2024 De La Salle Hall of Fame Ceremony: Many Irons in the Fire

Some teachers and coaches want to do away with extraordinary awards. I know some schools opt to forgo a sports hall of fame. I have heard their arguments. I understand their concerns. I believe however not only are they important and worthwhile, every teacher and coach in the building ought to attend. The De La Salle High School Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony reminds me why.

As written on the De La Salle website, every autumn,"we induct a new class of exceptional student-athletes who have grown into even more exceptional men. Each honoree is selected not just for their athletic talent and skill, but also for their work ethic, community involvement, and spirit of brotherhood." I take note of who has earned the inductions—remembering and/or reading more about their past achievements. I appreciate that they honor individual athletes, entire teams, coaches and one "distinguished alumni of the year." I take great pride in nominating the 2015 honoree, my dear friend Mary Frances' brother— Brigadier General Timothy P. McGuire '83, USMA '87.

The school makes a point of honoring the "class"at the Homecoming football game on Friday night and a ceremony that is open to all on Sunday. The Athletic Director, the tireless Leo Lopoz '94, welcomes family and friends of the inductees and of DLS. The President, David Holquin calls the group to a sacred silence. "Let us remember..." he says and begins with a prayer. Robert Bronstein, who has covered Bay Area high school sports for the past 33 years serves as the Master of Ceremonies. He introduces a pre-recorded video—a testimony from a coach, teacher, teammate, sibling or community member who speaks on the inductee's behalf. The honoree takes the stage, some for but a few minutes others for much more. Each one speaks in his own way—from the heart (Scooter Barry) or with copies notes (Coach Allocco), recalling memories, moments, lessons learned, what they loved and even what they want to forget ;-)

A number of these HOF members recall adversity and its role, import and significance in their journey. Whether it was being raised by a single parent, overcoming an injury, the personal and financial sacrifices to attend DLS, no one is exempt. Yes, some men were dealt a much different hand than others, but all found mentors and support on Winton Drive. This is no time for complaint. 

Two legendary coaches and friends: Bob Laduouceur and Frank Allocco

And this is exactly why teachers and coaches need to hear, and what we need to keep in the back of our minds. I have yet to attend this event— when or where an honoree has thanked his coaches and teachers for not holding them accountable. No one says, you listened to all of my excuses. You cut me slack every time I needed it. Standards? You had none. You won't hear this because their message is quite the opposite. I still remember one swimmer who thanked his math teacher, Scott Hirsch for all it took to get from the A- to the A. Excellence is never handed over; it's earned. Good job, Spartans...and of course, Mr. Hirsch DLS 2004 HOF inductee.

This message is not new but at this time of year, it's something I desperately need to hear. I had to tell a student last week "in the last month, the only two questions you have asked in this class are Can I go to the bathroom and You marked this question wrong. Can you change my grade?" Working with teenagers has its set of ongoing, unique challenges. Gatherings like the HOF ceremony however, remind us that kids may not appreciate standards and expectations in the moment, but they will rise to them. Some even beyond. 

So teachers and coaches, parents and administrators take heart. None of us do this alone. We are part of a much larger ecosystem and that is why a Hall of Fame ceremony is not a private event. It is something the larger community ought to celebrate and consider. Proverbs 27:17 states, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." But there are many irons in that fire. Many, but not all were in attendance on October 27, 2024. Congratulations to the Class of 2024.

Photo Credits
De La Salle Honorees