St. Francis Prep, Fresh Meadows, is known for its storied tradition in athletics — dating back to when the high school was located in Williamsburg.

To honor the athletic achievements of its athletes, coaches, and moderators, the Prep community gathered on March 21 at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, Long Island, to induct a new class into the school’s Red and Blue Terrier Ring of Honor.

With former television news anchor Patti Ann Browne, ’83, serving as master of ceremonies, nearly 700 attendees paid tribute to the Terriers’ history of athletic excellence. Approximately $150,000 was raised to support the St. Francis athletics program.

“At the heart of the Prep experience is our commitment to educating the whole person: mind, body, and spirit,” said Patrick J. McLaughlin, ’73, St. Francis’ principal. “Athletics and co-curricular life are essential expressions of that mission.”

This was the first gala event since the passing of beloved longtime faculty member, administrator, and sports coach Brother Robert Kent, OSF, last July at the age of 82. A Franciscan Brother of Brooklyn for 58 years, Brother Robert undoubtedly had a positive impact on the lives of the majority of the new inductees.

RELATED: St. Francis Prep Honors Lasting Legacy of Former Staffer, Coach Brother Robert Kent

“We recognize and applaud nine exceptional coaches and moderators, dedicated athletic directors, 41 outstanding student-athletes, and four championship teams whose achievements have brought great honor to our beloved school,” said Brother Leonard Conway, OSF, the Prep’s president. “Their commitment, discipline, teamwork, and integrity reflect not only athletic excellence but also the very spirit of St. Francis — a spirit rooted in humility, perseverance, and respect for one another.”

Meet the 2026 Ring of Honor class:

Coaches, Moderators, and Athletic Directors

Robert Capen, ’25; Richard Carroll, ’86; Kevin Colucci; Sal Fischetti, ’83; Anthony Grimm; Kara Kelly McCarthy, ’95; Franco Purificato, ’94; Ann Marie Rich; Robert Williams, ’92

Girls’ Sports: Multisport Student-Athletes

Marybeth Colucci, ’79: Basketball, Softball; Jessica Grossarth-Kennedy, ’94: Basketball, Softball; Susan Logan-Filshie, ’89: Basketball, Softball; Regan McGorry-Beaton, ’90: Basketball, Track and Field, Cross-Country; Nicole Nelson, ’97: Basketball, Softball; Ariel Pierre, ’07: Track and Field, Volleyball

Girls’ Sports

Jessica Baker-Tull, ’02: Gymnastics; Shinann Featherston, ’08: Tennis; Kelly Flynn, ’13: Volleyball; Nancy Wiese-Williams, ’92: Tennis; Monique Gillman, ’93: Track and Field; Nicole Gillman, ’93: Track and Field; Kathy Noonan-Finnerty, ’85: Track and Field; Teresa Voda-Connaughton, ’79: Track and Field

Boys’ Sports: Multisport Student-Athletes

Tom Nevitt, ’77: Football, Rugby, Track and Field; John Pomarico, ’77: Football, Rugby; Peter Rappa, ’79: Baseball, Basketball, Football, Tennis; Robert Waegelein, ’78: Baseball, Football, Swimming; Tim Wagner, ’99: Basketball, Football, Golf, Soccer, Tennis; Christopher Zambrano, ’02: Football, Track and Field

Boys’ Sports

Rashad Bell, ’01: Basketball; Robert Byrnes, ’71: Track and Field; James Cassano, ’74: Basketball; Bill Ficke, ’60: Basketball; Cyril Gillman, ’91: Track and Field; Michael Prendergast, ’82: Basketball; Drew Samuels, ’97: Basketball; Jack Allen, ’84: Baseball; Ryan Bacci, ’10: Swimming; Paul Karmas, ’07: Baseball; Andrew Meditz, ’04: Swimming; James Pickel, ’07: Swimming; Tony Sabatino, ’79: Baseball; Rodney Young, ’84: Baseball; Nick Caputi, ’04: Soccer; Adrian Chirici, ’87: Tennis; Tommy Garafola, ’08: Soccer; Kevin Garcia, ’08: Soccer; Nat Modica, ’03: Football; Marlon Morris, ’84: Football; Chris Pickel, ’86: Football

Championship Teams

1976 Football; 1986 Baseball; 1976-1980 Girls’ Track and Field; 1979 Softball