A Legacy Built to Last: Lake Catholic Welcomes 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Class
August 17, 2026
For more than five decades, generations of student-athletes, coaches, and leaders have helped build the tradition that defines Lake Catholic athletics.
On Saturday evening, seven more remarkable pieces of that history took their permanent place among the very best.
Lake Catholic welcomed five individuals and two teams into its Athletic Hall of Fame during the third annual induction ceremony, celebrating achievements that span decades, sports and generations of Cougar athletics.
The Class of 2026 includes Therese Maher Campolieti ('74), Eric Kettani ('05), Richard Sanders ('11), Mike Sullivan ('85), and Bonnie Zappitelli-Squire ('12), along with the 1991 and 1992 Division III State Championship Football Teams.
"Every championship, every trophy, and every banner has a story that began long before today," Lake Catholic President John Morabeto told those gathered for the ceremony. "Tonight, we celebrate the people and teams who helped write those first chapters and laid the foundation for the success Lake Catholic continues to enjoy."
Those stories took many different paths.
Richard Sanders ('11)
One of the most productive football players in Lake Catholic history, Sanders put together a record-breaking senior season in 2010, rushing for more than 2,100 yards and 30 touchdowns. He finished his Cougar career with multiple school records, including more than 3,300 rushing yards, 55 total touchdowns and 330 points scored.
But his athletic accomplishments extended beyond those Fall nights.
Sanders was also a standout sprinter, winning a district championship in the 100 meters, qualifying for regionals and running on a record-setting 4x200 relay team that placed fifth at the state meet.
His induction also made the evening a family affair. Sanders joined his twin sister, Je'Rica, who entered the Lake Catholic Athletic Hall of Fame in 2025.
Bonnie Zappitelli-Squire ('12)
Zappitelli-Squire established herself as one of the premier pitchers in Northeast Ohio and one of the most accomplished softball players in Lake Catholic history.
Her standout senior season earned her News-Herald Player of the Year honors and All-State recognition, but perhaps her most memorable performance came with a championship on the line.
Zappitelli-Squire threw a no-hitter in the district championship game, leading the Cougars to the title and helping elevate the Lake Catholic softball program to new heights.
Mike Sullivan ('85)
Few athletes have excelled in two sports at Lake Catholic quite like Sullivan.
A defensive leader on the football field, Sullivan helped lead the Cougars to the program's first two state Final Four appearances in 1982 and 1983. His play earned him All-Ohio recognition and back-to-back Cleveland Defensive Player of the Year honors.
At the same time, Sullivan was establishing himself as one of Ohio's best wrestlers. His senior season ended at the top of the podium when he captured the 1985 Class AAA Heavyweight State Championship.
His induction also reunited another Hall of Fame family, as Mike joined his brother Mark, who was inducted in 2024.
Eric Kettani ('05)
For Kettani, a football career that began at Lake Catholic eventually took him to some of the sport's biggest stages — and on a journey defined by much more than football.
One of the most dominant running backs in Cougar history, Kettani continued his career at the United States Naval Academy. Among the defining moments of his collegiate career was scoring the game-winning touchdown in overtime against Notre Dame.
His journey later took him to the NFL, where he played for the New England Patriots, while his service to his country became an equally important part of his story.
A champion, competitor, and leader, Kettani's path from Lake Catholic to Navy and professional football remains an example of where dedication and perseverance can lead.
Therese Maher Campolieti ('74)
Not every Hall of Fame legacy can be measured in points, victories or championships.
For Campolieti, it can be measured in opportunities.
Beginning in the early 1990s, Campolieti served as Lake Catholic's Assistant Athletic Director and played an instrumental role in expanding opportunities for female student-athletes.
During her tenure, Lake Catholic added girls golf, soccer and lacrosse, while the softball program transitioned from slow-pitch to fastpitch.
The opportunities available to generations of young women at Lake Catholic today are part of the legacy she helped create.
Her Hall of Fame induction brought that journey full circle. Campolieti helped create opportunities that did not exist when she herself was a Lake Catholic student before graduating in 1974.
Remembering Coach John Gibbons
Before turning to the final two inductees of the evening, Lake Catholic honored the man whose influence connected them both.
Legendary Head Football Coach John Gibbons passed away earlier this year, leaving behind a legacy that reaches far beyond championships.
Already a member of the Lake Catholic Athletic Hall of Fame, Gibbons built one of Ohio's premier football programs through what Morabeto described during the ceremony as his "passion, preparation, leadership and unwavering belief in his players."
More importantly, he influenced generations of young men who proudly called him "Coach."
Members of the Gibbons family were recognized during an emotional tribute before the focus turned to two teams that forever changed Lake Catholic football.
"Though Coach Gibbons is no longer with us, his legacy lives on — in these teams, in this program, and in every Cougar who has worn the green and gray," Morabeto said.
1991 and 1992 State Championship Football Teams
The early 1990s marked the rise of a powerhouse.
In 1991, Lake Catholic broke through and captured the first football state championship in school history.
Despite facing adversity during the season, including the loss of its starting quarterback, the team powered through the postseason and capped its historic run with a decisive 45-20 victory in the Division III State Championship Game.
One year later, the Cougars did it again — this time without a loss.
The 1992 team finished a perfect 14-0, scoring more than 400 points while allowing just 51. A commanding 31-7 victory in the state championship game completed the undefeated season and secured Lake Catholic's second consecutive state title.
Together, the teams did more than win championships. They established a standard built on toughness, preparation and brotherhood that continues to influence Lake Catholic football more than three decades later.
Current Lake Catholic Head Football Coach Marty Gibbons ('11) accepted the Hall of Fame awards on behalf of his father as members of both championship teams gathered together once again.
A Permanent Home for a Lasting Legacy
The newest Hall of Famers now join generations of Lake Catholic greats whose accomplishments have helped shape the school.
And beginning this year, that history has a new home.
Lake Catholic recently completed its new Honor Wall, located outside the gymnasium across from the school's atrium. The display recognizes the school's most recent Athletic Hall of Fame and Hall of Excellence members and is designed to grow as new classes are honored in the years ahead.
"More than a display of names and plaques, it tells the story of Lake Catholic's most recent Athletic Hall of Famers and Hall of Excellence members, and the people who have shaped our school through excellence, leadership and service," Morabeto said.
For current students, alumni, prospective families and everyone who visits Lake Catholic, the Honor Wall offers a visible reminder of what generations of Cougars have accomplished — and what future generations can aspire to achieve.
As Saturday's ceremony came to a close, current Lake Catholic student-athletes joined the newest Hall of Famers, providing a fitting connection between those who built the school's athletic tradition and those now carrying it forward.
As Morabeto said: "Tonight has reminded us what makes Lake Catholic so special — not just the championships or the trophies, but the people who make them possible,"
Students Serve Community Through First Summer Service Immersion Camp
July 01, 2026
Lake Catholic students spent part of their summer living out the school’s mission of faith, service, and compassion during the inaugural Summer Service Immersion Camp.
Led by theology teacher and Service Coordinator Beth Paskey, the week-long program allowed students to serve at several organizations throughout the area, including I’m In Ministry, the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank, St. Gabriel’s Food Pantry, and Project Hope for the Homeless.
At Project Hope, students prepared and delivered lunch, toured the facility, and learned more about the organization’s ministry to those experiencing homelessness. After volunteering at the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank and St. Gabriel’s Food Pantry, students also made charitable donations to support the work being done at each location.
For Paskey, the idea for the camp grew out of the service opportunities students participated in during the school year.
“When I saw how much the students at Lake Catholic were enjoying my service field trips during the school year, I wanted to give them similar opportunities over the summer,” Paskey said. “My position at Lake Catholic has opened my eyes not only to the needs of many people in our community, but also to the goodness and generosity of the countless volunteers I meet at nonprofit organizations.”
What stood out most, she said, was the spirit with which students approached the week.
“The students who joined me did not participate because they needed service hours,” Paskey said. “They participated because they found joy in helping others.”
That joy was noticed by the organizations they served.
“The Lake Catholic students were wonderful,” said Deacon Lou Primozic of I’m In Ministry. “The volunteer project work they did will help many people who are disadvantaged, physically, economically, and in many cases suffer from traumatic life experiences. The students truly represent the spirit of Lake Catholic High School.”
Pam Lewis from St. Gabriel’s Food Pantry shared a similar message of gratitude, noting how much guests appreciated the students’ presence and help.
“The guests loved seeing them, and they were so polite and helpful,” Lewis said. “We would love to do this or something similar again next year.”
In between service stops, the group also enjoyed time together at the West Side Market, Dairy Queen, and RollHouse in Mentor, giving them time to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
Though this was the first year for the Summer Service Immersion Camp, Paskey hopes it is only the beginning.
“This was a one-week program,” she said, “but I would love to see it grow in the future.”
Lake Catholic Honors Faith, Leadership, and Service at Baccalaureate
May 15, 2026
The Christian Life Award has been presented to graduating seniors since its inception in 1972.
It’s the most prestigious recognition presented by the Lake Catholic High School community.
Ella Zampedro and Patrick Martin were chosen by their peers to receive this highest honor, which was presented this evening following the Class of 2026’s Baccalaureate Mass at St. John Vianney.
“Ella leads in a beautiful and important way, whether she is scheduling and training mass volunteers, leading prayer before basketball games, or working to lead students in planning opportunities for our wider community,” Lake Catholic Director of Mission and Formation Cari Foster said. “You don't need Ella to tell you she is a follower of Christ; it is obvious by the way she lives her life every day, in every little moment, when she cares for a classmate or takes time to mentor younger students, Ella has taught us what it means to live selflessly.”
“Patrick has left an indelible mark at Lake Catholic, as a founder of the Bible study club, for recruiting and training servers for our school masses, for bringing his friends and teammates to Thursday morning mass before school, to taking a lead role in planning and directing our Lenten All School prayer service,” Foster said. “Patrick truly embraces his call to live as a disciple and to teach and encourage others to do so as well. Our community is truly more deeply Catholic, more deeply community, and more deeply attuned to our mission because of his leadership and example.”
The criteria by which they were chosen for the school’s highest honor are:
- The student is an extraordinary witness to the Gospel message and the Spirit of Jesus.
- The student is a person of great integrity who dynamically lives his or her faith, both within the Lake Catholic Community and in the greater community at large.
- The student lives an exemplary life consistent with the Lake Catholic Mission Statement and Core Values.
- The student actively expresses a willingness to serve within the Lake Catholic Campus Ministry and Spiritual Life areas, Lake Catholic Community, Church Community, and our greater community at large.
Zampedro and Martin were among a group of nominees, also including Gigi Mickol, Grace Stenger, Bryan Morton, and Zach Povejsil, that was selected by the Lake Catholic faculty and staff.
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To start the evening, as a spiritual send-off for the graduating seniors, the Baccalaureate Mass offered a moment of reflection, gratitude, and blessing. Students, families, faculty, and staff came together to honor the accomplishments of the class and to pray for guidance and strength as they prepare to embark on their next chapter. The ceremony was a meaningful reminder of Lake Catholic’s commitment to faith, service, and community.
During his homily, Lake Catholic alum Fr. Eric Garris (’08) referenced the school’s Alma Mater, specifically the first line of the second stanza, “Forever shall she guide us,” when telling the Class of 2026, "For the rest of your lives, you will be Lake Catholic graduates. Everything you’ve learned here – academically, spiritually, athletically, and artistically – stays with you and will guide you in all that you do.”
* * * * *
As part of the awards reception following the mass, other Campus Ministry honors were given out - the St. Thomas Aquinas Distinction and the Christian Leadership Recognition.
St. Thomas Aquinas Distinction
Lake Catholic’s Mission and Core Values are exemplified through the life and work of our Patron, St. Thomas Aquinas. It is fitting that this Spiritual Life award is named for his exceptional example of faith and his constant quest for academic excellence. This award is granted to extraordinary seniors who have excelled in faith, leadership, and scholarship. They have consistently acted as leaders in Campus Ministry committees, events, retreats, and activities - incorporating faith, scholarship, integrity, and commitment throughout all Lake Catholic Spiritual Life areas.
Congratulations to: Hope Barrows, Julia Blum, Justin Brenneman, Angelina Capra, Juliana Coviello, Ariana Coyne, Liliana Doolan, Matthew Florence, Nevaeh Hibbard, David Iannini, Aiden Jorz-Gray, Layla Kastner, Angela Kerwood, Savanah Koeth, Jake Mackey, Joe Mackey, Emma Madsen, Brayden Mann, Patrick Martin, Kira Mauder, Gigi Mickol, Parand Miller, Molly Monroe, Bryan Morton, Cruz Nimmo, Micah Nyetrae, Kendall Pikor, Zach Povejsil, Owen Pesek, Deven Smith, Ava Starr, Tera Starr, Grace Stenger, Juliana Swenson, Frankie Vaslavsky, Marko Viskovic, Ella Zampedro, Drew Zgela, and Patrick Zigman.
Christian Leadership Recognition
Lake Catholic promotes the dynamic expression of our Catholic Faith through exceptional positive actions and solid decisions. Seniors are recognized for embodying the ideals of Lake Catholic High School by consistently acting with faith and leadership throughout all aspects of their high school careers. These students have earned a GPA of 3.5 while consistently acting with extraordinary leadership and holding a leadership position in an extracurricular activity.
Congratulations to: Hope Barrows, David Iannini, Marty Loncar, Rosie Orlando, Owen Pesek, Keira Schulz, Josh Skunda, and Patrick Zigman.
Three cords were also presented for each individual to wear tomorrow during the school’s 53rd Annual Commencement Ceremony.
Academic Honors Cords
To earn the Honors Diploma, students must have achieved all six of the following:
- Four credits in English
- Four credits in math
- Four credits in science or four credits in social studies
- Three credits in world languages or two credits in two different languages
- One and a half credits in fine arts
- Maintained an overall high school GPA of at least 3.75 through the last grading period of their senior year.
The following students earned the Honors Diploma, which will be represented by a gold cord and worn at Commencement: Hope Barrows, Berlynn Beard, Julia Blum, Sasha Bober, Max Bock, Angelina Capra, Daniel Cintron, Ariana Coyne, Nicholas Cvijanovic, Brian Debevec, Tyler Hribar, Aiden Jorz-Gray, Layla Kastner, Marty Loncar, Emma Madsen, Gabriella Manzo, Keira Nemeth, Rosie Orlando, Owen Pesek, Zach Povejsil, Keira Schulz, Josh Skunda, Ava Starr, Grace Stenger, Jacob Stevens, Molly Surtz, Juliana Swenson, Nick Tallion, Michael Valentino, Frankie Vaslavsky, Ella Zampedro, and Luke Zwolinski.
Legacy Cords
The Legacy Honor Cord recognizes our students who share a family connection to our school through a grandparent, parent, aunt, or uncle who also attended Lake Catholic. This cord celebrates the lasting traditions, values, and faith that continue across generations within the Lake Catholic family and is a way to honor the students and the legacy they carry forward. Brian Kampman (’07), the President of the Lake Catholic Alumni Association, presented the cords.
Those who earned the Legacy Cord were: Nick Biondolillo, Julia Blum, Sasha Bober, Liam Coyne, Brian Debevec, Mathew Florence, Gianna Huszczo, David Iannini, Aiden Jorz-Gray, Layla Kastner, Angela Kerwood, Savanah Koeth, Marty Loncar, Jake Mackey, Joe Mackey, Emma Madsen, Pete Malchesky, Kaelyn Nemeth, Keira Nemeth, Rosie Orlando, Julianna Prosuch, Grace Stenger, Molly Surtz, Juliana Swenson, Carmela Taraska, Michael Valentino, Frankie Vaslavsky, Kimmy Wiertel, Patrick Zigman, and Luke Zwolinski.
Service Cords
All seniors must complete the required 50 hours of service to graduate. Any student who completes 80 or more hours of service throughout his/her four years at Lake Catholic will wear the service cord for commencement.
Congratulations to the following for earning their Service Cord: Hope Barrows, Sasha Bober, Max Bock, Justin Brenneman, Angelina Capra, Daniel Cintron, Brian Debevec, Alexa DiFranco, Liliana Doolan, Matthew Florence, Gianna Huszczo, David Iannini, Carter Jacobs, Angela Kerwood, Dean Knisely, Koreen Levkulich, Marty Loncar, Jake Mackey, Joe Mackey, Emma Madsen, Gabriella Manzo, Patrick Martin, Gigi Mickol, Keira Nemeth, Rosie Orlando, Kendall Pikor, Zachary Povejsil, Julianna Prosuch, Melvin Ramirez, Keira Schulz, Ava Starr, Quinn Stayer, Grace Stenger, Juliana Swenson, Nick Tallion, Michael Valentino, Hazel Anne Walker, Kimmy Wiertel, Ella Zampedro, and Andrew Zarbo.
The Class of 2026
Exit to Serve Through Storytelling
May 15, 2026
As we approach the end of the school year and graduation season, seniors will become alumni and head out to various spots across the state and the country to start their college education or careers.
In time, they’ll all eventually begin working in areas that interest them, but as young people often do, they’ll find jobs that will just allow them to afford a place to live, support a new family, or live any lifestyle they desire.
At a certain point, though, as people get older and further into adulthood, some want more and realize their career and their money aren’t the end-all. They look for more meaning in what they’re doing.
That’s when they return to their Lake Catholic roots and remember those three words, “Exit to Serve.”
For Brendan Bowers (‘99), that’s exactly where he’s at with the stories he’s trying to tell.
After graduating from Case Western Reserve University, he pursued a career in marketing but always remained passionate about writing and sports. In addition to his work as a marketing consultant, he has been a freelance writer for The News-Herald, USA Today, and SLAM Magazine. He covered the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals, including their 2016 championship. He’s had a book on the New York Times Best Seller List. And now his career has taken him to Eyeful Media as a Senior Director, Organic Search Strategy.
All stops where he was able to put his Lake Catholic education into practice.
“I had Mr. (Jim) Englehart from Honors History, and he shaped the class so we’d think about the stories and the narratives that went along with each moment in time,” Bowers said. “And it was Mr. (Joe) Tomba who taught me how to write in English class.”
Today, as a digital marketing strategist and consultant, Bowers works with businesses, brands, and marketing teams to maximize revenue and drive growth. He specializes in content creation, search marketing, and AI strategies that improve ROI.
But it was a chance meeting at a freelance job that has him remembering what he learned at Lake Catholic.
“I was doing a favor for a friend and putting together a video of his son’s go-kart racing team. We were done with that, so we ended up just interviewing other kids, and that’s when I met Pedro,” Bowers said.
Pedro is Pedro Cueto – an 11-year-old go-kart driver from Colorado who, at the age of six, was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma.
Pedro is also the subject of Bowers’ award-winning documentary Pedro Cuerto: Power of a Dream, which premiered in September of 2025 and was named Best Documentary Short at the San Diego Movie Awards festival.
“His story is absolutely unbelievable,” Bowers said. “I was just sitting there in awe of this kid. When I was going through all of our footage, there were times when I’d be watching and just start crying. And Pedro never wavered. The week after I met him, he had his leg amputated. But that never slowed him down. He’s still racing, but now just with a modified cart.
“Pedro inspired me to create this documentary. The way he lives his life with gratitude, courage, speed, and a love for each moment is powerful. The goal of this film is to help amplify his message.”
Bowers' film became available to the public recently, streaming worldwide on Amazon Fire TV, the Apple iPad, and anywhere the Free Movies+ app is available (via OTT Studio).
Pedro is now four years cancer-free and continues to race and win.
Bowers, meanwhile, is looking for his next freelance project.
“Not everything you learn at Lake Catholic is in a class or in a textbook,” Bowers said. “It’s the environment that’s there. It’s the community. Everyone wants to support one another. You learn to be grateful for your opportunities. It’s our faith that teaches us that everything will be OK.
“Those are the stories I want to tell now. I want to put out something inspiring; to tell someone’s story; to help someone in any way that I can.”
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