WARWICK, RI (October 20, 2023) – Tonight, Hendricken Athletics announced the program’s Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2024, the first group of inductees since 2019. The 10 inductees were unveiled at halftime of this evening’s Alumni & Family Weekend homecoming football game between Bishop Hendricken and Central High School.
The list of inductees can be found below. Inductees were selected from a pool of nominees by Fr. Robert L. Marciano, KHS ’75, President, and Jamal Gomes ’91, Athletic Director. The Class of 2024 will be officially enshrined at the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony scheduled for some time in January. Details, date, and ticket information will be released soon.
“This impressive group of inductees has represented Bishop Hendricken High School with excellence both on and off the playing field,” said Fr. Marciano. “We could not be more excited to honor these worthy Hawks in our first ceremony in four years.”
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JAMES “JIMMY” BARON ’04
Current Shooting Coach for the San Antonio Spurs, Jimmy Baron led Hendricken to its first of 7 consecutive state basketball championships before playing at the University of Rhode Island (URI) and 11 years professionally in Europe.
WILLIAM “BILLY” BARON ’09
A gold medal winner in the 2017 FIBA AmeriCup, Billy Baron is entering his 10th year playing basketball professionally in Europe. In college, he was named MAAC Player of the Year, an AP All-American, and was a leading point scorer in the NCAA his senior year.
EARL “BUDDY” CROFT ’70
Buddy Croft helped Bishop Hendricken earn one of its first state football championships. As a football coach and staff member, he was part of many division and state championships. Since he’s stopped coaching, Croft continues to be an ardent supporter of Hendricken Athletics.
KEITH CROFT ’95
Keith Croft began coaching Bishop Hendricken’s Varsity Football team in 2006, and since then, has taken the program to new heights, including 16 state championship appearances and 12 state titles. Over his career, Croft has seen off players to powerhouse college football programs, including Kwity Paye ’17, Xavier Truss ’19, Jason Onye ’21, and David Lynch ’22.
ANTONIO “TONY” FONSECA ’96
In addition to multiple first team All-State selections, Fonseca graduated from high school holding the Hendricken record in the 100-yard breaststroke and as a member of the 5 best 200-yard medley relays before heading off to the University of Notre Dame.
THOMAS HARKINS ’76
Harkins graduated from Hendricken holding the school high jump record, was a New England Catholic school high jump champion, and helped guide the Hawks to their second consecutive outdoor class title. For 13 years, Harkins has coached indoor and outdoor track and mentored three state high jump champions, all of whom compete at the Division I collegiate level.
KEVIN HENNESSEY
Since taking over as Varsity Wrestling coach in 2001, Hennessey has amassed close to 400 match victories, earned 6 state titles, and 1 New England title. A member of the New England Wrestling Hall of Fame and Rhode Island Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame, Hennessey has coached 2 individual national champions and nearly 40 individual state champions.
EDWARD “ED” HOLLOWAY ’73
Since becoming head coach of the Varsity team in 1995, Ed has led the Hawks to 19 state championship appearances and 16 state titles. Ed has earned countless accolades, including recognition as RI Coach of the Year from several publications. Over his career, Ed has coached many players to the MLB, including Rocco Baldelli ’00, Jay Rainville ’04, Jeff Beliveau ’05, Thomas Pannone ’12, Michael King ’13, and Alex Clemmey ’23.
GERALD WILLIAMS ’82
Williams was a 2-time all-stater in football, 2-time state champion, and served as captain his senior year at Bishop Hendricken. For 30 years, he’s served as Executive Director of URI’S Talent Development Program. Through his efforts, he’s helped to get countless Hendricken students and athletes to URI.
THE 1980 WRESTLING TEAM
Coached by the legendary Alan Yanku, the team never lost a dual meet. All five uninjured seniors placed at state meet with two individual champions and the team won the title in a blowout. The seniors led the team with a combined record of 111 wins and 9 losses. As a team, they will round out the Class of 2024 inductees.
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CONTACT: Christian Kabbas
Director of Communications & Marketing
ckabbas@hendricken.com
401.889.5395