Videos of Hall of Fame Inductees
2022 Inductees
- Elizabeth Brenner Kleffner '11
- Owen Marecic '07
- Steve Mueller
- Seth Tarver '06
- Katy Becker Williams
- 2007 Women's State Championship Tennis Team
Elizabeth Brenner Kleffner '11
Elizabeth was an athletic powerhouse in both high school and college. She lettered in four sports at Jesuit: volleyball, basketball, softball, and track. Elizabeth was named Oregon Player of the Year three times for volleyball and once for basketball, and was the Oregon Prep Athlete of the Year three years running.
In addition to her numerous Metro League and state awards, Elizabeth’s athletic feats earned her national recognition, including Johnny Carpenter Oregon Prep Athlete of the Year for volleyball, 2009 Gatorade Player of the Year for volleyball, Under Armour First Team All American for volleyball, and nomination as a McDonald’s All American for basketball. She earned four OSAA state titles for volleyball (2008), basketball (2011), and shot put (2010, 2011). Elizabeth was a five-time All American at University of Oregon while playing five sports, including basketball, track, softball, volleyball, and beach volleyball. Recognized as one of the top athletes in the country, she received the Bill Hayward Award for Best Amateur Female Collegiate Athlete in 2012, 2013, and 2014. She helped her volleyball team finish second in the nation and the UO softball team finish fifth in the College World Series. In track, she won four Pac-12 team championships and finished eighth in the country in javelin.
Elizabeth is married to Adam Kleffner ’07 and works for Nike. She has been a coach and substitute teacher at Jesuit since 2016, helping coach volleyball to two state championships and track to two state championships.
Owen Marecic '07
Owen Marecic brought a tremendous work ethic and competitive spirit on both offensive and defensive teams for football. A member of Jesuit High School’s championship teams in 2005 and 2006, he earned First Team offense and Second Team defense, All League and Honorable Mention All State in 2005. In 2006, he was league and state Defensive Player of the Year and earned Second Team All State honors at running back.
After graduation, Owen attended Stanford University as a scholar athlete, majoring in human biology and playing football. He was a unique college player, playing both sides of the ball at fullback and linebacker. In doing so, he endured numerous full-contact plays, over 100 in a single game. He averaged 110 plays per game, more than any other D1 player in the past 60 years.
A three-time Pac-10 Honorable Mention selection as fullback, Owen helped Stanford win the Orange Bowl in 2011. In a game against Notre Dame, Owen scored a pair of touchdowns within 13 seconds of each other, one touchdown on an offensive run and 13 seconds later on a defensive interception - a record he still holds today.
As a student-athlete, Owen carried a pre-med course load with a major in human biology concentrating in infectious disease, national security and international health. With a cumulative GPA of 3.9, he earned the inaugural Paul Hornung Award for most versatile player in college football. He also placed tenth in the running for the 2010 Heisman Trophy.
After graduating from college, Owen played in the NFL for two seasons with the Cleveland Browns. He is currently doing his residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Stanford Medical Center.
Steve Mueller
For the last 15 years, Steve Mueller has immersed himself in service to Jesuit High School. In 2009, he began coaching freshman football, teaching ninth graders how to play the game and also how to accept the inevitable adversity in playing sports. Steve’s easygoing personality and words of wisdom made him an invaluable resource in mentoring new coaches. Along with coaching and mentoring, he never failed to perform often-overlooked jobs like organizing uniforms and equipment carts to ensure the safety of Jesuit athletes.
Steve’s gifts extend beyond the field. He has served as a Booster Club member since 2007. He has also procured food for the concession stands, raising money for Jesuit athletic programs and ensuring all sports, at every level, get support and recognition.
As a public address announcer for basketball, baseball, football, the Crusader Crunch Alumni Basketball tournament, and the Auction, Steve always sets a welcoming tone of respect and fair play for every contest. He has been a major supporter of CYO basketball and football, encouraging young people to get involved with athletics. A founding member of JCTV, he showed up faithfully every Tuesday morning to meet with students and help them become better broadcasters. When he later became a class volunteer, he helped students secure internships in the field.
A recipient of the Age Quod Agis Award, Steve’s passion and dedication to our students and the Jesuit community exemplifies his service as a man for others.
Seth Tarver '06
Seth Tarver was a standout in both basketball and track at Jesuit High School.
In basketball, Seth led by example and made each team he played on better with his work ethic. A four-year varsity player, Seth was named Second Team All Metro his freshman year and First Team his sophomore, junior and senior years. He was Metro Player of the Year as a junior and senior. His contributions helped the team reach the state basketball tournament all four years and win the championship his junior year. Seth was named to three All State tournament teams: Second Team sophomore year and First Team junior and senior years. He averaged 15.4 points per game over his four years—and averaged 20.4 points per game his senior year.
Seth also ran track, helping his team place first in state in 2006, with his 400-meter relay team taking first and his 1600-meter relay taking second. He also holds the 200-meter Jesuit High School record with a time of 21.71 seconds.
After graduating from Jesuit, Seth played basketball for Oregon State University, where he started a team-high 27 games and led the Beavers in minutes per game his sophomore year. During his junior year, his team won a College Basketball Invitational title. In his senior year, Seth was named 2010 Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year and was the first OSU player to lead the Pac-10 in steals.
After college, Seth played professionally with the Portland Trail Blazers G League team and in Germany and Japan for four years. Seth now works with the Thompson Family Foundation, whose mission is enriching the lives of youth in the United States and the Bahamas through fitness and education.
Katy Becker Williams
Katy Becker Williams developed a passion for golf in her youth by playing all across Oregon with family. She was on the golf team at Wake Forest University, a program ranked in the NCAA top ten during her career. After graduating, she played golf professionally for four years.
Hired to coach the Jesuit women’s golf team in 2003, Katy brought her competitive nature to a raw but talented group. Through intentional instruction, Katy honed the dedication and determination of that team to win Jesuit’s first 6A women’s golf state title in 2004. The team thrived with Katy’s purposeful coaching style and won another title in 2005.
Over the next 11 years, Katy’s coaching style included instruction, counseling, and support. From team trips to Metro League tournaments, Katy’s goal was to instill self-confidence and passion for the game. Her players always knew Katy set them up to achieve personal success, both in golf and in life. Katy helped at least ten of her players earn scholarships to play collegiate golf, but more importantly, she built cohesive teams—a group of young women playing individually and independently for a unified goal.
Katy won Metro League Coach of the Year several times and was named OSAA Coach of the Year four times. She was also named the top women’s golf coach in the Western Region for 2016-17 by the National Federation of State High School Associations. Through all of it, Katy felt she gave back her love of the game by sharing knowledge, experience, and understanding.
Katy ended her coaching career with back-to-back 6A women’s golf state titles in 2018 and 2019. In retirement, Katy enjoys watching her three daughters explore their passions as well as coaching her husband in his own love of golf.
2007 Women's State Championship Tennis Team
The 2007 women’s tennis team, coached by Kirsten Ruchaber, dominated their competition, going 14-0 and leaving a lasting legacy. They still hold the state record in points scored in a state tournament. Both league and state champions, they scored 43 points at the state tournament, 29 points more than the second-place team.
The team had a rare Metro League showing: four doubles teams from one school all earned points. Clare Dodge and Steffanie Mortera won the doubles championship, Haley Mooney and Leslie Mallory came in third, Kristen Wong and Ellen Mader were state semifinalists, and Kristine Leavens and Kayva Crawford were participants.
On the singles side, Rika Mehndiratta won first place, and Megan Moore won second.
This team’s talent, dedication and passion shined through in every match, both in individual contributions and team cohesiveness.
Full Team:
- Coach Kirsten Ruchaber
- Clare Dodge
- Radhika Mehndiratta Mehta
- Ellen Mader
- Kristine C. Leavens
- Leslie Mallory
- Kristen Wong
- Steffanie Mortera O’Brien
- Haley Mooney
- Megan Elizabeth Moore
- Kayva Crawford
2018 Inductees
- Gordon Carrigan
- Men's Soccer Teams 1986 - 1988
- Michael Hass '01
- Antoine Stoudamire '89
- Women's Soccer Teams 1994 - 1999
- Sebastian Wetzel '92
Gordon Carrigan
Gordon Carrigan was a teacher, assistant football coach and the head coach of Jesuit High School’s men’s basketball program from 1967-1976.
Coach Carrigan’s coaching style was innovative, positive and forward thinking. He was an astute student of the game. In his first season, the team tied for the league championship with Parkrose and went to the state tournament.
Coach Carrigan led Jesuit to one other state championship final in 1970. A favorite memory of his from that season was the team’s two point win over Central Catholic in the quarterfinals.
In his Jesuit career, Coach Carrigan’s record was 172-76 for a 70% winning percentage, including six OSAA tournament appearances and three players named First Team All-State Tournament.
After he left Jesuit in 1976, Coach Carrigan coached for many more years in Oregon and achieved success wherever he went.
Coach Carrigan and his wife of 30 years, Dana, have three boys, Cris ’78, Casey and Cy, and four grandchildren, Kevin, Clay, Claire, and Copper.
Men's Soccer Teams 1986 - 1988
The 1986 Jesuit High School men’s soccer team won the school’s first state championship for soccer with head coach Dave Nicholas at the helm in his inaugural coaching season. The combination of talent and team chemistry led the team to a 6-0 win over Lakeridge in the state championship game. The team had an overall record of 15-0-3.
1987
The 1987 Jesuit High School men’s soccer team dominated both Metro League and state competition. Exhibiting the high level of play and intense energy that characterized the season, Jesuit shut out Woodburn in the championship game by a score of 6-0 before a crowd of nearly 2,000 at Tualatin Hills. The team had an overall record of 17-1-0.
1988
The 1988 Jesuit High School men’s soccer team became the first high school team in Oregon to win three consecutive state championship titles outright (1986, 1987, 1988). The team was ranked #7 in the nation and won both Metro League and the state championship. The team had an overall record of 16-0-2.
Michael Hass '01
Mike Hass earned six varsity letters at Jesuit High School in football (3) and baseball (3).
In 2000, as part of the state championship football team, he was an all-time leader in receptions (79), reception yardage (1746) and touchdown receptions in one year (21).
He set a state record by scoring seven touchdowns in one game. Mike was also first team all-state wide receiver and defensive back and was offensive player of the year. He was the career leader in interceptions.
After walking on at Oregon State University, Mike set multiple records for OSU and the Pac-10 for most receptions in a game, season and career, as well as most receiving yards.
He was named first team Pac-10 wide receiver two years in a row, was a two time All-American and won the Biletnikoff Award as the best wide receiver in the nation.
Mike played professionally from 2006- 2011 for the New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks. Mike is currently working for Nike in the cleats division with an emphasis on baseball.
He and his wife, Rebecca, have a young son, Logan.
Antoine Stoudamire '89
Antoine was a standout basketball player at Jesuit. During his junior year, he averaged 23 points and 14 rebounds, had a shooting percentage of 61.6%, led the team in rebounds and was voted most improved player. As a senior, Antoine was named MVP and led the Metro League and state in scoring, rebounds and three point shots and shot attempts. In the first round of playoffs that year, Antoine played the best game of his high school career with 41 points, 18 rebounds and seven assists.
John Thompson, head coach at Georgetown, received a game tape of a gifted shooter with pure talent and an elite skill level. His assistant coach watched a pick-up game at Jesuit and extended a full ride scholarship to Antoine.
While playing at Georgetown, the team was co-champion in the Big East and went to the NCAA tourney during Antoine’s first year. Antoine transferred to the University of Oregon after his second year at Georgetown, where he was the leading scorer in the PAC-10 conference, team MVP and Newcomer of the Year. In the two years that he played at UO, he averaged 20 points per game and scored 1,010 total points. He was a top five scorer in the Pac-10 both seasons. He went to several rookie free agent camps and played in Brazil, Cyprus, Portugal, Hong Kong and Malaysia from 1993-1998.
Once he stopped playing competitively, Antoine began writing, creating and releasing music. Along with his music career, he trains athletes and is a Creative Technical Consultant with Nike and Wieden+Kennedy.
Antoine lives in Portland with his wife, Krystle, and their daughters Ajaya and Khalia.
Women's Soccer Teams 1994 - 1999
1994
In the second year of Jesuit High School’s women’s soccer program, lasting traditions were beginning to be established: team dinners, chapel at playoffs with Fr. Harris, green bows, and bonding on and off the field. The young 1994 team, led by Coach Steve Fennah, also started the tradition of championships, bringing home the Metro League and state titles and achieving an undefeated overall record of 18-0-0.
1995
Jesuit High School’s 1995 women’s soccer team built upon a growing tradition of excellence by defeating Tigard 2-0 in the state final and earning the program’s second state championship. The 1995 team had many young players, but immeasurable heart, great depth, and talent marked by incredible speed. The team ended their season with an overall record of 17-0-2.
1996
Jesuit High School’s 1996 women’s soccer team played a fiercely competitive season marked with high expectations. Characterized by a deep bench, stifling defense, scintillating offense and impressive teamwork, Jesuit took home another state championship with a 4-0 win over South Eugene and finished the season with an overall record of 17-0-2.
1997
Through outstanding leadership, talent and dedication, Jesuit High School’s 1997 women’s soccer team earned a Metro League championship, a state title, and a national ranking of eighth in the country. The team played with heart and had excellent ball control, explosive offense and stifling defense. They defeated Sheldon in the final 4-0 and finished the season with an undefeated record of 20-0-0.
1998
Jesuit High School’s 1998 women’s soccer team, coached by Ken Skipper in his first year at Jesuit, had an undefeated season and an overall record of 19-0-0. They earned the program’s fifth state championship, defeating Tualatin 7-1. Out of the nine seniors, seven played Division I soccer and two played basketball in college.
1999
Jesuit High School’s 1999 women’s soccer team was characterized by quickness, fitness and a competitive spirit. Although the team was young, the leadership and guidance of the seniors led to the defeat of Lake Oswego in the state final 1-0 and an overall season record of 17-0-1. The 56 women on the six soccer teams from 1994-1999 achieved what no other program in Oregon achieved - six consecutive soccer state championships and a combined record of 108-0-5.
Sebastian Wetzel '92
Sebastian Wetzel ’92 was a multisport athlete from a very young age. At Jesuit, Sebastian ran track and cross country and played basketball. He was a nine-time varsity letterman, earning three in cross country, two in basketball, and four in track and field. In track and cross country, Sebastian was a four-time team MVP, winning seven Metro League individual titles while leading Jesuit to three Metro League team titles. He set Jesuit records in the 800-meter run, 1500-meter run, mile, and 1600-meter relay.
In both 1991 and 1992, Sebastian won the 800-meter and 1500-meter events at the Oregon High School Track and Field Championships while leading Jesuit to podium placings in the team competition. These achievements led to consecutive honors as Oregon High School Track Athlete of the Year. His senior year, he lowered the Oregon High School 800-meter record to 1:49.94, becoming the first prep athlete in Oregon history to break the 1:50 barrier. With subsequent placings in national competition, Sebastian was named a finalist for 1992 Oregon High School Athlete of the Year as well as a consensus High School Track and Field All-American.
After completing his four years at Jesuit as valedictorian, Sebastian studied computer science in the pre-med program at Georgetown University, graduating magna cum laude in 1996. With the Hoyas, he was a member of 12 conference-winning track and cross country teams and was a five-time NCAA Track and Field All-American. Sebastian currently lives in Portland with his wife, Amy, and their two sons.
2015 Inductees
- Elizabeth Bishop '03
- Chris Brown '95
- Michael Calkins '00
- Courtney Carter '00
- Michael Dunleavy, Jr. '99
- Rich Ulring
Elizabeth Bishop '03
Elizabeth Bishop ’03 is a sixth generation Oregonian. Mort and Mary Lang Bishop raised Elizabeth and her younger brother, Mac ’07, in Portland. Elizabeth went to Cathedral School from kindergarten through 8th grade and started playing CYO volleyball in the fourth grade. During her first visit to Jesuit, she knew it was the right place to continue her education. She immediately understood that the concept of “do well whatever you do” was prevalent in all areas of the school – the student body and faculty, athletics and academics.
Elizabeth played varsity volleyball for four years at Jesuit and was awarded Metro League Player of the Year in 2001 and 2002, along with First Team All-State those same years. She was also a member of the National Honor Society. Elizabeth attended Cornell, where she found success in her degree program, Applied Economics and Management. She was named Rookie of the Year in 2003 and was also one of only four players in Ivy League history chosen First Team All-League for all four years. In her junior and senior year, she was named All-American – Cornell’s rst player to achieve that honor. Cornell won the Ivy League championships for three straight years during her time there, and she was awarded the Ivy League Player of the Year in 2005 and 2006. She graduated cum laude in May 2007.
Elizabeth still plays volleyball today in a recreational league. She works in the fashion industry and is passionate about empowering women athletes through her work at Athleta. While living in New York City, she participated in the NYC Jesuit Alumni event from its inception. She currently lives in San Francisco and stays connected to the Jesuit community through her fiancé, Ethan Vedder, who teaches at St. Ignatius High School. She demonstrates being a woman for others through her involvement in the annual Relay for Life, supporting the American Cancer Society.
Chris Brown '95
Chris Brown ’95 was born and raised in Lake Oswego, along with his brother, Matthew ’97, and his sister, Jennifer ’99. Chris started playing soccer, basketball and tennis at a young age. His passion for soccer played a large factor in his choice to attend Jesuit. Not only did he believe that Jesuit would offer him a solid education, but he recognized that Coach Dave Nicholas could take Chris’ talent to the next level.
Chris was named a Parade Magazine All-American during his time at Jesuit. In 1994, he was named Oregon High School Player of the Year and a finalist for Oregon High School Athlete of the Year. As a top scorer all four years at Jesuit, he led the team to four consecutive state titles and set a school record with 88 career goals. At the University of Portland, Chris was named to the Soccer America All-Freshman Team. In 1996 and 1997, his accomplishments included the All-Far West Second Team, All-WCC First Team and All-America Second Team. He made his U-23 debut in 1998 and was a member of the U-20 and U-18 National Teams.
Chris was drafted fifth overall in the 1999 MLS College Draft by the Kansas City Wizards, where he spent five seasons and helped the team win their first MLS Cup Championship in 2000. He later played for the New England Revolution (where he scored his first professional hat trick), San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake. In January 2008, he signed for USL-1 Portland Timbers.
Chris is married to fellow soccer player Pardis Brown. Chris and Pardis have three kids, Bailey, Cameron and Taylor. Chris manages recruiting and hiring for a global software company headquartered in Salt Lake City. He also still works with Major League Soccer as a Professional Match Evaluator. His hobbies are skiing, hiking, camping, video games, and basketball.
Michael Calkins '00
Michael Calkins ’00, son of Jackie and Tom Calkins, was born and raised in Portland, along with his brother, Mark ’98. Mike’s love for tennis began on a trip to Kona, when his Grandpa Jack gave him lessons at the age of seven. Mike played tennis and baseball growing up, but he was faced with a choice at age 12: play in a tennis tournament or the little league all-stars game. Mike chose tennis, and the rest is history.
Michael Calkins won three tennis singles State Championships while at Jesuit High School, a record for the men’s team. With an 82-3 record, Mike won four Metro League titles and was undefeated for three years. Mike was a four time MVP and team captain in 2000. He was also top ten in the USTA National Juniors Ranking, a finalist in USTA Boys’ 16, and a double finalist in USTA Boys’ 18, as well as ranked number one in the USTA Pacific Northwest section.
In 2001 and 2002, Mike was All-American at the University of Illinois. He was the Rolex All-American Doubles Champion in 2001-02 and was ranked rst in the NCAA throughout the year. In 2003, Illinois was undefeated and won the NCAA National Team Championship. Mike still holds the record at Illinois for all-time combined singles and doubles career wins (246-80).
After a short time on the pro circuit, Mike decided that coaching was his passion, honing his craft with pro player Amir Delic. He now lives in Seattle, where he co-runs one of the most successful junior programs in the country at Central Park Tennis Club. The High Performance program has produced five top 20 players nationally in the past three years, including three number one players. Mike lives with his wife, Nikki, and their two-year-old son, Parker.
Courtney Carter '00
Courtney Carter ’00 grew up in West Linn with her family – parents Bill ’69 and Gayle and brother Kyle ’02. At the age of five, Courtney started playing soccer on a recreation coed team. She originally wanted to attend school with her close-knit Classic teammates, but she chose Jesuit because of her family legacy. Jesuit had always been a part of their lives, and Courtney wanted to give it a chance.
Courtney played varsity soccer all four years at Jesuit High School, scoring 84 goals with 40 assists, under Steve Fennah and Ken Skipper. Her team was undefeated, winning four league and state titles. She was awarded three All-State honors, twice on First Team. In 1999, she was named State of Oregon Player of the Year and Oregon Gatorade Player of the Year. Her high school achievements extended beyond the field as Jesuit’s first female student body president.
Courtney attended Oregon State University where she was reunited with Coach Fennah and played in 77 career matches and scored 16 goals with eight assists. During her fourth season, she suffered a season-ending leg injury. This provided her the opportunity to intern for the New York Knicks.
Her strong leadership on and off the field is evident in her career – highlighted by her involvement in Major League Soccer and in launching Women’s Professional Soccer. Courtney was awarded the Young Business Alumni of the Year award from OSU. Courtney also spent time at ESPN and now works in Los Angeles at Creative Artists Agency, with a focus on sports broadcasting.
Courtney’s energy is contagious on the field, in business, and in service. She has been very involved with Dads and Daughters, Women in Sports and Events, Jesuit’s National Alumni Board, and the Jesuit Alumni New York City events. She recently married Kee Seymore.
Michael Dunleavy, Jr. '99
Mike Dunleavy, Jr. first attended Jesuit in his junior year, 1997-1998. He led the Crusaders to their first 20-win season and a quarterfinal appearance at the state tournament – the first since 1976. This earned him Metro League Player of the Year and First Team All-State. During his senior year, Jesuit won the first Metro League title since 1970 and the first state championship in school history. Dunleavy again earned Metro League Player of the Year and First Team All-State, as well as Oregon Player of the Year.
After graduation, Dunleavy attended Duke University. He played basketball for three seasons before entering the NBA Draft in 2002. Duke’s record during Dunleavy’s time was 95-13. During his sophomore year, Duke won the national championship, and Dunleavy scored 21 points in the championship game. In his three years, Dunleavy received several honors, including First-Team NABC All-American and Academic All-American.
In 2002, Dunleavy entered the NBA Draft and was chosen by the Golden State Warriors in the first round, third pick. He played for the Warriors from 2002-2007. He was later traded to the Indiana Pacers in 2007 and started all 82 games, averaging 19.1 points per game. Dunleavy went on to play for the Milwaukie Bucks in 2011 and finally for the Chicago Bulls in 2013.
In 2014, Dunleavy set a playoff career-high of 35 points, including a franchise playoff record for most three-point field goals with eight against the Washington Wizards in game three of their 2014 NBA Playoffs first round match-up, which the Bulls won 100-97.
Dunleavy’s father is Mike Dunleavy, Sr., a former NBA coach and player. Dunleavy and his wife, Sarah, have three children and currently reside in Chicago, Ill.
Rich Ulring
Rich graduated from Shanley High School in Fargo, North Dakota, in 1970. He began teaching at Jesuit in 1976 after graduating from Gonzaga University with a master’s in Psychology and Counseling Psychology. In his three years at the school, he taught psychology and religion, led student government and boys’ choir, and coached cheerleading, football and basketball. By his third year, he worked as a counselor and was part of the administration team.
In 1979, Rich took a job with State Farm, but Bill Griffin invited him back to Jesuit to announce football games. For 35 years, Rich has come to be known as the “voice of Jesuit.” He has announced almost every home football game and track meet. In fact, he has not missed announcing a track meet for 33 years. For the past ten years, Rich has also announced girls’ basketball and cross country, and he announced baseball while his son, Joey, was on the team.
His favorite part of announcing is watching the players’ growth. He is able to witness the seeds that are planted and watch the students blossom. He is grateful that his flexible work schedule allows time to participate in the “hobby” that he loves – and provides him the best seat in the house!
“It is so important to me to introduce all of the kids participating, including the seniors of opposing teams during their last game. It is important to recognize and respect all of the players, to be balanced, and to be a positive voice for Jesuit,” Rich said.
Rich loves being a part of the Jesuit community, and he’s thankful that his wife and kids support the time he spends at games. He is also proud that his son and two daughters had the opportunity for a Jesuit education.
2012 Inductees
Dick Gedrose '61
As a graduate of the class of 1961, Dick has always felt a strong sense of community at Jesuit High School. Dick looked forward to his return to Jesuit in 1970 as a history teacher and assistant coach for football and track. He was the fifth lay person to be hired. In 1972, he was named head track coach. In 1974, he became athletic director. In 1976, he left the classroom to become a vice-principal for discipline. In 1983, Dick became principal and in 1998 (through 2005), president. Throughout the transition, Dick was a rock solid paragon of commitment and integrity. Dick had the ability to make tough decisions with grace and compassion and do what was best for Jesuit. He was a quiet leader, stepping up to do what he needed to do. He believed in doing things the right way and leading by example.
"What we, the faculty of Jesuit, have to keep in mind is to remain faithful to a 450-year tradition of the Society of Jesus," says Dick. With the transition from predominantly Jesuit to lay administrators and faculty, there was a loss of identity at Jesuit High School. Dick was instrumental in the creation of the Profile of a Graduate at Graduation as a living document that reestablished and refocused the school on what it means to be a Catholic institution. Dick and Fr. Hayes were pillars in their vision and leadership to grow the endowment, update and add new buildings, and refurbish and expand athletic facilities. The naming of the Gedrose Student Center was perfect because Dick was a supporter of all student activities.
There are three things that are most important to Dick: family, faith, and Jesuit High School. He viewed the Jesuit community as an extension of his family. He believed in people and had a heart of gold in making sure students and faculty were treated compassionately.
"As an alum, athletic director, history teacher, vice-principal, principal and president, Dick is a man for all seasons. Excellence permeates everything that he does." ~ Mike Hughes '79, JHS Athletic Director
Dave Nicholas
Dave Nicholas started his Jesuit career in 1986 as a PE teacher and head men's soccer coach. In his first year, his team was undefeated in league play and won the state title in stunning fashion, 4-0 in the first 20 minutes and a 6-0 final. This was the first of 22 seasons. In his career, there were 16 league titles and 14 appearances in the state finals with 10 victories and one tie.
Dave has had many achievements in his career. He was coach of the year in league five times, state coach of the year seven times, and regional coach of the year three times. In 2006-2007, he was the league, state, and national coach of the year. In 1995, he was the teacher of the year.
Dave was always a teacher first and a coach second. According to Dick Gedrose, "Great teachers make great coaches." Dave created one of the finest PE and Health departments in the state. He has been committed to teaching, aiming to educate the whole student into becoming a great citizen. His classes were organized, he had competency in everything that he did, and he set a standard that other coaches tried to emulate. Success was never about wins or losses, it was about how you treated people. Dave was the ultimate team player. It wasn't about Dave Nicholas or soccer but what was best for all kids.
Jerry Hahn reflects, "Dave keeps things in perspective. He is an amazing teacher on the field and in the classroom. He took talented players and elevated their play. His enthusiasm and passion are infectious. He will always be one of my idols."
"Dave Nicholas, the man, set invaluable standards at Jesuit High School that we still value and seek to maintain. Dave Nicholas is a legend. I am immensely proud to have known him personally and also to have worked with him on a day-to-day basis." - Chris Thurley, JHS Men's Head Soccer Coach
Laura Schott '99
Laura Schott's soccer career has been filled with many accolades. Her leadership ability on and off the field are truly inspiring. Her high school career included four-straight state championships, a streak that included 92-consecutive wins. She received high school All-America honors from Parade Magazine and was named NSCAA Gatorade Oregon Player of the Year as a junior and senior. Her club team, FC Portland, was state champion for seven consecutive seasons. Laura also competed in the National Jr. Olympic Track Championships in the hurdles and pentathlon.
At U.C. Berkeley, Laura was a Hermann Trophy finalist in 2001. She was a four-time All Pacific 10 Conference selection and finished as the Golden Bears' leading career goal scorer with 58 goals. In 2001, Laura had international experience playing for the United States National Team at the Algarve Cup. She appeared in five matches, making four starts for Team USA and scoring a goal versus Norway. Additionally, Laura played on the U-21 Nordic Cup Championship team.
After graduation, Laura was drafted by the Washington Freedom of the WUSA in 2003 and helped the Freedom to the 2003 WUSA title. In 2004, she played for the California Storm of the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) and led the WPSL in scoring and helped the Storm to the 2004 WPSL Championship.
Laura was the former Assistant Director at Tualatin Hills United Soccer Club as well as the Oregon Olympic Development coach and member of the Region IV staff. Her coaching at Eastside United Football Club led the team to a state championship in 2010. Laura is currently head coach of the women's program at Portland State University.
"Laura has always carried herself with class and a fierce determination to 'do well whatever she does.' As a young lady, soccer player and coach she has excelled. It has been a great pleasure to watch her grow! Laura, congratulations on being Jesuit's first female student-athlete to be inducted into the Hall of Fame! " - Steve Fennah, JHS Women's Head Soccer Coach
Fr. William Hayes, S.J.
Fr. William (Bill) Hayes S.J. has been an integral part of Jesuit High School since he arrived in 1960 to become the first vice-principal. After two years he was assigned to Gonzaga Prep in Spokane where he began a 14-year career, first as principal, then as president. In 1976, his final year at Gonzaga Prep, he successfully led the school's transition to coeducation. Fr. Hayes next served as vice president of Seattle University and served briefly on Jesuit High School's Board of Trustees. Following his time at Seattle University, Fr. Hayes completed two years as pastor of St. Joseph's, a Jesuit parish in Seattle.
In the summer of 1984, Fr. Hayes brought his talents back to Jesuit High School as president. His impact on the Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, staff, students, parents, and alumni in the Jesuit High School community was immediate and far-reaching. The hallmarks of his visionary leadership include the empowerment of lay faculty members, the establishment and growth of the Legacy Club (a group of individuals who include Jesuit in their estate plans), a concentrated focus on capital fundraising and growth of the endowment which led to financial stability for the first time in the school's history, and the transition to coeducation which occurred in the fall of 1993. History teacher and football coach Jerry Hahn comments, "We are here because of Dick Gedrose and Fr. Hayes. We stand on the shoulders of these giants who had the vision and the strength to stick with it, and the faith to endure."
But the true legacy of Father Hayes at Jesuit centers on the relationships he has fostered with the members of the Jesuit community—people who are deeply committed to the Jesuit mission. An avid fan of athletics, you can often find Fr. Hayes analyzing game plans, talking with coaches, and getting the pulse on upcoming games. His vision has been a gift, resulting in improved and new facilities—including the Knight Center, Arrupe Hall, and the Performing Arts Center—and the hiring of such outstanding teachers and coaches as Ken Potter, Gene Potter, Dave Nicholas, Tom Rothenberger, Mike Hughes, and Tim Massey.
The definition of a priest epitomizes Fr. Hayes. He brings God into the locker room as a chaplain for the football team for the past 13 years. He shares stories weekly, prays with the team, and creates a great sense of community among the players. For the players and coaches, he has a calming effect by putting into perspective God in our lives and on the field.
Fr. Hayes has built a community that exemplifies the values and principles of Ignatian spirituality. His vision to welcome and nurture lay persons on the faculty and staff and to reach out to all members of the Jesuit community has left an invaluable and indelible imprint on the school and on future generations of students. Fr. Hayes will always be a founder of Jesuit High School because of his continual support of the school and his faith, hard work and leadership.