For many Trinity-Pawling alumni, the brotherhood becomes part of their family. The Fritz family is no exception. In fact, for Mike ’90, Anthony (“Rocky”) ’93, and Mike Jr. ’21, the brotherhood is family. Brothers Mike and Rocky joined the Trinity-Pawling community in the early nineties and Mike’s son, Mike Jr., is continuing the tradition as a current senior. I had a chance to connect with the legacy family and learn about their Trinity-Pawling experiences — from hockey to academics and everything in between.
How did your family get started at Trinity-Pawling?
Mike ’90: The simple answer is Brian Foster. Rocky and I both grew up playing ice hockey in New Jersey; Brian was my coach when I was 13. He left the hockey organization to work at T-P, and after about a year, he reached out to my parents about the possibility of my attending the School. He knew it would be a great opportunity for me to get a good education, play high-level hockey, and have a shot at better colleges. The next year, I enrolled as a repeat junior. Best decision we ever made.
Anthony ’93: I took a very similar path to T-P as my brother. Although I needed a little more structure than Mike, and T-P did the trick. I am so grateful to my parents for the opportunity and to Mike and Brian for leading the way.
How did/do you fill your days as a student at Trinity-Pawling?
Mike ’90: Both Rocky and I were hockey and baseball players. We didn’t play a fall sport, although Coach Foster made us train with the cross country team to stay in shape. Watching a bunch of hockey players run with the cross country guys was quite a sight! I also worked on the school newspaper and yearbook and served as a prefect my senior year.
Anthony ’93: Hockey and baseball, but other than that, I stayed focused on studying.
Mike Jr. ’21: I play varsity hockey and JV lacrosse. I’m also Head of Model UN and a prefect this year. When I heard my name as a prefect called during the virtual Stepping Up ceremony last spring, I was honestly so surprised and honored. My favorite part was telling my dad.
What does/did the role of prefect mean to you?
Mike Jr. ’21: It’s definitely challenging to be a prefect this year, with so many changes on campus due to COVID. But being able to make a difference and be a role model to my classmates is such an honor. I also enjoy getting to know everyone on campus. It’s the community aspect that I like most.
Mike ’90: I can’t believe it was 30 years ago. Looking back, I remember the role of prefect being both hard and rewarding. I’m lucky that I had a great group of guys serving alongside me. I think it all comes back to relationships. I was able to connect with the younger students, learn from senior faculty members, and appreciate the friendships I made on campus. It was a great opportunity.
What was/is the most rewarding part of your Trinity-Pawling experience?
Anthony ’93: Going to T-P before college and having that sense of independence and structure was life-changing for me. But even more rewarding than that is the fact that I’m here on this call with my brother and nephew. T-P kept us together and connected; it’s played such an important role in our family and I love watching Mike Jr. follow in his father’s footsteps.
Mike ’90: I couldn’t say it any better. We are so very lucky to have T-P. I remember when I brought Mike Jr. for his first year in 2019, it was incredible to see the longtime faculty — the Fosters, Corattis, Reades, Taylors — still changing students’ lives 30 years later! It speaks volumes about the impact of the School and the doors it can open for young men. The relationships you cultivate at T-P and the lessons you learn while there…there’s nothing else like it.
Mike Jr. ’21: I feel so lucky that I have had the chance to have those famous teachers, especially since Mr. Reade retired last year and this is Mr. Coratti’s last year. Mr. and Mrs. Foster definitely have some stories about my dad and uncle too, but it’s probably safer if I don’t ask.
As alumni and a soon-to-be-graduate, what advice do you have for future Trinity-Pawling students and families?
Mike ’90: Take advantage of everything the School has to offer! The boarding school life is different, and not every kid is lucky enough to attend a place like this. Be grateful, work hard, and strive to be the best you can be. You only have a few years there; get the most out of it while you can because it’s a truly wonderful experience.
Anthony ’93: What you put into your time at T-P is what you’ll get out of it. So invest in yourself and your experience. Like my brother said, embrace every part of the T-P life, from the schedule to the sports to trying something new.
Mike Jr. ’21: Trust the Effort System. Hard work goes a long way here at T-P. The teachers will help to get you where you want to be, but you have to show up and be willing to put in the time and effort.
Mike ’90 currently owns and operates Frozen Pond Arena — a hockey rink in Pennsylvania, home of the PHA Icemen and Pittsburgh Yetis. Anthony ’93 is a Senior Account Manager at AT&T in Texas, and in his 23rd year with the company. Mike Jr. ’21 is enjoying his senior year at Trinity-Pawling and plans to play a year of junior hockey after graduation, before heading off to college.
Thank you, Fritz family! You’ve left your mark on Trinity-Pawling.
by Emma Christiantelli