Lake Catholic Mourns the Passing of Legendary Coach John Gibbons
April 04, 2026
Lake Catholic is saddened to announce the passing of its legendary coach and friend, John Gibbons. Coach Gibbons passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Saturday morning.
For generations of Lake Catholic students, families, and alumni, John Gibbons was more than a coach. He was a teacher, a mentor, and a steady presence who helped shape not only a football program, but a community.
For more than two decades connected to the Cougars football program, as a head coach, mentor, and later an assistant, Coach Gibbons helped define what Lake Catholic football stood for: preparation, toughness, joy in the work, and doing things the right way.
“Coach Gibbons defined what it meant to be a Cougar — not just through championships, but through the way he formed young men with discipline, joy, and purpose,” Lake Catholic President John Morabeto said. “His impact on our program, our school, and generations of families will endure far beyond the field.”
Coach Gibbons led the Lake Catholic football program from 1985 to 1998, a period that became the most successful era in the team’s history. During that time, his teams compiled a 113–42 record, captured eight North Coast League championships, and made seven playoff appearances. The pinnacle came in 1991 and 1992, when Lake Catholic won back-to-back Division III state championships, firmly establishing the Cougars as a statewide power.
But those who played for him or stood alongside him know that the wins, as meaningful as they were, never fully defined him.
Coach Gibbons brought an unmatched passion and energy to the game. He was meticulous in his preparation, drawing plays wherever he could, constantly searching for ways to put his players in the best position to succeed. His teams played hard, played aggressively, and played with discipline, but they also played with joy. Players would “run through a wall” for him - and smile while doing it.
Just as important was the culture he built. He believed deeply in developing the whole person, encouraging multi-sport athletes, demanding commitment, and surrounding his players with coaches who were teachers first. The lessons learned under Coach Gibbons extended far beyond Friday nights, shaping the lives of countless young men long after their playing days ended.
After successful head coaching stops elsewhere, Gibbons returned to Lake Catholic in 2011 as an assistant coach. In that role, he remained what he had always been - a constant presence, a mentor to coaches, and a connection to the program’s proudest traditions. His influence never faded; it simply evolved.
In 2010, Gibbons was inducted into the Lake Catholic Hall of Excellence and later became a member of the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame, a fitting recognition for the standard he established and the pride he brought to the program. In 2015, he was inducted into the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, an honor that reflected not just championships, but a lifetime of impact.
John Gibbons is survived by his wife, Patty, their nine children, sons- and daughters-in-law, and many grandchildren, all of whom were central to his life and shared in his deep commitment to faith, family, and football.
His legacy at Lake Catholic lives on not only in banners and record books, but on the sidelines today. His son, Marty (Lake Catholic Class of 2011), now serves as the Cougars’ head football coach. Another son, Tom (‘88), is an assistant coach within the program, while his son Mike (‘02) is the head coach at Medina Highland and was inducted into the Lake Catholic Athletic Hall of Fame in 2025. Together, they carry forward the values and traditions their father instilled.
That legacy will also be permanently honored on campus. At the school’s 42nd Annual Gala, President Morabeto announced that the school’s athletic turf and track will be renovated in a two-phase project, with the turf scheduled for completion this summer and the track to follow next year. Upon completion, the entire facility will be named The John Gibbons Outdoor Athletic Complex, ensuring that generations of Cougar student-athletes will compete in an area that bears the name of the coach who helped define an entire athletic program.
In the end, John Gibbons’ legacy cannot be measured solely in wins, championships, or honors. It lives on in the lives he shaped, the coaches he mentored, the family he raised, and the countless members of the Lake Catholic community who were better because they knew him.
In Lieu of Flowers, the family invites you to honor John’s legacy with a gift to Lake Catholic High School in support of the
John Gibbons Outdoor Athletic Complex, ensuring his impact on students and athletics lives on.
Courtroom in the Classroom: Lake Catholic Hosts Historic Appellate Hearing
February 12, 2026
Lake Catholic was honored to welcome the Eleventh District Court of Appeals, one of 12 appellate districts in the state of Ohio, as it heard oral arguments in the case of State of Ohio v. Devon M. Vance. The case stems from a traffic stop that occurred in September 2024 and made its way through the legal process to the appellate level.
The school’s auditorium was transformed into a makeshift courtroom where Judge Eugene A. Lucci, Judge John J. Eklund, and Judge Matthew J. Lynch presided over the proceedings with the same structure and decorum seen in a traditional courtroom setting.
Representing the State of Ohio was attorney Kristi Winner, while attorney Cory Hinton presented arguments on behalf of the appellant. Each side was allotted 20 minutes to present their case. Hinton used 15 minutes for his primary argument, followed by Coulson’s full 20-minute presentation for the state. Hinton then returned to use his remaining five minutes for rebuttal — giving students a clear look at how appellate advocacy unfolds in real time.
Several Social Studies classes, students in study hall, and members of Lake Catholic’s Mock Trial team filled the auditorium to observe the arguments in person. The proceedings were also broadcast live into classrooms throughout the building, allowing the entire student body to participate in the experience.
Unlike trial courts, appellate courts do not call witnesses or present new evidence. Instead, judges review the record of the lower court and hear legal arguments to determine whether the law was applied correctly. Throughout the session, judges actively questioned both attorneys — modeling the analytical thinking and legal reasoning that are hallmarks of the appellate process.
Following the formal arguments, students had the rare opportunity to engage directly with the judges and attorneys during an extended question-and-answer session that lasted nearly an hour. Students asked thoughtful questions about the case, the legal system, judicial decision-making, and careers in law — turning the morning into an interactive civic lesson.
Adding to the significance of the day, several Lake Catholic alumni who now serve in the judiciary were in attendance as honored guests: Judge John Trebetts (’74), Judge John O’Donnell (’80), and Judge Paul Malchesky (’90). Their presence underscored the lasting impact of a Lake Catholic education and provided powerful examples of faith, leadership, and service in action.
“Courtroom in the Classroom” was prevalent before the COVID pandemic, but is now being brought back in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States. The court plans to bring two cases to a school in each of the counties in the 11th District – Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Portage, and Trumball – going forward.
By hosting this historic event, Lake Catholic provided students with a firsthand look at the judicial branch at work, which reinforced classroom learning with real-world experience. The event served as a reminder that civic engagement is not just something studied in textbooks, but something students can witness and participate in directly.
It was more than a lesson in government. It was history in the making.
Fr. Tom Johns Receives Torch of Loyalty Award at President's Circle Reception
December 12, 2025
In Matthew’s Gospel, it is written that Jesus told the Pharisees the second-greatest commandment is “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Lake Catholic High School and St. John Vianney Parish have been neighbors since Lake Catholic opened, shortly after St. John Vianney was established. The partnership between the two has grown and thrived for more than 50 years. Much of that relationship has been nurtured by SJV pastor Rev. Tom Johns.
To honor him and his commitment to the school, Fr. Johns was presented with the Lake Catholic Torch of Loyalty Award on December 11 at the school’s President’s Circle reception.
“It is my privilege to extend the Torch of Loyalty Award to Fr. Thomas Johns, in recognition of his lifelong commitment to faith, leadership, and his enduring partnership with Lake Catholic,” President John Morabeto said in front of nearly 200 guests.
The Torch of Loyalty Award is the highest recognition the Lake Catholic President can bestow on an individual, family, or organization. It exists to celebrate those who embody the core values of Lake Catholic and demonstrate a lasting commitment to the success of the school, not just for today, but for generations to come.
Michele Bernot, who worked at Lake Catholic from 1996 to 2017 as a theology teacher, service coordinator, campus minister, and Vice President of Mission and Ministry, introduced Fr. Johns with several stories of her time working with him.
She recalled how he had celebrated hundreds of reconciliations, masses, and team blessings. He would grant every request to bless rings, talk with a distraught student, run over to the school for ‘just a minute,’ or serve on a committee.
With the completion of the current SJV church in 2002, Fr. Johns helped facilitate the Lake Catholic all-school masses there. The walks as an entire Cougar community grew into opportunities to not just ‘travel’ but to serve, as the Honor Guard tradition along Bellflower Road during funeral processions began with Fr. Johns’ guidance as well.
The stained glass windowpanes that grace the St. Thomas Aquinas Learning Center are sections from the original SJV Church building donated by Fr. Johns. Additionally, after many conversations with him about growing Catholic identity at Lake Catholic in the early 2000s, he was instrumental in suggesting, supporting, and celebrating the selection by student vote of the school’s patron saint, St. Thomas Aquinas — the patron of scholars. The evening's event in that space, in the center of this school, in the presence of visible displays of St. Thomas Aquinas, is because of him, his support, and his joyful efforts, Bernot said.
“His presence and his inspiration are timeless here,” she said. “Indeed, as the years pass, many may not even realize his fingerprint on so much of the mission and Catholic identity here — but he IS the cornerstone.”
Upon his introduction, Fr. Johns was greeted with a standing ovation.
Fr. Johns received a crystal flame award to commemorate this special recognition. In addition, he was presented with a hand-embroidered stole featuring elements of Lake Catholic’s stained-glass artwork. The stole symbolizes faith, service, and a lasting connection to the school. Fr. Johns joins Fr. Marty Polito, Lake Catholic’s inaugural Torch of Loyalty honoree, as the only recipients of this stole — a distinction that reflects the profound and enduring impact of their ministry on Lake Catholic.
To honor and celebrate Fr. Johns and the legacy he has built, the Christ Child Society of the Western Reserve, for whom he has served as chaplain for more than 40 years, donated $20,000 to benefit Lake Catholic student scholarships. The Christ Child Society of the Western Reserve was last year’s recipient of the Torch of Loyalty Award.
“Lake Catholic has been so generous to us (St. John Vianney),” Fr. John said. “They’ve truly been great neighbors, and it’s a great pleasure for us to be associated with Lake Catholic.”
Fr. Johns recalled the number of SJV parishioners who are Lake Catholic alumni, whose weddings he’s officiated, who he still sees in every part of his life.
“I’m constantly running into Lake Catholic graduates, and it’s always fun to see how great they turned out,” he said. “Lake Catholic inspires kids to be great and give back, and I see it all the time.”
The evening started with the LC Singers performing a stirring rendition of O, Holy Night.
Morabeto then took to the podium and, before presenting the award to Fr. John, thanked everyone in attendance for their continued partnership with Lake Catholic as the school continues its forward-moving momentum.
“This gathering is one of my favorite moments of the year, because it offers me the opportunity to stand before the people who make so much of our mission possible,” he said. “You, our most dedicated families, supporters, and friends, are the energy behind Lake Catholic’s forward momentum. And this year, that energy wasn’t abstract or symbolic. It was visible. It was measurable. It was unmistakable. This year, you showed up in every way a community can.”
He thanked everyone for their support at the school’s 41st Annual Gala, this past summer’s Grand Reunion, including the Class of 1975’s 50th reunion, the Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony and Athletic Giving Day, the recent #weGiveCatholic day of giving, and the powerful impact that was made through the Angel Scholarship Fund – allowing people to direct their state tax liability to Lake Catholic for scholarships.
Morabeto said the current momentum gives the school confidence to tackle the work that needs to continue to get done.
“Our Strategic Plan is no longer a plan,” he said. “It’s in motion. Our Advisory Board is helping steer the ship with purpose. And thanks to their support, we’ve already celebrated some early wins.”
Those early wins include:
- A Facilities Master Plan to assess and prioritize decades of deferred maintenance on the now more than 50-year-old building
- A refreshed brand that honors the school’s history and positions it for growth
- A comprehensive enrollment strategy that is already increasing class sizes
- A strengthened advancement plan that’s building sustainable support and transparency in giving
- And the introduction of the new planned giving society – a lasting way to carry values forward for the next generation.
“When we expect more of ourselves, when we lead with transparency, excellence, and purpose, your trust grows,” Morabeto said. “And you’re showing us that trust in the most meaningful ways. We feel the energy. We’re moving forward together.”
Serving All Year: How Lake Catholic Is Deepening Its Commitment to Others
November 26, 2025
Historically, as both the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays approach, volunteerism and charitable giving peak compared to other times throughout the calendar year.
Lake Catholic High School is no different.
The entire school participates in Socktober throughout October. Led by Visual Arts Department Chair Mrs. Kelly Wolf, students, faculty, and staff collect socks and money for donation to several local charities.
On Monday of this week, the Class of 2026 took part in the 51st annual Turkey Day event. What had started back in 1974 as a Thanksgiving feast for friends to enjoy each other as an entire class has turned into much more for Lake Catholic students, as they live out one of the school’s core values – its willingness to serve.
And next week, on the National Day of Giving, the school community will once again participate in #weGiveCatholic, which is the school’s largest single-day of giving, and benefits all current students.
Although students have always been called to serve and give back throughout all four years at Lake Catholic, Mrs. Beth Paskey, who joined the faculty this school year, is enriching that commitment in new ways. She’s making service more accessible, more visible, and more woven into everyday school life.
Paskey, who’s been in Catholic education for the past 34 years, including the last 17 years at St. Gabriel, teaches Freshmen Theology during the morning and then serves as the school’s service coordinator throughout the afternoon – not that those roles are exclusive of each other.
“When this job became available, and the way it’s structured, it was a no-brainer for me,” Paskey said. “A life of service is what we’re called to live. Watching the students get involved and help others is what I enjoy the most. Taking time out of school and helping others in a different environment – it’s very rewarding for me to see.”
Outside of Turkey Day, where nearly a dozen locations were visited by the senior class, students of all grade levels have made multiple trips to Birthright Lake, Inc., Brookdale Senior Living, and the St. Gabriel Food Pantry. Students have also been to the Warehouse of HOPE, participated in both a Living Rosary at St. Gabriel School and the Respect Life Day planned by the Catholic Schools for Peace and Justice Network, and helped out at the Special Sports Halloween Party hosted right here at Lake Catholic.
So far, 103 students have participated in 15 projects, averaging approximately 154.5 hours of service. Turkey Day accounted for another 111 students at 12 locations for about 2.5 hours of service each.
All that in three-plus months of school. And that’s not even counting any service the students do on their own.
“We want service to become the norm,” Paskey said. “We want the students to want to do these things, and not something they have to do to check the box, so to speak.”
The school does have service requirements for the students to graduate. A minimum of 50 hours – 10 hours as a freshman, 15 hours as both a sophomore and junior, and another 10 hours as a senior – is the minimum. To earn the service cord to be worn at the commencement ceremony, a student must have at least 80 hours of service.
“Right now, I work a lot with the freshmen because that’s who I teach,” Paskey said. “To some of the upperclassmen, I’m just a name on an email. But I’m already making plans for the second semester and would love to take kids to different places at least two days a week.”
Some students have even reached out to Paskey with their own ideas for service. A group of students approached her about going to play music at different locations.
“This is not just a me thing,” she said. “Students can come up with their own plans, and I’ll help arrange them in any way I can.”
With Paskey’s leadership and the students’ growing enthusiasm, service at Lake Catholic continues to evolve—not as an obligation, but as a shared way of life.
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