Hall of Fame

Evan Bush (‘04)

Soccer, Basketball, Football

September, 2025

A four-year varsity letter-winner in soccer, Evan captained the team for two years while setting the school record for shutouts (11) during his senior season. His play earned him a First-team All-Cleveland selection as a goalkeeper.

On the basketball court, Evan was a three-year starter and two-year captain for the varsity while averaging 18 points-per-game his junior season, earning him Honorable Mention All-Ohio, and 15.5 points-per-game his senior season.

Evan also kicked for the football team in 2003, making three field goals in a single playoff game against Akron Hoban.

Evan went on to be a four-year starter for the nationally ranked University of Akron soccer team while setting essentially every goalkeeping record in the Mid-American Conference during that time. He was a Freshman All-American and a multiple-time all-Great Lakes Region selection.

Evan has played professionally for teams throughout North America since 2009; most notably for the Montreal Impact and the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer. He left Montreal in 2020 as the club’s record holder for wins, shutouts, and minutes played as a goalkeeper. In 2023, Evan won MLS Cup with the Columbus Crew.

Evan attributes a large part of his mental, spiritual, emotional, and athletic growth to his time at Lake Catholic. As a generational Cougar family, the Bushes embody the saying, “Once a Cougar, Always a Cougar!”
 

Sam Colacarro

Athletic Director

September, 2024

Sam had been extremely blessed to have been a part of the Lake Catholic Community from 1971 until his retirement in 2021. His goal from the beginning was to build an Athletic Program that could make the school proud. He strived to achieve that goal through hard work, determination, and upholding the core values of the school.

Success is more than winning state championships. It is measured by the people and the perceptions of those outside of the community itself. He had been fortunate to have worked with dedicated coaches and supportive administrations. They have made the program what it is and will continue to be. Tenacity, integrity, and loyalty are needed to have a successful program, and Sam was proud to say that we have been able to accomplish that through the years.

He always tried to instill those qualities in all that the Athletic Department did through leading by example. He was honored to have been recognized for these accomplishments, and it is a testimony to his willingness to serve to the best of his ability.

Abby Detering (‘14)

Volleyball

September, 2025

Abby Detering was in the starting lineup as a freshman, leading the Lake Catholic volleyball team to its first State Championship in 2010, where she was named game MVP.

Abby was known for the fire, passion and competitiveness she brought to each practice and game. She was a four-year starter and varsity letter-winner, playing right side and setter. She was a three-time Ohio All-State Selection and a two-time News-Herald Player of the Year.

During her senior season, Abby led the team with 309 assists, 285 kills, 173 digs, and 71 blocks. In 2013, she was named the Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year, the OHSAA Player of Year, the Plain Dealer Player of Year, an Under Armour All-American, and the JJ Huddle Ohio Girls Athlete of the Year.

Her Lake Catholic number 14 was retired by the school in 2014.

Abby continued her volleyball career at the University of Florida, winning the 2015 SEC Championship. She played her final two years at Penn State University as the starting setter, leading the 2017 team to the Big Ten Championship and the NCAA Final Four. Abby was named a 2017 AVCA NCAA All-American.

In her post-college career Abby played two years of professional volleyball in Austria and France. She continued to share her passion and knowledge of volleyball as a coach at Kent State University (2019-21) and, at the time of her induction, as Associate Head Coach at Rutgers University.

Meghan Gaydos ('98)

Basketball

September 2024

Meghan made the varsity team as a freshman and was a starter for the Cougars all four years at Lake Catholic. She saw there was something to Coach Soria and his staff—Jim Englehart, Danny Michaels, and John Gaydos—connecting spirituality and God to the game. She found a lot of her work ethic through her coaches’ focus on affirmations before and during practices and prayer services before games.

The team’s motto in her junior year, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard,” was a fundamental motivator for her. Meghan’s parents taught her the importance of balance in her life—faith, family, friends, academics, athletics—all held together upon an understanding of God’s power at work in all.

Meghan played four years at Wittenberg University and then went to teach English in Japan for a year and coached the girls basketball team at the high school where she taught in Nagasaki. Upon returning, she teamed up with her dad, John Gaydos, Coach Soria, and Lisa Stopp to coach two Lake Catholic girls’ basketball teams to the State Final Four in both ‘03-04 and ‘04-05. The strength, growth, and courage of those teams and their synergy was well-founded upon a basis of reliance on God and His work in all their lives, both as players and people.

Meghan earned a Master’s in Education from Cleveland State University in 2006 and pursued a teaching career in Phoenix, AZ, where she worked with junior high and high school students in inner-city Phoenix for more than a decade.

At the time of her induction, Meghan held the program’s record for most points scored in Cougar history. She worked in the addiction recovery field. Being in recovery herself, Meghan is eternally grateful to have a different lens on life and the true strength and power that comes from God. These deep-rooted seeds planted in Meghan’s life during her time at Lake Catholic have stayed with her, enabling her to pass them along to all those she meets in this life.

John Gibbons

October, 2010

John was originally inducted into the school's Hall of Excellence for Athletics, but was moved into the Athletic Hall of Fame when it was established in 2024.

Any conversation about football in the area has to begin and end with John Gibbons. Coach “Gibby” returned to Cougar Country in 2010 with the same burning desire for excellence that made him the most successful football coach in Lake County history while winning more State Championships (two) on the gridiron than all other high schools combined. John began his domination on the local scene in 1986, bringing home the ultimate trophy to Lake Catholic in back-to-back ’91–’92 seasons. Coach Gibbons compiled an amazing 113–42 record at LC over thirteen years, and 215–92 overall in his career.

Mr. Gibbons was All-Conference on Cathedral Latin’s 1960 & 1961 East Senate championship teams; and went on to garner All League honors (offensive tackle) for John Carroll University as part of their 1965 PAC championship team. Possibly John’s most impressive statistic is his 42 years of marriage to his soul mate Patricia. This blessed union has produced nine Lake Catholic Cougars; Tom ’88, Mary ’89, Anne ’90, Kate ’91, Tim ’95, Patty ’96, Nora ’99, Mike ’01, and Marty ’11. Several second generation Gibbons have followed their father into the coaching ranks.

We will never forget the thrilling playoff victories and electrifying state championships during Gibby’s tenure when he set the standard for Cougar football. “Tradition Never Graduates” was a popular mantra amongst LC players of the 80’s and 90’s. Look no further than out on the current practice field to witness the extraordinary passion and commitment of John Gibbons as he continues to teach young men about respect, hard work, and what it takes to be a winner on and off the field!

Mike Gibbons ('02) 

Football, Wrestling

September, 2025

A dominant force on the field and an inspiring leader on the sidelines, Mike Gibbons’ football legacy spans decades of excellence.

At Lake Catholic, Mike was a two-time All-State selection, 2001 Division III Defensive Player of the Year, and captain of the 2001 State Championship team. He was also honored as District Defensive Player of the Year and selected to the North/South All-Star Game.

He continued his storied career at Mount Union, earning 2005 First Team All-American honors, OAC Linebacker of the Year, and Regional Defensive Player of the Year. He set the school’s single-season tackle record (151) and was a two-time national champion.

At the time of his induction, Mike had been a high school head coach for 12 seasons at Beachwood and Medina Highland. He had led his teams to nine playoff appearances, four conference titles, and was named Conference and District Coach of the Year four times each.

A true ambassador of the game — as a player, champion, and coach — Mike Gibbons exemplifies the spirit of Hall of Fame excellence.
 

Joe Jurevicius ('93)

October, 2010

Joe was originally inducted into the school's Hall of Excellence for Athletics, but was moved into the Athletic Hall of Fame when it was established in 2024.

The most decorated football player to ever put on a Cougar uniform ironically almost quit the sport as he saw himself more of a basketball player when enrolling at Lake Catholic. But thanks to some firm advice from his Mother, and a bold prediction from John Gibbons, Joe Jurevicius took his athletic talents to the gridiron where he went on to leave his legacy on the Ohio High School scene, the collegiate level, and professionally in the NFL.

Joe played a dynamic role on the Lake teams that won back-to-back Div II State Championships (’91–’92), earning him a football scholarship to Penn State University. The hard working Jurevicius fulfilled Coach Gibby’s vision by being the New York Giants 2nd round selection in the 1998 Draft. He played in three Super Bowls with 3 different teams, winning the coveted ring in SB XXXVII with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading the way in catches and yards. He appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated twice. In a much heralded heart-warming homecoming, Joe signed with the Browns in 2006 and immediately became an impact player. Fast on the field and tough over the middle, the sure-handed receiver was an instant fan favorite.

This proud Lithuanian from working class parents (Bill and Laima) is married to Meagan with lovely daughters Caroline and Ava. Joe honored the tragic loss of son Michael by dedicating his touchdown to him, establishing a scholarship at Lake Catholic in his name, and being an ardent supporter of the March of Dimes. For all of his contributions on and off the field, Joe Jurevicius is fittingly the only Cougar football player to have his number retired in the school’s history, and his green #84 jersey remains one of the top selling items from the Spirit Store.

Dr. Sean Kelly (‘98)

Cross Country, Track

September, 2024

Sean Kelly had a breakout track season during his junior year in 1997, posting the fastest 3200-meter time in all Division II district meets. Notably, he ran that race with a trapped inguinal hernia requiring emergency surgery the next day, ending his season.

Sean was determined to become the undisputed top runner in Ohio as a senior. He was undefeated in cross country, beating the best runners in the state in head-to-head races, and won the state championship with the fastest time regardless of division.

His success continued that spring during the track season when he won the 3200-meter race by 0.5 seconds, closing the final lap in 60 seconds.

Sean went on to Duke University, where he became the Atlantic Coast Conference Champion in cross country as a junior in 2000, leading the Blue Devils to the team title. He became a cross country All-American in 2001, finishing in the top 30 of American-born runners at the NCAA Championship. Sean led Duke to a 14th-place finish, which remains the best team result in more than 50 years.

He was honored by the support he received from the Lake Catholic community and strived to emulate the words of the Fight Song, “Humble in Victory, Proud in Defeat.”

Matt Ludwig ('15) 

Track & Field, Football, Wrestling

September, 2025

Matt was a multi-sport talent at Lake Catholic, playing varsity football, placing at the state wrestling tournament, and winning multiple track and field state championships in the Green and Gray.

His speciality event was the pole vault, in which he placed ninth in the state as a sophomore, third as a junior and second as a senior. During his senior season (2015) he helped lead the Cougars to the team runner-up finish at the State Meet, by also placing eighth in the 200m dash and winning state championships in the 300m hurdles and the 4x400m relay, which won by only 4-hundredths of a second.

Matt went on to compete at the University of Akron where he graduated in 2019 with a degree in biomedical engineering. As a Zip, he won five Mid-American Conference championships, and had five First-Team All-American finishes, including the NCAA Championship in the pole vault in 2017.

Matt continued to compete as a professional after college, and spent nearly a decade traveling the world and competing in the pole vault. He frequently finished within the top 5 in the country and U.S. National Championships, including a U.S. Title in 2020. Ludwig represented Team USA in 2021 on the Tokyo Olympic Team, in 2023 at the Pan American Games where he won the Gold Medal, and in 2025 on the World Championships Team. 
 

Linda (Sulecki) Oster (’83)

October, 2010

Linda was originally inducted into the school's Hall of Excellence for Athletics, but was moved into the Athletic Hall of Fame when it was established in 2024.

During the early years of Lake Catholic, varsity scholastic opportunities for female athletes were few on the Ohio high school sports landscape. But as that all changed at the turn of the 1980’s decade, one athlete burst onto the scene and quickly made her mark. Growing up in a household full of multi-sport male athletes, Linda Sulecki learned early on how to hold her own, push herself, and compete on a high level. After dominating on the CYO circuit, Linda chose Cougar Country to continue her pursuit of excellence. At LC, Linda garnered an outstanding seven varsity letters in women’s basketball and softball. She was All-Conference in both sports, and was a Plain Dealer and News Herald All Star selection. At John Carroll University Ms. Sulecki received a varsity basketball letter, and graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Early in her professional career in corporate advertising, Linda was asked to come back to her alma mater and be assistant Varsity Basketball Coach. This motivated Mrs. Oster to pursue a Masters in Education, to get back into the classroom and onto the hardwood where she continues to impact young scholar-athletes as a positive role model within the Catholic school system. Linda fell in love with fellow classmate Dan at Lake, and their devout commitment to faith-based education is exemplified by their choice to send all four of the children (Derek ’09, Hannah ’11, Kara ’13, and Julia ’25) to Lake Catholic where these legacy Cougars are already making this 2010 Hall of Excellence inductee proud.

David “Stokes” Rastoka ('83)

October, 2010

Dave was originally inducted into the school's Hall of Excellence for Athletics, but was moved into the Athletic Hall of Fame when it was established in 2024.

Hard work, focus, and determination; no better words can describe Dave “Stokes” Rastoka’s recipe for success in life, both on and off the playing field. With natural born leadership skills, a big heart, and an unquenchable thirst for tackling this Cougar made an unforgettable impact on the local high school and college football scene. Dave solidified his passion for the gridiron during his years of anchoring a stalwart Lake Catholic defense, capped off with an undefeated season his senior year. He was rewarded with a First Team Defense selection on the Associated Press’s 1982 High School AAA All-Ohio Team. At John Carroll University Stokes graduated as the school’s record holder in tackles in a single game, season, and career, along the way earning such honors as consensus (3X) Div. III All-American, and Most Valuable Linebacker in the OAC in 1989. For his extraordinary athletic achievements, this humble man was inducted into JCU’s Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2000.

Since hanging up the cleats, Mr. Rastoka has incorporated his pursuit of excellence and desire to help others into an impressive array of endeavors. He has devoted the majority of his adult professional life to serving the mentally handicapped; while still finding time to be an active philanthropist, author of children’s books, member of Lake Catholic’s Advisory Board, fundraiser for the Rising Star Learning Center for children with cerebral palsy, die-hard Cougar Alumnus, and motivational speaker nationally to caregivers and educators. His favorite presentation is “Ten Rules to a Happy Life!” Gratefully, Dave continues to inspire by example and bringing much happiness to many.

Jessica Sabath (‘03)

Volleyball

September 2024

Jessica (Jess) Sabath was the player who put the Lake Catholic volleyball program on the map. She started as a freshman on the varsity team. She brought a higher level of play that inspired her teammates. Her competitive, yet humble, attitude showed up in the classroom and on the court during her four years.

She led the Cougars to the program’s first state berths in both 2001 and 2002. During her senior season, Jess led the team with 291 kills, 502 digs, 12 solo blocks, 19 block assists, and a 94% serving percentage, as the Cougars finished the season with a 26–2 record.

Jess was named first-team All-Ohio as both a junior and a senior. She was the Division II, Region II District Player of the Year as a senior. She was named The News-Herald Player of the Year for both her junior and senior years, and she was named The News-Herald’s Player of the Decade in 2009.

She received a full, four-year scholarship to play at Eastern Kentucky University, where she received her BS and MS.

Jess has continued to share her God-given talent with young volleyball players through coaching. Her love of the sport, passion for her school, teammates, leadership, and hard work all encompass the player and person she continues to be.

Je'Rica Sanders ('11) 

Track & Field

September, 2025

Je’Rica Sanders was a trailblazing athlete and six-time state champion hurdler whose legacy continues to inspire. As a dominant force in both indoor and outdoor track and field, she claimed three state titles in the 60-meter hurdles during the indoor season and another three in the 100-meter hurdles outdoors. Her exceptional speed, power, and technical precision over the barriers set her apart from her peers year after year.

A two-time North Coast League MVP, Je’Rica consistently rose above the competition, earning recognition not only for her performances but also for her leadership and determination. She made history as the first female and the first female of color from the school to win a state championship, breaking barriers and paving the way for future athletes.

Je’Rica went on to compete at the University of Cincinnati, where she continued to shine at the collegiate level. She was named Student-Athlete of the Week after running a personal best of 8.36 in the 60-meter hurdles. She also broke the school record in the 100-meter hurdles with an impressive time of 13.30 at the NCAA Preliminary meet. In her senior year, Je’Rica placed in the top-3 at both the indoor and outdoor conference championships, helping lead the women’s team to its first conference title in program history during the outdoor season.

Her journey was one of grit, excellence, and groundbreaking achievement—an enduring source of inspiration for the next generation.

Rich Severino

Volleyball Coach

September, 2024

Rich Severino and Lake Catholic Volleyball were a great match since the beginning. Rich joined the volleyball program in 1989 and ended his coaching career in 2017. During his career, he took his teams to the State Final Four six times—2001, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2016, and 2017. In 2009, the team came home as state runners-up. But in 2010, Lake Catholic Volleyball won its first State Championship. During his 28-year career, Rich had a 548–183 record. Reaching the 500-wins milestone was a proud moment for him and the school.

Rich’s goal as a coach was to make Lake Catholic Volleyball a powerhouse. Playing football in high school, he began coaching his girls as he had been coached, a little on the tough side, but soon learned that coaching girls would be much different. He needed to make sure he was building each girl’s confidence because he believed that was the key to success. His motto on the floor was “Best Player, Best Team.” They needed to believe in themselves.

During his time at Lake Catholic, he had many exceptional players come through the program. More than 15 players went on to play Division I volleyball collegiately, with many more playing at both the Division II and Division III levels. He loved the kids, and that was what kept him committed to Lake Catholic his whole coaching career.

Mark Sullivan (‘78)

Football, Wrestling

September, 2024

“The best high school player I have ever seen” are words commonly used to describe Lake Catholic’s #51 Mark Sullivan. Known to be double- and triple-teamed every play, Mark still managed to dominate every game in a loaded schedule. So much so that he was given the nickname “The Destroyer” by the Cleveland Press Paul Hoynes. Mark’s legendary playing career was followed by a more impressive coaching career and life off the field.

Mark went on to play football at The Ohio State University for legendary coach Woody Hayes. During the 1980 season, he was awarded the Woody Hayes Memorial Award for being the MVP in the game against Michigan. He was also a member of the Buckeyes wrestling team, with a final ranking of No. 5 nationally as a freshman.

As chronicled by Sports Illustrated, Mark finished the first three years of his college career with the Buckeyes before earning his degree at John Carroll University. He was inducted into the John Carroll Hall of Fame in 2001 for being a two-time Division III national runner-up in wrestling and earning All-American honors in football.

Mark trained for the 1984 Olympic Games under iconic Dan Gable and finished fifth at the trials. He was also an Olympic National Team trials qualifier for the 1996 Olympic Games.

Mark was the head wrestling coach at St. Ignatius High School for 19 years, where his teams shattered many Saint Ignatius records. He was nominated for the Ohio High School Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in 2024. He was also an assistant on the St. Ignatius football staff, before returning to Lake Catholic to help guide the Cougars wrestling and football teams.

Mark is the founder of RCF – the Rosary Cross and Faith program – and for decades has volunteered to serve individuals suffering from mental illness and addictions.

Dan Welly (‘81)

Football, Basketball, Baseball

September, 2024

Those who knew Dan Welly knew that he did everything full throttle. As Lake Catholic’s first three-sport captain, leading football, basketball, and baseball teams, Dan was particularly impressive on the football field. A linebacker, he led “The Swarm” (the defense) in allowing just 41 points, the second-lowest in Lake Catholic history as of the 2023 season.

Dan’s crowning glory as a Cougar was when he led the team to a victory over then-rival St. Edward, which was ranked No. 3 in the state, for the first time in school history. Trailing 15–6, Dan scooped up a blocked punt and scored a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. With seven seconds left, Dan blocked St. Ed’s field goal attempt, securing the Cougars’ 16–15 victory.

Dan continued his impressive football career at John Carroll University, where he led the team in tackles in 1984 with 105 tackles. At the time of his Hall of Fame induction, Dan remained in the top 12 of all-time tacklers for John Carroll.

When his playing days were over, Dan continued his passion for sports by coaching his two sons in football, basketball, and baseball for 14 years.

His easygoing nature and infectious smile made him a favorite of his Lake Catholic classmates, and he made friends from the playing fields to band hall to the classroom. Dan exemplified the true spirit of a Lake Catholic Cougar.

Dave Youdath ('80)

May, 1992

Dave was originally inducted into the school's Hall of Excellence for Athletics, but was moved into the Athletic Hall of Fame when it was established in 2024.

Throughout his life, Dave Youdath has showed that success is the result of a true love of family, concern for others, and commitment to obligations as well as the result of skill and talent.

A devoted family man, Dave has been an irreplaceable help to his mother and father over the years. His father has been confined to a wheelchair since before Dave was born. The 1980 Lake Catholic graduate took it upon himself to assume more responsibilities at home and work diligently to make things easier for both of his parents. This commitment to his family began when he was a child, was strengthened as a young adult, and now extends to his own family. Dave continues to be a large source of strength and companionship for his father.

Dave and his wife, Susan, have two children, Danny and Stephanie, and live in Kirtland. They are parishioners at Chapel of the Divine Word.

Dave has been hailed as one of the best basketball players in Lake Catholic history. An integral team member in each of his four years as a Cougar, Dave led the 1979–80 varsity team to the regional semi-finals. He was named the Most Valuable Player at Lake Catholic and by the Plain Dealer and News-Herald.

Dave continued his highly successful basketball career at Cleveland State University and in Europe. He played in both France and Belgium and coached students in the Cleveland area and abroad.

Currently, Dave is a corrections officer for the Lake County Sheriff’s Department. He also started his own lawn maintenance and snow removal business and continues to help with his family’s greenhouse. He is still an avid basketball player.

1989 Wrestling Team

September, 2025

The 1989 Lake Catholic Wrestling Team etched its name in school history by capturing the first-ever state championship in any sport for the Cougars. In a dramatic and hard-fought tournament run, the team’s resilience, grit, and unity propelled them to the pinnacle of Ohio high school wrestling.

With six state qualifiers, Lake Catholic entered the Division II state finals trailing Kenston by six points in the team standings. The championship came down to the final round, where Kenston had two finalists, and Lake Catholic had three—Vic Voinovich, John Volpe, and Dale Kaprosy.

Voinovich set the tone with a thrilling 5–3 decision over a Kenston opponent, keeping Lake Catholic’s hopes alive while denying Kenston any points in the finals. Despite this victory, the Cougars still trailed 66–64. They would need to win at least one of their two remaining finals matches to claim the title.

Next up was John Volpe, who battled to the wire before losing in overtime by criteria in a heartbreaking decision. The pressure now rested on the shoulders of 160-pounder Dale Kaprosy. With Kenston and third-place Steubenville out of wrestlers, Kaprosy’s match would decide the state championship.

Kaprosy’s bout was a microcosm of the team’s season—full of adversity, determination, and heart. He fell behind early, trailing 6–2, but never lost focus. He clawed his way back, tying the match at 9 in the final moments of regulation. Then, in a defining moment, Kaprosy executed a perfect double-leg takedown, securing an 11–9 victory—and with it, the team state title for Lake Catholic.

The 1989 team’s unforgettable performance was not just a milestone for the wrestling program but a defining achievement in school history. Their championship paved the way for future success and remains a proud symbol of Cougar pride.