Memorial Memories Spring/Summer 2022

PLUS: Girls’ Soccer Coach

Angie Lensing wins big after championship season

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

MEMORIAL

Spring/Summer 2022

CONTRIBUTORS

Jim Braun

Ben Early

Kevin Gries

Brian Heathcott

Heath Howington

Rachel Johnson

FahKara Malone

Joe Meyer

Christian Mocek

Samantha Myers

Patty Vann

PUBLISHED BY Reitz Memorial External Communications Group

PRODUCED BY Dallas Carter Staff Writer

Morgan Dean Graphic Designer

Tucker Publishing Group

GENERAL INQUIRIES

Contact Samantha Myers at samanthamyers@evdio.org or 812.303.0006

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Dear Reitz Memorial Family, What a year it has been at Memorial! As they do every year, our students have excelled in the classroom, on the field, and on the stage. Our class of 2022 ended their four years at Memorial strong. Our graduates are attending 41 different colleges in 16 different states and the District of Columbia, over 50 percent earned merit scholarships at their college of choice, and 15 graduates have signed to play college athletics.

The Class of 2022 is continuing Memorial’s long tradition of excellence and we are immensely proud. Thank you to our faculty, staff, coaches, and parents for helping them thrive in their four years at Memorial. We are excited to see what is next.

In May, we announced that Mr. Aaron Schmitt was appointed the next principal of Reitz Memorial High School. Mr. Schmitt is the first alumnus to hold the position of principal in school history. We look forward to the many gifts he will bring to our school as our next principal.

Also in May, our President’s Council approved the school’s first strategic plan since 2015. The new plan called “Igniting the Tradition” will focus on four pillars for 2022-2025. The official launch of this plan will take place later this summer and I look forward to sharing it with you.

For 97 years, Reitz Memorial has relied on the generous support of our alumni and friends to continue our mission of educating stu dents to their highest potential in a Christcentered Catholic environment.

This year, your generosity was unmatched. We had the highest annual fund return in the history of the school and because of that we made numerous

facility improvements. We also invested over $25,000 in classroom supplies, gave our teachers the largest raise they have had in over five years, gave out nearly $100,000 in college scholarships, and gave out over $300,000 in tuition assistance. Your support ensures our teachers are compensated justly, our classrooms are equipped for 21st century learning, and our students have all the tools they need to reach their highest potential.

Thank you for your ongoing generous support of Reitz Memorial High School. Please remember our students and faculty in your prayers over the summer. Never hesitate to stop in for a tour or to call and share a memory from your time at Memorial. Your friendship matters to us and as alumni and friends, your support of our mission makes all the difference.

Gratefully,

Christian Mocek President

Your support ensures our teachers are compensated justly, our classrooms are equipped for 21st century learning, and our students have all the tools they need to reach their highest potential.

REITZ MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL NAMES AARON M. SCHMITT PRINCIPAL

Reitz Memorial High School has appointed Aaron M. Schmitt as its next Principal. He has served as a social studies teacher since 2009 and has also been the department chair.

Mr. Schmitt graduated from Memorial in 2004 and earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education: social science from the University of Southern Indiana in 2009, and a master’s degree in educational psychology with a specialization in gifted and talented programs from Ball State University in 2015. He has been the junior varsity baseball coach and moderator of numerous school clubs.

GET TO KNOW OUR NEW PRINCIPAL!

What do you love most about Reitz Memorial High School?

How formational it was on who I am as a person. The men and women who taught me, coached me, and guided me were at the core of the person I am today. I can never thank them enough.

Why did you want to take on the role of Principal of Reitz Memorial High School?

Over the years, I have had the privilege of teaching students and working with the men and women at this school who continue to impact students every day. I wanted to be there for them in whatever capacity I could, and ultimately, moving into the position of principal is the way to have the largest impact.

What are you most excited for in your new role?

To share with our student body what this place means. To help them build an understanding of the sacrifice of so many others before them, and to inspire them to aim higher and push harder than they thought they could.

What was your most fond memory as a student at Memorial?

How can you narrow it down to just one? Embarrassing my now wife by going off script, our freshman year during our English class presentation, helping classmates and having discussions during homeroom (Room 115 The Bat Cave), listening to Brother Eugene’s fascinating stories and challenging the ones we thought he made up, playing football with my friends on the weekends behind Barnes’ house, Mrs. Nimnicht’s geometry extra credit project, being cornered and forced into joining the school play by my English teacher who told me I wouldn’t have to memorize a single line, Coach Mattingly’s donkey and elephants being moved around the room, and the camaraderie of the baseball team.

Who was your biggest role model as a student at Memorial? Why?

Coach Merkel as my homeroom teacher was very instrumental. As much as he coached me on the field, being with him for four years

every other day was critical as well. I understood him much better than if I had just had him as a coach. Seeing how he interacted with students outside of athletics and how he held them to the same high standards helped me understand where he was coming from when he talked to us. In particular, he taught me to step up and not wait for others to take on the tasks at hand, to not be afraid of failure and be confident that I could accomplish what I tried.

And then there was Brother Eugene. His breadth and depth of knowledge, his ability to inspire students to be curious, and his expectations and demands for excellence were qualities that I greatly admired. Before he died, he gave me the speech that every hire was given, “You were hired to teach. Please do so.” That line spoke about more than just teaching. It said, “You have a job to do in life. Do it to the best of your ability. And remember that because you were given an opportunity, do not let others down. Meet and exceed their expectations.”

Not a day goes by where I don’t think of some way in which the men and women of Memorial have formed me. This place is bigger, and more important than any one individual. But together, as faculty, students, alumni, and community members, we can continue to build and add to its legacy.

What is your main goal regarding staff and faculty as Principal?

Make it known that they are valued and appreciated. Inspire them to come in excited every day to teach our students. Incentivize creativity and ambition.

What is your main goal regarding students as Principal?

“That’s personal.”

Victor, Jenna, Aaron, and Violet Schmitt

ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB

The Reitz Memorial High School Booster Club is heading in a new direction. After a few years of a two-member Executive Committee, the Booster Club now has an eleven-member Executive Committee. The Booster Club has created a plan to bring new and fun ideas to the Memorial community, as well as keeping the “Memorial Tradition”.

The first course of action was to update the mission and vision to better reflect organizational focus. Student involvement in extracurriculars leads to a more balanced and valuable high school experience. Encouraging participation at all levels, supporting all sports, and nurturing the comradery created by student involvement are the goals of the Reitz Memorial Athletic Booster Club. Creating positive and energetic atmospheres for Memorial’s student athletes is accomplished through social events, scholarship opportunities, and financial equity.

The main goal of the Athletic Booster Club is to support our athletes and coaches as much as possible.

“We believe no student should be discouraged from playing sports at Memorial because the necessary expenses to participate represent an insurmountable financial burden to their family,” Booster Club President Joey Kiefer ’07 said. “Assisting student athletes with funds to apply toward practice gear or sport specific footwear can go a long way to making participation a reality for many students.”

The second step is to get people involved. Anyone who purchases a Memorial All-Sports Pass will also receive a Booster Club membership, meaning there will not be membership dues to be a part of Booster Club like there was in the past. There will also be other sponsorship levels available for anyone interested.

Being a member of the Booster Club will give you access to various Booster Club events and meetings, but most importantly, it will give you the ability to support Reitz Memorial High School.

“This Executive Committee has already accomplished so much and made amazing plans to bring the Booster Club back to life, and I look forward to seeing all of the good this group will do for our student athletes and our athletic programs as a whole,”

Christian Mocek, Memorial President, said. “I look forward to seeing all of you at future Booster Club events!”

Please be sure to mark your calendars for Wednesday Aug 10, 2022 at 6 p.m., for our fall social event and Booster Club membership kickoff to be held at Venue 812. More information will be sent out soon, as we prepare for the “rebirth” of the Reitz Memorial High School Athletic Booster Club!

If you have any questions, please contact: rmhsboosterclub@evdio.org.

2022-2023 BOOSTER

CLUB EXECUTIVE BOARD:

Joey Kiefer - President

Tucker Smith - Vice President

Drew Meyer - Treasurer

Samantha Myers - Secretary

Madison Aiton

Scott Stratman

Kelsey Coslett

Bryan Hayden

Matt Weber

Christian Mocek

BIG BINGO

BY SAMANTHA MYERS

Evansville Catholic High Schools hosted their annual Big Bingo on March 13, 2022, after three long years of waiting. COVID-19 might have taken away the fun in 2020 and 2021, but that only increased anticipation for this fun-filled event. This year’s St. Patrick’s Day themed event was the biggest one yet, selling out a month in advance! There were more than 1,400 people in attendance excited to play the 20 games of bingo, pull tabs, half pot, and purchase tickets for the basket auction. Thank you to all of our volunteers, committee members, sponsors, and the attendees who helped make the 2022 Big Bingo such an amazing success! All proceeds from the bingo directly benefit the students of Reitz Memorial and Mater Dei high schools. The funds raised are used to provide tuition assistance, educational tools, spiritual enrichment, and important campus improvements.

License #155720

ACADEMIC AND STUDENT LIFE

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Pot O’ Gold Sponsor ($2,500)

Hook’s Apothecary

Rainbow Sponsor ($1,000)

German American Bank

Pierre Funeral Home

Harding, Shymanski & Company, P.S.C.

Hand Center of Evansville

Event Sponsor ($500)

Another Round

Working Distributors

Lefler Events/Evansville

Construction Leaders

Ziemer Funeral Home

Midwest Roofing-Sheet Metal

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP

Each year in October, 1.5 million 11th grade students across the country are administered the College Board’s PSAT. This test provides first-hand practice for the SATs and it is also the qualifying exam to enter into competition for the National Merit Scholar Awards.

Approximately 50,000 testers who score in the top 2 percentile of the PSAT, are identified as either a “Commended Student” or a “National Merit Semi-Finalist.” Semi-finalists are the top scorers. Only 16,000 or 1 percent

of all 11th graders are identified as “Semi-Finalists.” Those students are entered into the National Merit Scholarship Contest where they compete with students from their state to be named a “National Merit Scholar Finalist.” Being awarded the distinction of a “National Merit Scholar Finalist” is one of the highest academic achievement honors in the United States. Congratulations to Drew Early who was named as a National Merit Semi-Finalist, and to Emily Roe who was announced as a winner of the National Merit Scholarship!

Big X Game Sponsor ($100)

J W Associates School

Equipment Specialists, Inc

Big Bingo Game Sponsors ($50)

Saint Wendel Catholic Church

In remembrance of Don Farnsley

Berry Global Marians Hallmark

Acorn Distributors

Azzip Pizza

Ashton Computer, Inc

Matt Zeller Electric, LLC

Mater Dei Friends & Alumni Association

Drew Early

Emily Roe

REITZ MEMORIAL SENIORS EARN EAGLE SCOUT RANK

BY PATTY VANN

Congratulations to these five young men from the Class of 2022 who have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout: Kyle Echert, Benjamin Fuhrer, Jacob Hirsch, Jacob Hoesli, and Kendrick Wittmer.

Created in 1911, Eagle Scout is the highest rank of the Scouts BSA. Because it takes years of hard work, service, and determination to become an Eagle Scout, this prestigious milestone is recognized across the country and the world.

The journey to this rank has various requirements to fulfill, several of which include earning 21 merit badges; providing references from family, work, church, and other community groups; propose, plan, fund, and carry out an Eagle service project; and pass a board of review.

Listed here are the service projects each of the Reitz Memorial graduates completed.

Kyle Echert : He funded and installed a weather station on top of St. Benedict Cathedral School, providing instant weather information as a safety measure to school administration, faculty, staff, and students. Kyle is a member of St. Benedict Cathedral Parish.

Benjamin Fuhrer: A member of Holy Rosary parish, Benjamin improved and landscaped a previous construction area near the school, purchasing and planting several varieties of plants and ornamental trees, mulch, and edging.

Jacob Hirsch: Jacob, a member of Holy Rosary parish, transformed space outside of the main entrance to the school by having a new concrete pad poured and constructing a wooden pavilion over it. The new area provides shade and a designated area for teachers and staff to use for outdoor class instruction or meetings.

Jacob Hoesli: He built and installed an information board at the Blue Grass Fish and Wildlife Area. This is an information board that explains property rules and serves as a sign-in station for the public to access the property.

Kendrick Wittmer: He funded and assembled a new playground area at the Fraternal Order of Police camp. Kendrick removed the previously used and rundown structures and readied the area for the playground with weed barrier and gravel. He is a member of St. Benedict Cathedral Parish.

Congratulations and thank you to these young men for their hard work and service. We wish them the best as they begin their future as alumni of Reitz Memorial High School.

Jacob Hirsch, Jacob Hoesli, Kendrick Wittmer, and Kyle Echert

Benjamin Fuhrer

TALE AS OLD AS TIME

Spring Musical: Beauty and the Beast

The announcement of the spring musical came as a surprise to many involved in the RMHS Theatre Department. “Beauty and the Beast” is a huge musical, and our department is small. It is a massive technical undertaking and we only had so many Saturdays to build the set, make the props, and sew the costumes; not to mention we had a new technical director and music director. On top of that, it is a Disney show, and many of my students are aware of my (snooty) opinions about Disney shows versus classical theatre pieces.

My assistant director, to whom I am deeply indebted, told me when she first read the announcement, she thought I was crazy, to which I must confess that I probably am. However, that’s exactly what makes musical theatre so alluring: overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles to create something that is a magical experience for all involved.

BY RACHEL JOHNSON

“Beauty and the Beast” was exactly that — a magical experience. Even before auditions, future cast and crew members stopped to tell me how excited they were for the show. As the performance dates approached, members of the faculty and community said the same. We sold a record number of tickets each night since I first became the director of the program, overselling “Cinderella” by at least 240 tickets.

However, none of this would have been possible without the dedication of our students, our production team, particularly Mrs. Carner, assistant director; Mrs. Honnigford, technical director; Mr. Gigar, music director; and parent volunteers. This department is full of love and dedication, and has a willingness to put in extra hours to do the hard work. And it is exactly that which allows us to overcome those insurmountable obstacles. Thank you, most sincerely, to everyone who helped make this show possible.

INNOVATION CHALLENGE PROGRAM

BY HEATH HOWINGTON

For the first time at Memorial, this year’s Personal Finance classes worked with Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana to introduce the Innovation Challenge program. This curriculum teaches young entrepreneurs about the ins and outs of running a successful business. Our sponsor, Mrs. Beth Keck, led five sessions of this program.

Students created a business plan while learning problemsolving, critical thinking, and business strategy skills as well as the importance of working together as a team. Each group presented their business plan to a panel of judges from the Evansville community. This is a similar concept to what you see on the show “Shark Tank.”

We completed the Innovation Challenge for both the first and second semester. A winning team was selected in each class. The first semester winners were Emma Rusche and Hannah Bauer. They created The Nutrition Stick, a product designed for diabetics to have easier access to nutrition information wherever they go. The second semester winners were Lucas Goris and Tyler Beer. They created Mediband, a medical innovation that tests your blood levels.

Our winning groups were granted the chance to compete at the regional level at Ivy Tech Community College on April 29.

It was beneficial for students to learn from businesspeople throughout the community and gain a new perspective. Our students at Memorial had an outstanding experience with the Innovation Challenge, and we are thankful for the opportunity provided by Junior Achievement!

Emma Rusche and Hannah Bauer

Lucas Goris and Tyler Beer

EVANSVILLE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOLS GRANT $40,000 COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP

Reitz Memorial High School and Mater Dei High School debuted the new Fr. James Endress College Scholarship for 2022 this past spring.

The new scholarship is awarded to one male and one female graduating senior from each school. Each school will award up to $10,000 per student, renewable up to four years. The scholarship will be paid to the college or university of choice.

The Father James Endress Scholarship is funded through the estate of the late Fr. James Endress, a priest of the Diocese of Evansville since his ordination in 1960.

He spent 16 years as a chaplain in the U.S. Army, serving in both

he was discharged from the Army and returned to the Diocese of Evansville.

For the next 40 years he served in various assignments throughout the Diocese with courage, resolve, and a strong faith. The only instructions he left for recipients of his charitable fund was to remember the simple truths of their faith and to pay it forward as they move through their journey of life.

Reitz Memorial High School is honored to recognize the Father Endress Scholarship recipients from the Class of 2022, Jack Nichols and Gina Ziebell.

of Kim Hartweck. Gina and her family are members of St. Benedict Cathedral parish. Gina will attend Indiana University Purdue University – Indianapolis and major in biology.

Cogratulations Jack and Gina! We wish much success in all you do.

THE 2022 FAITH DAYS

BY KEVIN GRIES

What do you get when you combine a whole class of Memorial students, some balloons, beach balls, charades, witness talks, and Eucharistic Adoration? The 2022 Faith Days, of course! With the significant regulations from the pandemic behind us and a new retreat program ahead of us, it was a year where Campus Ministry wanted to provide an opportunity for fellowship, faith, and fun. This spring, each grade level had a whole day to grow in relationships with their classmates, playing and praying together!

The day started with some small group games and sharing. Later the gym filled with rambunctious laughter and robust competition as the students played human foosball. After a short break, senior Macy Decker shared how her confirmation helped her overcome certain obstacles. After more games it was time to hear from senior Aidan Johnson. Aidan spoke about how his mom has provided him with an example of

spoke about putting aside distractions to grow closer to God.

Next up was lunch and some casual recreation! Seeing students relax and enjoy each other’s company by playing a myriad of games was a true blessing for the teachers to see. After lunch was some very intense relays — no teachers were seriously injured. Xavier Tyler witnessed how God has revealed himself in his life through a couple of profound moments. That changed the day’s tone and prepared us for some time in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Eucharistic Adoration was the most fitting way to end such a great day.

There is a virtue that is not often spoken of called eutrapelia. Eutrapelia is the virtue that enables us to give ourselves fully to the very serious business of enjoying the delights of life. The Faith Day for each class was

about just that, and we think it was well practiced for each class. In John’s Gospel, Jesus said, “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly!” (John 10:10) After a couple of years of unwanted chaos, it was nice to have some chaos that was good for us! We are thankful for each opportunity to grow as a school community.

2022 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD – STEVE CHURCH

eitz Memorial High School has proudly stood on the foundation of faith, family, and service for over 97 years. Since 1986, the Distinguished Service Award has been presented to a member of our Memorial family who demonstrates exceptional generosity of spirit and a commitment to our Church, Catholic education, and Reitz Memorial High School through service.

This year’s Distinguished Service Award recipient, Steve Church, was recognized at the class of 2022 commencement ceremony on May 22, 2022.

Steve was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. Growing up, his family made several moves from Texas to New Jersey and from New Jersey to Missouri. Steve graduated from Parkway South High School in St. Louis. After high school, Steve attended the University of Evansville to pursue an engineering degree, and had an opportunity to play soccer for their nationally ranked Division I team.

During his collegiate soccer career, Steve had the privilege of playing alongside several Memorial alumni: Shane Barrett ‘87, Scott Cannon ‘87, and Robert Bennett ‘87.

Steve said, “Although I did not fully appreciate it at the time, my experiences with these teammates (and others) truly shaped my development and significantly impacted the trajectory of my life. Specifically, during my junior year, my roommate, Shane Barrett, introduced me to Stacey, my future wife.”

Steve has been married to his wife, Stacey (Muehlbauer) Church ’87, for almost 29 years. They have three daughters who have graduated from Memorial, Claire ‘13, Ellen ‘15, and Molly ‘17 and another daughter, Sarah, who will graduate in 2023. Steve and Stacey welcomed their first grandchild, Dominic, this past January, who they hope to be a future 2040 Memorial graduate.

In June 2002, Steve’s professional career led him to the opportunity to work for Stacey’s father, Jim Muehlbauer ‘58, at George Koch Sons (GKS). He is proud to be

Rworking within the fifth generation family business, performing various roles at GKS, Gibbs Die Casting, and currently works for the parent company, Koch Enterprises as the vice president of Corporate Development and Strategy.

Memorial has been graced with Steve’s experience, knowledge, and leadership since 2015, when he began serving as a member of the President’s Advisory Council. For the past two years he has served as the council’s chairperson.

“I am extremely grateful to God for giving me the skills, abilities, and opportunities to serve in that capacity for so many years. I am truly blessed,” he adds.

Steve’s greatest memories at Memorial are viewed through the lens of a parent/volunteer.

“It has been a blessing to watch my daughters play volleyball, sing in musicals, develop new friendships, excel in the classroom, and experience personal encounters with Christ at TEC and OBOC retreats during their years at Memorial,” says Steve.

He also has very fond memories of working with Stacey (and others) to plan the Masses at the senior retreats. Steve looks forward to that tradition and service continuing as he begins to experience those same kinds of memories as a grandparent.

When asked what receiving the Distinguished Service Award meant, Steve responded, “Over the years, I have seen so many Christ-centered faculty, staff, parents, volunteers, and students who have served Memorial with their time, talent, and treasures. There are so many people who are worthy of receiving this award. I am grateful that perhaps my service has been helpful, and I am happy to receive this award on behalf of everyone who has contributed to fulfilling the mission of Reitz Memorial.”

It is because of his continued dedication and desire to serve Memorial that Steve Church was selected as the recipient of the 2022 Reitz Memorial Distinguished Service Award. On behalf of the entire Memorial community, thank you, Steve, for your dedication, sacrifice, and love of Reitz Memorial High School.

Steve and family

Congratulations to

Connor Agler

Brianne Allen

Andrew Alvey

Averi Anslinger

Olivia Aurs

Tyler Beeler

Jenna Bersch

Jacqueline Brasseale

Anthony Brodie III

Kyle Broeker

Nicolas Brougham

Austin Brown

Isaac Brown

Layla Brown

Miles Bryant

Ainsley Buck

Shelby Burnette

Kinsey Callahan

MaryLouise Campbell

Abrianna Carey

Mia Carter

Kennedy Chandler

Evelyn Clements

Caroline Corino

Caroline Cox

Macy Decker

William Deeg

Samuel Dehner

Fiona DeLamar

Axel Diaz

Barry Duff, Jr

John Early

Kyle Echert

Jacob Eddington

Keely Elsner

Adam Evans

Aiden Farmer

Samuel Filbert

Andi Flittner

Lauren Folz

Rachel Franke

Grant Frasier

Isabelle Frazier

Benjamin Fuhrer

Kaylee Fulkerson

Raquel Gabaldon

Paige Gander

Preslee Gander

Katerin Gerhardt

Andrew Golba

Lucas Goris

William Goris

Jace Graham

Thomas Groves

Evan Harding

Lilly Hiester

Taylor Higgins

Jacob Hirsch

Jacob Hoesli

Emma Holt

Claire Hood

Evan Hudak

Matthew Hudson

Madelyn Ivie

Aidan Johnson

the Class of 2022!

Emma Johnson

Lucas Johnson

Lily Kaufman

Emma Kirk

Paige Kneubuhler

Kylie Lake

Ian Lindsay

Sophia Martin

Traeston McCutchan

Parker McWilliams

Abigail Melendres

Lauren Meunier

Jack Muehlbauer

Ngoc Nguyen

Jack Nichols

Dominic Norman

Hailey Obenchain

Andrew Page

Zora Parchman

Dhruv Patel

Grace Patterson

Dana Pauli

Penelope Perkins

Drew Peterson

Kylee Phelps

Nolan Powers

Maxwell Prentice

Jake Price

AAliyah Puckett

Katherine Reising

Isaac Robertson

Rosely Roblero Rodriguez

Emily Roe

William Rogers, II

Derrick Rosas

Joshua Russell

Kate Schadler

Justin Scheberle

Eleanor Schenk

Hayden Schneider

John Shea

Stephen Sloan

Gus Spradlin

Christina Stagg

Ellason Stahl

Julia Stark

Terry Stuckey

Annie Tenbarge

Devin Tran

Ethan Tucker

Xavier Tyler

Jackson Vaught

Alejandro Velasco

Lindsey Waller

Aubrey Ward

Cydney Wathen

Audrey Weyer

Jessica Wilson

Reid Wilson

Kendrick Wittmer

Eva Word

Wyatt Zausch

Gina Ziebell

Eleanor Myers

Jaden Powell

Carmen Schaefer

PHOTO BY INTER-STATE PHOTOGRAPHY

CONGRATULATIONS 2022 GRADUATES!

GRADUATING STATISTICS:

131 students

$11 million-plus awarded in scholarships

94% college bound

1 appointment to the United States Naval Academy

2 perfect ACT scores

7 academic and athletic state championships

Valedictorians

Andi Flittner

Lauren Meunier

Jack Nichols

Emily Roe

Averi Anslinger

Jenna Bersch

Mia Carter

2022 BASKETBALL HOMECOMING

2022 Basketball Homecoming Queen and King Jacqueline Brasseale and Evan Hudak

Crowning of Jacqueline Brasseale and Evan Hudak

2022 Basketball Homecoming Court -

Bottom row, left to right - Reegan Buck, Mahika Gonzales, Margaret Willming, Lindsey “Addy” Waller, Claire Hood, Jacqueline Brasseale, Brianne Allen, Jenna Bersch, Isabelle Frazier, Hannah Bauer, Natalie West, Hannah Broeker

Top row, left to right - Luke Ellspermann, James Blackburn, Leo Collins, Andrew Alvey, Jack Nichols, Evan Hudak, Adam Evans, Evan Harding, Michael Robertson, Jack Brackett, Rowan O’Daniel, Ty Hall

Seniors - Bottom row, left to right - Brianne Allen, Claire Hood, Lindsey “Addy” Waller, Jenna Bersch, Isabelle Frazier, Jacqueline Brasseale. Top row, left to right - Adam Evans, Jack Nichols, Andrew Alvey, Evan Harding, Michael Robertson, Evan Hudak

Juniors, from left to right - Leo Collins, Margaret Willming, Hannah Bauer, Jack Brackett

Sophomores, from left to right - Rowan O’Daniel, Natalie West, Mahika Gonzales, James Blackburn

Freshman, from left to right - Luke Ellspermann, Reegan Buck, Hannah Broeker, Ty Hall

CALLING ALL CHAMPIONS

In 2016, the Athletic Department began displaying IHSAA State Championship rings with the State Championship trophies.

The idea to seek out past years’ state rings came about when a 1989 and 1996 state baseball ring were given to the Athletic Department for display in their trophy cases.

To complete the collection of rings, the listed sports and years are needed. If you would like to donate your state ring for display, please call the Reitz Memorial Athletic Office at 812-476-4632 or you can stop by the office. The addition of these rings would add a finishing touch to the already impressive display of State trophies in our Athletic hallway.

COACH JOHN HURLEY

Congratulations to Coach John Hurley, who was named the 2021 Downtown Quarterback Club Coach of the Year. With that honor, he can also boast on having 10 of his players named to the 2021 All-City Quarterback Club Team. There was a total of 22 players for the seven city high schools chosen, nearly half of them from Reitz Memorial.

John Hurley has been the head football coach at Reitz Memorial for 14 years and has a record of 118-61. His 118 wins ties him with legendary Memorial Coach Don Ping (1930-1945). Coach Hurley led the Tigers to two State Championships (2017 and 2019) as well as State Championship runner up three times (2008, 2009 and 2018).

In 1988, he was named to the Quarterback Club All-City Team as a player

at Memorial. In addition to being named the 2021 Evansville Downtown Quarterback Club Coach of Year, he holds that same title for 2018 and 2019.

Memorial High School is proud of Coach Hurley and

Girls Tennis: 1995 and 2012

Girls Soccer: 1996, 2008, and 2012

Boys Soccer: 2007 and 2008

Softball: 2002

Girls Basketball: 2011

all that he has achieved. His hard work and dedication to the football program, and his players are notable factors to his success. We look forward to the 2022 football season and wish Coach Hurley and his team the very best.

COACH ANGIE LENSING

Mentor, Leader, Developer of Young Women — and an Outstanding Coach

BY JOE MEYER

Memorial soccer coach Angie Lensing wins Indiana Coach of the Year and United Soccer Coaches Association Regional Coach of the Year Awards after another championship season.

Teachers, coaches, and everyone devoting themselves to the development of young people deserve our respect and thanks. Coaches are in a unique category in that many people tend to “grade” a coach based only on wins. Evaluations based on obvious criteria often fail to tell the entire story. Rare is the coach that wins in the most important category, which is helping young people learn about life and choices, and yet also wins on the field of play.

For the past 25 years (23 as head coach), Reitz Memorial High School has benefitted from having a remarkable person in its presence — positively influencing young women while establishing and maintaining a level of excellence in a soccer program rarely seen in any sport, in any state, at any level.

Coach Angie Lensing has led Memorial women’s soccer teams to four state championships. Memorial

is second in the state in number of semi-state, regional, and sectional championships. She has won numerous awards and was recently named Indiana Coach of the Year as well as United Soccer Coaches Association Regional Coach of the Year. She is a member of the University of Evansville Athletic Hall of Fame for her career accomplishments as a student athlete. She has more than 350 wins in her time at Memorial. Her 2021 State Championship team was 20-3-1.

Coach Lensing will say her success is due to her players, and Memorial has talented players to be sure. But to accomplish what Coach Lensing has accomplished in more than two decades at a parochial school - that requires sacrifice from parents and students and requires a coach that gives so much more than the sport of soccer requires for merely on-field success.

Most soccer teams have somewhere around twenty players and managers. So, a simple math exercise will tell us that Coach Lensing has led well over 400 young women just as varsity players. Fourteen of those former players have returned to be assistant coaches at Memorial, and

dozens more alumni consistently send inspirational videos to the teams prior to post-season play. At the state championship game last October in Indianapolis, Indiana, our Lady Tigers walked through a tunnel of former players all wearing their own state championship sweatshirts. Young women remember Angie and remember Memorial soccer for so much more than championships.

Angie is there for young women as they navigate their high school years. She remains a sounding board and advisor long after. She is tough yet flexible — demanding yet understanding. She can effectively deliver both the kick in the pants and the arm around the shoulder. She is uniquely positioned to assist young women facing significant challenges and opportunities.

Alumni of Memorial Soccer will tell you there is nothing like it — and they are right. Memorial women’s soccer is special for many reasons, but the top of that list is reserved for Coach Angie Lensing. Thank you Coach for your compelling and meaningful contribution to the lives of so many. Thank you for the championships and awards. But most of all, thank you for being you.

“THIRD TIME’S A CHARM”

Ninth Class Inducted into Athletic Hall of Fame

BY PATTY VANN

On Friday afternoon, March 13, 2020, Hall of Fame Chairman Robbie Kent received word from the Diocese that the Athletic Hall of Fame event scheduled for Saturday was to be cancelled due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Finally, after two rescheduled dates two years later, the ceremony was held on Saturday, April 2, 2022.

The event was hosted at City View at Sterling Square to a capacity crowd of family and friends of the honorees, alumni of Reitz Memorial, and many repeated loyal

sponsors. The evening began with a social hour and hors d’oeuvre, followed by the induction ceremony featuring Mike Blake presenting the narratives and a slide show highlighting inductees’ careers.

Dr. John Greif (1979) led off the ceremony. Although John played basketball for three years, tennis was his game. Through his senior year at Reitz Memorial, he compiled an incredible record of 88-0, playing No. 1 singles all four years. John was ranked No. 1 junior player in Indiana and was two-time AllState. He continued his collegiate

career at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, excelling as most valuable player for two years and leading the Salukis to the Missouri Valley Conference Championship. After an outstanding collegiate career, he played professional tennis in Europe during the summer of 1983. John then entered Indiana University’s School of Dentistry and today has his dental practice on Evansville’s East Side.

Our second inductee, Paul Barton (1992) , was a soccer stand-out and member of three Memorial state championship

Paul Barton, Jason Edwards, Ken Mills Sr., Robbie Kent, Jeff Anderson, John Greif, Bruce Dockery

teams. He collected many awards and recognitions, some of which included All-City, All-State, Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year, First Team all-American, and Indiana Coach’s Player of the Year. Paul continued as a scholarship athlete, playing for University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Butler University, and California State University. After college he was drafted in the second round of the CISL Soccer League, playing for the Indiana Twisters and a semi-pro team in Shang Hai, China. He is a professional educator, having earned “Teacher of the Year” award. Ken Mills Sr. (1964) followed Paul Barton to the podium. Ken was an outstanding four-sport athlete while at Reitz Memorial. He was a two-year starter in basketball, a pitcher and third baseman in baseball and ran the 100-yard dash, 8-80 relay, and high-jump in track. However, it was on the football field as a fullback and halfback where Ken and MHS reached the No. 7 spot in state-ranking and played in front of crowds estimated at 7,000-10,000 against Reitz and Rex Mundi High Schools. Ken was named to the All-City Press football team and received All-State honors. Following high school, he started as a freshman for the University of Kansas, but was injured and unable to continue. After recovering, he continued play at Evansville College, now the University of Evansville. Upon retiring after a 25-year career in sales, he remains an active MHS supporter.

Our fourth honoree was Jeff Anderson (1990) . During his outstanding athletic career, Jeff lettered four years in both track and cross country and was a three-year varsity player in basketball. Jeff averaged 20 points per game, helping the Tigers reach a 49-21 record during the three-year

stretch. His senior year he was selected to the Indiana Top 40 State Basketball team, playing in the Indiana East/West All-Star game. Upon graduation, Jeff played for Division I Kent State University where he was recognized with a 53.7% three-point shooting average and also received the respected Ed Steitz award at the 1993 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Ceremony. Jeff has been involved in various entrepreneurial endeavors the past 20 years in the franchise, real estate, and hospitality sectors in numerous U.S. regions.

Following Jeff was classmate Jason Edwards (1990) who flew in from California. An outstanding three-sport athlete, he played as a tight end and defensive end for football, center/forward for basketball, and pitcher in baseball. He was named to the football Allcity, All-Metro and All-Conference teams and selected to play in the North/South all-Star game. He was also honored as All-city and All-Conference for basketball and baseball and was a member of the 1989 IHSAA State Championship baseball team. Upon graduation, Jason went on to play Division I football at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. During that time, he was second in leading quarterback sacks. Jason currently works as the director of business development for Blue Iron Foundation and Shoring.

The evening’s final scheduled inductee was Coach Bruce Dockery . Bruce came to MHS as head girls’ basketball coach for the 1987-88 season where be began setting a strong foundation for the Lady Tiger basketball program and their bright future. For the next 31 years, Bruce accumulated 502 wins and at the end of his career had the honor of being the sixth all-time winningest high school ladies’ basketball

coach in the state of Indiana. He was named Conference coach of the year eight times and District Coach of the Year five times. His teams won 14 sectional championships, six regional titles, was a state runner-up in 2006, and led the Lady Tigers to victory at the State Finals Championship in 2011. Bruce served as the Memorial Girls Golf Coach in 2000, 2001, and 2002, and all three years the Tigers were State Finalists. Additionally, he served as Memorial’s Athletic Director for 12 years retiring in 2015 and returned to fill-in on an interim basis a few years later with an official ending in June 2019. Bruce now enjoys retirement, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Before concluding the program, the surprise induction of one final honoree was announced. Robert M. Kent (1966) , chairman of the Athletic Hall of Fame committee, was informed that this too was “his night.” Emcee and long-time friend to Robbie, Mike Blake, spoke of athletic director Bruce Dockery’s request to Robbie for input concerning an athletic hall of fame; and in true Robbie fashion, the project evolved into an Athletic Hall of Fame unmatched by any.

Mike Blake stated, “This is no ordinary Hall of Fame. Just ask any of its inductees.” Mike also spoke of Robbie’s support, commitment, and generosity not only to his Alma Mater but to our entire community. And as Mike so expertly stated, “That is why tonight is the perfect time to acknowledge his unprecedented dedication and devotion to his school and say thank you for all of his contributions to Memorial Athletics and for making tonight an extraordinary event. We congratulate and welcome all of the inductees to the 2022 Reitz Memorial Athletic Hall of Fame.”

ACING ARCHERY

BY BEN EARLY

bullseye, her career high, placing her fourth right behind Fredrich. Freshman Gabe Wittmer rounded out the individual accolades in 3D, finishing fourth of 125 high school boys, with his career high 284.

For those who are not familiar with archery: 300 is a perfect score.

In 3D, the Tigers finished 18th out of 128 teams with their season high score of 1,677. With a score of 284, Fredrich finished 31st out of 875 and Golba finished 93rd out of 940 with a 282.

In the 10th year of competition, the Reitz Memorial Tiger Archery team had another successful year. The pinnacle of every archery season is the Indiana NASP State Tournament at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis in mid-March. The State Tournament consists of both a bullseye tournament and a 3D tournament.

Tiger archers have traditionally fared well at state and this year was no exception. As a team, the Tigers finished third of 13 teams in the 3D tournament and fourth of 35 teams in bullseye.

A trio of Tiger freshmen and a senior led the team’s individual results. Freshman Adelaide Fredrich was the only Tiger to place in the top five of both tournaments. In bullseye, she shot a 292, her career high, and finished third out of 350 high school girls and 950 total girls. In 3D, Adelaide shot a 278, good for fifth place out of 95 high school girls.

Also in bullseye, senior Andrew Golba shot a 290, finishing fifth out of 377 high school boys and 1,137 boys overall. Freshman Katelynn Echert also shot a 290 in

Golba and Fredrich have been standouts all season for the Tigers. Golba’s season average of 290 is in the top 20 in the nation. His season high round of 296, which he’s done twice, is the 17th best single round by a high school male in the nation this season. Fredrich’s season average of 284 is in the top 70 for high school girls in the nation. Her 292 at state is the 56th best round by a high school female this season.

The Tiger archers, with their team score from state, qualified for the NASP National Tournament which took place in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 14.

In bullseye, the Tigers finished 43rd out of 215 teams with a score of 3,317. Fredrich led the team with a 288, finishing 33rd out of 2,055 girls. Golba was close behind her with a 287, finishing 118th out of 2,138 boys.

Adelaide Fredrich, Katelynn Echert, and Gabe Wittmer

Andrew Golba

“DON’T BE AFRAID”

BY SAMANTHA MYERS AND BRIAN HEATHCOTT

Robert Kroener, class of 1960, is someone who is no stranger to plans not working out like he thought they would; but sometimes, those changed plans ended up being better than he could have ever imagined.

Like many of us, Bob took a placement test while he was in the eighth grade at St. Benedict’s Cathedral School. That test not only decided what courses a student might take in high school, but it also decided whether the school thought you would go to college, a trade school, or go work upon high school graduation. According to Bob, he was not a great test taker; however, he scored a “B” on that placement test. This would categorize him in a coin-toss chance to go to college. Brother Ambrose, one of his favorite math teachers at Reitz Memorial, saw something in Bob that the placement test couldn’t see. He decided he would move Bob up to the higher-level math classes. Bob knew at that moment; he could make it to college and succeed.

Bob’s high school experience was like many other Memorial graduates. He attended football and basketball games, enjoyed playing basketball in a friends’ driveway until 3:00 a.m., going to movies and restaurants with friends, and going to dances (which were sock hops back then) with his girlfriend. He also was involved in many clubs and sports where he played a role in winning the SIAC and City Tournament in boys’ tennis his junior and senior years. This was the first time Memorial won those titles.

Bob attended the University of Detroit where he majored in civil engineering and was a part of the ROTC. He also met his wife, Donna, who attended Mercy College in Detroit, through his girlfriend at the time. They got married in the same church he proposed to her in during their friends’ wedding. They had two boys and a baby girl on the way as he was about to embark the biggest change in his life.

After he graduated in 1965, he joined the Air Force. He wanted to continue

his education and attend graduate school. There weren’t many spots available at the time — 26 to be exact — for officers to get into graduate school due to the Vietnam War. As he was sitting in over 100 inches of snow while stationed at Oxnard Air Force Base in Canada, Bob knew he was destined for more. He got the news that he had been selected for one of those 26 spots for graduate school at the University of Southern California. Bob studied and worked hard to prove himself to his professors and himself.

He said, “Memorial definitely prepared me for college in that aspect. I developed great study habits in high school and learned so much about basic sentence structure and organization in Brother Francis Regis’ Latin class.”

He impressed his professors in so many ways, and one even offered to sponsor him to pursue his Doctorate of Business Administration. However, God had a different plan. He never got his chance to walk at his graduation after completing an accelerated 5-year track. Bob returned to active duty and 28 years later, he retired from the Air Force as a Lt. Colonel in 1993. Bob then proceeded to use the college education he always dreamed of receiving when he worked as a plant engineer in the pharmaceutical industry for 15 years.

Years after he graduated college with his master’s degree, his son’s girlfriend kept talking about how he never got the chance to walk across the stage after he made such a big accomplishment. He and his family would talk about it often. Finally, he reached out to USC and said he was ready for his big walk across the stage during the May 2020 graduation ceremony. However, the graduation ceremony was cancelled, like many things were all over the world, and Bob didn’t get his big moment he had

been waiting 49 years for.

The University of Southern California wasn’t going to let Bob miss this extremely well-deserved opportunity, though. When planning began for the May 2021 graduation ceremony, Bob was more than excited to finally get this chance. But, once again, things didn’t play out the way he thought they would. Since there were still quite a few restrictions on large gatherings at the time, each graduate only received four tickets for family and friends to come. Bob wasn’t going to have enough tickets for his whole family to watch him officially graduate. He kept in contact with someone assisting with the planning and she was able to get him two additional tickets!

It took him 50 years to walk across the stage as he graduated with a master’s degree, proving to himself and everyone who helped him along the way that he can reach any goal he sets for himself.

Bob recalled, “One of my favorite parts about getting to walk at graduation 50 years after I actually graduated was that my children and even my grandchildren got to see it happen. Most kids don’t get to see their parents graduate from college because many aren’t born yet.”

Bob doesn’t ever want to be afraid of change or things not going as you planned, because you never know what might be in store. It might turn out to be better than what you could have imagined in the first place.

The biggest thing Bob wished he knew when he was in high school was that “Nothing stays the same forever, so be flexible. If you are facing a big change in your life, don’t be afraid of it. Whether it is a new school, relocation, going to college, getting a new job, or going into the military, JUST GO FOR IT!”

MARY “JOSIE” BRAUN

1930-2022

BY JIM “JIMMY” BRAUN

Iam writing a tribute to my mother, Mary “Josie” Braun. She passed away on Feb. 23, 2022, while residing in the Seattle, Washington, area. What a better way to honor her than in the Memorial Memories. I appreciate the platform they have extended to me.

Josie was very committed to her Catholic faith and the Catholic educational system. Where did this commitment come from? It was from her early for mative years. Growing up in the small rural community of Whitesville, Kentucky, the daughter of Ann and Julian Burch, the Catholic Church was a big part of their life. Sunday trips to town to go to mass were the highlight of the week. Mom would really light up when we talked about the Saint Mary’s summer picnics and her trips to Uncle Paul’s farm, where she played with her cousins. She never tired of the old stories, which may have been repeated a time or two.

Grandma and Grandpa Burch eventually moved to Evansville where there was a better opportunity for steady income to support their growing family. They settled close to Saint Joseph Catholic Church and school. Mom spoke of Sister Pauline often. Sister must have given mom some special attention and help while transitioning to city life.

One winter Grandpa Burch was sick for months and unable to work. At Christmas time the Saint Vincent de Paul Society of the Saint Joseph Parish provided for the children’s Christmas. This caused mom to continue believing in Santa Claus for a couple of more years, because she knew that her parents could never have afforded all the gifts. Because of this, the St. Vincent de Paul society was her favorite organization to support for the rest of her life.

Josie continued her Catholic education at Memorial High School as did her other eight

siblings. This is where she met most of her lifelong friends. Most importantly she met her future husband and my father, Jim Braun. Jim had a head start on Josie at Memorial, living in the 400 block of Bennighof, right across the street from the football field. He would watch the band practice and he started marching up and down with the band waving a baseball bat up and down. One of the adults must’ve seen him doing this and they came up with the idea of making him a junior drum major.

He eventually became the junior drum major in the mid to late 1930s. Someone very talented made his outfit. It was very elaborate. While he was at Memorial High School, he was awarded the Kiwanis award in basketball in 1948. I also received a Kiwanis award in basketball in 1971. Sharing the same award as my father is very special to me. Dad’s two siblings, Mike and Addie, both attended Memorial High School as well.

Jim and Josie married after high school. Their plans were to have a large family, mostly Josie. They were blessed, as mom

Jim Braun,1936

Jim and Josie on her 90th birthday in Seattle, Washington

would say, with eight healthy children. Julie class of 1970, Jimmy class of 1971, Janet class of 1972, Susie class of 1973, Jeannie class of 1974, Johnny class of 1976, JoAnn class of 1977, and Nancy class of 1981. They found a house on Walnut Street that met their needs. Walking distance to St. Benedict’s Cathedral Church and School; Memorial High School; and Evansville college because mom couldn’t drive at the time.

All the children attended Memorial from the late 1960s through 1981. What a challenging time to raise teenagers, especially six girls (Ha!). At that time there was a lot of civil unrest in the country and also in Evansville; the Vietnam War, civil rights demonstrations, Woodstock, and Bull Island, to name a few. Somehow, as mom would say, we survived.

The life lessons that my seven siblings and I learned from Mom have been invaluable. Good work ethic was instilled in us from an early age. We were allowed

to be independent self-thinkers. If we got too independent, she would bring us back to reality quickly. Mom schooled me on how to apply for a job. When she was a teenager, she wanted a job at Court Pharmacy and would go in weekly until she wore them down and got the job. At the end of my Memorial sophomore year, I went into Father Dieg’s office and told him I would like to apply for a summer maintenance job. I think he felt sorry for me and gave me a job on the spot. It was a great job I had for the next four summers. It was the same job that my dad had while he was a student at Memorial High School. Mom was busy driving my other siblings to work at Schultheis Drugstore owned by Aunt Marie and Uncle Joe Schultheis, who are both graduates of Memorial High School. What great jobs those were.

It was a comforting feeling to know mom and dad always had my back. On our first trip to Purdue University, we went to the financial aid office and mom would not leave until the financial aid

officer gave me the aid that I needed to attend school. Money was tight at the time and there were still a lot of mouths to feed on Walnut Street.

Mom and dad were approaching retirement age when dad was diagnosed with colon cancer. He passed away in 1994. I know mom was hoping for a long retirement together, but she accepted the cards she was dealt. After a couple of years, she sold her house on Walnut Street and moved out to the Seattle area where the majority of her children were. A few days before she left, my son, Ryan, and I were in her kitchen and he told her to have a great rest of her life and I think she did.

In closing, I would like to extend a big thank you to my uncle, Lindy Carl Burch, and my aunt, Cecelia Marie Schultheis, two of Mom’s siblings for their generous donation to Memorial High School in honor of my mother.

I would like to share the comment that mom’s great grandson, Bryson (age 8), made to me over the phone after mom passed. He said, “Grandma, may you rest in peace.”

Mom, I love you and miss you. Your son Jimmy

Jeannie (1974), Janet (1972), Susie (1973), Josie (1948), Julie (1970), Nancy (1981), and JoAnn (1978)

GOD’S PERFECT PLAN

BY FAHKARA MALONE

Ilook at my life and cannot believe what it has become thus far; “But God,” is all I can say. I absolutely hate reading about myself; therefore, writing on the topic of my life was a task I had no interest in completing. But God. My Memorial experiences over 15 years ago have continued to shape my life today. Memorial has always been and will forever be about the people. The relationships built, the continued support, and the simple pride of being a Tiger shared by us all.

The outsider looks at my experience as a Tiger, thinks sports, and stops there naively. The early morning cut up sessions with my classmates in the cafeteria, the passing of notes in the blue hallway, the food parties in French class or the Halloween dress up for extra credit in Calculus; those are the experiences I continue to carry with me to this day. Those experiences bring me such joy to recall, and I think about how it all almost didn’t happen. I went to Freshman orientation and walked through my future classes with people I did not yet know. I cried afterwards and tried convincing my parents they’d made a mistake. I was not supposed to be a Tiger. But God. They encouraged me to persist through my fears, thankfully. Memorial has shaped the person I am today.

I moved on to Purdue University to study psychology in addition to playing the sport I love so much. My Memorial ties followed me to West Lafayette. Memorial was in the stands and watching back home when I took the court. My freshman year a group of friends who went to different colleges came to campus to join those at Purdue to cheer me on during a game. I have no clue if we won or lost the game, but I will never forget their support. Seeing my fellow Tigers continue to cheer me on during games allowed me to feel at home, while being so far away.

Tigers know how to stick together. Life took us all in different directions after Purdue. I thought I would leave basketball behind in West Lafayette. But God.

I am now entering my 12th season in collegiate coaching. I told myself I would never coach. But God. I told myself I would never be a head coach. But God. I told myself I will never live in Evansville, because I had a desire to experience other parts of the country. But God.

Surrendering to God’s will is important to me, although it is a daily struggle. I told God early in my life that I want to impact children every day of my life. I want to give of myself

to His people. I convinced myself it did not include basketball. But God.

I went back to school to obtain my master’s degree in Social Work at the University of India napolis. I again thought, this will allow God to move me to serve His people in this field, outside of basketball. He presented the opportunity to come back home, become a head coach, and provide counseling sessions all in one job. But God. Oakland City University brought my passions together: basketball and counseling. I get to serve God’s people daily in both of my roles. His plan is truly perfect.

I count my blessings double time these days. I recently celebrated my one-year anniversary with the love of my life, Justin Hawkins. He attended Evansville Day School where he played basketball. The argument on who is better will continue for a lifetime. Our long-time friendship transitioned into much more during the start of the pandemic. The extra time together showed us we never wanted to be apart again.

He was a coach at Indiana University East in Richmond, Indiana, for the men’s basketball program. I was able to steal him away and convince him to coach with me at Oakland City University. We welcomed our first child, Gralin Job Hawkins, into the world just three weeks before our first game of the 21-22 season. I thought there was no way I would be able to lead at work while navigating motherhood. But God. Two of my closest friends are mothers and Memorial grads. The support they have given me during this new journey of life has been unmatched.

Again, Tigers know how to stick together. I am so grateful God’s perfect plan made sure my Tiger story did not end at freshmen orientation.

Memory IN LOVING

May our dearly departed alumni rest in the peace of Christ. Please remember them and their families in your prayers.

Harold Born 1940 4/27/2021

Betty Mae (Loehr) Dewig 1941 1/11/2021

M. Jacqueline (Schmitt) Alles 1945 12/4/2021

Regina (Knapp) Goebel 1945 9/8/2021

Jeanne (Kercher) Guetling 1945 10/3/2021

Ann (DeJean) Scheitlin 1945 9/29/2021

Margie (Bayer) Gauer 1946 6/28/2021

Ruthmae (Laine) Spahn 1946 12/3/2021

Joan (Hayes) Creech 1948 9/28/2021

James Dillman 1948 5/18/2021

Bernard Dubord 1948 12/20/2021

Herbert Haug 1948 8/14/2021

Mary Geraldine (Freihaut) Dubord 1949 10/3/2021

Kathryn (Bayer) Hirsch 1949 10/30/2021

James Hormuth 1949 5/5/2021

Edward Kiefer 1949 2/24/2021

Alfred Knapp 1949 2/19/2021

Raymond Pritchett 1949 4/27/2021

Paul Becker 1950 2/3/2021

William Becker 1950 12/19/2021

Donald Brown 1950 2/25/2021

Harold Memmer 1950 12/24/2021

William Wittgen 1950 1/13/2021

Robert Claycomb 1951 04/25/2021

IdaAnn (Farrar) Schentrup 1951 12/20/2021

Janice (Jarboe) Tenbarge 1951 8/12/2021

Elizabeth (Manhart) Barrett 1952 8/23/2021

Donald Crawford 1952 5/22/2021

Karlene (Baker) Efinger 1952 12/28/2021

Shirley (Bassemier) Haug 1952 12/15/2021

Marie (Kersting) Steckler 1952 8/17/2021

Eugene Durchholz 1953 12/11/2021

Francis Will 1953 2/23/2021

Shirley (Russell) Schutte 1954 11/20/2021

Barbara (Libs) Henneberger 1955 6/4/2021

Jo Anne (Dennis) Meth 1955 4/21/2021

Mary (Beaven) Meyer 1955 5/3/2021

Maurice O’Connor 1955 4/15/2021

Ronald Armstrong 1956 10/2/2021

Phillip Elder 1956 5/20/2021

Roger Emge 1956 10/24/2021

Jerry Singleton 1956 12/25/2021

Geraldine (Schneider) Zuber 1956 1/31/2021

Gary Chapel 1959 7/17/2021

Becky (Shetler) Eckert 1959 10/28/2021

Nina (Fuller) Heil 1959 1/11/2021

Gayle Jackson 1959 05/12/2021

Janice (Seiler) Pinhey 1959 9/3/2021

Sue (Will) Unfried 1959 3/31/2021

Margaret Susan (Metcalfe) Waible-Rose 1959 11/30/2021

William Bailey 1960 2021

Sondra (Bays) Davis 1960 7/5/2021

James McHatton 1960 9/3/2021

Stephen Cassidy 1961 8/5/2021

William Teare 1961 11/30/2021

C. Donald Drury 1962 6/24/2021

Michele Pyle 1962 8/27/2021

John Reisz 1962 10/2/2021

Glen Wrinkles 1962 12/6/2021

Kathleen (Giorgio) Kanouse 1963 10/6/2021

Martha (Endress) Vann 1963 5/5/2021

Saundra (Williams) Morris 1965 9/24/2021

James Schili 1966 5/29/2021

Aloysius Paul Will 1969 1/1/2021

Andrea (Lyon) Davis 1970 3/3/2021

David Frank 1970 11/11/2021

Michael Keating 1970 11/5/2021

Donna (Davis) Brown 1972 11/23/2021

Thomas Perkins 1973 3/8/2021

Mark Janssen 1977 12/20/2021

Debra (Hirsch) Powell 1983 11/24/2021

Jerry Robinson 1983 1/3/2021

Kimberly Wescott 1985 4/2/2021

Michael Erdmann 2004 5/22/2021

Andrew Hupfer 2007 8/26/2021

ALUMNI NEWS

1943 —THOMAS E. ALEXANDER

I played varsity football in 1941 and 1942. I was the captain in 1943. I live in Thomasville, Georgia, with my wife, Kay. Two of my children and their spouses live here. I have 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

1948 — LORRAINE (MOERS) YOURGANS

Lorraine and her husband, Roger, will celebrate their 65th anniversary on October 5. They have three children, 11 grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and two great great grandsons. Having lived 47 years in Washington, Indiana, they decided to move back to Evansville into a condo. Downsizing brought back many memories of Lorraine’s Memorial days. Thank you for the rewards of a good Catholic education!

1954 — EUGENE HENRY LUTTERBACH

My family all graduated from Reitz Memorial: James ‘41 (WWII – died ’44), Rosemary ’43, Clement ’45 (WWII Navy), Leonard ’47, Marcella ’48, and football players Albertus ’50, Kenneth ’53, and Eugene H. ’54. My grandchildren are Austin, Rene, and Erich Lutterbach.

1955 — ART (DECEASED 2003) AND JOAN MARKET

Joan and Art’s five children all live in Florida, three in Orlando and two in Palm Coast. Two have retired and three will retire within the next three years. Crafts and card-playing are a weekly event. Boating and fishing are enjoyed by all. Visitors are welcome.

1958 & 1959 — GARY AND JANE HAYDEN

We love traveling and spending time with our children and grandchildren.

1965 — C. LARRY RHODES

Retired after 50 years in Insurance in October 2019.

1969 — JOSEPH D. JOERGENS

JD and Shara have three children, all graduates of RMHS, and 20 grandchildren.

1969 — MICHAEL AND HEATHER WEDDING

Retired RN, BSN, PHN since 2016. Worked for the State of Minnesota for 17 years. Enjoying retirement with wife, Heather, of 39 years. Still attempting to learn to play guitar (I’ll never give up). Enjoying life!

1970 — LEONARD JACOBS

On Sept 21, 2021, Leonard Jacobs won two gold medals at the 2021 Dallas Golden Games (50-69 group) in Free Throws (23/25) and Around the World (13/15). On Sept 23, Leonard won the Texas Senior Games (age 65-69) Free Throw Gold Metal (25/25) and the Around the World Gold Metal, scoring 26 points in one minute. The team Leonard played on (Texas Old Stars) finished third (Bronze) in the (age 65-69) group.

1975 — JEFFREY SIMPSON

Jeff and his wife, Angie, have been married for 32 years and have two children who are also graduates of Memorial, Amanda ‘10 and Matthew ’14, and they now have three grandchildren. They love to travel and spend time with their grandchildren.

1976 — GREGG MARTIN

I am currently performing in the Beatles Tribute Band, “The Backbeats.”

1980 — HELEN SCHMIDT

BROWN

Jeff and I have five children and three grandchildren. Our kids went to high school at Guerin Catholic in Indianapolis. We love passing on our faith to the next generation.

1981 — SHAWN E. DEVOY

Retired as of April 1, 2022, from the City of Evansville after 36 years, most at Water and

Sewer Utility. I have three wonderful sons: Myles (2012), Griffin, and Samuel.

1983 & 1984 — RICHARD E. HAYDEN & DIANE M. SCHNUR-HAYDEN

We will be married 34 years in October. Our two daughters, Emily and Lauren, who both graduated from Memorial, are married. Emily lives in Indianapolis with husband, Billy, and Lauren lives in Evansville with husband, Luke. We will be grandparents in September!

1992 — ANDREW AND KARI

(WRIGHT) GOLDSTEIN

Our son, Ryan, is attending RHIT in the fall. He plans to study mechanical engineering. Our son, Kerin, will be a senior in high school. Looking forward to seeing them both do great things in the future.

1999 — PATRICK STUCKEMEYER

Patrick Stuckemeyer is a professor of music at Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro, Kentucky, where he teaches courses in music, applied lessons, and is the director of Bands.

2001 — ABBIE (POELHUIS)

HOLDORF

Abbie and Brian moved back to Indiana in 2019 from Texas with their kids Noah and Elizabeth. Currently living in Fort Branch, Indiana. Brian works as a Highway Tech for INDOT and is in the National Guard. Abbie is employed as a Historic Site Interpreter at Angel Mounds State Historic Site.

2008 — LAUREN BLANC

Lauren is expected to complete a Ph.D. is nanochemistry at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, sometime this year in 2022.

2008 — DANNY EVANS

Married to Ali Evans May 2020. First baby, Mason, born May 9, 2021.

HOW TO SUBMIT CLASS NOTES:

To have your information published in a future issue, please send to Executive Assistant to the President, Event Coordinator, and Assistant Athletic Director Samantha Myers at samanthamyers@evdio.org or mail to 1500 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN, 47714

2008 — MICHEAL AND LORI (LECLERE) ISAACS

Lori and Michael welcomed their fourth son, Luke Henry Isaacs, in November 2021, who is joining his three older brothers Andrew, Matthew, and Leo. Go Tigers!

2009 — MATHEW MARTIN AND ANDREA (HALSEY) MARTIN

Matthew and Andrea welcomed their son, Calvin Edward, in August 2021.

2013 — HOLLY (THIEMAN) PEPEN

In fall 2021, I married my college sweetheart, Jon Paul. We met during our time as Purdue students through the Catholic campus ministry. We both work in Purdue research park now, with me in pharmaceutical quality assurance and Jon Paul in materials and engineering.

2014 — MADISON (FALKENSTEIN) AITON

Maddy and her husband, Kyle, welcomed their son, Theo Matthew, into the world on April 14, 2022. Theo is the sixth grandchild of Matthew and Carrie (VanMeter) Falkenstein, both class of 1984. Maddy also returned to Memorial in August as the head volleyball coach and a PE and driver’s education teacher.

2014 — SAMANTHA MYERS

Samantha began working at Memorial in September as the assistant athletic director, event coordinator, and the executive assistant to the President.

2014 — ERIK SLOW

Erik joined his classmates in January as the IT

manager for Memorial. He and his wife have a 1-year-old son, Tyler.

2015 — ELLEN (CHURCH) HAYDEN

Ellen and husband, Joe Paul, welcomed a baby boy, Dominic Charles, on Jan 14, 2022. Dom is the first grandchild of Steve and Stacey (Muehlbauer) Church of the class of 1987.

2015 — LACIE FOLZ-HODGES

Married Douglas J. Hodges of Summersville, Kentucky, on Nov 20, 2021.

2016 — BETH VINCEK

Since graduating, I have gained many new experiences. Recently I have started a new career at Baird with the Wathen Lobel Miller Schulz Group. Furthering my education in economics and my experiences.