During Homecoming and Reunion Weekend in September, Trinity-Pawling held its Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which celebrates former teams, student-athletes, and coaches who have reflected honor upon the School by virtue of outstanding performance and exemplary contributions to their alma mater, community, and profession. This year\u2019s inductees were Kevin Foster \u201981 and Dave Coratti P\u201908.<\/p>\n
Athletic Director Brian Foster \u201979 introduced the honorees, emphasizing their commitment to relationships and personal character. \u201cWhen I think about these two guys\u2026 I think about relationships. The incredible brothers they have been, sons, fathers, grandfathers\u2026 To me, that\u2019s the most important thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Foster shared a message from Kevin\u2019s former teammate, Kirk McCaskill \u201979, highlighting Kevin\u2019s dedication to his teams: \u201cKevin always prioritized the team\u2019s success. His selflessness is a rare quality in sports and every team he played for was undeniably better because of his presence.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dan Rooney \u201981, Kevin\u2019s classmate, then took the stage, emphasizing Kevin\u2019s excellence as a student and an athlete. \u201cHe was probably one of the best hockey athletes that I was ever exposed to,\u201d Rooney noted, while also praising Kevin\u2019s kindness and humor.<\/p>\n
Touched by the honor, Kevin reflected on his journey to Trinity-Pawling, sharing stories of the sacrifices his family made and how he and Brian came to the School together.<\/p>\n
Coach Coratti was also celebrated for his decades of dedication to Trinity-Pawling athletics. Former student-athlete Chukky Okobi \u201996 shared how Coach Coratti\u2019s mentorship shaped him: \u201cI\u2019ll never forget what he said because it stuck with me and it plays into everything that happened to me after I was done here. He said, \u2018I know you can do<\/em> better, and if you do, then you\u2019ll be<\/em> better.\u2019 And it was really that simple.\u201d Paul Mancuso \u201906 echoed similar sentiments, saying, \u201cCoach Coratti\u2019s impact transcends his athletic achievements. He spent 40 years inspiring countless athletes, instilling in them not just skills that you can see, but the values of hard work, resilience, and teamwork.\u201d<\/p>\n In his heartfelt speech, Coach Coratti reflected on his 40 years of contributions to Trinity-Pawling athletics and shared memories and highlights from the many sports he coached. \u201cAlong the way, there were some wins, losses, some championships. For me, it was all about the journey.\u201d<\/p>\n The ceremony concluded with a surprise as Head of School Bill Taylor announced that there was \u201cone last bit of unfinished business.\u201d Coach Coratti once again took the stage to announce the induction of Brian Foster \u201979 into the Athletic Hall of Fame. \u201cHe put his heart and soul into T-P hockey,\u201d Coratti said, recognizing Foster\u2019s impact as both a player and a coach.<\/p>\n Visibly moved, Brian Foster responded, \u201cI wasn\u2019t expecting this at all. I remember Miles Hubbard saying, \u2018I haven\u2019t worked a day in my life working here.\u2019 Most days I feel like that. I can\u2019t believe this happened today, and I am very thankful.\u201d<\/p>\n The event was a heartfelt tribute to these exceptional individuals whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the entire Trinity-Pawling community.<\/p>\n