Ron Wied, a 1959 graduate, was a highly successful student athlete, coach and athletic director. His successes can be attributed to his strong leadership skills, his competitive nature and his great work ethic. As a student Ron competed in football and in track. He was an all-conference football player and a state hurdle champ.

In his senior year he played on Pius's first football conference championship team, the famous 1958 squad, and on Pius's first

state track championship team. Upon graduating in 1965 from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, Ron returned to Pius to teach phy-ed and coach football and track. In 1968 he became head football coach. In 13 seasons Ron's football teams won three conference championships (68, 69 and 72), posted a 61 - 28 - 6 conference record and won Pius's first state football championship (72). Ron started and nurtured the growth of the Pius wrestling program.

Under his coaching leadership it became a premier program. He was the head coach of Pius's first conference and state wrestling championships. Ron assumed the responsibilities of athletic director in the early 1980s and served with distinction in that capacity until 1991, when he returned to full time teaching.

Mike Beining, a 1971 graduate, will always be considered one of the best wrestlers in the history of the Pius XI wrestling program. He was a three time state champion in 1969, 1970 and 1971 and led Pius to two state championships in 1969 and 1971. He had a career record of 108 wins, 8 losses and 1 tie. In 1971 Mike was named the WISAA State Tournament Most Valuable Wrestler and earned honorable mention All-American honors. He received a scholarship to Marquette University where Mike competed for four years as a varsity wrestler. In 1974 he was the NCAA Western Regional Runner-up and a NCAA National Qualifier. He was selected MVP of the Wrestling team at Marquette University in 1975.

The 1958 Pius XI Football Team was one whose season's accomplishments may never be matched and who are one of the best ever Wisconsin high school football teams. This team went undefeated through 8 games, won the first conference football championship in Pius school history, scored 274 points in seven conference games, posted 5 conference shutouts while allowing only 25 points, placed 7 players on the Journal all-conference team, placed 5 players on the first team of the conference all-opponent team, and beat Marquette twice, including a 38 - 0 victory in the season finale, the championship game, before more than five thousand fans at the old Marquette University stadium.

The team members included coaches, Al Alger and Sam Basile, Al and Chaplain, Fr. Francis Hueller, players, Dan Adrian, George Blanchard, Dick Bottoni, Gary Bross, Ted Corona, Ron Dentinger, Pete Diliberti, Mike Dineen, Mike Donegan, Mike Feeney, Carl Gee, Brian Gilboy, Dick Groninger, Jack Guagliardo, Bob Hauenstein. Bob Heller, Jim Jaeger, Dave Kozlik, Barry LaRock, Jim May, Tim McCaffrey, Hank McManus, Al Molenda, Tom North, Jerry Pintar, Tom Schauer, Jim Schwanz, Jack Shanahan, Tom Simon, Dave Theisen, Bart Thompson, Ron Wied, Tom Wilde, Wayne Williamson, Jack Wucker, and managers, Dave Baur, Bob Poetzel and Mike Roller.

Mary "Puppy" Chrnelich, a 1980 gradu-ate, participated in basketball, track and soccer. She was captain and leader of the 1980 girls basketball team which was the first Pius girls basketball team to win 25 games, go undefeated, win a conference title, win a state title and be ranked number "1" in state polls. As a senior Mary received all-area, all-conference and all-state honors. She was also a contributing member to Pius's first girls state track championship in 1979. In soccer she proved to be an outstanding player on a Pius club team before soccer became an official inter-scholastic sport. 

Mary went to the University of Kansas for two years becoming the first Pius female athlete to receive a full Division One scholarship. She transferred to the University of Wisconsin in her junior year where she started on one of the most successful Badger teams in school history. Mary returned to Pius to enjoy several more conference and state championships as a varsity assistant coach for the Lady Popes basketball team. She will always be remembered for her leadership and for being instrumental in getting the "winning tradition" started in women's basketball at Pius.

Maurice "Mac" McMahon worked at Pius from 1949 until 1966 as a phy-ed teacher, a coach and athletic director. He coached baseball, basketball and football.

To those who knew him he was a great leader, motivator and role model. The Pius community came to know and respect him as a strong disciplinarian, but also as a softhearted and caring person. He was highly instrumental in Pius's rise to athletic prominence. In football and baseball he laid a foundation for the success of the

early 1960s. In the five years he coached the football team it always finished in the upper half of the conference. And in basketball his teams complied a record of 263 wins and 86 losses while winning or sharing 5 conference titles. Mac was a cornerstone of Pius pride and rich athletic history. He meant so much to so many that his impact on Pius will always be felt.

Robert "Bob" Metrey graduated from Pius in 1966. During his student years Bob was a great asset to Pius sports programs as a student manager for Football, Basketball and Baseball, earning major letters in all three sports. He was recognized by staff and peers alike for his outstanding school spirit. As a sophomore he received a special "Certificate of Merit Award" as a testimony to his exemplary school and class spirit. Since his graduation, Bob has continued to support Pius athletics programs, especially football and basketball in extraordinary fashion. Though transportation to and from games is sometimes problematic for him, Bob rarely misses attending Pius basketball or football games. Since 1962 he has been roaming the sidelines during football games and sitting on or behind the bench during basketball games. He has been a staunch fan in the bad as well as the good times and will undoubtedly continue to support Pius teams through thick and thin as long as he is able. He often rides the team bus and also accompanies the teams into the locker room at half-time. For 10 years Bob served as the bench coach of the Pius staff team when the faculty-student basketball games were still played. His record as coach was 7 wins vs 3 losses. History may not remember Bob's coaching record, but it will clearly identify him as Pius's greatest all-time sports fan.

Heidi Bunek, a 1985 graduate, did as much for bringing recognition and credibility to girls basketball in the state of Wisconsin as any other individual before or since. In the process Heidi led the Lady Popes to four straight conference and state titles and set numerous school records in scoring, rebounding, and blocked shots.

In her senior year she averaged 24.8 points, 10 rebounds and 3.9 blocked shots per game. She earned All-conference, All-Area, All-State and All-American honors in her sophomore, junior and senior years. In her senior year she was first team All-American for Addidas, Converse, Parade, Street & Smith, Women's Court and USA Today. Heidi was also UPI and AP player of the year and selected as Wisconsin's Miss Basketball. She was selected to participate in the Olympic Sports Festival and was the most highly recruited high school player in the USA. Heidi also participated in track and volleyball in high school. She accepted a full scholarship to the University of Notre Dame where she started and excelled until a knee injury ended her playing career in her senior year. Heidi worked as a varsity assistant in the Pius women's program after college and eventually became head women's basketball coach at Hartland Arrowhead.

Joe Buneta, a 1952 graduate, was an all-conference basketball player in both his junior (second team) and senior (first team) years. After attending the University of Toledo on a basketball scholarship, Joe had a tryout with the Detroit Pistons of the NBA. Before returning to Pius in the Fall of 1965, Joe coached at Holy Angels High School in Sydney, Ohio, where his teams won six consecutive conference championships and won 129 games vs 39 losses. At Pius Joe coached the JV team

for one year before assuming the head coaching reins. Over the next 17 years the Pius boys basketball teams under Joe's leadership were perennial powerhouses winning two conference and three state cham-pionships. Joe concluded his coaching career with more than 400 career wins and was selected to the Wisconsin Coaches Basketball Hall of Fame. In 1982, Joe became the Pius Dean of Students, a job he handled with distinction until he retired in 1998.

George Garrot, teacher and coach at Pius for 37 years and Athletic Director for 5 of those years, epitomized the essence of excellence in coaching. He set a standard that most coaches can only dream about and aspire to. His boys track and cross country teams won a total of 16 conference and 14 state titles. From 1986 to 1992 George worked with the girls track team. His contributions helped the Lady Popes win 7 conference and 6 state titles.

Though George may be remembered mostly as a great coach, he was also a great track athlete. He attended Marquette University on a full track scholarship, where he was an outstanding sprinter. George was also instrumental in the growth and development of track and cross country at the high school level in the area and the state in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He was highly involved in the organization and administration of the first private school state track meet in 1959.

George contributed greatly to the rich Pius athletic tradition and will always be fondly remembered by the many people whose lives he so positively and profoundly impacted. He was selected to the Wisconsin Track Coaches Hall of Fame in 1990.

Joe Chrnelich, a 1976 graduate, was one of the best basketball players to every play for Pius. He led the Popes to back-to-back state championships in 1975 and 1976. In both his junior and his senior years he was first team all-conference, first team all-tour-nament (WISAA state), and all-state (first team as a senior). He was co-captain of the 1976 team and MVP of the 1975 team. In 1976 he was selected as the UNICO Player of the Year. He was listed by Street and Smith as one of the top 100

high school players in the country and was recruited by more than 75 major college programs. He accepted a full scholarship to UW-Madison, where he had a very distinguished four year career.

The 1980 Pius XI girls basketball team will always be remembered as the team who began the girls' basketball dynasty by winning Pius's first state title. It was also the team which won Pius's first conference title, posting Pius's first undefeated season (25-0) and earning Pius's first number one state ranking.

During the course of the 1980 season the team outscored its opponents by an average of 34 points, defeating several girls basketball powerhouses including the WIAA state champion, Milwaukee Washington, defending WISAA state champion, Madison Edgewood, as well as perennial powerhouses, Racine St. Catherine, Watertown Riverside, Brookfield Central, Wisconsin Lutheran, Wauwatosa East and Appleton Xavier.

They defeated Racine St. Catherine in the state championship game by a score of 57 to 29.

Team strengths included talent, balance, depth, unselfishness, hustle, defense and love. Tremendous parental support was also an asset. Team members played together, worked together, hustled together, partied together, prayed together and celebrated together. Most of them have maintained contact with each other and are still close friends. They set goals, committed to them, stayed the course, paid the price and succeeded. Though many outstanding Pius girls teams after them also enjoyed great suc-cess, the 1980 team was among the best of the best.

The team members consisted of Andrea Adams, Amy Clark, Mary Chrnelich, Debbie Gill, Chris Kaye, Sue Marciniak, Maureen Pitrof, Julie Szaj, Karen Weir, Cathy Zacher, Barb Zignego, Sue Zoulek, and coaches, Dick Fischer and Ken Kessenich.

Patti Ferrie, a 1977 graduate, participated in volleyball, basketball, track and soccer during her four years in high school. She can be considered a pioneer of girls athletics at Pius. Patti was an All-State performer in basketball, track and soccer.

As a 1973 volleyball All-Star and '74-'75 team MVP, Patti played in the first metro conference volleyball league, leading her team to a second place finish in conference play in 1976.

She was the leading scorer and rebounder on the 1975 basketball team. Though she was a stellar athlete in these sports, Patti truly excelled in Track and Field.

She continually placed in the top three in state competition in 1974-76 and finished number one in the state in shot put and discus in 1977. Patti will always be remembered as one of the first successful female athletes to contribute to the outstanding Pius tradition.

Scott Herrick, a 1975 graduate, has been a strong supporter of Pius athletics as a player, coach and devoted fan. His genuine enthusiasm and endless energy contribute to his many successes as both player and coach. Scott was a varsity letterman his sophomore year, majoring in three sports. He played football from 1971-73 and was part of the 1972 state champion team.

He played basketball from 1972-75, playing a vital role as co-captain on the 1975 state champion team. He was nominated to the All-Tournament team that year also receiving First Team All Area and Honorable Mention All-State hon-ors. Scott played baseball as his third sport and was named to the All Conference team in 1975. Scott's coaching successes can be attributed to his leadership skills and caring nature, which have earned him the respect and admiration of his players, their parents and other coaches. He coached freshman basketball, both boys and girls from 1982-91.

From 1991-98 and 2000-01 he coached JV girls' basketball boasting an impressive 199-9 record. He coached girls Varsity Basketball at Nathan Hale High School from 1998-2000 and was named 2000 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Coach of the Year. Scott also coached varsity baseball for 17 seasons.

He posted a 212-120 record winning 4

Conference Championships in '89, '90, '95 and '96, 5 Regional Championships in '89, '90, '92, '93 and '94 and a State Championship in 1994. While there are many coaches who can teach the game, few can lead by example as Scott has. He is a coach with a strong inner spirit and a genuine love of the game. He teaches his players the same, along with respect for their team, their opponents and especially themselves. Scott taught English at Pius for 17 years and is presently the Athletic Director.

Dick Fischer, a 1961 graduate, is one of the most recognized faces within the Pius communi-ty. His love of Pius and true dedication to the athletic

program has contributed to the great successes of all our athletic teams.

As a student athlete, Dick lettered in football and track. He was co-captain of the 1960 football team and the State discus champion in 1961.

After graduating in 1966 from Marquette University, Dick began his teaching and coaching career at Pius. He has touched the lives of many young people throughout his years of devoted service. He has taught math, science and theology, served five years in development and nine years as Athletic Director. He has coached seven different sports including football, boys' and girls' basketball and track, and girls' soccer and cross country. Dick's head coaching achievements include: seven state championships, ten conference championships and an outstanding 116-4 record in basketball from 1980-1984. Dick has dedicated his life to Pius. His loyalty and commitment has truly impacted the tradition of Pius athletics.

George Blanchard (a.k.a Milwaukee Braves bat boy), graduated from Pius in 1960.

He played football from 1956-59. George was nominated All Conference his junior and senior years and was the backbone of the Pius offensive line.

He was widely considered the best prep center in the state. He was honored as First Team U.P.I. and A.P. All State in 1959 and was also voted First Team Scholastic All-American. He went on to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh where he continued his illustrious career. In 1964 and 1965 he was a First Team Division III All American Linebacker and was the Wisconsin State University Defensive Player of the Year in 1965. After college George went on to coach high school for 32 years. With an impressive record of 177-116, he led his teams to four conference championships. George was Athletic Director at Brown Deer High School from 1983 until his retirement in 1998.

Ruth Stromila, a teacher at Pius since 1961, has not only dedicated herself to the academic excellence of her students but also to their athletic achievements. In the past 40 years she has not only taught phy.ed., but she has also been department head for more than 25 years and Girls' Athletic Director since 1974. Ruth has been a true pioneer in the development of girls athletics at Pius and in the State of Wisconsin and was instrumental in the growth and strength of the program from its conception to the present. Before a conference was ever organized, Ruth coached Pius girls sports teams in the Milwaukee Recreation Program. She served as head girls' basketball coach from 1974-79, compiling a 64-28 record and leading the team to the state tournament. She was also the girls' varsity tennis coach from 1973-83, winning conference championships in '76, '77, and '79. In 1997, she demonstrated her leadership in girls athletics once again by her organizing and co-coaching the first girls' golf team. She was recognized as the WISAA Woman of the Year in 1988. Pius girls' athletics would not be as successful and widely admired today without Ruth's guidance and drive.

Ed Drexler graduated from Pius in 1944. He played football from 1942-43 and was named the All Catholic Conference Quarterback in 1943. Ed has truly committed his life to Pius in many ways. He has taught math and science since 1950.

He served as Vice-Principal for 21 years and has been Administrative Advisor since

1991. Ed's love of and dedication to all Pius sports is evident in the countless volunteer hours he contributes. There's not a newspaper article regarding any of our athletes or teams that gets by Ed. He proudly displays the articles on a board within the halls at Pius making sure everyone knows of our athletic achievements. Ed has been the Director of Athletic Ticket Sales since 1951 and WISAA State Basketball Tournament Ticket Director from 1963-2000. He was elected WISAA Man of the Year in 1985. Ed has also shown his devotion to Pius athletics by being a Fathers'/Booster Club volunteer since 1976. The impact that Ed has had on the Pius community will always be fondly remembered, as he truly is the spirit of Pius XI High School.

Linda Raymonds, a 1978 graduate, was one of the early pioneers in women's athletics at Pius. At a time when being a female athlete was not in vogue, Linda participated in four sports, including basket-ball, tennis, soccer and softball Whereas Linda was a good athlete and did well in softball and soccer,

her first loves were tennis and basketball. These were the sports in which she excelled.

In basketball Linda was a four year player and a three year varsity starter. She was one of Pius's best three-point shooters.

Unfortunately, there was no three point shot at the time and all of Linda's long range shots only counted for two points. Had she played in the 3-point era, she could have been one of Pius's all-time leading scorers.

As good as Linda was in basketball, she was even better in tennis.

She was a four year varsity player. In her sophomore and junior year she and Linda Benson were Pius's number one doubles team, which took second place in the WISAA state tournament both years. Their doubles team had two outstanding season to lead the tennis team to two of the most successful seasons in school history.

In the 1977 season Debbie Benson replaced her graduated sister as Linda's first doubles partner. This Benson-Raymonds combination completed the quest started by the first one. They earned and enjoyed an undefeated season in first doubles play, winning the Metro Conference and the WISAA titles in the process. It was the first individual state women's tennis championship in school history. A great finish for a great season for a great athlete.

The 1969 Wrestling Team was one of the best in Pius wrestling history.

Their accomplishments were even more amazing given that they had only won two meets the previous seasons. Wrestling at Pius was resurrected in 1967-68 under the leadership of its new head coach, Ron Wied. No one expected the program to become a powerhouse in its second season.

In the extremely strong Metro Conference the 1969 team posted a dual meet record of 8 wins and 2 losses and placed second in the Conference Tournament. A hint of things to come occurred when Pius emerged as champions in two prestigious tournaments at Marquette and at Green Bay Premontre. They finished their season in style by winning the WISAA state title. It was the first state wrestling championship in school history.

This was a team that included competitive, dedicated, hard working and team oriented individuals. They were close knit and very talented group of young men. Some very outstanding wrestler's did not wrestle at the state meet because other outstanding individuals in their weight class were ahead of them. Four of those individuals, Dan Jones, Mike Derse, Dan Sherman and Mike Beining won individual state titles in their respective weight classes.

The other members of this elite group were Randy Welniak, Craig Mackus, Tom Zajackowski, Jim Donovan, Tom Barbian, Tom Grandt, Mike Krenek, Dave Smith, Ray Clark, Jim Miller, Mark Stamm, Bob Dams, Keith Nosbusch, John Neu, Peter Neuwald, Phil Amstadt, Chuck Graziano, Mark Stapleton, Cary Kastelnic, Bob Beaudry, Jim Beaudry, Tony Graziano, Bob Schultz, John Dickinson, Mark Sabljak, and John Lucas. Tom Hemerle was assistant coach.

Jenny Kraft graduated in 1988 as one of Pius's most accomplished and successful student-athletes. She graduated10th in her class, was a National Merit Scholarship Finalist and a member of the National Honor Society. She graduated summa cum laude from North Carolina State University in 1992 and cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center in 1995.

In her senior year at Pius Jenny was honored as the Milwaukee Journal's Prepare Athe beat, the Milwaukee the year, the Metro Conference Basketball Player of the year, the

Milwaukee Pen and Mike Club High School Female Athlete of the year, the Milwaukee Athletic Founders Club's Outstanding Female Amateur Athlete and Honorable Mention All-American by USA Today and by Converse.

Jenny was first team All-State four times - twice in basketball and once each in volleyball and softball. She was first team all-conference seven times - three times in basketball, and twice each in volleyball and softball.

In basketball she was selected to the Academic All-State team, selected twice to the All-Area first team, selected three times to the WISAA State All-Tournament team and selected to play in two post season All-star games.

Jenny played on 7 state championship teams (4 in basketball, 2 in volleyball and 1 in softball) and on 10 conference championship teams (4 in basketball, 4 in volleyball and 2 in softball). She played on basketball teams that won 70 consecutive games and 109 consecutive home games.

In basketball Jenny became Pius's all-time leading scorer and single game leading scorer. She was the top scorer at the WISAA State tournament in both her junior and senior years and holds a number of State tournament scoring records including:

"Most Points","Most Points in a Single Game"Most Field Goals", "Highest Field Goal Percentage" and "Highest Free Throw Percentage"

Jenny earned 12 major letters at Pius and was captain of the volleyball, basketball and softball teams in her senior year. She went to Duke on a basketball scholarship, but transferred to North Carolina State where she finished her college career on scholarship as a volleyball player.

Her incredible accomplishments not withstanding, Jenny's greatest and most memorable moment may very well be her "Miracle Shot" at the 1988 WISAA State Basketball Tournament. It was an incredible shot at the buzzer from well beyond the 3-point arc to give the Ladies Popes a 1 point victory and their 7th consecutive State Basketball Championship. An extraordinary shot from an extraordinary individual.

Debbie Benson graduated from Pius in 1980. She epitomized the image of a highly successful student athlete.

As a student Debbie graduated in the top 10 of her class. She was also a member of National Honor Society in both her junior and senior year. She proved herself as a

class leader, participating in many diverse school activities, including Big Buddy, DOC, TAC representative, Golden Spirit Club, Tutoring, Powder Puff Football and Bleacher Babes.

Debbie was an outstanding softball player, earning all-conference honors in both her junior and sophomore year. She was also a soccer player for four years. Though soccer had a status of a club sport at the time, it afforded Debbie another opportunity to display her athleticism. In a relatively short time she became quite an accomplished player.

Debbie's first athletic love was Tennis. She played all four years, the last three as a member of the varsity. In her sophomore year she and Linda Raymonds became Pius's number one doubles team. That year the Benson-Raymonds duo posted an unblemished record. They capped of their season with a Metro Conference championship and a WISAA state title, the first in Pius women's tennis history. It was a special achievement by a special athlete in a special season.

Tracy Mattes, a 1987 Pius graduate, came to Pius in her junior year and distinguished herself in her final two years as an extraordinary track athlete. While at Pius she set three school records, 14.4 in the 100m hurdles, 43.3 in the 300m hurdles, and as a member of the 1600m relay (4:01.8). All three records still stand and her individual records still rank among the best ever in the State of Wisconsin.

In both her junior and senior years Tracy was selected the WISAA's most valuable female athlete. In both years she was state champion in the 100m dash, the 100m hurdles and the 300m hurdles. Tracy was also a three event winner both years at the Metro Conference outdoor track meet. Her efforts enabled the Lady Popes to win consecutive conference and state titles.

Tracy continued her track career at UW-Madison (2 years) and then Arizona State University (2 years). She became a five time NCAA All-American, earned 13 All-Big Ten honors and 5 All-Pack Ten honors. She also earned All-Big Ten and All-Pac Ten Academic honors. In 1992 she was chosen as Arizona State's Female Scholar Athlete of the year. She holds school records at two major universities, a rare accomplishment.

Upon completion of her college career Tracy achieved world class status in the 400m hurdles. At one point in time she was ranked as high as 4th in the United States and 7th in the world. She competed in the 1996 and 2000 Olympic trials. In the Spring of

2002 Tracy was inducted into the Wisconsin Track Association Hall of Fame.

Joel Classen began coaching Pius girls basketball as a varsity assistant in the 1981-82 season. Two years later he became the program's third head coach. Over the next 18 years his teams set records and standards which are and will remain legendary in Pius, Wisconsin and National girls basketball history.

Though Joel will be most recognized as a great basketball coach, he was also

a highly successful athlete. At Pulaski High School in Milwaukee he earned All-Conference and All-State honors in basketball and All-Conference honors in baseball. At UW-Oshkosh he earned All-Conference honors twice, All-District honors and Academic All-American honors. He became a recipient of the Young Alumni Achievement Award from UW-Oshkosh and was inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame.

Joel's basketball teams had an eighteen year record of 419 wins and 38 losses (an average of 23 wins and 2 losses per year) for 91.3 overall winning percentage. Joel's teams were conference champions 16 times (14 consecutive) and WISAA state champions 14 times (9 consecutive).

They won 5 in-season national tournaments and were nationally ranked 17 times, once as high as 3rd in the country. His teams were frequently ranked first in Wisconsin and in the Milwaukee Area. Joel led his teams to 92 consecutive wins, a state record, 124 consecutive wins at home and 165 consecutive conference wins. Joel was honored as conference coach of the year three times, area coach of the year once, state coach of the year twice and national coach of the year once.

Joel was also very successful as a softball coach. His varsity softball teams in his 14 years as head coach won 258 games and lost only 40.

They won 12 conference titles (8 consecutive) and 5 WISAA state titles.

Joel is more than a great coach. He is an exemplary teacher, husband, parent, friend and person. He has earned the respect and admiration of the Pius staff, alums, friends, parents, students, athletes and his coaching colleagues. And whereas he can be proud of his many coaching accomplishments, he would sincerely say that he most values his coaching experience because it afforded him opportunities to help kids, to meet quality people and to develop friendships.

Phil Bouche graduated in 1967 as arguably the best middle distance runner in Pius XI track history. He was a four year competitor in both cross country and track. Under hall-of-fame and legendary track coach, George Garrot, Phil was a member of five conference and two state championships.

Though Phil was good in cross country, he excelled in track, particularly in the 880 yard run. It was a race he never lost in his junior and senior year. At the prestigious TFA indoor track meet, he took first in 1966 with a time of 1:58.8 and in 1967 with a time of 1:58.4. Running sub 2:00 indoors is a feat very few Wisconsin half-milers and no Pius half milers have ever accomplished

In both his junior and senior year Phil was the half mile champion at the Catholic Conference outdoor meet and at the WISAA state meet. He set new records, some of which still stand, in every one of those races. In 1967 Phil was selected

"Most Valuable Athlete" at the prestigious Marquette Indoor Invitational and the WISAA state meet, where he was a three time champion in the 2 mile relay, the open half and the mile relay. He ran the anchor leg in both relays and set meet records in the mile relay (3:28.7) and in the 880 (1:54.5).

In 1967 Phil was captain of the Pius track team and was selected Milwaukee Area track athlete of the year by UNICO. His 800 meters (converted) time of 53.8 is one of the longest standing Pius school records and is one of the best 800 meter times in Wisconsin high school track history. He has been head track and field coach at Watertown High School for the past seventeen years and has also coached cross country. In 1997 he was selected to the Wisconsin Track and Field Hall of Fame.

Christopher Mozina graduated from Pius in 1979. His accomplishments as a student athlete were extraordinary. He excelled in golf, cross country and track. As a junior he led the Pius golf team to a regional championship and a state tournament appearance. In 1978, he placed second at the cross country state meet and was selected to the All Area High School Cross Country Team. Making these accomplishments even more incredible is that Chris's cross country season started after the golf season ended, giving him less than three weeks of CC training before the state meet. In track, Chris was a member of the 1978 and 1979 state championship teams. He was captain of the '79 team and was the conference and state champion that year in the 1600 meter run.

In addition to his success in athletics Chris was an outstanding student. He was a member of the National Honor Society and was the valedictorian of his class. He received the Degree of Distinction from the National Forensics League, it's highest award for excellence. He was selected the prince of the 1979 Pius senior prom.

Christopher's achievements at Pius served as the foundation for a highly decorated and successful career at West Point Military Academy. He earned eight varsity majors in cross country and track and was captain of the cross country team. He received the Eastern College Athletic Conference Merit Award (for excellence in athletics and scholarship), the Rumbaugh Family Award, membership in the Phi Kappa Phi National Academic Excellence Fraternity and a Distinguished Cadet Award. His many accomplishments have made Christopher a credit to his family and to his alma maters. It has also earned him the honor of membership in the Pius Athletic Hall of Fame.

Kristin Davidson graduated from Pius in 1992 as one of the most accomplished female athletes in school history. She earned 12 major letters - four in soccer, three in basketball, three in cross country and two in track. She was a captain her junior and senior years in cross country, basketball and i soccer. Kristin earned All-Conference honors three times in soccer and twice in basketball. She was an All-State selection three times in soccer and three times in cross country.

She was the individual cross country WISAA state champion in her sophomore and senior years and a third place finisher her junior year. She also was the individual Metro Conference champion in her senior year.

In track Kristin was a WISAA state champion in the 800 meter and 1600 meter runs in her junior year, a Metro conference champion in the 1600 meter run in her sophomore and junior years and in the 800 meter run in her junior year. The most amazing aspect of her state track titles was that her winning performances occurred after she had played an 80 minute soccer game earlier that day in leading Pius to a WISAA State soccer title.

Kristin was a three year starter on the varsity basketball team. During that time span the team won three conference titles, three state titles and had a cumulative record of 77 wins and 1 loss. They were ranked #1 in the state all three years and were also nationally ranked all three years.

Kristin was also an outstanding student who was ranked near the top of her class. She went to George Washington University on a full basketball scholarship. After her freshmen year in which she played both basketball and soccer, she decided to concentrate solely on soccer. She was a co-captain on the 1992 GW soccer team which became the first team in GW history to make the NCAA Division I Tournament. Kristin was selected to the All-Atlantic 10 Soccer Team in her sophomore and senior years. Kristen's selection in her first year of eligibility for the Pius Athletic Hall of Fame is well deserved.

Jeff Cucunato graduated from Pius in 1991. He played basketball for two years and soccer for four, all of them at the varsity level. He became one of the few male athletes in Pius history to earn four major letters in one sport.

Jeff was captain of the soccer team in his junior and senior years. In his sophomore, junior and senior years he earned all-conference honors and was selected "most valuable defender" by his teammates. He helped his team reach the state championship game three times resulting in two second place finishes and one state championship in 1988.

Not only was Jeff an outstanding goalie, he was also excellent in the classroom. He graduated with a 3.9 cumulative grade point average and was a member of the National Honor Society. These accomplishments paved the way for his acceptance into Dartmouth College where he continued his soccer career. He was, again, a four year varsity player and a three time major letter winner. Jeff was a member of the 1992 Dartmouth team that was a NCAA quarter finalist and the 1992 Ivy League Champions. Jeff clearly exemplifies all of the qualities and accomplishments that befit a member of the Pius Athletic Hall of Lame.

Leon Pachowitz graduated from Pius in 1969. He has put his mark on a number of athletic programs at Pius not only as a student athlete, but also as a coach, leader, supporter, promoter and innovator. His contributions have been significant and many.

As a Pius student, he was a starter on two conference championship teams - the 1968 football and baseball teams. His work ethic, his desire to win and his persistence helped him become a major factor and contributing member of those championship seasons.

Leon came back to Pius as a coach in football and in wrestling. He spent ten years coaching football at all levels and six years helping out in wrestling. His teams were always well coached and competitive. He was an assistant on the 1979 WISAA State wrestling championship team.

Leon made a significant contribution to the Pius community, the Pius girls basketball program and to girls basketball in the State of Wisconsin when he founded and organized the Optimist Charity Basketball Classic. For eleven years the Optimist Classic had the status of a major national girls basketball tournament. It featured some of the top teams and top players in the country. It also brought much national and local attention to the Pius girls program and to girls high school basketball in Wisconsin.

He was also instrumental in the formation of the Pius Gridiron Club, an organization committed to building excellence in the Pius football program.

As its first president, Leon helped recruit members, developed the club's structure and secured important financing. To whatever extent the football program benefits from the efforts of this club, Leon will deserve much of the credit.

Leon further contributed to the greater Pius community by providing six years of leadership as a member of the school's Board of Directors. His business experience and acumen have been invaluable in some of the major decisions and undertakings of the school. One of those endeavors, a capital campaign, may be key in the building of a state-of-the-art fieldhouse. Such a facility would provide immeasurable benefits to the whole athletic program.

All of these efforts, accomplishments and contributions speak of Leon's love of and commitment to Pius and its athletic programs. They also validate his well-deserved membership in the Pius Athletic Hall of Fame.

Mike Jurewicz, a 1963 Pius graduate, excelled in three sports, football, basketball and baseball. In his senior year he was a selectee to the first team all-conference and all-state teams in football and in baseball. He was also selected to the all-tournament team at the state basketball tournament and received all-state recognition in basketball. His final and perhaps greatest honor in his senior year was his selection as the Wisconsin High School Player of the Year.

Mike played on six conference championship teams, two each in football, basketball and baseball. In his senior year he was the leading rebounder on the conference champion basketball team. He was also the leading hitter and ace pitcher of a baseball team that went undefeated to become state champions, the first baseball state title in Pius history.

That year he received the UNICO award as the best high school athlete in the Milwaukee area.

Though recruited to play football by Notre Dame, Wisconsin and several other major universities, Mike decided to pursue a baseball career and signed a contract with the New York Yankees at the age of 17. He made his major league debut two years later becoming the youngest Yankee in history to pitch at the major league level. His career was cut short because of an arm injury, but not before he had the opportunity to be on a team with baseball greats, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris and Whitey Ford. Mike was truly one of the most gifted athletes to ever play at Pius and is a quality addition to the Pius Hall of Fame.

Vic Kearney, a 1968 Pius graduate, participated in three sports, football, basketball and track, at Pius. In football he was a team leader and two year starter on some very good Pius football teams.

In his junior and senior years he was recognized as one of the best players in the area earning honors on the all-area and all-conference teams. His track achievements included two silver medal finishes in the high jump as he helped lead the Pius track team to two conference championships and a couple of high finishes in the state track meet.

After Pius, Vic spent one year playing football for the Air Force Preparatory School where he was the starting fullback on a 6 - 2 team. From there Vic went to the University of Oklahoma where he played for the next four years. He played and

lettered at three different positions, safety, linebacker and defensive end. In 1971 he was a starting linebacker in what has been hailed as the "Game of the Century" when OU played Nebraska. In 1972 he was an honorable mention All Big Eight Conference selection. Vic played in three different bowl games, the Astro Blue Bonnet Bowl and twice in the Sugar Bowl.

His bowl record was two wins and one tie. In both his junior and senior years OU was ranked second in both polls. In 1972 he was a member of the Big Eight Conference Champions.

Vic concluded his playing career as a professional, playing linebacker for the San Diego Chargers in 1973. While at OU, he played under and with many football greats. Three of his coaches became head NFL coaches and two of them (Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer) won Super Bowls. Four of his former teammates are in the NFL Hall of Fame. Larry Lacewell, director of scouting for the Dallas Cowboys, summed it all up in a congratulatory letter to Vic. "He (Vic) was a coach's dream because he was smart, tough and a wonderful worker. He did not fit the mold of the big, strong, fast guy; but he possessed those qualities that make a person successful in life, as well as on the football field." These are the very qualities that have made Vic so successful and a most deserving member of the Pius Athletic Hall of Fame.

The 1981 Lady Popes Volleyball team was the first of many state champions in one of the most successful girls volleyball programs in the State of Wisconsin. They set a standard for future Pius teams as well as for girls volleyball in general. They, were the spring board for the tradition of excellence that has characterized Pius girls volleyball ever since.

Their accomplishments that season included an 88-12 game record, a 36-2 match record, three tournament championships, a Metro Conference championship and a WISAA State championship. In the process of winning the state title the team set a state record of allowing only 5.6 points per game.

Much of the success enjoyed by this team can be credited to coach Tom Diciaula, who molded this team with innovative ideas, cutting edge practices, off-season conditioning programs and personal motivation of all the players. Four members of the '81 team received Division 1 volleyball scholarships and several members went on to coach at the high school and college levels. Many still play, coach and promote the sport of volleyball.

The members of the team included Marie Pitrof, Mary Ellen McCann, Patty Wepfer, Sue Laitsch, Maureen Pitrof, Mary Peterson, Toty Aranibar, Jenny Brown, Margie Andera, Sue Blochowiak, Mary Ellen Cogan, Julie Gaeth, Amy Landisch, Chris Hamilton, Cathy Jacobs and coach Diciaula.

The 1991 softball team has earned the honor of induction into the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame by virtue of their perfect season.

They finished with a 22 - 0 record, won the WISAA state championship and finished the season as the top ranked team in the state.

They were unscored upon in the state championship series and won the championship game 13 - 0. Several players received all-state and all-conference honors and 5 of the players continued their softball careers in college. Katie Peterson earned first team All Big 10 Conference a few years later.

Members of the team were Amy Jankowski, Stacy Jankowski, Katie Peterson, Deanna Schmid, Andrea Geiger, Susan Hibner, Lori Schroeder, Jennifer McCann, Lynn Wieczorek, Bobbi Zeider, Angie Faeh, Kim White, Marnie Weber, Eileen Horaitis, Brenda Brunner, head coach Joel Classen and assistant coach Peter Yaeger.

Mike Coakley graduated from Pius in 1974 as one of the most successful wrestlers in school and state history. His varsity dual match record in his junior and senior years was an incredible 61 wins and only 1 loss. He was undefeated in his senior year with 21 pins and 11 decisions. In that same year, only 4 points were scored against Mike and 3 of them were in the state tournament. This feat is one of the best, if not the best, ever achieved by a high school wrestler in the state of Wisconsin.

In his senior year, Mike was co-captain of the Pius squad which won the dual meet conference championship, finished 2nd in the conference tour-nament, 2nd in the sectional meet and 3rd in the WISAA State Tournament. Besides repeating as a WISAA State champion, Mike won championships in his weight class at other prestigious tournaments including the West Allis Central Tournament, the Riverside Invitational, the Catholic Conference Tournament and the State Sectional Tournament.

He was ranked the 2nd best wrestler in the State of Wisconsin by Cross Face Magazine.

Mike's college wrestling accomplishments were equally impressive. As a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, he finished 2nd in the Wisconsin State University Conference Championships. The following year he won the Wisconsin State University Championship. He transferred to Winona State University where he finished 2nd in each of his final two years in the Minnesota State University Championships. He was a co-cap-tain his senior year.

In 1980-81 Mike became head wrestling coach at Pius. His team finished the season with an 11-2-2 record in dual meet competition. They finished 2nd in the Menomonee Falls Tournament, 2nd in the Conference Tournament, Ist in the Regional Tournament and 4th in the WISAA State Tournament. Mike's accomplishments as a wrestler and his contributions to the successes of the Pius XI wrestling program have earned him the honor of membership in the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

Maureen Pitrof Morello graduated from Pius in 1982 as one of the most honored female student athletes in school history.

She earned major letters in volleyball (3), basketball (4), and track (3). She was a captain in her senior year for both volleyball and basketball. She became the first female basketball player in school history to score more than 1,000 career points.

She was named the 1982 UNICO "Outstanding All Around Female Athlete" and her 4.2 GPA helped her become the Wisconsin recipient of the Wade Trophy, an honor bestowed on a state ís most accomplished high school female athlete.

Maureen earned all conference honors twice in volleyball and three times in basketball. She earned all state honors in volleyball her senior year and in basketball her junior and senior years. She was a member of 8 conference championship teams (3 in volleyball, 3 in basketball and 2 in track). She was also a member of 6 state championship teams (2 in volleyball, 2 in basketball and 2 in track). She was a member of Pius' first state championship teams in volleyball, track and basketball

The University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee awarded Maureen an athletic scholarship for both volleyball and basketball. She earned all-Conference and all-American honors in basketball (2 times) and volleyball (3 times). She played in one national basketball tournament and four national volleyball tournaments and helped her team to 5th, 4th and 3rd place finishes in the volleyball tournaments. Twice she was selected to the all-tournament team at the volleyball nationals and was honored as the MVP of the 1985 tourna-ment. She was invited to tryout for the national volleyball team.

Three times Maureen was recognized as an outstanding UWM Scholar Athlete for excellence in academics and athletics. In 1986 she was the female recipient of the Herman Kluge Outstanding Senior Scholar Athlete Award.

She finished her college career with a 3.4 cumulative GPA and as a school record holder in numerous statistical categories in both volleyball and bas-ketball. She was selected to the UWM All-Century Basketball Team and was inducted into the UWM Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997.

Her many significant athletic achievements have become a part of Pius athletic lore and have earned her a well deserved membership in the Pius XI

Athletic Hall of Fame.

Keith Nosbusch graduated from Pius in 1969 as a multi-sport ath-lete. He was a major letter winner in football, wrestling and baseball.

He was a captain of the 1968 conference championship football team, a member of the school's first state wrestling championship team and a major contributor to the 1968 conference championship baseball team. His athletic abilities were considerable, but his leadership qualities, his desire to excel, his willingness to work hard and his determination to win set him apart from many other quality athletes. He also graduated from Pius as an "A" student.

Keith went to the University of Wisconsin - Madison where he became a 4 year starter as an offensive lineman. Though small for the position he played, he was extremely successful against some of the best competition in the country. He was named a captain of the team in his senior season and was honored with his selection to the Big 10 All-Conference football team. He was also selected to the All-Big 10 Academic Team in his junior and senior year and won the Student Athlete Award in his senior year. Keith was an engineering major at Madison and graduated with honors.

He subsequently earned a Masters degree in Business Administration in 1978.

Keith took a shot at the NFL when he tried out with the Atlanta Falcons. He made it all the way to the final cut. The end of his football career signaled the beginning of his professional career when he took a position with Allen Bradley in Milwaukee. Over the years, his abilities and attitude helped him advance to the position of President and CEO of Rockwell Automation, Inc., a multi-billion dollar international corporation.

The personal attributes which enabled Keith to accomplish so much as a student athlete at Pius and UW-Madison are the same ones which have made him successful in life and made him a most deserving addition to the Pius Athletic Hall of Fame.

Pat White, a 1992 Pius gradu-ate, may be the best soccer player to ever play for Pius. He certainly was the most accom-plished. In his senior year, he was captain of a team that was the top ranked team in the state most of the season and finished 3rd in the state championship tournament. In his junior year, the team finished 2nd in the state. Pat was selected to the all-conference team in both his junior and senior years and was voted Pius' MVP in his final season.

Pat attended the University of Wisconsin-Parkside where he set numerous school records in soccer. In 1993, he led the nation in assists (23) and finished his college career with 57 goals and 51 assists - both school records. He was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference "player of the year" as a senior, earned All-Midwest honors for 3 consecutive seasons and was selected to the NCAA, Division 2, 2nd team All-American as a junior and the Ist team as a senior. In 2001, Pat was inducted into the UW-Parkside Athletic Hall of Fame.

He was a member of the National indoor team that won a gold medal in Guatamala in 1996. He was also an alternate on the 1996 U.S. Olympic team. He was drafted in the first round by the Milwaukee Wave in the 1995 NPSL Amateur draft. In his first 8 seasons with the Wave he missed only 5 games and scored over 200 goals in 300 games making him the Wave's 3rd all-time leading scorer.

Pat's significant soccer accomplishments make him a worthy addition to the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

Andrea (Adams) Scott graduated from Pius in 1981. Her high school athletic accomplishments were considerable and helped her carn a full basketball scholarship to the University of Wisconsin where she played for 4 years. While at Pius she participated in track and in basketball, earning 3 major letters in track and 4 major letters in basketball.

She participated in several track events including sprinting, hurdling and throwing. She was a conference champion in the shot put and a contributing member to 2 state and 2 conference championship teams.

In basketball she was a member of the varsity all 4 years and as a freshman helped Pius earn it's first trip ever to the state tournament. In her junior year Andrea was the leading scorer and rebounder on Pius's first state and first conference championship team, a team that went undefeated and was ranked # 1 in the state of Wisconsin.

As a senior Andrea was a captain of a championship team that went undefeated in conference play. She was honored as a selectee to the Kiwanis and Easter Seals All-Star teams and to the Metro Conference all-conference team for the second time. She also earned all-state honors.

She received the Badgers Coach award in her senior year at Madison and has used her basketball experience and knowledge to help coach youngsters in California and Georgia.

Andrea's achievements as an athlete and a person make her an excellent addition to the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

The 1972 Pius XI Varsity football team became the first Pius team to win a state football championship. The team capped off a highly successful season with a 10 - 0 victory over Stevens Point Paccili at Camp Randall Stadium to win the WISAA crown.

With head coach, Ron Wied, at the helm, the team overcame some early season adversity, including a 7 - 0 loss to Waukesha Catholic Memonal to finish the season with 10 wins and 1 loss. In the semifinals of state tournament play the Pius Popes avenged the only blemish on their season with a 22-0 thumping of the Memorial squad.

During the course of the season the team scored an impressive 191 points while holding their opponents to only 40. Seven of their wins were shutouts. One of their wins, a 12 - 7 victory over Thomas More, was an improbable come-from-behind-in-the-final-seconds win that eventually gave them a share of the conference championship and an invitation to the state playofts.

Several players from this team continued their football careers successfully in college and even had NFL tryouts. But the success of this season was due to the efforts, sacrifices and contributions of many and has carned this team Pius XI Hall of Fame membership.

The coaches were Ron Wied, Gerald Pintar, and Greg Ross. The managers were Tom Schreiner, Dick Karner, Kevin Rezel and Mike DeSimone.

The players were Chris Benson, Jerry Brewer, Jim Bowman, Dave Brandt, Kevin Callen, Robert Cornish, Mark Cusatis, John Cusatis, Tom Dietz, Mark Feldhusen, Joe Girmscheid, Rob Henke, Scott Henrick, Don Kitten, Mike Kokott, Bruce Kraemer, Frank Kuge, James Laemmerich, Steve Leannah, Tom Leonardelli, Todd Leonardelli, Jeff Mehl, Steve Meyer, Phil Meyer, Peter Nemetz, Tom Parsons, Matt Quinn, Roger Radke, John Rasmussen, James Reidy, Joe Rondinelli, Nick Rondinelli, Dave Sawicki, Bill Sawicki, Pat Sullivan, Tim Tadych, Mike Tanel, and Bob Werner.

Dave Theisen graduated from Pius in 1959 as one of the finest all-around athletes to ever participate in sports at Pius. Dave was a standout in football, basketball and track. As a senior he earned all conference honors in football and in basketball. He was an excellent high jumper in track and cleared 6'1" without the benefit of coaching or technique.

In his senior year Dave was a captain on the undefeated 1958 football team and led the team and the conference in scoring and rushing. In 7 conference games he scored 12 touchdowns and 13 extra points. His rushing average was a phenomenal 11.5 yards per carry. That year he also led the basketball team in scoring. In addition to being selected first team all conference in football for the second year in a row, Dave received all state recognition and was honored as an All Catholic All American Football Player.

Dave received a full scholarship to play football at Marquette University. When Marquette dropped football after Dave's freshmen year, he transferred to the University of Nebraska where he played for the next 3 years. In 1962 he played in the Gotham Bowl against the University of Miami and in 1963 he played in the Orange Bowl against Auburn. Dave's professional career lasted from 1964 through 1967, with the Los Angeles Rams, the Toronto Argonauts and the Winnipeg Bluebombers.

Dave earned a doctorate in Psychology, worked 13 years as a psychologist, changed carcers and retired in 1997 as a real estate broker and developer. Those qualities that have made Dave successful as a person, a business man and an athlete make him a solid addition to the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

A 1974 graduate of Pius, Roger Radke returned to Pius in 1980 as a Social Studies teacher and a soccer coach. As a classroom teacher and a department chair, Roger has significantly contributed to academic excellence at Pius. As the head coach of the men's soccer program he made considerable contributions to the establishment, development and success of the program. It is these coaching accomplishments that have made Roger a deserving member of the Pius Athletic Hall of Fame.

As a student athlete at Pius Roger played football and was a member of the 1972 state championship team. His involvement in soccer started after high school with the Milwaukee Kickers. His career with the Kickers included playing goalie at both the major level and the reserve level as well as coaching and conducting camps and clin-ies for younger players.

The Pius men's soccer program under Roger's leadership and guidance became a perennial soccer power for the better part of two decades. His teams were always contenders for conference titles and won 2 of them in 1992 and 1993. He took his team to the state championship game 5 times and won 3 of them in 1980, 1988 and

1993. In 1993 Roger was honored as Coach-of-the-Year by the Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association. In 1994 he was selected a head coach for the Wisconsin Masonic All-Star game.

A number of Roger's players went on to play soccer at the college level and a few of them have played at the professional level. Two of these players are members of the Pius Athletic Hall of Fame and one of his former players became a head coach at a major Division 1 program.

In addition to building and leading the men's soccer program Roger provided valuable assistance to the women's soccer program on numerous occasions. His most notable contribution to the Lady Popes program occurred in 2000 when he took over a team that was struggling early in the season and led them to the state championship game. The core of that team helped the Lady Popes win a WIAA state title the following year.

Ron Dentinger graduated from Pius in 1960. Those who knew him as a football player would attest that there were few who played the game better than he and none were tougher.

In his senior year he played in the championship game against Marquette with One arm strapped to his body because of a shoulder dislocation.

Ron started on the varsity in his sophomore, junior and senior years and earned All-Conference and All-State honors in all 3 of those years. He was a team co-captain in his senior year and was selected as an honorable mention high school All-American. During his junior and senior seasons the Pius football team lost only one game.

The Pius football program prior to 1959 was respectable at best. During Ron's years they became a football powerhouse with the 1959 team (Ron's junior year) being arguably the best football team in school history. Without question Ron was an integral part of the change in the Pius football fortunes.

Ron was recruited by a number of colleges to play foot-ball. He decided to play at the University of Wisconsin where he lettered in his freshmen year. He continued his football career with the Racine Raiders, a semi-pro football perennial powerhouse in the Central States League. While with the Raiders he was honored with a selection to the All-League team.

Ron was one of the first of a special breed of players that have been a big part of the Pius football history and successes. As such he set a standard for Pius linemen that few others have reached. He is an honored addition to the Pius Athletic Hall of Fame.

The 1990 Girls' Basketball team experienced a season unprecedented by any other girls team in Wisconsin basketball history. They finished the season with a number 3 national ranking and were a legitimate candidate for a number 1 ranking in the opinion of many basketball experts. The national ranking was the icing on the cake for a season that included a 26 and 0 record, a number 1 state ranking, an 11th consecutive Metro Conference championship, a 9th consecutive WISAA State title, and a championship in a highly touted national tournament in Altoona, PA. The 9th straight state title was a national record and the Altoona tournament featured victories over 3 nationally ranked teams. The final victory of the season brought the program's undefeated streak to 56 straight games. 

The 1990 Lady Popes brought national honor to the Pius girls basketball program and respect for all high school girls basketball in Wisconsin. Their membership in the Pius Athletic Hall of Fame is an appropriate tribute.

The members of the 1990 squad include head coach Joel Claassen, assistant coach Tom Persin and team members, Tammy Augustine, Brenda Brunner, Kristin Davidson, Dianna Freckmann, Michelle Guyant, Ginny Hamill, Eileen Horaitis, Amy Jankowski, Stacy Jankowski, Jenny Myszewski, Amy Netzel, Becky Persin, Kate Peterson, Deanna Schmid, Kristin Sobocinski, Julie Zych and Paula Glodowski.

John Rasmussen, a 1973 Pius graduate, was a major letter winner in 3 sports - football, track and wrestling. It was football, however, where John distinguished himself. He was captain of the football team in his senior year and helped lead the team to the 1972 WISAA State Championship. John was first team All-Conference in

both his junior and senior year and MVP of the All-Area team in his senior year. That year he also carned All-State and All-American honors, won the Lombardi Trophy for Outstanding High School Lineman and was selected as the United Italian Community Organization's Football Player of the year in the State of Wisconsin.

John received numerous scholarship offers from many prestigious college football programs, but chose the University of Wisconsin. He was a three-year starter at defensive tackle and was selected captain in his senior year.

John was honored as a senior as a recipient of the Russ Winnie award for outstanding Athletic and Academic Achievement. He was drafted by the New England Patriots and had subsequent tryouts with the Dallas Cowboys and the Cleveland Browns.

After his playing days John joined the high school football coaching ranks. His coaching career included a varsity assistant position at Pius from 1987 to 1991. John's many honors and accomplishments qualify him as a solid addition to the Pius Athletic Hall of Fame.

Maryellen McCann Durow graduated from Pius in 1984 as one of the most successful and accomplished female athletes in school history. She participated on the varsity level for 4 straight years in volleyball, basketball and track and her achievements in all 3 sports were considerable. She was a member of 8 state championship teams - 3 in volleyball, 3 in basket-ball, and 2 in track.

In her junior and senior years Maryellen earned All-Conference honors in both volleyball and basketball. She was an All-State selection in both sports in her senior year. As a thrower in track Maryellen excelled in both the shot put and the discus.

She was a conference champion twice and a state champion once.

She held the Pius school record in the shot put for more than 20 years with an outstanding throw of 42 feet. As a senior she was a team captain in basketball and volleyball, the conference leading scorer in basketball, first team All-Area in basketball and UNICO'S Female Athlete of the Year for Milwaukee.

Maryellen received a full 4-year scholarship to play volleyball at the University of Northern Iowa where she became a 4-year starter and broke numerous school records in kills, blocks, serving aces and hitting percentage. She was an All-Gateway Conference selection in her junior and senior years and All-Midwest Region in her senior year. Her teams were conference champions in her junior and senior years and made two consecutive NCAA Division I tournament appearances. She was inducted into the University of Northern Iowa Athletic Hall of Fame in October of 2006.

Maryellen continued her volleyball successes as a varsity coach at Irving High School in Irving, Texas, where she turned a struggling program into a perennial powerhouse and was named Irving "Coach of the Year" for 4 straight years and District

"Coach of the Year" in 1996. Her substantial accomplishments clearly quality Maryellen as a great addition to the Pius Athletic Hall of Fame.

Kathy Davidson came to Pius as a math teacher in 1978 and became chairperson of the department in1979. She remained in that position until she left Pius in 1993. Her accomplishments and leadership as a teacher and a department chair were substantial and extremely beneficial to the entire Pius community. As an educator she has been honored several times as "Teacher of the Year".

In 1983, Kathy became coach of the freshmen girls' basketball team. In 1987 she took over the reins of the JV girls' basketball team.

When she finished coaching basketball at Pius in 1992, her amazing record included 5 undefeated seasons and only 10 defeats in 10 years. Conference championships were the norm.

Kathy began coaching girls' soccer in 1988 as the varsity assistant and became the head varsity coach from 1989 to 1992. In every one of her 4 seasons as head varsity coach her teams were the #1 ranked team in Wisconsin, the WISAA State champions, and the Metro Conference champions. The cumulative team record during that span was 81-3-3, an incredible 95% winning percentage. Kathy again coached a girls' soccer team in Phoenix, Arizona in 1994 and 1995. Those teams won 2 state championships and had an overall record of 39-1.

In the acclaimed Nicolet High School Soccer Tournament of Champions Kathy coached Pius teams to 4 straight championships. Her teams also won the prestigious Al Gusho Memorial Tournament and the equally prestigious Madison Memorial Tournament of Champions multiple times. Ten of the girls who played on Kathy's teams went on to successful college soccer experiences in Division 1 programs.

In 1992 the Wisconsin Soccer Coaching association named Kathy as the Coach of the Year. That same year she was picked as a head coach in the inaugural Wisconsin High School All-Star game. Her phenomenal coaching credentials and achievements as well as her many other contributions to the Pius academic and athletic communities have merited Kathy the honor of membership in the Pius Athletic Hall of Fame.

Mike Kelley graduated from Pius in 1997 as the first 4-year varsity player in the men's basketball program at Pius. He earned All-Conference honors in his sophomore, junior and senior years and was selected the Metro Conference Player of the Year in his senior season. Mike also earned All-State honors in his senior year and was named the Gatorade State Player of the Year.

In his sophomore, junior and senior years Mike was a major part of the Pius Metro Conference championship teams. And as a junior he led Pius to a WISAA State championship. He was the team's captain in his final season and an honor roll student throughout all his years at Pius.

Mike received a full scholarship to play basketball at UW-Madison where he became a 4-year starter. As a sophomore he was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. In his junior year he helped the UW men's team reach the NCAA Final Four. As a senior he was a candidate for both the Wooden and the Naismith National Player of the Year honors. He was a team captain in both his junior and senior seasons. Mike graduated as the all-time leader for steals in UW history and as a 3-time member of the All Big Ten Academic team.

His tremendous achievements and continued successes have earned Mike well-deserved membership in the Pius Athletic Hall of Fame.

Gary Pieske has taught and coached at Pius XI for more than twen-ty-five years. For twelve of those years he was the head varsity coach of the boys basketball program. His varsity teams won 20l games in twelve years and his junior varsity teams won 208 games in thirteen years. His overall winning percentage was a magnificent 74% against some of the best competition around.

His varsity record included five conference championships, two state championships (including the final WISAA state title), and a second place finish in the state tournament. Three of Gary's teams were undefeated in conference play - an unprecedented accomplishment in Pius XI boys' basketball history. His final winning percentage in Metro Conference play made him one of the most successful coaches in Metro Conference history. Gary was selected as Metro Conference coach of the year three times and was selected as a Wisconsin Basketball Coaching Association All-Star coach twice.

Gary was also a part of a conference and state championship team as a varsity assistant in the girls' program prior to becoming head of the boys' program. In addition to coaching basketball, Gary coached football at Pius XI for ten years - seven as a varsity assistant. He won a conference championship as the head freshmen coach and another conference championship as the head junior varsity coach.

Gary's great work ethic, commitment to excellence and knowledge of the game paved the way for his many and significant successes as a coach and has earned him a well deserved membership in the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

Jim DeNomie graduated from Pius XI in 196l as one of the most talented and accomplished athletes in Pius track history. His individual achievements helped the Popes win three consecutive private school state titles in 1959, 1960 and 1961.

In 1959 as a sophomore, Jim contributed to Pius XI's first state championship by anchoring the medley relay team and leading it to a come-from-behind victory. Jim was again instrumental in helping the Popes win a state title in 1960 when he finished second in the 880 yard run and ran a leg on the winning and record setting sprint relay squad. In 1961, Jim contributed a second place finish in the quarter mile, and first place finishes in the half-mile run and the sprint relay to lead Pius XI to a third consecutive state championship. All three of these efforts broke existing state meet records. The 196l state championship was the most dramatic and was decided on the final event of the meet, the sprint relay. As the anchor leg Jim enabled Pius XI to win the event and the team title by I-point.

Jim was the first Pius XI athlete to break the two-minute mark in the half-mile run and went undefeated as a senior in that race. In fact he broke two-minute barrier five times that year, including a state record time of 1:57.7.

Jim has had many and very successful post Pius XI involvements. He attributes much of his success in life to his Pius XI track experiences and more specifically to the guidance, leadership and friendship of his high school track coach, George Garrot. Jim's induction reconnects him to his mentor as a fellow member of the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

Jennifer (Brown) Simmons graduated from Pius XI in 1984 as one of the most talented and accomplished female track athletes in school history. Her success stories began in her freshmen year in the 100-meter high hurdle race where she won the outdoor Metro Conference championship and finished sixth at the WISAA State meet.

Her successes in her ensuing years became more numerous and more impressive. Jennifer excelled in the 100 meter and 300 meter hurdles as well as in the high jump. She finished her high school career with ten first place finishes in conference meets and seven first places in state meet competition. She won both hurdle races and the high jump at the state meet in her junior and senior years and was selected the VISAA female MVP both years. Jennifer set two state meet records her junior year and broke her own record in the 300-meter hurdles her senior year.

Jennifer was a conference and state high jump champion in her sophomore, junior and senior years. Her record high jump of 5' 7.5" is a school record that still stands. It was also the final Metro Conference high jump record.

Jennifer received a scholarship to UW-Madison where she competed as a hurdler and a high jumper. She took forth place in the 1987 Big Ten Indoor conference meet. For the past eleven years she has coached track at UW-Whitewater (eight years) and Whitnall High School (three years). Her significant track accomplishments and contributions make Jennifer a most deserving inductee into the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

John Brusky, a 1976 Pius XI graduate was an outstanding high school athlete in football and in track.

He was also the epitome of what it meant to be a student athlete. John was honored in his junior year with a selection to the All-Metro Confrence Football team. His football accomplishments through the end of his junior season made him a legitimate candidate for All-Conference and All-State honors his senior year.

His promising senior season started well, but ended abruptly in the second game of the season when John suffered a severe knee injury.

His competitive spirit and desire to help the team was never more evident than when he played several more downs after his injury. His team commitment and his sense of responsibility as a team captain made understandable his physical presence at most of the practices and games for the rest of the season. No doubt John was one of the most talented running backs to ever play for the Popes and would have been one of the most accomplished had he not been injured.

His track talents were equally as impressive. John was a contributing member in his sophomore and junior years to two WISAA State Track Championships. As a junior he was a member of the mile relay team that went undefeated and came within a fraction of a second of the school record. His speed and his determination made John one of the best quarter milers in Pius XI track history. The same injury that ended John's football season also short-circuited his very promising senior track season.

John's contributions to the Pius XI community and to Pius XI athletics have continued throughout the years. He has been a coach in the Pius XI Junior Pope football program and one of the founding fathers and officers of the Pius XI Grid Iron Club.

Few in the history of Pius XI athletics had as much natural athletic ability as John and even fewer had his competitiveness and tough-ness. What "might have been" is insignificant to "what was" — a superior athlete totally committed to personal excellence and to team success.

Above all else John's spirit of perseverance and commitment to Pius XI athletic and academic excellence have earned him membership in the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

The 1968 Pius XI Football team will be remembered as one of the best teams in school football history. In Ron Wied's first season as head coach, the team won the conference championship with an 8 and 0 record. They scored 179 points while allowing only 58.

Ten members of the team went on to play football at the college level. Seven team members received all-Conference honors. Keith Nosbusch and Mike Levenhagen merited all-State honors and Tom Cook was recognized as an all-American. They were a special group of talented young men who came together with a common goal, made the necessary sacrifices, and paid the price (hard work) of success. Their induction into the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame is well deserved.

The team members were Jim Bachhuber, John Bachhuber, James Beaudry, Michael Bonis, Steve Bowen, Ray Clark, Tim "Doc" Clements, Tom Cook, Dennis Crowley, Tim Doherty, Randy Dyzak, Bill Eaton, Richard Edgerton, Tom Fons, Chuck Gerszewski, Ken Girmscheid, Tony Graziano, John Hansen, Bob Haydock, Mike Kaiser, Cary Kastelic, Mike Levenhagen, Mark Levenhagen, Craig Mackus, Claude Madison, George McDermott, Jim Miller, Jim Murphy, John Muskatevc, Keith Nosbusch, Tim. O'Brien, Leon Pachowitz, Alan Peik, Mark Sabljak, Richard Schuenke, Dan Sherman, Dave Smith, Joe Wall, Glenn Wargolet, head coach, Ron Wied, and assistant coach-es, Dick Fischer and Jerry Pintar.

Few coaches in Pius XI athletic history have coached as many different sports, worked as hard or enjoyed as much success as Ken Kessenich. He has also been a superior teacher in the Science Department for more than 25 years, and has served as department chair in both Science and in Engineering and Technology.

He has been an assistant coach in Girls Basketball, Girls Track, Co-ed Track, and Girls Cross Country. Ken was a varsity assistant on the first Pius XI Girls State Basketball Championship team in 1980. He also served as a volunteer coach in Track (10 years) and Basketball (7 years) at St. Rita's Grade School. Ken was the head Boys Golf coach at Pius XI for Il years and led the team to one State appearance.

His biggest impact as a head coach at Pius XI was in Girls Track. After assisting in the program for 6 years, Ken spent the next Il years as the head coach. His teams won 10 outdoor Conference titles and tied a national record with 8 consecutive State championships. During his tenure as head coach, Pius XI was recognized as one of the premier girls track programs in Wisconsin.

His work ethic, attention to detail and organizational skills have made Ken a highly successful teacher and coach and have made him most deserving of membership in the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

Dave Teresinski graduated from Pius XI in 1965 as one of the most accomplished and successful athletes in school history.

Dave played baseball (I year) and football (4 years) at UW-Oshkosh. He went on to teach and coach in the Waupun School District from 1969 until 2003.

He was a football and basketball coach for 30 plus years. At Pius XI, Dave excelled in 3 sports, football, basketball and baseball. He won 8 major letters, 2 in football, 3 in basketball and 3 in baseball.

Dave was a Ist team all-Catholic Conference football player in 1964, when he scored 43 points (7 touchdowns) and had over 700 receiving yards. His baseball teams won 3 conference titles (63, 64 & 65) and 2 state championships (63 & 64). He was the starting catcher for 3 years and had a .350 batting average as a senior.

In basketball Dave was a member of 3 Conference Championship teams.

He was honored as a selectee to Ist team All Conference, All State Tournament team, and all UP team in his senior year. He was the team's leading scorer (15.9 points per game) and rebounder (17 per game) that season. He was picked to play for the Catholic All-star Team against the City All-stars in the post season.

Dave was one of an elite group of athletes at Pius XI that excelled in 3 sports and enjoyed personal and team successes in all of them. All his accomplishments and involvements have validated his membership in the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame...

The 2000 Boys Basketball Team will be long remembered as the team which won the final WISAA State Championship. They were certainly one of the best, if not the best, basketball team in Pius XI history. Their credentials included the best season record (24 - 1) in school history, and undefeated (14 - 0) conference record (one of 3 Pius XI Boys Basketball to accomplish this), a #I Area ranking and a #I State ranking by the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel. They outscored their opponents by an average of 18.8 points per game. Clearly they are a team worthy of Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame membership.

The team members were head coach - Gary Pieske, assistant coaches - Brian Kangas and Johnny Arnold; managers - Andy Harris, Tim Harris, Jason Chladek, and Taylor Chladek; statisticians - Krista Zellmer, Peter Kuhnz, Lloyd Peterson and Chris Fleming; video technician - Alex Krauska; and players - Garett Alexander, Mike Fredericks, James Ordinans, Dean Pogodzinski, Matt Pape, Dan Carey, Andy Sitzberger, Dan Gundry, Jason Aide, Femi Jones, Kyle Kubasa, Chris Sager, Chris MacGillis, Ryan Gardner, Kyle MacGillis, Marcus Norville, and Josh Pieper.

Jerry Pintar graduated from Pius XI in 1961 and was consider one of the top ten athletes in his class. As a student athlete Jerry excelled in football and track. He was a member of the varsity football team for 3 years and was on the first Pius XI Conference Championship team in 1958.

Jerry, an outstanding middle distance run-ner, was a member of a record setting Medley Relay team and a 4th place finisher (2:02) in the Half Mile race at the State Meet in his senior year. His teams in his junior and senior years were Conference and State champions.

Jerry came back to Pius XI as a teacher (English and Phy-Ed) and a coach in the 1965-66 school year. Over the next 40 plus years he coached football, tennis and track. He coached football for 19 seasons, 17 as an assistant varsity coach and 2 as a junior varsity coach. His junior varsity record was an impressive 12-1-1 and as a varsity coach he was part of 3 Conference Championships (68, 69 and 72). He was also a coach on the State Championship team in 1972.

Jerry was the head coach for the Pius XI Boys Varsity Tennis Team for 26 years.

He was the recipient of the National High School Tennis Coaching Award for Tennis in 1988. Over the years he had an 85% winning percentage in dual matches and tournaments. In 1987 Jerry's team won the Conference Tournament, the Dual Match Conference title and finished 3rd at the State Meet (the highest finish in school history). Jerry also coached the Girls Tennis for 2 years and his teams won 90% of their matches. For 8 years Jerry coached distance runners in track. The runners he coached were highly successful. One of those runners was his brother, Greg, who became a State Meet champion in the Mile race.

Numerous other involvements, honors and accomplishments are a part of jerry's resume and worthy of acknowledgement. He was the Pius XI Prom King in 1961, a two time major letter winner at UW - LaCrosse in Cross Country and in Track. He was also a member of the UW - LaCrosse Tennis Team. For 15 summers Jerry supervised adults and children in an MPS Tennis program. He had numerous sports related articles on football and tennis published in Athletic Journal and Proked. And to many Jerry will be remembered as the "ticket taker" a job he did for 40 plus years at most Pius XI home athletic events.

His many quality accomplishments and contributions to the betterment of Pius

XI athletics has made Jerry deserving of membership in the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

Steve Pape graduated from Pius XI in 1996 with 8 major letters, 2 in football, 2 in basketball and 4 in track. In an era where participation in multiple sports was no longer the norm, Steve excelled in 3 of them. In his senior year Steve was a captain on all 3 teams.

As a football player Steve led the conference (1995) in scoring with 12 touchdowns (5 conference games) and led his team to a conference championship. For the season, he had 20 total touchdowns and was selected as a Ist team All Conference running back and a 2nd team All Conference defensive back.

Other honors in his senior year included Greater Milwaukee Ist team halfback and honorable mention All State halfback.

In basketball Steve's teams compiled a 47 - 4 record in his 2 varsity years, won 2 Conference Championships (1995 & 1996), and | State Title (1996).

He was an All Conference selectee in both his junior and senior (Ist team) years, and earned honorable mention All Area honors as a senior. Steve was also outstanding in track as a sprinter and long jumper. He became the Pius XI 100 meter record holder and was a member of the 400 Meter Relay State Championship team (1994).

Steve's quality achievements as an all-around athlete helped his teams enjoy great success and have merited him membership in the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

A 1993 graduate, Brenda (Brunner) Hojnacki was an outstanding basketball and softball player at Pius XI. She was a varsity member and letter winner in both sports for all 4 years. She attended Colorado State University on a basketball scholarship from 1993 - 1996. She was an all conference academic honoree at Colorado State in her junior and senior years. She finished as the 2nd all time 3-point field goal percentage shooter in Colorado State basketball history. She returned to Pius XI as a math teacher and a coach from 1997 - 1999.

Her basketball career at Pius XI was filled with many personal and team successes. Brenda was Ist team All Conference and All Area in her sophomore, junior and senior years. In those same years she was 2nd team All State. In her senior year (1993) she was honored as the Conference Player of The Year and was a Street and Smith All American.

Her teams won 4 consecutive Conference and 4 consecutive State Championships. When she completed her Pius XI career, she was 3rd in career scoring (1594 points) and 3rd in career rebounding (542). She was a key player on teams that were part of the state record 92 game winning streak.

Brenda also excelled as a softball player. She was all conference for 3 years (1991 - 1993). Her teams were Conference champs 4 consecutive years and State Champions for 3 years. Brenda's excellent academic and athletic accomplishments have made her a quality addition to the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

Kristin (Sobocinski) Kollath graduated from Pius XI in 1990 with 10 major let-ters, 4 in volleyball, 4 in basketball and 2 in softball. She received a 4 year scholarship to UW-Madison to play volleyball.

At Wisconsin she was a 4 year starter, captain of the team in her senior year, an all Big Ten honoree in 1991, and MVP of the Badger Invitational Tournament in 1993. In her freshman year the Badgers won Big Ten Conference championship.

Kristin finished her college volleyball career as the 3rd leading scorer in school history.

At Pius XI Kristin was All Conference in volleyball in her sophomore, junior and senior years. She was All State in her junior and senior years and the WISAA Player of the Year in 1989. From 1986 - 1989 her teams won 4 consecutive Conference and 4 consecutive State titles. As a senior she was captain of a team that was ranked nationally in the top 20. That same season saw Kristin receive All American honors in USA Today and in Volleyball Monthly.

In basketball she earned All Conference honors, All Area honors and All State honors in her sophomore, junior and senior years. She was an All American as a senior and was selected as the MVP of the highly touted Altoona Tournament that featured several nationally ranked teams. She captained the 1990 team that was nationally ranked (4th). She was a member of teams that compiled many of the victories that were part of the 92 game winning streak, a state record. She finished her Pius XI basketball career 7th in career scoring (1080 points) and 4th in career rebounding (478).

Kristin played softball in her freshman and sophomore years. She made All Conference both years and led the team in batting average, runs batted in and home runs as a sophomore. Kristin was also academically successful and was a 2 year member of National Honor Society. Kristin's numerous and significant accomplishments have earned her the honor of membership in the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

Jenny Heft graduated from Pius XI in 1996 as one of the most successful female athletes in school history. She was a varsity starter all four years in both Basketball and Soccer, earning four major letters in each sport. She was also an outstanding student.

In Basketball she earned All-Conference honors four times, All Area honors three times and All-State honors two times. In her senior year Jenny was selected as the

Metro Conference "Player of the Year" and was picked as a Street and Smith All-American. She was a member of four Metro Conference Championship teams, two WISAA State Championship teams and four nationally ranked teams.

Her accomplishments in Soccer were equally impressive. Jenny was All-Conference for three years, All-State for four years, and Metro Conference "Player of the Year" in 1995. In 1996 she was picked as an All-American by the NCAA and by Parade magazine. She was also honored as the 1996 State of Wisconsin Female Prep Athlete of the Year.

Jenny accepted a full athletic scholarship to play soccer at the University of Notre Dame. She became Notre Dame's all-time leading scorer, the seventh all-time NCAA leading scorer, an All American and an Olympic team candidate. She was Notre Dame's MVP in 1998 and was selected in 1998 and 1999 as a first team member of the Big East All-Conference Women's Soccer Team. Her teams were Big East Conference Champions four times and advanced to the NCAA Final Four three times.

Her incredible accomplishments as a Pius XI athlete, as well as her equally incredible college-level accomplishments, have made Jenny's membership in the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame a highly appropriate and deserved honor.

Erin Terese (McDermott) Adricula, a 1988 Pius XI graduate, was one of the best Lady Pope distance runners in school history. She competed at the varsity level for four years in both Cross Country and Track. Erin finished fifth in the WISAA Cross Country State Meet as a junior and third as a senior. She led the team in 1987 to a second place finish, the highest finish in school history, at the WISAA State Meet.

As a track runner Erin set school records in the 1600-meter run (5:05) and the 3200-meter run (10:52). Those records have stood for more than 22 years and are likely to last much longer. Erin was a WISAA Track State Champion in the 3200-meter run in both 1987 and 1988. She finished second in those same two years in the 1600-run. In track she was a member of four Metro Conference and four WISAA State Championship teams.

In addition to her significant accomplishments as an athlete, Erin possessed and utilized many other talents. She was a member of several choirs including the prestigious Concert Choir in her senior year. She was a part of the Pius XI Spring Musical her sophomore, junior and senior years. She was a member of several other clubs and was an outstanding student.

Truly Erin fully utilized and developed all the gifts God gave her. Her efforts and achievements brought pride to her family, honor to herself and her school and glory to her Creator. Her Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame membership is well deserved.

Todd Leonardelli graduated from Pius XI in 1975. For all four years he was a member of the Football and Wrestling teams. He earned three major letters in each sport. As a sophomore he started on the 1972 WISAA State Championship team. Todd won three major letters in football and was an All-Metro Conference selection in both his junior and senior years.

Todd continued his Football career at Concordia College for two years and at Northern lowa University for two more years. He started all four years and was selected as a Junior College All-American while at Concordia.

As a Pius XI wrestler, Todd was a three-time major letter winner. He won the individual Metro Conference Championship in his junior and senior years. In those same two years he finished third and second respectively at the WISAA State Meet.

In his senior year Todd was a captain of the Football team, prom king and athlete of the year. He came back to Pius XI after college to coach Football for eight years, Wrestling for five years and Junior Popes Football for five years.

Because of his significant athletic accomplishments and his continuing strong commitment to Pius XI, Todd's membership in the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame is truly well-deserved and appropriate.

The 1992 Pius XI Girls Volleyball team is one of many outstanding teams from a traditionally strong and proud program. The accomplishments of this team include a Metro Conference Championship, a WISAA State Championship, a number 12 national ranking and a season record of 45 wins and only 5 losses. These accomplishments were realized despite the loss of several key players due to injuries. 

Nine members of the team went on to play Volleyball in college, six at the Division One level. Several team members became high school or college volleyball coaches. The 1992 team is a welcome and worthy addition to the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

Team members include: head coach, Dave Scher; assistant coach, Maureen Morello; Sara Stathas; Kelly Krupo; Carrie Hahn; Kim Zaporski; Sara Gonzales; Sara Glodowski; Lynn Wieczorek; Florence Ik; Bethany Hartshorn; Keelyn Krill; Teri Wroblewski; Cindy O'Brien; Jennifer Young; Shayla Kelley; Cari Lipski; Nichole Roethig; Jodi Fretschal; and Jessica Pitroski.

Ron Jurewicz graduated from Pius XI in 1966 as a participant in three sports:

Football, Basketball and Baseball. He earned nine major letters, three in each sport. As a starter in 1965 and 1966 he helped the basketball teams win Catholic Conference Championships with records of 13 - 3 and 14 -2 respectively.

He also was a two year starter in baseball and experienced a Conference Championship in his junior season.

As successful as Ron was in Basketball and Baseball, he truly excelled in Football. Again he was a member of a Catholic Conference Championship Team in 1965 and led the team to a 6-1 record. He earned first team All-Conference honors by the Milwaukee Journal and the Milwaukee Sentinel as a junior and as a senior. He led the conference in scoring in 1964 with 11 touchdowns (66 points) and tied for third in conference scoring in 1965 with & touchdowns (49 points). Ron earned All-State honors in both 1964 and 1965.

Ron received a Football scholarship to Wake Forest University where he was a three-year starter and a team captain as a senior. In his final season he was honored as the team's Offensive Most Valuable Player. After his college career Ron tried out for the Chicago Bears for two consecutive years and was a member of their Semi-Pro affiliate for one season.

Few athletes in the history of Pius XI Athletics excelled in three different sports to the degree that Ron did or experienced his level of success. His commitment to excellence and to success as well as his contributions to the rich history of Pius XI Athletics has made Ron a deserving and worthy member of the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

In 1980 the Pius XI Men's Soccer Team defeated Madison Edgewood I -0 to win the first Soccer State Championship in school history. Coached by Roger Radke, the team faced and defeated many quality opponents, including a first ever victory over perennial soccer power, Marquette, to finish the season with a 12-1-1 record. Five players were selected to the All-Metro Conference Team. It was a season that signaled the beginning of a proud tradition of quality men's soccer at Pius XI. During this season the team scored an average of 2.4 goals per game and allowed an average of only I goal per game. Their accomplishments have earned this team a place in Pius XI history and membership in the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

The team members include Mark Backe, Paul Hetzel, Marco Zoccoli, Rob Kluth, Mark Scopp, Pat Guenther, Alex Benitez, manager Charlie Kluth, Bill Bunzel, Jim McGilles, Mark Boldt, Scott Gross, Bob Jablonowski, Rich Klein, Jay Cashmore, Jim Schulte, John Gerkhardt, Paul Casanova, Tim OíBrien, Jim Atkinson, Doug Crys, Bill Sala, Pat Brzezinski, Dan O'Connell, Dan Kapusta, Bill Schulte, Joe Pless, head coach Roger Radke and assistant coach, Rick Pendergast.

Jon Coleman, a 1993 Pius XI graduate, earned 5 major letters - 3 in Soccer and 2 in Basketball. He was a team captain for both sports and earned All Metro Conference honors Soccer in his junior and senior seasons. He was the team assist leader in his senior year in both Soccer and Basketball and completed his high school soccer career with more than 100 points (assists and goals). As a senior, Jon's efforts and contributions in basketball helped the team enjoy a very successful season and a 2nd place finish in the WISAA State Basketball Tournament.

Jon attended UWM where he played soccer for 4 years and was a member of the 1993 Conference Championship team. During his career as a UWM Panther, Jon started 63 of 73 games, was named a captain as a senior and was honored as an All-Midwestern Collegiate Conference player in 1995.

He played professional soccer in 1998 with the Lafayette Swamp Cats, the EISL Champs that year. He was a member of 4 national championships as a member of the Bavarian Soccer Club from 1999 - 2005.

Jon began a soccer coaching career at UWM in 1998 and was the head coach of the men's team from 2005 to 2010. He has also been coaching for the Bavarian Soccer Club since 2002. In 2000 Jon came back to Pius XI as an assistant coach for the Lady Popes. He became the head coach in 200 l and led the team to a WIAA State title. His accomplishments as an athlete and coach at Pius XI and UWM as well as the larger soccer community have earned Jon well deserved induction into the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

Terry Mank graduated from Pius XI in 1968 as one of the best long distance runners in school history. In Cross Country he contributed to Conference Championships in 1966 and 1967. The 1967 team also won the first State Cross Country championship in school history. As a Cross Country runner at UW Platteville Terry earned 4 major letters, All-Conference honors and MVP recognition. He was the head Pius XI Cross Country Coach from 1974 to 1996. His teams won Conference titles in 1983 and 1993 and a WISAA State Championship in 1993.

His accomplishments in Track were equally impressive. As a student athlete he became the Pius XI school record holder in the 2 Mile Run with an excellent time of 10:03. Terry was the 2 Mile Conference champion in 1967 and a member of the WISAA State Championship team that same season.

During his 4 years of competing at Pius XI, Terry was a member of 4 Conference Championship teams. He also competed in track at Platteville where he earned 4 major letters. He was head Track Coach at Pius XI from 1976 to 1998. His teams won a Conference Championship in 1979 and 4 WISAA State Championships in 1978, 1979, 1997 and 1998. After stepping down as head coach, Terry has continued to contribute to the Pius XI Track program as an assistant coach.

Terry began teaching English at Pius XI in 1973 and became the Department Chairperson in 2007. His teaching and leadership in the academic areas have made a positive difference in the Pius XI community.

It is, however, his incredible accomplishments as an athlete and a coach that have made him a most deserving inductee into the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

Kevin Stuart Nosbusch, a 1971 Pius XI graduate, participated and excelled in 3 sports - Football, Wrestling and Track. He was a 140 foot discus thrower and a 50 foot shot putter. His 2nd and 3rd place finishes in these events during both his junior and senior years helped the team win 2 consecutive WISAA State Championships. As a wrestler Kevin posted a career record of 41 wins, I loss and I tie. He was a Conference, Regional and State Champion in both his junior and senior years and was a member of the 1971 WISAA State Championship team.

Kevin earned 2 major letters in football and received All-Metro Conference honors in his junior and senior year. He was a pre-season 'Sunkist Prep All-American' as a senior. He received a 4-year scholarship to the University of Notre Dame and became a 3-year starter on defense. He received numerous recognitions including the 'Frank E. Hering Award' for most consistent lineman, 'Outstanding Defensive Player' in a huge victory over Georgia Tech and a 'game ball' in a shutout victory over the Air Force Academy. He played in the Orange Bowl in 1972 and 1974 and in the Sugar Bowl in 1973 when Notre Dame defeated Alabama to win the National Championship. Kevin was the 11 Ith player selected (by San Diego) in the 1976 NFL draft. His professional career ended prematurely due to a knee injury.

In addition to his many athletic accomplishments Kevin was an "A" student at Pius XI, a member of the National Honor Society in 1969 and 1970, an FTA officer, a 2 year member of the Letterman Club, and a member of the Homecoming and Prom Courts senior year. His numerous and significant achievements have made Kevin Stuart Nosbusch a quality addition to the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

Dave Scher has made significant contributions to the Boys Track program for 13 years and to the Girls Volleyball program for almost 3 decades. From 1979 - 1991 Dave primarily coached the jumpers and helped numerous track athletes become Conference and State Champions. Ken Balcerak, class of 1987, Who set the Pius XI High Jump record of 6'8", was one of the beneficiaries of Dave's coaching efforts.

Dave joined the Girls Volleyball program as the JV coach in 1984 and became the head coach in 1988. At the end of the 2010 season his teams had won 829 (82% winning percentage) of their matches. His successes have included 14 Conference and 8 State Championships. His teams have advanced to the State Tournament 19 times and to the State Championship Match I l times. Dave's teams have been ranked the #I team in the State at some point in 17 different seasons. In I seasons his teams have enjoyed a national ranking in the top 15 high school teams. More than 60 of Dave's former players have played at the college level and many of them have become volleyball coaches at different levels.

Dave was selected 'Coach of the Year' by the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel on 2 occasions, 1997 and 2002,. He was also honored as the 'Coach of the Year' in 2003 by the WVCA. Whatever additional accomplishments and honors Dave may add to his resume in his remaining coaching years, they will be frosting on his incredible coaching career that has earned him a 20l I induction in the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

The Pius XI 1971 Wrestling Team enjoyed a highly successful season that culminated in a WISAA State Championship. They posted a record of 8 - 0 as they went to win the Conference Dual Meet Championship. The Team also won the Conference Tournament, took Ist at the Marquette Invitational, and captured the WISAA Regional title.

The State Meet saw Pius XI defeating runner-up, Pio Nono, 73 - 61. Four individuals, Mike Beining, Bob Schultz, Jim Girmscheid, and Kevin Nosbusch, won individual championships. Other contributing individuals included Phil Amstadt (2nd) and John Dickinson (4th).

Members of arguably the best Pius XI Wrestling Team ever included Erik Dufek, Joe Mueller, Tim Whelan, John Sabljak, Robert Gigl, Jim Donovan, John Schreiber, Steve Jancik, Mike Korpela, Jim Coyne, George Castro, Jeff Welch, Tim Geary, Dan Mackus, Brian Gracyalny, Pete Nemetz, Joe Girmscheid, Mark Scalzo, Bob Amstadt, Tom Brown, Terry Leonardelli, Mark Cusatis, Herb Dorszynski, Mike Beining, Jim Girmscheid, Phil Amstadt, John Dickinson, Bob Schultz, Kevin Nosbusch, and coaches Ron Wied and Tom Hemerle.

The Pius XI 1970 Boys Basketball Team under the leadership of head coach, Joe Buneta, won the first title in school history. The Team compiled 22 wins and only 4 losses, finishing 2nd in the Conference with a 13 - 3 record.

In State Tournament games, the Popes defeated Racine St. Catherine 50 - 46, after being down by 4 points at half time. In the semi-final game, the Popes overcame a substantial half time deficit and held Marquette to only 3 points in the third quarter to defeat the Hilltoppers 40 - 38. The Championship game saw a different script. The Popes had a 26 - 20 lead over De Pere Pennings at half time, but fell behind 42 - 37 with five minutes left in the game. The Popes held Pennings scoreless in the closing minutes and a game winning shot by Dan Carney gave Pius XI a 44 - 42 victory.

Team members include, Joe Buneta, Dan Drexler, Dan Bourbonais, Joe Wall, Steve Knoblauch, Greg Johnson, Dan Carney, Dave Bielawski, Jerry Zuba, Tom Norris, Richard Saltz, Tim Clements, Richard Karner, Tom Giordano, Joe Krueger, John Hansen, Rick Edgerton, Frank LaSusa and John Hayek.

Shawna Nicols graduated from Pius XI in 2001. She earned a total of 12 varsity letters - 4 in volleyball, 4 in basketball and 4 in softball. Throughout her 4 years at Pius XI she proved to be a quality stu-dent, and a great leader. Her contributions to Pius XI were varied and significant and will long be remembered.

As a member of the Pius XI Volleyball Program Shawna was an essential part of three State Semi-finalist teams (sophomore, junior and senior years) and two Conference Championship teams junior and senior years). She was a 3rd team All-State selectee (1999), a I st Team All-Conference selectee (1999 and 2000), and a Ist Team All-State selectee (2000).

As a member of the Pius XI Softball Team, Shawna was a member of the 2001 Conference Championship team and a selectee to the All-Conference and All-Area teams (2000 and 200l). She led the team in her final two seasons in home runs and RB's.

Shawna's basketball credentials included a Padre Sierra MVP selection and team championship in 8th grade. Her high school career included 3 State and 4 Conference Championships. She was the only Pius XI female to be a team captain for three consecutive years and was selected twice as the team's MVP. In her freshmen year, her team was ranked 5th in the nation by Street and Smith. Shawna received numerous individual recognitions including Honorable Mention All-American (Street and Smith - 200l), All-State selections - Ist Team (1999) and 2nd Team (2000 and 2001), Gatorade Player of the Year (2000), All-Conference selections (1999, 2000, 2001), and a selection to the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Team (2001).

Shawna received a full athletic scholarship to the University of Wisconsin and played there for two seasons. She continued her college basketball career as the team captain and MVP at Lincoln Memorial University. She finished her college career as the starting point guard at Bellarmine University where she received a master's degree in Communications. Shawna continued her basketball career as a professional in a Division I European league where she was a team captain and starting point guard.

Lisa Krolikowski graduated from Pius XI in 2002 as an extraordinary example of what it means to be a student athlete.

She earned a total of 12 varsity letters - 4 in volleyball, 4 in basketball, and 4 in track. She was on the high honor roll throughout her high school career, a member of the National Honor Society and the 2002 class valedictorian.

As a senior, Lisa earned honorable mention All-State and Ist team All-Conference honors in Volleyball. She played on three Conference championship teams and earned honorable mention All-Conference honors as a junior and a sophomore. In her senior year she was selected to play in the Wisconsin All-Star Volleyball game.

In basketball, Lisa was a team captain and earned first team All-Conference in her senior year. She was a member of two State Championship teams (1999 and 2000) and two Conference Championship teams (2000 and 2001).

As a member of the Track program, she set the school record (36ft 9.5in) in the triple jump. She was also a discus champion at the State Meet as a sophomore and at the Conference Meet as a junior. In her conhomore year, she was recognized as the Female Athlete of une Metro Conference Induor Track Meet when she won three individual events and was the anchor of a winning relay team.

Lisa accepted a full athletic scholarship to the University of Virginia where she earned a 3.7 GPA while playing volleyball, working part time and doing extensive volunteer work. She was one of 6 recipients of the ACC Top VI award given to students who have given the most in terms of service to the University of Virginia and the community. Lisa was a captain of the volleyball team in her senior year at the University of Virginia, participated in the ACC Leadership Conference as a junior and was a member of the Leadership Council of the Student-Athlete Mentor Committee in her junior and senior years.

Allan J. Elger worked at Pius XI from 1957 through 1965. In addition to coaching football and baseball, Allan was a Social Studies teacher and the Athletic Director in 1964-65.

As the head football coach at Pius XI, Allan's teams had a 46-11-1 record, three

Catholic Conference Championships, 3 second place and I third place finishes. His 1958 team was undefeated, won the school's first Conference title and defeated long time rival Marquette High School twice including a 38 - 0 thumping in the season's final game.

Allan was even more successful as a Baseball Coach (1957 - 1965) His teams had an eight year record that included a 29 game winning streak, five Catholic Conference Championships, 2 State Championships, including ne first State Baseball Championship (1963) in school history.

Before coming to Pius XI, Allan had been Catholic Memorial High School's first Football and first Baseball coach. His Baseball teams at Memorial won

3 Conference and 2 State titles and had an impressive 66 win and 22 loss record.

Allan played baseball and football in high school and college, had a brief stint as a professional baseball player (Brooklyn Dodgers AA farm system), served in the US Marine Corp in WW II and was a scout for the Milwaukee Braves for many years. He played baseball in the Land O'Lakes League, hit grand slam home runs (at the age of 16) his first two at bats. He was later selected to the league's Hall of Fame.

Nikki (Busch) Zigler '88 excelled in 3 sports at Pius XI and earned 10 major letters, 3 in Volleyball, 3 in Basketball and 4 in Track and Field. She was a 3 year starter in volleyball and a member of 3 conference and 3 state championships teams. The 1987 team was ranked Ist in Wisconsin and 10th nationally. In that year, Nikki earned Ist Team All-Conference, Ist Team All-State, and Ist Team All-American honors. She was ranked by Volleyball Magazine as one of the top 50 high school players in the country. She was selected to train at The Olympic Training Center (Junior National Program) in Colorado Springs and received a full scholarship to play volleyball at the University of Texas.

Nikki was a 3 year member and 2 year starter in basketball. Her teams won 3 Conference and 3 State Championships. As a junior, she earned Ist Team All-Conference and All-Area honors. She was also selected as the Conference 'Player of the Year', made the All-USA Today Girls Basketball team, made the WISAA All-Tournament Team, and was a honorable mention All-American. Nikki was a member of 4 conference and 4 state championship teams in Track and Field. She was an individual state champion in the triple jump and a state runner-up in the discus.

Nikki's career on the University of Texas Volleyball Team included many more honors and accomplishments including selection as Southwest Conference 'Player of the Year', Ist All-Decade Team, and All-American in 1991 (I of the top 6 players in the nation). She was selected to train with the USA National Team and played professionally in France. Her well-deserved induction into the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame is a fitting testimony to her incredible accomplishments.

Kelly (Auger) Kelley '98 earned 8 major letters, 4 in Basketball, 3 in Track and Field and 1 in Softball. Her Track and Field accomplishments included 3 conference and 2 state championships in the 400 meter race. She was also a key member of 1600 meter relay teams that won 3 conference and 2 state championships. She was selected the

1997 Metro Conference 'Female Athlete of the Meet' and was a member of 3 Track and Field conference championships teams.

Kelly's basketball career included much success and numerous honors. She was selected Ist Team All-Conference (3 times), Ist Team All-Area (2 times) and Ist Team All-State (2 times). She was honored twice as the MVP in the prestigious Optimist Charity Basketball Classic. She was also selected twice as the Metro Conference 'Player of The Year'. In 1998, Kelly was named Wisconsin's 'Female Player of the Year' (Miss Wisconsin Basketball), and Gatorade's 'Player of the Year'. She was also selected as 'Honorable Mention All-American' by Street and Smith magazine. She has been inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball Hall of Fame by the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association.

Her basketball teams won 4 conference and 3 state championships. They were ranked # I in Wisconsin numerous times throughout her career and were ranked 7th nationally in 1998. She led the team in scoring, assists and steals in her junior and senior years. Kelly is a member of an elite group of Lady Popes who scored more than 1000 points in their high school careers.

Her many achievements and successes have made her a deserving inductee into the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

In winning the Track and Field state championship, the 1959 Pius XI Track and Field Team became the first state championship team (in any sport) in school history. In a season filled with many victories, including a championship at the prestigious Catholic High School Invitational, the team overcame many obstacles to win this state title and establish a winning tradition for Pius XI Track and Field that lasted for decades. Many more Track and Field state and conference championships followed and the Pius XI program became known for its success and excellence. Four members of this illustrious team, George Garrot, Jerry Pintar, Dave Theisen and Ron Wied, are already Pius XI Hall of Fame members and others are deserving of serious consideration. The induction of the 1959 Track and Field Team into the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame is highly deserved.

Team members include Pete Lauder, Dick Olivetti, Chuck Yahnke, Dave Emerson (captain), Wayne Williamson, Tom Schauer, Mike Doyle, Jerry Pintar, Bob Heller, Dick Jacoment, George Kupkovits, Dan Adrian, John Greiten, Tom Hanratty, Robert Marks, Ron Theis, Ron Wied, Hank McManus, Dave Baur, Dave Theisen, Dick Bottoni, Wayne Hurab, Bart Thompson, Mike Feeney, Carl Gee, John Deresinski, Carl Christoph, Cliff Riedel, Dick Brennan and Coaches, Dick Boudreau, George Garrot and Dewey Miller.

Joel Reikowski '98 earned 8 major letters, 2 in Football, 2 in Basketball and 4 in Track and Field. Besides excelling as an athlete in all 3 sports, Joel contributed significantly as a team leader. His selection as a captain in all 3 sports was a testimony to his leadership.

In Football, Joel was a key member of the 1996 team that finished the season with a record of 9 wins and 2 losses and ranked lOth in the state. He earned Ist team All-Conference honors in 1996 and 1997. He attended Kent State on a full football scholarship and became a 4-year starter. Joel was a 3 year varsity player and a 2 year starter in basketball. He was a member of the 1996 WISAA State Championship Team and a major contributor to team successes (state semifinals) in 1997 and 1998.

Joel was a shot put state champion in 1996, 1997, and 1998. He was also a discus state champion in 1997. As of 2013, he still holds the Pius XI school record in the shot put with a throw of 58' 2". For several years Joel also held the Pius XI discus record of 171'. His personal successes and his leadership helped the 1997 and the 1998 Track and Field teams win state championships. Joel's significant achievements as an athlete and a leader have validated his credentials for induction into the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

The 1994 Pius XI Baseball team was a classic example of a team that put it all together at the right time to win the state championship for the first time in 30 years. With only I returning starter and 3 sophomores in the starting lineup, the young team was interesting, promising and inconsistent during the first half of the season. They finished with a 9-5 Conference record and a 16-7 overall record. A midseason indicator of this team's competitiveness and tenacity was given when Pius XI, without the benefit of a hit, beat Dominican 2-1. The Popes won 9 of their final 10 games including an 8-3 semifinal victory over Thomas More, the #I ranked team in the state, and a 5-3 victory over a solid Catholic Memorial team in the championship game. 

Todd Augustine and Ryan Freitag were Ist team All-Conference selectees. Ben Koceja and Jeff Van Rixel were 2nd team selectees. Todd, Ryan and Ben were also selected to the State All-Tournament team as was Matt Cotter and Jim Rzad. Brian Gibson was selected 'Player of the Month' in May. The accomplishments of this team have made it deserving of induction into the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

Team members include Ryan Kotowski. Chris Yetka, Jeff Johnson, Jim Rzad, Chad Gresch, Coach Paul Todarello, Josh Brown, Kevin Dooley, Kirk Hetzel, Steve Weyda, Ben Maslowski, Matt Cotter, Ryan Freitag, Bob Graves, Coach Tom Kapp, Todd Augustine, Ben Koceja, Brian Gibson, Eric Groholski, Chris Mendon, Brad Best, Jeff Van Rixel, and Head Coach Scott Herrick.

Chris Sager, a 2000 graduate, crafted an extraordinary basketball career at Pius XI. He was an unprecedented four-year varsity starter for Pius XI and became the school's all-time leading scorer. He earned All-Conference First Team honors three consecutive seasons (1998, 1999 and 2000). Chris became the Classic 8 Conference career scoring leader in 2000 and was named the Player-of-the-Year. He earned All-Area Second Team honors in 1999 and All-Area First Team honors in 2000. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and the Associated Press named Chris to the All-State Second Team in 1999 and 2000. He also made the WISAA State All-Tournament Teams in 1999 and 2000.

Chris was a member of the 1997 Metro Conference Championship Team, the 2000 Classic 8 Conference Championship Team and the final WISAA State Championship Team in 2000. He received a full basketball scholarship to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay where he became the 2001 Midwestern Collegiate Conference Freshman of the Year. Chris transferred to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where he completed his college basketball career as a member of the 2004 Conference USA Championship Team and a member of three NCAA Basketball Tournament Teams (2002, 2004 and 2005). He was named to the Conference USA All-Academic Team in 2005.

Chris's accomplishments throughout his incredible basketball career have made his membership in the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame a well-deserved honor.

Teri (Wroblewski) Schall, a 1994 graduate, was a three-year member of the Pius XI basketball program and was part of two Conference and two State Championship teams.

While her success in basketball is notable, volleyball was the sport in which Teri excelled during her four years at Pius XI. Teri helped lead the team to two Conference Volleyball Championships and two State Championships. During the 1992 and 1993 seasons, her teams were ranked in the Top 20 High School Volleyball Programs in the nation.

Teri was a two-year starter in volleyball and a team captain in her senior year, the same year that she led the team in "kills". She was an All-Metro Conference selectee in both her junior and senior years and was named Player-of-the-Year in the Metro Conference her senior year. In 1993, she earned All-State First Team honors and All-American Second Team honors.

Teri received a full volleyball scholarship to Penn State. She continues her love of the game as a coach at the high school and club levels in Pennsylvania. Her outstanding career as a student athlete at Pius XI has earned her a rightful spot in the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

The 1995 Girls Basketball Team experienced a "dream" season.

Their accomplishments were second to none in a program that has a long winning tradition few schools could ever match. They finished their undefeated season with 26 wins which included victories over nationally-ranked and state-ranked opponents. Five of their victories came against defending State Champions from several different states. They were the WISAA State Champions, Metro Conference Champions and the winner of two national tournaments - the Optimist Charity Basketball Classic and the Henderson Nevada Invite. They finished the season ranked 9th nationally by USA Today.

Their incredibly successful season has earned this team membership in the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

Team Members: Row I (L-R): Lisa King, Jenny Heft. Row 2 (L-R): Andrea Ribecky, Michelle Koziczkowski, Christy Weibel, Megan Gardner, Lisa Malaney. Row 3 (L-R): Coach Joel Claassen, MaryJo Chmiel, Jeni Hastings, Sarah Reikowski, Kelly Auger, asst. coach Becky Persin. Row 4 (L-R): Sarah Schaefer, Hayley Jones, Vanessa Rieder, Maureen McKale, Anna Basile.

Not pictured: Asst. Coach Ellen Nowak.

Jim Bachhuber, a 1970 graduate, was a gifted athlete who participated and excelled in three sports: football, basketball and track & field.

Jim earned two major letters in football, one in basketball, and three in track & field. He was a contributing member and one of the leaders of the 1970 State Basketball Championship Team - the first in Pius XI history.

In track & field, Jim was an elite sprinter on teams that won three Conference Championships (1968, 1969 and 1970) and the 1970 State Championships. During his track & field career, he held or shared several school records.

Jim was a member of two football Conference Championship Teams (1968 and 1969). As a senior he was a First Team All-Conference selectee and a Second Team All-State selectee.

He also was picked by UNICO as the Milwaukee County Football Player of the Year. Jim received a full football scholarship to the University of Wisconsin - Madison where he earned two major letters during his four-year career.

Jim's outstanding accomplishments as a Pius XI student-athlete have made his induction into the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame a well-deserved honor.

The 1979 Girls Track & Field Team enjoyed an incredibly successful season. They were champions of six major meets: Metro Indoor Conference, Metro Outdoor Conference, Knights Relays, Lady Spartan Invitational, and the West Allis Hale Co-ed Relays. They culminated their excellent season by winning the WISAA State Meet to become the first girls team to win a State Championship in Pius XI History. This team is truly deserving of membership in the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

The team was led by five seniors: Ruth Josten, Candi Morzenti, Sandy Pokorny, Juli Atkinson, and Bridget Riegert. The seniors were responsible for half (43) of the team points scored at the State Meet. During the course of the season, nineteen individual school records were broken or tied. Several individuals on this team are current members of the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

Team members : Sitting L-R: Sue Volkman, Laurie Fieber, Ruth Josten, Juli Atkinson, Lisa Walker, Lorry Conrad. Kneeling L-R: Lisa Hector, Mary Chrnelich, Marisa Radocha, Cindi Lutzenbeger, Joan Hanneken, Chris Kokott. Standing L-R; Sandy Pokorny, Candi Morzenti, Andrea Adams, Maureen Pitrof, Karen Weir, Debbie Gill.

Not pictured: Bridget Riegert, Coaches: Mary Riegert, Bill Bazan and Dick Fischer.

Kendall Kelly, a 1982 graduate, excelled in basketball and track & field throughout his years at Pius XI. He was a three-time major letter winner in both sports.

Kendall's basketball career included a 19.2 scoring average during his junior year, which placed him second in conference scoring. In his senior year he finished fourth in

conference scoring with a 16.7 average. He was a First Team All-Conference selectee in both his junior and senior years. Additionally, he earned All-State honors as a senior.

In track & field, Kendall had incredible success. He won three Conference and State Championships in the high jump as well as two Conference and State Championships in the long jump. Such individual success is rarely realized in high school athletics.

With Kendall as a team leader and a major contributor, the 1982 Pius XI Track & Field Team finished second in the Conference Meet and third in the State Meet to cap off an excellent season. Kendall was an impressive athlete and a great role model. His contributions to the history of Pius XI athletics have made him most deserving of membership in the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

Andrew "Drew" Watzka graduated in 1994 as one of the most accomplished soccer players in Pius XI Catholic High School his-tory. He was a four-year starter and letter winner. He was a team captain in his senior year and scored the winning goal in 1-0 victory over Marquette High School in the WISAA State Championship game. His junior and senior year teams were Conference Champions and his junior year team was the WISAA State runner-up.

During Drew's varsity career at Pius XI he scored 104 goals, 35 of them in his senior year. His career point total of 265 (104 goals and 57 assists) makes him the third all-time scoring leader in the Wisconsin High School Soccer Record Book. Drew was a first team All-Conference and a first team All-State selectee in both his junior and senior years. As a senior, he was named Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year. He was also a selectee to the NSCAA All-Midwest Team and to the NSCAA All-American Team.

He attended Marquette University on full scholarship and he earned All-Conference, All-Midwest and honorable mention All-American honors. He was drafted in the first round by the Milwaukee Rampage/Milwaukee Wave to play professional soc-cer. Drew's incredible accomplishments and successes have made him a proud and worthy member of the Pius XI Catholic High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Christopher J. MacGillis graduated from Pius XI Catholic High School in 2000. During his athletic career, he excelled in both volleyball and basketball.

He was a four-year starter and letter winner in volleyball. His senior year he was a team captain, leader of a Conference Championship team and honorable mention All-Conference.

He was a four-year varsity basketball player and a three-year starter. He was an honorable mention All-Conference selectee and team captain his senior year. He was a major contributor in two conference championship seasons (1999 & 2000). His team senior year posted a 23-1 record and capped off the season by winning the final WISAA State Championship.

Christopher was inducted into the National Honor Society and graduated from Pius XI with a 3.6 GPA. He went on to play four years of basketball at Lawrence University where his accomplishments included selection to the All-Conference Team and the All-Conference Academic Team. In his senior year, as team captain his team won the Conference Championship and advanced to the NCAA Division 3 Elite Eight. His outstanding accomplishments and successes have made him a very deserving inductee into the Pius XI Catholic High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Five Pius XI Catholic High School Girls Basketball Teams - 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, and 1992 established a Wisconsin State Record of 92 consecutive wins. Throughout the course of this WINNING STREAK, these five amazing teams captured FIVE CONFERENCE TITLES and FIVE STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS.

During this five year span this group won 123 (97%) of their games. The majority of the time they were top ranked girls team in Wisconsin and were nationally ranked. These astonishing accomplishments have earned this five-team group induction into the Pius XI Catholic High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Coaches, players, managers and special friends that contributed to the above successes are listed below.

Karen Amrhein, Tammy Augustine, Brenda Brunner, Heidi Bunek, Mary Chrnelich, Joel Classen, Kara Curley, Kathy Davidson, Kristin Davidson, Tom Davidson, Angie Freckmann, Dianna Freckmann, Paula Glodowski, Michelle Guyant, Ginny Hamill, Scott Herrick, Sue Hibner, Kelly Hillus, Kristin Hoelzl, Laura Hoof, Eileen Horaitis, Amy Jankowski, Stacy Jankowski, Kate Kelley, Jenni Kraft, Becky Krug, Erin Lambo, Molly McKale, Jenny Myszewski, Amy Netzel, Jenny Paul, Becky Persin, Tom Persin, Katie Peterson, Gary Pieske, Joan Pitrof, Emily Quirk, Margie Rumpf, Vicki Rupsoff, Deanna Schmid, Jill Schmidt, Kristen Schneider, Monica Schwartz, Jack Shepherd, Kristin Sobocinski, Jenny Weibel, Kim White, Marica Wilson, Jenny Young and Julie Zych.

Steve Pitrof graduated from Pius XI Catholic High School in 1980. As a three-year varsity athlete in basketball and in track, he won five major letters, two in basketball and three in track. In basket-ball, Steve averaged 18 points per game in his senior year and was a first team All-Metro Conference selectee and honorable mention All-Area. He played basketball at UW-Milwaukee and scored 943 points in his four-year career.

Steve was a very accomplished and diverse athlete in track and field. He earned three major letters, was a member of a Conference Championship team in 1978 and was a member of State Championship teams in 1978 and 1979. His mile relay teams finished in 2nd place (sophomore year) and Ist place (junior year) at the State Meet. During his three-year career, Steve successfully competed in a variety of events including the 330 yard hurdles, 440 yard dash, 880 yard run and the mile relay.

In his senior year, Steve was the 440 yard champion at prestigious invitationals in Oshkosh and La Crosse. He was the Conference Meet Champion in the 330 yard hurdles and 440 yard run. At the State Meet, he scored 24 points for the team with a 1st in the intermediate hurdles, a 2nd in the quarter mile dash and a 3rd in the half mile run. This was a fantastic finish to an outstanding career and paved the path to Steve's induction into the Pius XI Catholic High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Joshua Regent-Smith graduated from Pius XI Catholic High School in 2004. He earned 12 major letters while participating in: football, basketball, track and field, and baseball. He was also a team captain in all four sports. These accomplishments have been unmatched in school history.

Joshua earned four major letters in football. He was a three-year starter as a fullback and linebacker. He was a team captain his senior year and earned Classic 8 All-Conference. In basketball, he won two major letters and was a team captain his senior year. In track and field, Joshua was a sprinter and a discus thrower. He was a team captain in his junior and senior years, and a regional finalist in the discus as a senior. In baseball, Joshua earned three major letters as a catcher and an outfielder and he was a team captain his senior year.

Joshua graduated with a 3.79 GPA, was a high honors student for all eight semesters, and was a member of the National Honor Society. He was recognized as a student-athlete for three straight years in Who's Who and as a football athlete to watch in Speed Magazine. He played football for four years at Valparaiso University.

His leadership, commitment to excellence, and incredible participation as a multi-sport athlete made Joshua a unique and rare individual who is deserving of induction into the Pius XI Catholic High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Karen (Weir) Binash graduated from Pius XI Catholic High School in 1980. Karen was a two-year starter in volleyball and a 2nd Team All-Conference selectee in her senior year. Karen was a varsity basketball player for three years. In 1980, she was a member of the first girls basketball team in school history to win Conference and State Championships. She received a four-year scholarship to Marquette University and became an assistant coach there from 1989-1994.

As a four-year varsity member of the track and field team, Karen competed in numerous events, but excelled in the hurdles and the jumps. Karen scored at the State and Conference meets all four years. She was a Conference Champion in the low hurdles in both her junior and senior years. As a senior she finished 1st in Conference in the low hurdles, the high hurdles and the mile relay. Karen was a major contributor to three Conference Championships (1978, 1979 and 1980) and two State Championships (1979 and 1980). In track and field, Karen was member of the school's first Girls Conference Championship (1978) and the first Girls State Championship (1979). Karen was also a member of the pom-pon squad for three years.

In addition to her many athletic involvements, she was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated from Pius XI with a 3.91 GPA. Since 1984, she has continued her connections to Pius XI as a volleyball coach. Her involvements, her successes and her contributions to the Pius XI athletic program and community have been numerous and significant. She is clearly a most worthy inductee to the Pius XI Catholic High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Lisa Walker graduated from Pius XI in 1982. During her four years at Pius Xl, she was a major contributor to two very successful programs - basketball and track and field - and was also very successful as a student. Upon her graduation from Pius XI, Lisa attended Marquette University and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. She continued at Marquette University and earned a Juris Doctorate degree in 1990.

Lisa earned two major letters in basketball. In 1981, her team won the Metro Conference Championship with an undefeated conference record. She was a starter on the 1982 team that won the Metro Conference and the WISAA State Championship with a season record of 24 wins and 0 losses.

In track and field, Lisa was a four-year major letter winner. She excelled in sprints, hurdles, and the long jump. She was a leader of teams that won four Metro Conference and two WISAA State Championships. She was also a member of the first State Championship team in 1979.

During her athletic career, she was a school record holder in four different individual events - the 100 yard dash, the 200 yard low hurdles, the 200 yard dash, and the long jump. She was also a member of two sprint relay teams that were school record holders. As of 2016, she is still a co-holder of the Pius XI school record in the 100 meter dash. In 1981, she was honored as the WISAA Female Athlete of the State Meet.

Lisa's outstanding accomplishments as an athlete and a student at Pius XI Catholic High School have made her a proud addition to the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

A 1963 Pius XI graduate, Greg Sensiba excelled in 3 sports: foot-ball, wrestling and track and field. In addition to his athletic achievements, Greg was also successful in the classroom and was involved in many clubs and service organizations at Pius XI. He attended North Dakota State on a football scholarship.

Greg joined the Pius XI wrestling team as a senior. In his first and only year in wrestling, he wrestled in the "unlimited weight" class. His opponents were usually much larger than he was. Greg won most of his matches and completed his brief career with a second place finish at the State Meet.

Greg participated in track and field for four years as a shot putter and a discus thrower and won two major letters. He was a major contributor on the 1962 team that won the State Championship. In his senior year he was a consistent 50 foot thrower in the shot put and a 140 foot thrower in the discus.

His efforts at the State Meet earned him second place in the shot put and first place in the discus with a throw of 147'4" - a State Meet and a Pius XI High School record at that time.

Greg's favorite sport was football. He played all four years and played in several varsity games as a sophomore (unusual at the time). He earned two major letters and was honored as a first team member of the Catholic Conference All-Conference Team. He also earned All-State honors in his junior year (2nd team) and his senior year (Ist team). In his senior year the football team was undefeated and Catholic Conference Champions.

Greg continued to excel in other athletic involvements as life progressed. But his significant successes in athletics at Pius XI have merited him Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame membership.

Dan Jones entered Pius XI as a student at the beginning of his junior year and graduated in 1969. In his brief time at Pius XI he accomplished much as a solid student, a member of the Key Club, a two year member of the Letterman's Club and an integral member of a very strong wrestling program.

In his junior year Dan joined the Pius XI Wrestling Team and spent a year learning and working hard to improve. In his senior year Dan competed in 27 meets and won 25 of them. He won four tournament championships including the Milwaukee Catholic Conference Championship and the WISAA State Championship. Dan's win in the final match at the State Meet earned him the individual title, and it also earned Pius XI its first State Wrestling Championship.

His efforts merited him a wrestling scholarship to Marquette University where he again experienced much success. His career included an advancement to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Wrestling Tournament. In his senior year he had a 25 - 7 record, including 4 first place finishes in tournament competitions. He eventually became the head coach at Marquette University and led the team to its first National Catholic Tourney Team Championship. His success earned him "Coach of the Year" honors.

Dan's family - his wife, two children, three brothers and five brother-in-laws, also attended Pius XI. He coached Bill Phillipson who became the head wrestling coach at Pius XI for 20 years. Dan has on numerous occasions through his gifts of time, talent, treasure and love given back to Pius XI. One of those gifts included his membership in a group that laid the foundation for the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame into which Dan is tonight being deservedly inducted.

Ken Balcerak graduated from Pius XI in 1987 as a gifted and successful student athlete. His accomplishments were extensive and brought a great deal of pride to the Pius XI community. He was involved in basketball, cross coun try, football, and track and field.

He was also a member of Big Buddies, the President's Council, and the Letterwinners Club (which he was the president of during his senior year). After Pius Xl, he attended the University of Wisconsin - Madison and then the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. He competed on the track and field teams at both institutions.

Ken was an excellent high school basketball player. He played for four years and earned two major letters. As a senior, he was the conference scoring leader, averaging 21 points per game. Additionally, he was selected as first team All-Conference, honorable mention for the All-Area and All-State teams, and was chosen to play in the Easter Seals All-Star game.

Track and Field was the program in which Ken excelled the most. He was a varsity member and major letter winner all four years of his high school career. He held the school record at one time in three events - the 110m high hurdles, the 300m intermediate hurdles, and the high jump. His high jump record of 6'8" still stands today. In the high jump, Ken was the State Champion in 1987 and the indoor and outdoor Conference Champion in 1986 and 1987. In his senior year, he placed second in the 110m high hurdles at the WISAA State Meet.

Ken's incredible athletic accomplishments have paved the way for his well-deserved induction into the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

The 200l Pius XI Baseball Team culminated an amazing season by winning the WIAA State Baseball Championship. In doing so the team became the first Pius XI boys sports team to win a WIAA State Championship and the first private school to win a WIAA Summer Baseball State Title.

The team had a season record of 25 wins vs 9 losses, but 16 of their wins occurred in the final 17 games. Their very challenging schedule included numerous ranked opponents. This special group of players and coaches ignored the beliefs and opinions of some who saw them as underdogs in many games. They stuck together, played hard, and beat numerous teams that might have been more talented. Their togetherness and toughness made a difference. I was a special year. Eight of the players earned Classic Eight All-Conference honors.

Their significant accomplishments under challenging conditions are their credentials to membership in the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame. Members of the team included the following:

Players: Adam Woznicki, James Ordinans, Ben Krey, Joe Kooping, Chad Murell, Mike Stiglich, Dan Grafenauer, Chris Dibb, Mike Gramarossa, Luke Behnke, Tony Lubarsky, Jason Mikula, Nick Ditter, Dan Dzierwski, Andrew Janatis, and Tony Saglin

Managers: Beth Fredericks, Stephanie Ostrowski, Melissa Ward Coaches: Kevin Kehoss (head coach), Randy O'Connell, Kevin Kowalke, Nate Schwartz

Tiffany Robak graduated from Pius XI Catholic High School in 2006 as one of the most accomplished student-athletes in school history.

Over and above her incredible athletic accomplishments, Tiffany graduated from Pius XI with a 4.33 GPA. She received her Bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame, and her Master's degree from Colorado State University, graduated from both schools with high honors. She is currently in medical school at Rocky Vista University in Colorado.

As a Pius XI student, Tiffany played basketball for two years and was captain of the team as a sophomore. She was president of the Key Club and of Campus Ministry, vice-president of the National Honor Society, and the recipient of the "Donald Driver Student Athlete Leadership Award" and the "Award of Excellence" from the Women's Sports Advocates of Wisconsin.

Her accomplishments as a Diver on the Pius XI Swim Team are numerous. They include 2nd place finishes in her freshman year at the Classic & Conference Championship and at the WIAA Sectional. In her sophomore, junior and senior years, Tiffany won three Conference titles, three Sectional titles, and two State titles. In her sophomore year she was Preps Plus' "Featured Female Athlete of the Week". In her senior year she was named "Diver of the Year" in Wisconsin.

These numerous and magnificent accomplishments have solidified Tiffany Robak's status as a member of the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

Johnny Arnold graduated in 1993. He was a starter on the baseball and basketball teams for three years and Captain for both sports during his junior and senior years.

As a sophomore, he led the baseball team in hitting while his pitching prowess was well-known. By graduation, he had been named to the All-Metro Conference team, the Wisconsin Independent Schools Athletic Association's All State Tournament Team and the State All-District Team.

Johnny exhibited the same talent on the basketball court. During his sophomore year, he made a game-winning shot in the State quarter finals and was named to the All-Metro Conference team.

During his senior year, he led the basketball team in scoring and was named to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel All-Area Team and Wisconsin Independent Schools Athletic Association State Tournament Team.

After graduation, Johnny went on to play basketball at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. He later transferred to Division II St. Mary's University in San Antonio where he played both basketball and baseball. He graduated with a degree in English Communications.

Johnny returned to his alma mater briefly as an assistant coach on the Conference and State Champion boys' basketball team in 2000.

Kevin Bradley graduated in 1998. In his freshman year Kevin was 35-11 and finished 5th in the state. Over the next three years he lost only six wrestling matches while defeating 123 opponents. He finished Ist in the state tournament each of his last three years.

However, this only tells part of his wrestling story.

Kevin won 23 tournaments during his high school career and had an unblemished dual meet record with 42 wins. He was 158-17 in his four years at Pius XI. He set a school record during the 1996-97 season with 47 wins and only 1 loss. This record may never be surpassed given the current limit placed on the total matches a wrestler may have in one season. The very next year, 1997-98, Kevin had an undefeated senior campaign at 35-0.

At the time of his induction, Kevin still holds five Pius XI records:

Most Career Takedowns - 447

Most Career Near Falls - 137

Most Career Pins - 99

Most Career Wins - 158

Most Career Team Points - 1,039

Overall, Kevin was a three-time Conference, Regional, and State Champion! He is currently the winningest Pius XI wrestler in WISAA (Wisconsin Independent Schools Athletic Association) history.

"Fabulous Fifties"

For many years Pius XI Catholic High School has been blessed with a strong and successful Athletic program. The successes for the men's program began in the 1950's when the first Conference Championships were won in Football ('58), Basketball (*57) and Baseball ('58) and the first State Championship was won in Track and Field ('59).

This was clearly the era in which excellence in the men's athletic program became a Pius XI norm. Some individuals and teams from this era have already been recognized with Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame induction.

Listed below are others from this era who also contributed to building the foundation of athletic success.

They are truly worthy of recognition and induction into the Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame.

- Pete Arena '55 Football 

- Bernie Atwater '58 Track and Field 

- William Borski '58 Football 

- Robert Bradley '53 Basketball 

- Jerry Campbell '55 Basketball 

- Paul Hagerty '57 Basketball 

- Jim Heck '51 Football/Basketball 

- Jim Monahan '56 Basketball

- Jerry Neitzel '58 Basketball 

- Jack Parent '54 Basketball

- Bob Szatkowski '58 Football/Basketball/Baseball

- Gerald Weber '56 Football/Basketball

- Bob Whelan '57 Basketball

- Frank Werry '54 Football/Basketball/Track

Kelly Cimbalnik Favre graduated from Pius XI in 1989 finishing 9th out of a class of 457 students and earning six major letters. She was a true scholar-athlete! She participated all four years on the Girls Volleyball team. In 1988 and 1989, she helped those two teams win Conference titles and State Championships.

Kelly is best known for her accomplishments in Track and Field although she had never run Track prior to high school. She was part of four Conference title teams and was named "Most Valuable Athlete" for the Outdoor Conference meet her senior year. Kelly earned I l first-place titles at the State Track and Field meet: one in the 100-meter dash, three in the 200-meter dash, two in the 4 X 100-meter relay, and four in the 4 X 200-meter relay. Overall, Kelly earned 35 ist place medals, 17 2nd place medals, and 16 3rd-5th place medals. At the time of her graduation she held Pius XI Track and Field records in five events and still holds three of those records (100m dash, 200m dash, and the 1600m relay).

Kelly received a full Track scholarship and several academic awards to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and later transferred to the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she earned her undergraduate degree in Chemistry. She continued on to medical school and obtained her Medical Doctorate in 1997 and became a surgeon.