On Thursday, September 11, for the first time since 2019, McQuaid Jesuit is proud to announce the return of its Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony. This special event will formally recognize the induction class of 2020, whose celebration was postponed due to COVID-19, as well as honor a new class of 2025.

The McQuaid Jesuit Athletic Hall of Fame celebrates alumni, coaches, teams, and contributors whose dedication and achievements exemplify the mission of McQuaid Jesuit and its tradition of excellence in athletics.

2025 Induction Class

Matthew N. Nesser, '83 - Basketball
Matt was a vital member of the basketball team during his tenure from 1980 to 1983, playing alongside McDonald's All-American Tom Sheehey. His role as the team's primary distributor was critical to Sheehey's dominance and the overall success of the team. Unselfish and skilled, Matt relished being the playmaker, enabling those around him to shine while leading by example with his court vision, basketball acumen, and steady leadership. He was selected to the Democrat and Chronicle's All-Greater Rochester team his senior year after averaging 20 points and 8 assists per game that season. After graduating from McQuaid Jesuit with a varsity record of 52-13, Matt would continue to play basketball at Mercyhurst University.

Matthew Nesser exemplifies the Jesuit tradition of being a "Man for Others." His career as an athlete, coach, teacher, and administrator reflects the selflessness, humility, and leadership that have been the foundation of his success both on and off the court. Christian A. Blough, '13 - Volleyball
Christian (Christy) was a three-year varsity starter for McQuaid Jesuit, leading the Knights to New York State championships in 2010, 2011 and 2012. In 2012, Christy was named the Democrat and Chronicle's All-Greater Rochester Player of the Year and the New York State Tournament MVP. During his time at McQuaid, Christy was awarded the Edward M. Waller Sportsmanship Award and the University Award, which is given to a senior student who demonstrates the harmony, value, and achievability of excellence in both physical and mental pursuits. Christy's work ethic extended outside the gymnasium, earning McQuaid Jesuit Scholar-Athlete honors all four years of high school.

After graduating from McQuaid, Christy continued his volleyball career at Ohio State University. Christy lettered at setter for the Buckeyes from 2014-2017, helping them capture two NCAA championships in that time. Christy was inducted into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame in the fall of 2024. Richard A. Deleguardia, '65 - Football
Richard (Dick) was the varsity quarterback and captain of the McQuaid Jesuit football team for the 1963 and 1964 seasons. The 1963 team finished with an 8-0 record, defeating six of their opponents by double-digit margins. The undefeated football Knights of 1963 were inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012. While their record was not perfect, the 1964 team boasts one of the most iconic victories in McQuaid history. Dubbed "The Big Game", McQuaid and Aquinas met on the football field for the first time in October of 1964. Dick led the team to a comeback victory, orchestrating two touchdowns in the final six minutes, defeating the Irish 14-13.

In his four years quarterbacking for McQuaid he lost only five games. His qualities as a leader and a teammate were unrivaled as was his dedication to McQuaid Jesuit. 1975 Wrestling Team
Team: Kevin Bader, '77, Timothy J. Jones, '76, Craig Kennedy, '76, Stephen F. Miller, '75, Joseph G. Nesser, '75, Jeffrey O'Hara, '76, Gregory A. Oechsle, '77, Christopher G. Poluikis, '75, Richard G. Salamone, '76, Peter D. Springer, '76, George E. Todd, '75, Steven M. Wu, '75, Ronald L. Zeno, '75
Head Coach: John W. Roselli, '60

The following inscription is an excerpt from the 1975 edition of The Accolade, McQuaid Jesuit's annually published yearbook.

It was the "next year" everyone talked of, waited for, anticipated. We didn't let them down! The toughest matches came early. It was a close-knit team on all levels; Varsity, J.V., and Frosh. Each man pulled his own weight while pushing constantly for each other.

Most important in our success were the contributions of Coach Roselli. His enthusiasm and faith in us kept the team one, hungry and eager. For all he did, we gave him the season, a pittance in a debt we could never repay. Many may wonder, but we know what it means to be the best. Undefeated. 15 and 0. NUMBER ONE. 2020 Induction Class

Fr. Leon J. Hogenkamp S.J.
A McQuaid Jesuit educator, principal, and administrator for more than 40 years, Fr. Leon Hogenkamp, S.J. was a vital presence in the life of the school. After finishing his time as a Scholastic in 1967, Fr. Hogenkamp left McQuaid but remained close to the school, acting as principal of the summer school in 1968 and 1969. With no principal in place prior to the 1971-72 academic year, Fr. Hogenkamp volunteered to return to McQuaid, delaying the completion of his doctorate in Education. He became the youngest Jesuit principal in the country at age 31.

Athletics were important to Fr. Hogenkamp. It was something he saw students and the larger community rally around. During his first year as principal, the majority of McQuaid's athletics programs were lackluster. That started to change the following year, and many alumni credit Fr. Hogenkamp with leading the revival. From 1973-75, McQuaid went through a trial period allowing private-parochial schools membership into Section V. McQuaid won the then-new Carter Smith Trophy for having the best overall sports record in the City-Catholic League both years. The success of McQuaid's athletic programs led to its permanent inclusion in Section V.

Of course, his efforts in many of his responsibilities were quite collaborative, but throughout his entire McQuaid tenure, he was a fixture on the courtside, on the sidelines, in hockey rinks, gymnasiums, fieldhouses, swimming pools and even bowling alleys, always in support of the student-athletes. Stephen C. Baker, '10 - Soccer
By the time Stephen had completed his soccer career at McQuaid Jesuit he had broken almost every school record. After making the varsity team as a freshman, Stephen would lead the team in scoring in all four years. His senior year, he would lead all of Section V with 55 points (42 goals, 13 assists). Stephen's 42 goal season remains the McQuaid single-season record for goals scored. Stephen was named to the Democrat and Chronicle's All-Greater Rochester team three times and was named the Section V Player of the year in 2009. The Knights finished the 2009 season with an 18-1-1 record, winning the Section V title and National Soccer Hall of Fame tournament in Oneonta, NY. Stephen is the all-time leading scorer in McQuaid history, finishing his career with 118 goals scored.

After graduating from McQuaid, Stephen continued his soccer career at the University of Pennsylvania. He started 52 games for the Quakers, playing in 63 over the course of his four year career. Christopher A. Heier, '80 - Football
In his three seasons of varsity football, Chris gained 2,249 career rushing yards and 14 total touchdowns. In 1978, Chris's junior year, McQuaid Jesuit defeated Aquinas 19 -17, capturing the first Section V Championship in school history. His performance that season earned him the Class AAA Section V MVP Award. Chris was twice named to the Times-Union All Star team and was also named to the All-City Catholic Team both his junior and senior year. One of the most versatile players in McQuaid football history, Chris's play on the defensive side of the ball earned him All-State recognition as a defensive-back in 1980.

After graduating from McQuaid, Chris continued his football career at the University of Delaware, where he would eventually play in the 1982 (I-AA) National Championship game. 1988 & 1989 4x800m Relay Team
Following the 1987 outdoor track season, coach Bob Bradley began working on what he tilted "Project 3200"; a strategic plan that brought six runners - Chris Adin, '88; Chris Cusack, '88, Scott Romanowski, '89, Mickey Stone, '89, Brad Sumner, '89, and Jason Fahy, '90 - all together to create a championship 4x800 team.

The dominance began during the 1988 indoor track season when Adin, Cusack, Romanowski, and Sumner became the first-ever Section V relay team to win at Princeton University's Eastern States Championships. The team competed in the National Scholastic Track and Field Championships in New Haven, Connecticut, shattering their time at Princeton, and setting the fastest high school mark of the season according to USA Today with a time of 7:54.66. This foursome capped off their time together on top, winning the New York State 3,200-meter relay title with a time of 7:50.6.

Stone and Fahy joined Romanowski and Sumner for the 1989 indoor track season and the dominance continued. They would defend their titles at the Eastern States Championships and the National Scholastic Indoor Track and Field Championships that winter. During the 1989 spring outdoor track season, the same foursome of Fahy, Romanowski, Stone, and Sumner captured the Eastern States Championships with a time of 7:51.1. They also repeated as New York State champions. With a time of 7:54.91, the Knights finished one-tenth of a second ahead of Colonie High School.

The induction ceremony will be a celebration of the athletic legacy, community, and brotherhood that define McQuaid Jesuit. We congratulate all honorees for their lasting impact on our school's history.