As I
mused about the next “reflection” subject, I received a confluence of 3 communiqués from school. The first was an invitation to the Saint Ignatius College Prep Claver
Society Summer Soiree honoring Arthur J. Reliford Sr.,
class of ’72. I didn’t know Art very
well when he was a student, but other teachers, notably Fr. Link, talked of him
in glowing terms. I got to know Art
better in the mid-‘80’s when he came back to Ignatius to teach science. While he was teaching, he was also working
diligently for the betterment of his community on the near southwest side. I became even better acquainted with him when
he volunteered to help me coach tennis in the mid-90’s. Since then it has been my honor to have known
him, worked with him and called him my friend. In the late ‘90’s, Art left
Ignatius and eventually became the principal of Hales Franciscan High School.
The
second communiqué was a phone call from John Tucci, class of ’15, asking for
some assistance in publicizing the expansion of the Monogram Club. John, who is
a college student, has been working during the summer with Pat Singler, in
charge of Constituent Relations. When I asked John for a “policy statement”,
this was his response: “The slogan for the Monogram Club is “COME BACK TO THE PACK!” The
Monogram Club aims to foster enduring relationships among current and former
athletes, parents, and friends of SICP to perpetuate the legacy and rich
tradition of Saint Ignatius Athletics. We will host several social events
during home games throughout the year to show our pride and support for current
athletes. In addition to this, we will provide you with season updates on
current athletic teams. All members of the Saint Ignatius Family are invited to
participate in any of our events, or programs. Whether you are a former
athlete, a parent or a friend of SICP, we have something for everyone. Learn more today by visiting www.ignatiuschicago.org/monogramclub.
I think this is a grand idea.
Finally. Ryan Bergin posted an
article written by Justin Breen, a reporter for DNAinfo, about Tom
O’Hara, Ignatius class of 1960. The
point of the article was that Tom, Chicago’s greatest miler, was the “forgotten
hero”. In the article, Breen points
out that O’Hara “became the first Illinois runner to break the 4-minute
barrier, clocking a 3:59.4 in 1963. He
set the indoor mile world record at Chicago
Stadium on March 4, 1964, with a 3:56.4 — a mark he held until 1974.”
That
article prompted me to remember some other great Ignatius athletes of that
era…the early 60’s. In my next “Reflection”,
I will recall some of the other Ignatius athletic “greats” and their coaches from
the 60’s.
