, Metro, and State both junior and senior years, runner-up for the Simone Award, Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year, and USA Today All-American Honorable Mention. Chris continued playing at the University of Kansas, where he was a starting fullback for two and a half years.
  • Rick R. Pribyl '66 (2008)

    Soccer, Football, Baseball, Track & Field. Rick was selected the co-captain of both the football and soccer teams his Senior Year, lettered twice in baseball, and was the President of the Letterman’s Club by his fellow athletes. Rick was one of the first soccer stars in the school’s history, as he helped establish the “new” sport at Rockhurst High School. He was an important part of the Rockhurst football program at halfback each of his four years, competed in track, and was integral the Baseball Hawklets' outfield success. His quiet sense of determination made him a role model for teammates in each sport, so much so that legendary Coach Al Davis once called him “an irreplaceable part” of the Rockhurst High School athletics.
  • Thomas M. Raimo '55 (2007)

    Tom was a nightmare for the opposing team on both sides of the ball, and was an essential part of the great 1954 Rockhurst football squad. As a defensive back, he built up a reputation as a leader of the team and a consistent force to be reckoned with. On offense, Tom played as a receiver and was known for his great hands and his ability to break into the open field. During his senior year he was given recognition as a League All-Star.
  • Kenyon Rasheed '88 (2011)

    Kenyon is a name not only known to Rockhurst for his athletic abilities, but also to the University of Oklahoma, the New York Giants, and the New York Jets all of which he played football for. Kenyon is one of the most talented football players to have ever come through Rockhurst and the Kansas City area. He was a member of the two State Championship teams during his time at Rockhurst. However, his junior year he experienced a very bad knee injury – one that still affects him today – and was forced to watch his teammates win from the sidelines. After suffering such a terrible injury, Rasheed persevered and remained motivated to return his senior year. He ended his senior year at Rockhurst with another State Championship and even after playing in both college and the pros, he describes it as “something you never forget".
  • Lester R. Ratcliff '84 (2023)

    Lester Ratcliff of the great Class of 1984 owned the Rockhurst High School track & field record board during the 1980s as a three-year varsity sprinter. In his senior season, Lester was All-State in both the 100 and 200 meters, running 10.98 for 6th place and 22.58 for 7th place, respectively. By graduation, he held school records in the 60, 100, 200, and 400 meter sprints, as well as being a member of the 4x100 and 4x200 relay records. Lester also utilized his speed and athleticism on the football field and basketball court, where he was a two-year letterman in each. He was selected as an All-Metro Honorable Mention cornerback on the 1983 State Championship football team.
  • Edward J. Reardon '33 (2003)

    Ed was a multi-sport athlete, playing football, basketball, and baseball. He was a “cool, smooth working guard” according to the KC Times when the Hawklets won the 1932 State Basketball Championship. When the team showed up to play the game their uniforms did not make it, so Thomas McGee, his grandfather paid for them to scramble and get playing gear. This was the first State Title for Rockhurst in any sport. The team was coached by Ed Halpin when they beat Joplin 17-15.
    Ed was captain of the football team his senior year, although an injury prevented him from playing.
    His three sons went on to play for the Rock, all three (Kerry '67, Jerry '69, and Jay '76) are also in the Rockhurst Sports Hall of Fame. Many grandsons (including Matt Krull '94, another Hall of Famer) and now great-grandsons have attended Rockhurst, much to his joy from his heavenly perch.
  • Edward J. Reardon , II '76 (2004)

    Jay still stands as one of the most successful track athletes Rockhurst has ever seen. As a junior, Jay set the state and national record for indoor long jump and the state record for outdoor long jump. Then as a senior he set the state record in the outdoor long jump, triple jump, and high jump and was the indoor state champion for all three events. At the time, all of his scores were in the top five nationally, and he still holds records with Rockhurst and the Missouri State Track Meet. On top of his track accolades, Jay was All-Metro in basketball. After winning the state track meet his junior and senior years, Jay went on to compete at KU. He earned All-Big 8 and All-American Status through a first place finish in the Big 8 for long jump and second and third place finishes for the high jump and triple jump, respectively.
  • Jerome J. Reardon '69 (2012)

    Jerry had extraordinary ability as a top wide receiver with talents that cannot be coached. He was able to change direction without losing any speed, run at full speed the minute he came off the line of scrimmage, and continue to run flat-out throughout every pass pattern. Jerry possessed great speed by his average yards-per-catch every season and was a clutch player for the Football Hawklets with breakaway speed and superb ball-handling. He earned letters in football and track & field during his sophomore, junior, and senior years. Jerry went on to play wide receiver at the University of Iowa and was a three-year letterman.

    As a free agent wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, he was scheduled to play at Arrowhead Stadium against his brother Kerry '67 (a defensive back for the Chiefs), but a broken leg ended his career. He moved to a safer occupation working in the family insurance business with Thomas McGee for 48 years.
  • Kerry E. Reardon '67 (2002)

    Kerry participated in three sports: football, basketball, and track. He played quarterback and running back for the football team, guard for the basketball team and competed in long jump, high jump and sprint relays for the track team. After Rockhurst, Kerry went on to play college football at Iowa and was drafted in the 6th round of the NFL draft in 1971 by the Kansas City Chiefs. He played for the Chiefs for six seasons and recorded a total of 14 interceptions.

List of 49 items.

  • John J. Reichmeier, Sr. '49 (1992)

    John was a standout multi-sport athlete while at Rockhurst High School. He starred as a varsity athlete on the football, baseball and basketball teams. In football, Jack helped lead his team to a Catholic League Championship in his junior year. His senior year, he was named the captain of the football team and was a football All-Star for the Catholic League. On the basketball court, “Flash” had a reputation for his unmatchable speed and phenomenal ability to drain the long ball. Jack contributed to a solid 27-8 season, with the Hawklets finishing second place in the state. He also played a key role on the Rockhurst varsity baseball team. 
  • Ryan D. Reid '03 (2023)

    Ryan Reid of the great Class of 2003 was a four-time All-State doubles player and two-time doubles State Champ. He made an immediate impact on the storied Rockhurst Tennis program as just a freshman, despite the team having already won four consecutive State Championships and having plenty of talent at every level. He earned a spot on varsity and played on the 6th Place doubles team at State while helping Rockhurst win its fifth straight team title. Ryan would be part of Rockhurst team championships each of the next three years as well. In his sophomore and junior seasons, Ryan won doubles State Titles with two different teammates, and then was doubles runner-up in 2003, only beaten by another Rockhurst duo.
  • Timothy R. Reidy '02 (2021)

    Tim Reidy of the great Class of 2002 helped establish lacrosse at Rockhurst, as it had only become an official sport at The Rock in 1997. Tim was a three-year starting defender who helped lead the program to a combined record of 38-15 over his three varsity seasons, including Conference Championships each year. The Hawklets advanced to the State Final Four all three seasons and took 2nd in 2001. In his senior season as team captain, Tim was 1st Team All-Conference and All-State, in addition to being named the first ever All-American in Kansas City. He went on to a collegiate career at Mount St. Mary’s.  Tim returned to Rockhurst in 2012 as the head coach, and in his 10 seasons thus far at the helm (through 2021 season), Rockhurst’s record is 130-47 with eight LAKC Final Four appearances, one runner-up, and three championships. He has twice been named the U.S. Lacrosse Coach of the Year.
  • Alonzo Robinson '53 (2005)

    A track and football star, Alonzo was the engine to the Rockhurst football team in the early-1950 seasons. He played both defensive lineman as well as fullback for the Hawklets. In both his junior and senior years, Robinson was a named an All-Star of the team. Robinson was known throughout the league for his strength, speed, ability to break tackles and agility. Alonzo won the award for the most outstanding football playing in the greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area in 1952.
  • Thomas E. Robinson '06 (2022)

    Thomas Robinson of the great Class of 2006 is the first athlete from Rockhurst’s swim & dive program, the AquaHawks, to be inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame. As just a freshman, Thomas was a member of the 400 Free Relay Team that placed 3rd at State. As a sophomore he was on the AquaHawks’ first ever gold medal in the 200 Medley Relay, and also placed 2nd individually in both the 200 IM and 100 Backstroke. Thomas was pivotal in Rockhurst’s rise to dominance that began his junior year, winning the first of 11 consecutive State Titles. Thomas and his teammates broke the state record in the 200 Medley Relay, he again took 2nd in the 200 IM, and then he became the first AquaHawk to win an individual State Championship, with a gold medal in the 100 Backstroke. He then anchored the winning 400 Free Relay which was the deciding factor in The Rock’s first team title. As senior captain, Thomas was again a member of the State Champion 200 Medley Team. He finished his Rockhurst career as a nine-time All-American before swimming at Yale University. 
  • Matthew L. Roney '93 (2016)

    Matt upstaged his older brother Bert as the best golfer in Rockhurst history. As a freshman, Matt played his way into the number two spot on the team, right behind Bert, a junior at the time. Matt’s sophomore season, he led the Hawklets to their 4th State Championship in program history and placed 3rd individually. Junior year included another State qualification. Senior year, Matt ended his Rockhurst career in a way that only one Hawklet golfer had done before. Although the team missed a State Championship by one stroke, Matt outlasted his competition and won the individual championship by five strokes. He was just the second golfer in school history to win an individual title. During his Rockhurst career, Matt earned All-District honors all four years and was both All-Metro and All-State three years.
  • Robert H. Roney '91 (2019)

    Bert is the only golfer in school history to earn All-State honors each of his four years on the golf team. Bert made his presence felt on the local and state circuit beginning his freshman year when he was the District Champion and the only Hawklet to medal at State, placing 12th individually. Sophomore season was Bert’s first of three top-10 finishes at State. As a junior, Bert averaged a team-best 36 shots per nine holes and tied for 8th at the State tournament. Then, as the senior captain, Bert led the Hawklets to a Team State Championship in 1991, the fourth in program history. His Rockhurst career culminated in a 5th place individual finish. Bert went on to golf at Northwestern University.
  • Christopher L. Russell '87 (2017)

    Chris was a force on both the offensive and defensive lines in the mid-80s. Chris was a key member of the 1986 State Championship team that forced five shutouts in 12 games, and allowed just 5.4 points per game total. Chris also helped anchor the 1984 squad that gave up a school-record low of 23 points in the regular season. He was a three-year starter at offensive guard and defensive line, although Coach Tony Severino said that Chris was athletic enough to play fullback. He was also one of the track team’s best throwers in program history. A true team player, Chris was selected by his fellow Hawklets and coaches as the 1987 Edward F. Bukaty Award winner, given to the Rockhurst player who displays the greatest leadership both on and off the field.
  • James J. Ryan - Coach (1998)

  • Timothy T. Ryan '87 (2010)

    Tim was the first Hawklet to ever win the coveted Simone Award for the most outstanding player in the Kansas City area. He was a huge contributor on both sides of the ball. Leading Rockhurst to a State Title as a senior in 1986, he caught 17 passes for 203 yards and four touchdowns, as well as making 106 tackles. Continuing his great senior year, Tim was part of only the second basketball team to win State. Then in the spring, he set the school shot put record that still stands today, and is also on the Track & Field All-Time Team. Tim went on to play for Notre Dame, lettered all four years, and played three seasons in the NFL.
  • W. Stephen Ryan '59 (2007)

  • Todd A. Schieffer '90 (2015)

    Todd played a big part in Rockhurst breaking St. Louis’ stranglehold on Missouri soccer in the late-80s. As a sophomore, Todd was an All-District selection on the first ever Kansas City team to compete in a Final Four, at which the Hawklets finished 3rd. The next two seasons, Todd continued to push The Rock to success from his midfield position. He earned All-District, Metro and State honors as both a junior and senior as the Hawklets placed 2nd at State back-to-back seasons. Todd contributed 30 goals en route to Rockhurst’s 66-7-7 record while on the field. He went on to have an All-American career at Rockhurst University.
  • Donnell H. Schilling, MD '61 (2009)

    In the 1960-61 school year, there was one name that shined in Rockhurst athletics: Don Schilling. A star on the football field, basketball court and track, he earned three varsity letters in each sport. In football, Don was feared as a linebacker and is still known for playing with incredible passion. He was an All-District player who was selected by his teammates as the Bukaty winner as well as captain. The Prep News noted Don as a standout in basketball and track, additionally. Before graduating, Don had two track records to his name.
    
    Read More
  • Shawn P. Schmelzle '88 (2011)

  • Kevin T. Sears '03 (2021)

    Kevin Sears of the great Class of 2003 continued the tradition of impressive linebackers at Rockhurst. As a junior starter for the 2001 team, Kevin recorded 71 tackles and six interceptions, which earned him 2nd Team All-District recognition.  Kevin led the defense as a senior, with the team going 13-0 en route to a State Title.  Kevin notched 122 tackles and four more interceptions, getting named 1st Team All-State, KC Prep Football’s Defensive Player of the Year, and an All-America honorable mention.  Kevin also earned two varsity letters in both basketball and baseball, and was named an All-Metro catcher for the Baseball Hawklets. He went on to play football at Southwest Missouri State University, now Missouri State.
  • Tony Severino - Coach (2008)

  • Brandon D. Shelby '00 (2017)

    Brandon can still be found listed numerous times in the Rockhurst football record books. Brandon was a fixture on the field beginning his sophomore year as the kickoff return man. He wouldn’t leave the field for the next two years. As a junior he led Rockhurst in rushing with nearly 1100 yards and starred as a defensive back, which earned him All-State honors. Then there was Brandon’s senior season. During the 1999 season, Brandon doubled his junior year rushing output, totaling 2,181 yards – the school record that still stands today. He added 31 rushing touchdowns as part of his 192 points scored that season – which is 2nd in school history – while average 9.2 yards per carry. His efforts landed the Hawklets in the State Championship game. Brandon’s historic season earned him SuperPrep All-American status, as well as the Simone Award. He would go on to a college career as a defensive back at the University of Oklahoma.
  • Allan J. Smith '05 (2023)

    Allan Smith of the great Class of 2005 remains as one of the greatest defensive linemen to play for the Football Hawklets. Only a sophomore, Allan led Rockhurst in sacks on the undefeated 2002 State Championship team that allowed just 10 points per game over the historic 13-game season. As an upperclassman, Allan was the focal point of the defense as he received 1st Team All-State defensive honors as both a junior and senior. He recorded 13 sacks and 85 tackles in only 11 games as a senior and won the 2004 Buck Buchanan Award, given to the best linebacker, defensive or offensive lineman in Kansas City. He remains the program’s career leader in sacks with 26 over three seasons, where the Hawklets allowed just 11 points per game while Allan was on the field, and combined for a career win/loss record of 30-5. For his work, Allan was named a PrepStar and SuperPrep All-American in 2004.
  • McCasey R. Smith '98 (2015)

    Casey was the catalyst to the Rockhurst tennis program that won 11 consecutive State Championships. On the court, Casey was both a team state champion and individual state champion his sophomore, junior and senior years. He accumulated a singles record of 85-2 during that time, and was the first singles champion in Rockhurst history. Casey was twice named the Kansas City Star’s Most Outstanding Tennis Player. He finished his high school career as the 9th ranked senior tennis recruit in the country. Casey continued his tennis career at the University of Notre Dame where he became an All-American. Casey went on to play on the International Tennis Federation professional tour and held a world ranking for five years.
  • T. Ryan Smith '96 (2016)

    Ryan was a four-year tennis star that excelled in both singles and doubles, earning trips to State in both. Starting with his freshman season, Ryan solidified himself as a player with a bright future, qualifying for the State competition in singles. Sophomore year, his teamwork helped bring home a 2nd place finish in doubles, alongside partner Matt Bail. He then earned a 3rd place finish in singles as a junior. Finally, as a senior, Ryan led the team to its first State Championship team since 1983, which started a run of 11 consecutive team titles for the Hawklets. His senior campaign included a perfect team record, and a 2nd place singles finish at the State Championship.
  • Raymond J. Sonnenberg '30 (1992)

  • Virgil D. Staponski '67 (2006)

  • John A. Steck '40 (2006)

  • Janet Cauley Stephenson - Parent (2003)

  • Thomas L. Stephenson '67 (2010)

    Tom was one the most gifted and spirited athletes to play on the gridiron, court, track and field, as well as the links for Rockhurst High School. He lettered in every sport he participated in while at The Rock, but particularly excelled in football and basketball; he was a Bukaty Award winner. Tom was a brilliant combination of strength and speed that showed itself in every performance. He earned post-season honors and accolades throughout the local and Midwestern media that gained him unprecedented collegiate attention by scouts and recruiters.
  • Mark S. Stipetich '71 (2010)

    A standout baseball and basketball athlete, Mark unfortunately attended Rockhurst at the time when baseball was not a varsity sport. So he represented the school by participating on the basketball team; but not only did he participate – he dominated. Leading the team to a second place State finish in 1970 and third place in 1971, Mark averaged 19.6 ppg his final year and earned himself a spot in the Basketball All-Time Team. Attending William Jewell College as a two-sport athlete, Mark became a star pitcher as well a go-to basketball player who is now in the school’s athletic Hall of Fame. He went on to be a play baseball in the Minor League system.
  • Cecil Stockdale, III '76 (2004)

    Cecil, known as “Magic", made significant impacts on both the football and track & field teams during all four years of his time at Rockhurst. During his freshman year at the school, Cecil played on the varsity football team as a receiver. The team went to the State Championship, although lost in the final game. When Cecil was a senior in 1975, the track & field team went on to win the State Championship, in which he contributed in both the sprints and hurdles. After graduating from Rockhurst in ‘76, Cecil attended Colorado State University and continued his career in football and track. He went on to play in the NFL, CFL, and USFL. 
  • Phillip C. Strozier '06 (2023)

    Phillip Strozier of the great Class of 2006 made winning plays to lead Rockhurst on the field and on the court. An eight-time varsity letterman in football, basketball, and track, Phillip chose to focus on football and basketball. At his defensive back position, he was twice selected 1st Team All-State as the Hawklets went a combined 19-4 record over his junior and senior seasons. Phillip was then named the 2005 KC Metro Defensive Player of the Year, while also Rockhurst’s leading wideout in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. As a versatile guard, he set the tone on offensive and defense as he earned All-Metro and 2nd Team All-State basketball honors. Phillip helped guide the Hawklets to the Final Four in his last two seasons as The Rock went 48-14, and no play was bigger than his game-winning putback at the buzzer against Lee’s Summit North in the 2006 State Quarterfinals, sending Rockhurst back to Columbia. That season, he averaged 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists per game.
  • John S. Sullivan '26 (1991)

  • Conner M. Teahan '07 (2022)

    Conner Teahan of the great Class of 2007 was at the core of Rockhurst Basketball’s run of three straight Final Four appearances. Conner is one of only three players in Missouri to win back-to-back Gatorade Basketball Player of the Year Awards. He burst on the scene as a sophomore after starting the season on JV, and by the end of the season was an All-District selection after scoring more than 17 per game in the playoffs as The Rock finished 4th at State. As a junior he was the go-to player for the 26-5 Hawklets, averaging 18.4 points per game and shooting better than 40% from deep with another 4th Place finish. His senior season was sensational; Conner averaged 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists per game en route to the Hawklets’ runner-up finish at State and was named Mr. Show-Me Basketball. Conner was also a standout quarterback, starting for two seasons and leading Rockhurst to a 16-5 combined record with 3,100 passing yards and 31 touchdowns. Conner went on to play basketball at Kansas and was a National Champion. 
  • Mark R. Teahan '78 (2003)

  • John P. Teasdale '97 (2022)

    John Teasdale of the great Class of 1997 was one of the most highly-recruited athletes in Rockhurst history, and for his incredible talent on both sides of the football was named a USA Today Honorable Mention All-American, 1st-Team All-State, All-Metro, and All-District following the 1996 season. Standing 6’6 and 255 pounds by his senior year, John was a three-year starter on the offensive and defensive lines, where he had the athleticism to play tackle, guard, tight end, and defensive end. His senior season he registered 33 tackles, 9 sacks, and 10 receptions for 143 yards. John was also a three-year starter on the basketball team, helping lead them to the State Quarterfinals his junior year. John went on to play football at Notre Dame.
  • Joseph P. Teasdale '53 (2003)

    Joseph was a multi-sport athlete in both basketball and football. He was named 2nd team All-Star for the Rockhurst basketball team and 1st team All-Star for the football team. On the gridiron, he was a dual threat on both sides of the ball, playing as a defensive and offensive lineman. In his senior year, Joseph helped lead the team to 6-1-2 record and helped the Hawklets capture the Catholic League trophy. Following his career at Rockhurst, Joseph attended St. Benedict’s College where he was a pillar of the 1954 NAIA National Championship Basketball Team. Joseph transitioned his leadership skills on the court to the political arena, serving as the 48th Governor of Missouri from 1977-1981.
  • Tony L. Temple, II '04 (2021)

    Tony Temple of the great Class of 2004 was record setter at The Rock.  He became the first football player to ever play as a freshman under Head Coach Tony Severino. In his freshman season, Tony led Rockhurst with 1,122 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns as the Hawklets went 14-0 and were State Champs, and Tony received the first of his four All-Metro honors.  As a sophomore, Tony was 2nd Team All-State with 1,205 rushing yards and 17 total touchdowns. Then there was his junior season in 2002.  Tony led The Rock to another undefeated season, running for the second most yards in a season by a Hawklet with 2,034.  He still holds the program record for points scored in a season with 214, as he found the end zone 35 times in 13 games, earning him USA Today’s honor of the top player in Missouri, and Player of the Year honors from Metro Sports, the KC Star, and KC Sports Magazine.  Injuries in his senior season limited Tony to play in only three full games, but he still tallied 979 yards and 9 touchdowns, and was named to the U.S. Army All-American Team. Tony still holds the career rushing and scoring records. He went on to play at the University of Missouri.
  • Patrick G. Tierney '66 (2009)

    Competing with incredible skill and class, Pat represented the Hawklets in nine varsity seasons. He batted lead-off and started in center field all four years, played three years of basketball and was halfback, safety and kick returner for two. He led The Rock to a baseball City Championship in 1966 after hitting a late inning three-run homer. Senior year he co-captained all three teams and was the winner of the Bukaty Award in football and the James Muehlbach Award (the All Sports Award). In football he was named “Offensive Player of the Year” in 1965 by The Scout, Johnson County’s newspaper at the time.
  • Beach Tuckness - Coach (2001)

  • Carl J. Tutorino '74 (2019)

    Carl was an interior force on both sides of the football for the Hawklets in the early-70s. He is most known for his role on the 1973 team that finished as the State Runner-Up with a 10-2 record. Rockhurst frustrated opponents with a punishing defense that allowed just 8.4 points per game, and paired it with a run-heavy offense that controlled the game. Carl, from his tackle position, fostered the team’s success. He was named to the All-Metro, District and State Teams, named a Prep All-American and was selected as the winner of the Dr. D.M. Nigro Award (now called the Simone Award), given to the most outstanding player in the Greater KC Metro area. Carl went on to play football and baseball at Northwest Missouri State.
  • J. Bradley Tyrer '82 (2011)

    Brad played as the tight end, defensive end and kicker for the Rockhurst Hawklets football team and was member of the 1981 State Champion team. During his senior season, Brad was 1st Team All-Metro, All-District and All-State as a defensive end and 2nd Team All-Metro, All-District and All-State as tight end. After a successful tenure at Rockhurst, Brad went on to play college football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, where he would be awarded 1st Team Academic All-Big 8 honors in 1986.
  • Jason A. Tyrer '98 (2018)

    Jason anchored two of the best defenses in the history of Rockhurst football. A star defensive end that was constantly double-teamed, Jason was a terror to offenses.
    He led the Hawklets to a whopping 12 shutouts in 25 games over his junior and senior seasons; 23 of those games were Rockhurst wins. When teams did score, it wasn’t many points. Opponents averaged just 4.8 points per game in 1986 and 6.5 points per game in 1987. Both seasons ended in State titles. Jason became a two-way player during his senior year, also playing a huge role as a strong blocker and receiver out of the tight end position. In the 1987 State Semifinal game against Jefferson City, Jason caught a touchdown pass and blocked a punt for a safety, which boosted the Hawklets to the win. He was also named a captain senior year and went on to 1st Team All-State recognition. Jason continued his playing career at KU.
  • Mark S. Van Keirsblick '85 (2011)

  • Kevin E. Wall '70 (2012)

    Kevin received just about every post-season honor for his performance on the basketball court throughout the 1969-1970 season, a fitting end to his playing career at The Rock. He registered a searing average of 24 points per game during his senior senior, including 40 points against St. Joseph Central in the State Quarterfinals and 25 points against St. Louis Beaumont in the State Semifinals. Kevin led the Basketball Hawklets to a 25-3 record in 1970, the best finish since 1932 in school history. His career point total remains among the top-10 in Rockhurst High School history.
  • Derek A. Wathan '95 (2017)

    Derek was one of the first Rockhurst baseball all-stars after it returned to the school as a varsity sport in the late-80s. Derek was a rare four-year starter and could, and did, play everywhere on the field – until manning shortstop full-time his junior and senior seasons. In the 1995 season, Derek led the Hawklets to one of the best post-season runs in Rockhurst history, finishing with a 14-4 record. He was notorious throughout the region, earning All-Metro and All-State honors his final two seasons. As a senior, he was selected as the Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year, and Rockhurst head coach Scott Schriner acknowledged Derek as the best high school player he had ever seen. Derek went on to play at the University of Oklahoma before being picked in the 2nd round of the MLB Draft and enjoying a 10-year career in professional baseball, mostly in Triple-A.
  • James H. Whitaker '63 (1998)

    Jim was a three-year lettermen in football, basketball, and track and is referred to as one of the best overall running backs in Rockhurst football history. He earned the nicknamed “Jumpin Jim” for his extraordinary leaping ability over the line of scrimmage. Jim broke each rushing mark of record his senior year, and was also an effective defensive back. He received All-District recognition his sophomore year, and All-State honors his junior and senior years. Jim was also a standout basketball performer at guard, with 137 points and 78 rebounds for the 19-7 Hawklets in 1963. And in the spring he was the anchorman of the undefeated 880 yard relay team in track his senior year. He ran a 10.2, 100-yard dash and set the school 220-yard dash record with a 22.3 time in 1963.
  • William A. Whitaker '77 (2004)

    Bill was a football legend not only at Rockhurst, but also at the University of Missouri-Columbia. After having an incredibly solid high school playing career as a defensive back, Bill went on to have tremendous success at Mizzou as well. He was voted both first team All-Big Eight Conference and first team All-American in 1980, and was taken by the Green Bay Packers as the 172nd player picked in the 1981 NFL draft. He played two years of pro football with the Packers and later the then St. Louis football Cardinals.
  • John A. Williams '50 (2006)

    Either at quarterback or at halfback, John was outstanding. He not only ran, passed, and kicked with the league’s best, but was also a top defensive player.” Captain of the football team his senior year and a three-year starter, John was instrumental in bringing the Catholic League Championship back to Rockhurst. John was a three-year varsity letterman in baseball, basketball and football. His speed and dribbling ability proved to be a deadly weapon on the basketball court. With the help from Williams, including a 29-point game against Glennon, Rockhurst went on to capture the League Championship. John went on to play baseball and basketball at Rockhurst University where he earned eight varsity letters.
  • Robert J. Williams '48 (1992)

    Bob was a four-year letterman in both football and basketball, as well as a three-year letterman in baseball. His senior year, Bob served at captain of the Rockhurst football team. He commanded the team to a perfect 9-0 season alongside Rockhurst Hall of Famers Jack Reichmeier and John Williams. On the hardwood, Bob led the team in scoring and was named a Catholic League All-Star. He continued to play all three sports at Rockhurst University where he was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 1990.
  • Paul J. Winkeler - Coach (2017)

    Paul may not have graduated from The Rock, but he has earned his blue and white since joining the Rockhurst faculty and coaching staff in 1999. "Coach Wink" took over the reins of the swim & dive program in 1999 with the sport as “ a mystery” to him, as had zero experience. So he took what had been considered an individual sport and brought in a team mentality. And the results began to show. In his first years, Rockhurst went from 20th to 8th to 6th to 4th to 5th, before winning the school’s first swim and dive Championship, and just the second Kansas City school to ever do so. Following that first State Title in 2005, Coach Wink led his teams to ten more consecutive championships, ending with an unprecedented 11 straight before stepping down as head coach in 2015. He was selected as the Missouri Coach of the Year seven times and produced 17 individual State Champions, along with 14 State Champion relay teams. He also coached 35 All-Americans and 29 Academic All-Americans.
  • Kevin M. Wyatt '82 (2010)

    A two-sport athlete standing at just 5-10, Kevin was a much bigger presence than his size may have shown. Quarterbacking the 1981 football team to its second State Title ever, he topped off his high school career with two rushing touchdowns in that game, including a 64-yard TD scramble – setting a Show-Me Bowl record for the longest run from scrimmage. Kevin also contributed to the basketball team as a starting guard and two-year letterman, and added another letter in track. Moving to the next level, Kevin went on to play football at the University of Arkansas where he was a defensive back. A fifth-round NFL draft pick, he played one season in both San Diego and Kansas City.
  • Victor H. Zahner '27 (1992)