Hall Of Fame

Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School & Academy held its first Hall of Fame Induction ceremony in 1994. A total of 18 ceremonies have been held and typically take place every other winter. As of 2025, there are currently over 100 inductees including seventy-seven individuals, one honorary inductee, eight couples, ten teams, and one family. The Hall of Fame recognizes individuals and teams who have impacted the school and community throughout its rich history. As a Family of Faith, Knowledge, and Strength, Cardinal Stritch acknowledges the leaders and contributors that help our school in many ways, therefore, nominees are identified in those four distinct categories. Many of our nominees, and past inductees, meet the criteria for more than one category.

Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School & Academy hosted its 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony last Saturday, honoring the newest inductees and recognizing current members. The event featured delicious food, refreshments, and a spirit of camaraderie. Cardinal Stritch would like to thank the sponsors of the Hall of Fame evening, which includes many alumni and local businesses who believe in Cardinal Stritch’s mission and values.

HERE ARE THE 2025 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Michelle (Henning) Hamilton ‘07

James Kimble ‘83

Thomas McAlear ‘80

The 1988-89 Girls’ Volleyball Team

Family, friends, coaches, and faculty members gathered to support the nominees, with some traveling from as far as Florida. Michelle (Henning) Hamilton ‘07 was recognized for her remarkable achievements. James Kimble ‘83 was moved by a surprise letter from U.S. Marshal Peter J. Elliot, who praised his honor and dedication as a Sergeant, SRT Member, and hostage negotiator with the Wood County Sheriff’s office. Thomas McAlear ‘80 credited his years at Cardinal Stritch for shaping his commitment to service, while Coach Johnson gave an emotional thank-you to the 1988-89 Volleyball Team and their families for their unwavering support during that memorable season.

1988-89 Varsity Cardinal Stritch Volleyball Team

Jodi Jaros, Sue Surgo, Jackie McCloskey, Jenny Cherry, Jenny McCloskey, Amy Uher, Tricia Kontak, Heidi Ware, Julie Thomas, Diane Cherry, 

The 1988-89 Varsity Cardinal Stritch Volleyball Team stuck to their motto “We will rock you!” and compiled an overall record of 21-2. Included in their successful season was the exciting victory over Central, which captured the City Championship title. Their determination and teamwork led to an unforgettable City Championship victory over Central, a moment celebrated by fans storming the court in pure excitement.

The postseason tournaments also brought excellent results for the Stritch fans. After defeating Central, the team went on to win Sectional and District titles, advancing to the Regional Tournament, where they battled the eventual state champions, Fairview Park, in a thrilling three-set match.

Led by Coach Johnson, the Lady Cards earned respect across the city for their resilience, chemistry, and crowd energy.

Reflecting on that season, Coach Johnson shared, “These young women were tough, determined, and played for each other. They set the bar high for what it means to wear a Stritch uniform.”

Thomas McAlear ‘80

During his years at Cardinal Stritch, Thomas was inspired by his 208 classmates. During high school, Thomas demonstrated his commitment to the community by serving as class president his senior year. He was a member of the French Club for two years, the National Honor Society for two years, and was recognized as a Who’s Who Among American High School Students in his junior year. Thomas’ baseball, football, and wrestling accomplishments during his high school career include:

Varsity Baseball – 4 years, Varsity Football – 4 years, Varsity Football Captain – Senior Year, and Varsity Wrestling – 2 years

After graduating from Cardinal Stritch, Thomas earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Miami University in 1984, was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and graduated Summa Cum Laude. He continued his education and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1988 from the Medical College of Ohio. There, he received the Dean’s Award, the Glidden L. Brooks Award, the George G. Ludwig Prize in Medicine, the American College of Physicians Award, and was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.

James Kimble ‘83

While attending Cardinal Stritch, James Kimble ‘83 recalls fondly the love he felt from the Cardinal family. He credits coaches and mentors Tom Greer, Doug Neundorf, and Tom “T.D.” Talbott, Mike Vanrassen, Paul Luther Terry Reeves, and Father John Sites for his progress and development during his high school years.

Building on those foundations, James is recognized for his athletic accomplishments in football, including:

First-Team All-City

First-Team All-District

First-Team All-State

Michelle (Henning) Hamilton ‘07

In her sophomore year as a pitcher, Michelle (Henning) Hamilton ‘07 was an ace with an 11-1record, a 1.72 ERA, and 105 strikeouts in 89 innings of work. Henning started on varsity as a freshman. In her senior year, she earned a fourth letter, leading the Cardinals to their fifth consecutive TAAC title.

She also set a pitching record with a 15-4 (0.65 ERA) and 164 strikeouts in 119 innings, and achieved a batting average of .473 with three homers and 27 RBIs.

After graduating from Cardinal Stritch, Michelle played one season of softball for Madonna University in 2007-2008, before earning her Bachelor of Science in Education Degree from Bowling Green State University in 2012.

Michelle’s personal and team softball accomplishments during her high school career include:

Second Team All TAAC – 2004

First Team All TAAC – 2005, 2006, 2007

First Twenty-win season in school history – 2005

Sectional Champions – 2005

Division Three District Semi-Finalist – 2005

TAAC Player of the Year – 2007

All-Northwest District Honorable Mention – 2007

Softball Sebastian Award – 2007