Inductees of the 17th De La Salle Sports Hall of Fame include
(1st row) Dr. Edward “Ward” Pitard, Robert Dinkins, Douglas Heintz, Servus Fidelis award James Hanley
(2nd row) Dr. Edward “Don” Donaldson, and Victor “Vic” Bonnaffee
Seven outstanding former Cavalier coaches and athletes were inducted into the 17th class of the De La Salle Sports Hall of Fame on Ocrober 8.
Following a reception in the Br. Arsenius Center, the evening began with a welcome from Interim President Dr. Myles Seghers ’65. Dr. Warren Caire, AFSC, offered the grace, and following dinner, Vice President/Athletic Director Tony Bonura ’86 served as Master of Ceremonies to begin the awards presentation.
The honors began with the presentation of the Servus Fidelis award to retired science teacher James Hanley for his years as both Football and Track Coach, team bus driver, Driver’s Ed teacher, and as a Founding Committee Member of the De La Salle Sports Hall of Fame. He was introduced by his son, James Hanley III ‘90.
Dr. Edward “Don” Donaldson ‘61 was an outstanding basketball player at the school, racking up “All-District,” “All-City,” “All-Metro,” and “All- State” titles, as well as “All-CYO Tournament.” He averaged 18 points per game in his career and was team MVP his senior year. He was introduced by his brother, Frank Donaldson ‘63.
Victor “Vic” Bonnaffee ‘63, now Principal of Central Catholic High in Morgan City, LA, and LHSAA President, was an outstanding baseball player. During his playing days, Vic was a member of the 1962 State Champion Baseball team and earned “All-District,” “All Metro,” and “Second team – All-State.” He also was named American Legion “All-City,” “All-Metro,” and played in the Legion World Series game of 1964. He later coached the Cavaliers to a 6-AAAA District Championship, earning “Coach of the Year” in 1971. He was introduced by former De La Salle Athletic Director, Marion Bonura ‘64.
The next honoree was William Grafton, Jr. ’’65 who was inducted posthumously. His son, William Grafton III ‘76 accepted on behalf of his father who was a member of the Football, Track and Wrestling teams. In his senior year and first year as a wrestler, Grafton became the first Cavalier State Wrestling Champion.
Another Wrestler, Douglas “Doug” Heintz ‘67, was introduced by the Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Warren Caire, his former Wrestling Moderator. Wrestling in the lightest weight class of 98 pounds, Doug was a two-time City and State Champion his junior and senior years.
Two-sport athlete, Dr. Edward “Ward” Pitard ‘72, was on both the Football and Track teams for three years. He was a three-year MVP for Football, beginning his sophomore year, when he earned the Juul Award as Most Valuable Sophomore. He was a Scholar-Athlete and received the Alumni Award his senior year. He was introduced by teammate John Foto ‘72.
Youth Minister Robert Dinkins ‘75 was a three-year Varsity Football member, Co-Captain his junior and senior years, and “All-District” Noseguard his senior year. Additionally, he was a two-year member of the Track team throwing discus and javelin. He was also a member of the Wrestling team and was both City Champion and State Runner-up his senior year.
At the evening’s end, Kathleen Calder, AFSC, Founder of the Hall of Fame, closed the evening with a prayer.
Following the presentations of the plaques, special maroon jackets and final prayer, the new members gathered for a group photo. Then all former Hall of Famers in attendance gathered for a large group shot.