The varsity seasons for men's and women's athletics coincided with each other, and during the 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1983 seasons, Napier took on the job of head coach of both the girls and boys programs. While at RHS from 1971 through 1974, Nancy participated in five different sports recognized at the varsity level. In 1959 he ran the second fastest time ever posted for the Bulldogs to that date in the 220 recording a 20.8.It is a record that still stands today and still has him 2nd on the all time Yale record chart for that event. For three consecutive years (1992, 1993 and 1994), she made first team All-County, first team All- Area North Jersey in the Herald and News and first team All- Suburban in The Ridgewood News. Spending most of her playing time as a central midfielder and part time forward, Rachel in her senior season (after an injury to a key team member half way through the season) volunteered to move to central defense to help shore up the RHS back line. Don Taylor excelled in the classroom and on the hardwood for Ridgewood High School and Yale University. Class of 1977 1989 Cross-Country, Track and Field At Avon, Peter was led by legendary coach John Gardner. His discipline and positioning were highly valued and other players on the team thrived off of his work ethic. le-de-France is the focus of France's various communications networks. Our Team; RHS Graduations Photos; Faculty Tributes; LSST; Ridgewood Public Schools; She needed knowledge of the NJSIAA regulations especially in the area of eligibility and transfers and the completion and filing of regular NJSIAA reports. Special Contributors A three-time varsity letter winner in both indoor and outdoor track, he also found time to earn two varsity letters in soccer before giving up the sport to focus on jumping. The late Bob Whiting rescued him from the politics of the city by offering a place on the sports department staff. In 1979, Lyons' head softball coach was Dave Vanderbush, who was filling in that season for Debbie Paul, who was pursuing her master's degree at Purdue University. The consummate technician and playmaker, Chris' strengths were ball control and distribution, infused by a level of tenacity that opponents feared. Sports Editor He remembers fondly the travel opportunities and the support he received and says he could not have had a better high school experience. Class of 1975 He hurled four shutouts his senior year versusLyndhurst, St. Cecelia of Englewood, Hackensack and Bogota, tossing 34 straight scoreless innings. Dave went on to an outstanding four year track career at Yale University from 1957 to 1961. His boys teams captured three consecutive Bergen County titles during the 1973-74, 1974-75 and 1975-76 seasons. She is pictured here with her Silver medal. She ran her first New York Marathon in 2004 and was the 17th American woman finisher. OConnell states, There was an expectation of excellence, without the pressure of expectation. One of his sayings and a goal for his players was "STERLING". He moved on to Charlottesville and the University of Virginia, where, in his freshman year, he made the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Honor Roll, and the Cavaliers won the ACC championship. In Track she continued her distance running exploits adding the steeple chase to her repertoire. The Ridgewood Public Schools, committed to a tradition of excellence and innovation, in partnership with the community, provide a rich and challenging learning environment, enabling students to maximize their unique potential to become lifelong learners and productive, responsible citizens. dash and second in the State in the 220 yd. Mike Henderson graduated from Ridgewood High School in the spring of 1961 honored not only as the outstanding Athlete of his class with the 1961 "Excellence in Athletics Award" but also as one of the pre-eminent "Three Sport Athletes" in Ridgewood High School history. The following year, a sophomore class was added. A lifelong competitor, teacher and leader, Sullivan has not only the credentials as an athlete and a coach to enter the Hall of Fame, he also possesses the intangibles that separate the good from the great. One of Monro's top games came on Nov. 5, 1938, when he scored two touchdowns in Ridgewood's 20-6 victory over Leonia. Golfers had to shoot forty five or better over nine holes during the state qualifier to qualify to play in the state tournament.While Dave Vanderbush built the RHS girls golf program, Julia and her teammate Eunae Jo were excited to support the new girls joining the team. Eunae remembers how playing rounds without her teammates, but knowing everyone was working to achieve one goal, was motivating and comforting. While competing in Decathlon at Roanoke, Fred's pole broke during pole vaulting practice resulting in a serious back injury which brought a halt to his collegiate career. During the 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979 seasons, the girls gymnastics team compiled undefeated dual meet campaigns with a combined 43-0 record. His list of accomplishments is topped off by his still standing Indoor New Jersey State record (set over 22 years ago) in the triple jump of 49'61/4". A three year starter for the Maroon's in an era where freshman did not play varsity,the 6'6" center led Ridgewood to the NNJIL Championship under Hall of Fame football coach Frank Mozeleski This was Mozeleski's only basketball title at RHS. In the County Final against Ramsey, the game was on the line as Ramsey was bringing the winning run home on a base hit when Karen Rannala made a great play and throw from the outfield to catcher Debbie OConnell blocking the plate and tagging the runner out on a close play to end the Rams bid at victory. All-told, he gave 42 years to Ridgewood youth as teacher and coach and in the Parks and Recreation Department. He was first team All-State six times, two each his cross country, indoor track and outdoor track, and first team All-County and All-League nine times. He shot 39% from three point range, 78% from the foul stripe, and 49% from the field against defenses designed and focused on stopping him. In addition to two varsity football seasons, he played baseball three years and basketball two years. One of Lyons' classmates and teammates was Ridgewood's current head softball coach, Patti Auger, the Maroons' centerfielder, who batted .342 her senior year and .410 her junior season. He earned his law degree from Seton Hall Law School in 1990 and is an attorney at law at the firm of Kopleton and Tambi in Wayne. Tom graduated from RHS in 1991 as one of the greatest golfers to ever walk the fairways for the Maroons. Class of 1984 Sullivan also became the head coach of the Boys Lacrosse Team for the 2002 season and led them to the State Championship game where they fell to Delbarton. That year, he was named All-American with the nation's fifth-best time in the 800 meters. Losing only once her entire senior spring she toed the line at Rutgers Stadium cinder track in the 2nd State Championship meet for high school girls. Class of 1994 Tom played Offensive Guard and on Defense either defensive end or linebacker. The 1979 graduate was a 3 year starting outfielder for fellow HOF inductee coach Debbie Paul and in her senior year, captaining the team, led the Maroons to garner the New Jersey State Championship. Wall of Fame | Ridgewood High School He also gave the Maroons a solid one-two punch in the 220 sprint while also competing in the Mile Relay, High Jump, Running Broad Jump(Long Jump), 440 and 100. She coached track and field and cross-country in the Chicago area after college for Class of 1941 She won the gold with a new meet record and left a legacy of excellence that Ridgewood runners still feel today. Graduating from Springfield College in 1970 with a BS in Health and Physical Education "Cum Laude" and Ohio State University in 1972 with an MA in Physical Education and Athletic Administration, Jeff took a teaching position in the Millburn N.J. Public Schools. He held every RHS basketball scoring record when he graduated. An all time great we salute Maureen's invaluable contributions to RHS athletics for 25 1/2 years with her induction into the Ridgewood High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He started varsity four years and scored 133 points on 46 goals and 41 assists. Whatever disadvantage we have suffered by lightness in weight has been more than counterbalanced by excellent team work, fast playing and fearless line-bucking". Besides her 2-for-3 day at the plate, Lyons made several sparkling fielding plays, including a running catch of a soft line drive in the sixth with two runners on base. He was voted Honorable Mention All-State in 1990, 2nd Team All-League and 2nd Team All-State in 1991, and 1st Team All-League, 1st Team All-State, and All-American in 1992. His relay teams in the indoor 4 x 800 and distance medley both hold Princeton records. Chris DuFlocq still sets the standard by which I judge all others, and none have ever surpassed the complete talent that he possessed in so many different areas the position demands." While he was best known as a triple jumper, he was equally proficient in the high school long jump. 1962 Football He studied the correct way to throw a ball. Events like Lax Day, and continued success in league, county, and state competitions can be traced directly back to Eric and his teammates success in the late 80s and he now takes his place amongst the Best of the Best at RHS. The Ridgewood High School Athletic Hall Of Fame proudly welcomes Peter McGinley to the 2022 induction class for his accomplishments in boys ice hockey. Upon graduation from Duke, Leigh enrolled at Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) to obtain a Masters Degree in Architecture. Chris registered the winning goal in the County final versus Ramapo. Entering the 1922-23 season, there was some speculation whether the program would be continued. To cap off his HS football career, Eric was honored with the coveted Stroker Award given to a Ridgewood HS senior football player who distinguished himself at RHS and participated in meaningful way in the Ridgewood Junior Football Association. After Georgetown, Craig went on to receive an MBA from Columbia University and has spent his career in fixed income sales and trading on Wall Street. Kandie and Jean lead with an attitude of excellence that still permeates Ridgewood's distance program. Continuing a theme seen in many of the members of the Ridgewood High School Athletic Hall of Fame; Michele continues to be active in the sport of tennis as an instructor. Paul Schwartz described the performance in The Record's Friday, June 4, 1999 edition with the words, "[Kauke] burst ahead of favored Eric Motzenbecker of Wall in the 800 meters and raced to an upset victory, one only he and those closest to him thought he could achieve. A graduate of the class of 1989, Craig is the finest long jumper and triple jumper in RHS history and one of the best jumpers ever in the state of New Jersey. One of Monro's more memorable games came against Pompton Lakes. Four months after cancer surgery, she finished the Boston Marathon in 3:09. In the last quarter, Feeney (Parnell Feeney, Left Halfback) "after making large gains up the field rushed the ball over the line for a touch-down". for women at the time. Ridgewood High School (NJ) Award For Excellence In Athletics, Ridgewood High School Coaches Award Of Merit, Ridgewood High School Sports Supreme Roll Of Honor, Ridgewood High School Athletic Hall Of Fame, Ridgewood High School Athletic Hall of Fame, 2022 Ridgewood High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Zabielski took two quick dribbles and fired a 50 foot pass to a streaking Suzanne Patterson for the winning lay-up as the buzzer sounded and the girls stormed the floor to celebrate the only Girls Basketball Group IV State Championship in school history. By sophomore year, I was splitting my time between kicking and swimming and only able to compete in a limited few meets. Class of 1968 He was selected as a Co Capt of the team for the fall of 1965.Coached by Richard Flechtner at RHS; Jeff was selected for the teams "Outstanding Soccer Player Award" his senior campaign. Her performance in the 4 x 1-mile relay still stands as a Bergen County record and was the national record when run in 1983 and stood as the best mark ever for 17 years. Time was an ally to Leigh who seemed to hit a lacrosse growth spurt between her freshman and sophomore seasons. Bill Dunne, a 1947 graduate, is one of the greatest running backs in the history of Ridgewood High School football. Mark was a three-time District 5 champion (1999, 2001, 2002), the first Ridgewood wrestler to win three district titles, and a 2002 Region 2 champion, becoming only the third Ridgewood wrestler since 1965 to win a region title. He won a district championship and was a regional runner-up. Coach Jim Bruni is a shining example for all that is good with the teaching and coaching professions and serves as an outstanding model for all who wish to follow in his footsteps as an educator, coach or mentor to others. By her junior season Leigh was voted Captain of the team was again 1st team all league scored 57 goals and had 40 assists while leading the Maroons to their first state sectional final in women's lacrosse. If the execution didnt go as planned, we learned and improved. Much of this philosophy can be attributed to Coach Pauls own background athletically. She went on to win the Big 8 indoor and outdoor high jump titles at Iowa State University. As Norris recounts each player was well versed in the A, B, Cs of softball. Coach Debbie Paul also pointed out the contribution the teams skill in base running played during the season. In 2003, he was the head coach of the AC Milan U17 team that advanced to the Delaware State Cup Finals. The pair of Jo and Rappa would qualify for the tournament again for the next three years 2006, 2007 and 2008 winning the State Championship in 2006 by one stroke in a one hole playoff with Red Bank Catholic and then again in 2008 with a two stroke victory over Haddonfield. A testament to his effectiveness in coaching the individual was reflected in his players constant communication with him seeking his council. She is the holder of 12 school records in track and field. Hall of Fame Induction Criteria To be considered as a candidate for the Ridgewood High School Alumni Hall of Fame, alumni must: Have graduated from Ridgewood High School at least ten years ago; Have a record of outstanding achievement in his/her field; Have made significant contributions to his/her field and/or to the community at large; Reunion Hub The self-described "farm kid" from a little town 22 miles from Pittsburgh traveled to a job fair in Detroit looking for his first full-time job. Fred Daley's style and flawless technique clearing the hurdles was peerless. "I was going to teach and coach in high school for a few years and then go coach in college, where the "real" adventure was. He was elected Captain his senior year despite missing much of his junior year with an injury. His approach not only improved the success of the individual but ultimately the Ridgewood High School teams as well. He was named to All-County first teams in those events in 1955 and 1956. finished ranked #8 in the state and held the #17 ranking nationally during the season. Her senior season was her benchmark year, as she won Group 4 state-sectional and Group 4 state championships in the all-around, the balance beam and the uneven bars. She won the 1975 Bergen long jump and high jump titles and the 1976 long, triple, and high jump titles in the group meet. Larry Oliver, the lithe, effortless strider, was the first Maroon to shade two minutes for the half-mile. Culver is the youngest athlete to be inducted into the RHS Athletic Hall of Fame for his play not only in lacrosse and football but for his success on the lacrosse field for the University of Virginia, the Chicago Machine of Major League Lacrosse (MLL) and the United States World Champion U-19 team, as well as his continued dedication to the sport of lacrosse on a national level. On June 8, 1966, DeRochi retired from Ridgewood High School, having served almost 30 years (1945-66) as athletic director. Her teams were well-prepared during training and always coached to play with the highest standards of ethical behavior and dignity. Patty Capasso , graduating Class of 1980, demonstrated in a four year career at RHS a proficiency in gymnastics that rivals today's elite performers. He was inducted into the TCNJ Athletic Hall of Fame in 1986 for his accomplishments in football, track and golf. "We nearly came to blows but cooler heads prevailed. She earned four letters in basketball at Western Kentucky University and ranks third all-time at the school in games played (130). A 1971 graduate of RHS, John excelled on the football field for 2012 Hall of Fame inductee Roger Sweeney. His senior season was as spectacular for the Maroons as it was for him. His 1975 4-x-880 team also held a national mark. Sullivan also was a Junior National East champion in the 1,500 freestyle and a Senior National finalist. She earned eleven varsity letters in those sports out of a possible twelve , started every game for each team in each sport she played her junior and senior seasons (RHS was a three year high school at the time) and was named Captain of the Field Hockey and Basketball teams her senior year. She finished the season with 38 goals and 13 assists while starting all but one match for the 17-4 Blue Devils Class of 1958 INDOOR - OUTDOOR TRACK AND FIELD 1969-79 He scouted for Ridgewood football for 11 years and assisted coaches Frank Mozeleski and Roger Sweeney for a number for years. One friend describes John as "a quiet guy who needs to be recognized". He continued coaching baseball until 1956. Tom Flatt joins a long line of Ridgewood High School Hall of Fame Inductees who have stayed connected to their sport well after their days at RHS and throughout their life. He played the outfield, shortstop (despite being left-handed) and on occasion pitched. You'll recall that in the early 1930's, there were a lot of people who couldn't get work for any kind of money." The 73-yearold worked for the Milliken Company, a major textile manufacturer, for 17 years. Cook had a 23.9 points per game average his senior year and finished his scholastic career with 1,287 points. Updated: November 10, 2022. In her four varsity seasons at RHS Tricia scored 35 goals and added 15 assists for a total of 85 points that places her 19th on Ridgewood's all time list for points. with Univ. Tim Mullen, a 1981 graduate, is Ridgewood High School's all-time leading scorer in basketball with 1,507 varsitycareer points. Class of 1994 In 1993 Tricia achieved recognition as a 1st team All NNJIL Back,2nd team All Bergen County Back,2nd team All Suburban Back and All State for the North 1 region by the New Jersey Girls Soccer Coaches Association (NJGSCA). She was named Runner of the Year by Runner;s World Magazine and honored with the Paavo Nurmi Award. Named to The Record's Bergen County All-Century Girls Soccer Team as a Midfielder, Wendy Hartwig, a 1994 graduate, is the leading goal scorer in the history of Ridgewood High School soccer, boys and girls programs, with 110 goals to go along with 49 assists over a four-year varsity career playing for head coach Jeff Yearing. John Marshall was a true three sport athlete. The core of that team was built around 2010 RHS Hall of Fame inductee Amy Lyons and current RHS head softball coach Patti Auger. She started all 20 games at Attack earning a spot on the All ACC women's lacrosse team and a place on the US Lacrosse All American team. Everyone worked hard and always gave their best effort every day.. (1943-1956) he exclaimed. Clair has always exhibited an innocent enthusiasm for life in whatever she is doing. In other coaching positions, Coach Yearing has served Ridgewood High School as a freshman and JV wrestling coach (7 years). RHS & GW freshman (9 years), RHS JV (3 years) and RHS asst. Bennett was a. In 1990 he won the Dan Luciano County Golf Championship and the Group IV Individual State Championship. Their infectious spirit to be fit and have fun at the same time drew many people to the club and resulted in the start of the Ridgewood Memorial Day Run. He passed away on October 23, 1995 at home in HoHoKus. "The kids became part of the gang and wanted to stay part of the gang." Seasons were quickly over and you waited 6 or 8 months for the next year's seasons to evolve. The Haledon native graduated from Paterson Central High School and Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey) in 1936. He has worked as a Professional at some of the finest golf and country clubs in northern New Jersey including; the Ridgewood Country Club, Arcola Country Club and is currently the Head PGA Golf Professional at Apple Ridge Country Club in Mahwah. In recognition of his outstanding senior season Sullivan was named 1st Team All-NNJIL and 1st Team All-Bergen County as a defensive back while earning his second Varsity letter in football. He placed ninth at the NCAA National Championship in the outdoor triple jump in 1992. During his time at Brown the Bears won the Ivy League Championship in both 1994 and 1995 and advanced to the NCAA Semi-Finals in '94 and the NCAA Quarter-Finals in'95. The 2011 team was honored by the Star Ledger as the girls lacrosse team of the year, additionally The Record named Ridgewood Girls lacrosse the Team of the Decade ( 2000 to 2010) and Karla the Coach of the Decade. Also during that time, Toshi discovered she had cervical cancer, but was fierce in her determination to not allow a disease to define or limit her. She trained easily up to the first meet making no impression on teammates, coaches, or herself. Olympian Alan Webb had the eighth-best time. Often, coaches throughout the county would consult with Jim about basketball theory and techniques. On the lacrosse field, Culver was a three-year varsity letterman and a multiple All-League, All-Suburban and All-State honoree, capped off by his senior season, when he was named first team All-League, first team All-Suburban, first team All-State, Gibbs Division Player of the Year, All-Suburban Player of the Year, Bergen County Player of the Year, New Jersey Player of the Year and All-America.